Introduction: This is the 53rd volume in the series of St Helena Records, which summarises the proceedings of official meetings held by the island’s Governor and Council, during which matters of government, defence, supplies, justice and discipline were discussed and recorded.
Source: Images of the original records can be viewed on the British Library’s website: https://eap.bl.uk/archive-file/EAP1364-1-1-53.
Referencing Text Locations: A dual numbering system has been adopted, combining the British Library film number with the manuscript’s original page number. These are presented in the format: British Library Film No. / Document Page No.
Text Inaccuracy: This transcription was produced by AI from handwritten document images held on the British Library's website, at about thirty pages per hour. Given the limitations described below, the text should be regarded as unreliable and used only as a search-and-find shortcut: once a relevant section has been located, it must always be checked against the source image via the hyperlinked Film Numbers listed in the main transcription table below.
Three specific problems affected the work. First, AI tends to prioritise meaning and readability at the expense of fidelity to the original, with a strong disposition to normalise spellings, expand abbreviations, and adjust grammar. It is particularly weak with unfamiliar surnames, and scrawled signatures often resist accurate transcription entirely. Transcriptions by eye of documents spanning four centuries have also shown that a single surname could be written in a wide variety of ways: the Crowie family name appears under six different spellings, and the Isaacs family name under sixteen. Searches for surnames are therefore hindered both by genuine variations in the originals and by mistranscriptions introduced by AI, and for this reason are best run phonetically. Second, the AI struggled with the late secretary hand, the script commonly used from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, in which the letter S appears in a form closely resembling a trailing L. Third, occasional passages in these volumes are written in a hand so obscure or poorly formed as to be difficult to read even by eye, sometimes compounded by heavy ink bleed-through from the reverse side or by the loss of sections of pages.
To mitigate these difficulties, a strict protocol was applied to each image, requiring the AI to rely solely on clearly visible ink strokes and to flag any uncertain reading, thereby reducing the risk of inferred or invented text. Two conventions are used. [...] marks text that could not be read with confidence; this may represent a single unreadable word, a full sentence, or occasionally an entire paragraph. Square brackets around letters or words indicate a conjectural reading supplied by the transcriber: brackets around a whole word, for example [Bazett], mean the entire word was unclear and a probable reading has been supplied, while brackets around individual letters within an otherwise readable word, for example B[a]z[e]tt, mean only those specific letters were unclear in the source and the unbracketed letters were legibly present.
Pagination: The pages are not numbered. Therefore, for reference purposes, the first page of the records on Film No. 6 is designated as page 1 (location 6/1), with numbering continuing sequentially through the end of the volume.
Dates: The Council's first meeting took place on 17 May 1773, with the final meeting occurring on 16 April 1774. All the sessions were convened during the administration of John Skottowe (1764-1782).
AI Generated Summary
The records run from 17 May 1773 to 16 April 1774 and comprise the Council's consultations, the storekeeper's quarterly accounts and inventory, the paymaster's accounts, the garrison pay lists and the treasury's cash accounts. Governor John Skottowe presided at the Castle throughout with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett, and Britannicus Wright was Secretary. Britain was at peace, five years before France entered the American war, and French, Dutch, Danish, Spanish, Portuguese and Swedish ships called freely. [Film No. 6–449]
Governance and Administration
On 17 May 1773 the Council swore in Isaac Doveton as Sheriff, Orlando Bagley and Charles Ross Stewart as churchwardens and Edward Daniels as constable, whose staff of office came from England. A notice of 28 March 1774 summoned the inhabitants to a vestry at the chapel in James Valley on 4 April 1774, which nominated John Goodwin, John Alexander and Orlando Bagley for sheriff, Joseph Griffiths as constable and three churchwardens and two overseers for each of the East, West and South Divisions. The Council chose from these names, swearing Goodwin as sheriff on 11 April 1774 and issuing warrants to Stewart and William Wrangham as churchwardens and to John Robinson, James Greentree and Henry Easthope as overseers. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, was the nominee passed over. [Film No. 7, 256–259, 424–425, 429–430, 448]
The salary lists of 1773 paid Skottowe £150 0s 0d a quarter, £600 0s 0d a year, with £31 14s 9d for servants. Corneille drew £62 10s 0d and a £25 0s 0d table allowance in the quarter to 30 June 1773 and £87 10s 0d in later quarters, besides £59 6s 3d as captain of the First Company. Purling drew £80 0s 0d including a £15 0s 0d gratuity, and Bazett £10 0s 0d as councillor and £27 10s 0d as accountant. Most senior officials earned £180 0s 0d to £220 0s 0d a year and held several posts: William Wrangham was paymaster and the Governor's assistant, John Goodwin factor and Collector of Customs, James Tippet captain of artillery and engineer at a further £50 0s 0d, John Congreve Judge Advocate at £12 10s 0d and schoolmaster at £30 0s 0d a year and Robert Leech writer and Clerk of the Works, becoming factor in 1777. Table allowance replaced meals at the Company's table, and house rent went to those without a Company house. Writers earned £30 0s 0d a year. George Bazett gave up the post of assistant storekeeper to James Desfountain on 10 April 1773, and John Doveton and Nathaniel Kennedy entered as writers on 10 May 1773 and were made factors on 10 May 1778. [Film No. 88–89, 259–262, 352–355]
The lower establishment included Philip Mahony, Clerk of the Peace, who drew £36 14s 4½d in the quarter to 31 December 1773 and retired on a life allowance in November 1778, Thomas Bazett as Superintendent of the Works at £25 0s 0d, the mason Edward Daniels at £30 0s 0d a quarter, the carpenter at £25 0s 0d, a steward, overseers, a gardener, a groom, a clock and instrument maker and a cleaner of clocks. Hugh Jones was Superintendent of the Blacks at £10 0s 0d a quarter, a post created in 1765 and abolished by the Court in 1778 over the Council's protest. He resigned as Register Master on 30 August 1773, and John Scott took the register from 1 September 1773. [Film No. 90, 170, 259–262]
Five Bazetts and three Dovetons appear on the lists of 1773. Matthew Bazett sat on the Council, Isaac Doveton was Sheriff, Jonathan Doveton storekeeper, Henry Bazett a captain, John and Thomas Bazett lieutenants and Miss Mary Bazett a buyer of bills on London. Bazett and Isaac Doveton were brothers-in-law of Captain Richard Beale. Bazett, appointed on 30 August 1773 to inspect the warehouses, signed the inventory of Doveton's stores on 30 September 1773 and reported on 1 November 1773 that the Company's general books balanced to that date, and the Council ordered a fair copy for the next ship. He had a letter and receipt for a bill of sale registered on 14 June 1773, a bill of sale and an assignment on 20 September 1773 and another bill of sale on 8 November 1773, each by a Council on which he sat. Purling, recorded absent on 20 September, has his name faintly among that day's signatures. [Film No. 7–8, 10, 22, 26, 44–45, 88–89, 171, 180, 259, 300, 303]
A notice of 23 August 1773 required every household to return a signed account of its family, land and cattle by 20 September and to pay rents and dues at the Castle on Thursday 30 September 1773, and the stores closed from 4 September to 4 October 1773 for the yearly count. A notice of 13 December 1773 required planters to return by 28 December a signed account of the cattle they would supply for slaughter in 1774, to report any accident to a beast within three days or replace it, and to return their horses, sheep and goats and the sheep they would sell. Because planters had abused their freedom to sell bulls to ships, each was limited to one or two a year by permission. In 1779, after drought killed hundreds of cattle, the Council warned that the slaughter list would fall short for years. [Film No. 163, 310–311]
Corneille wrote on 9 August 1773, after Purling announced that he would sell his property, proposing that the Company buy Purling's 54¼ acres at the Hutts, beside the Long Wood and holding the spring that watered it, and sell two detached parcels of 23 acres each, Perkins's in Sandy Bay and land in Swanly Valley. Many Company bullocks kept in the wood had died on the long descent to water in recent dry years. In written opinions of 23 August 1773 Skottowe and Bazett accepted the merits but doubted that the Council could buy or sell Company land without the Court's consent. Skottowe knew of no such purchase in the consultations, Bazett regretted that the scheme had not come a year earlier and Purling declined to give an opinion as an interested party. Corneille replied on 27 August 1773 that the only relevant order since 1740 was the 20th paragraph of the Court's letter of 28 January 1741, which enquired into exchanges under Governor Goodwin that he believed had served private men. He added that the outlying parcels lay beyond the overseers' sight and were grazed by neighbours' cattle, that he could not have proposed buying before Purling announced the sale and that Purling did not lack other buyers. On 30 August 1773 Bazett decided against the purchase, since Skottowe's plan to sell Company land might make it pointless, the Hutts would probably cost more than the parcels raised and acting only with authority was safest. The Hutts went to auction. In 1777 the Council proposed piping the Hutts spring into the Long Wood at £518 19s 0d and urged a fence round the wood. [Film No. 152–153, 160–162, 167–172]
On 28 June 1773 Purling gave notice that after 38 years' service his health required him to retire to England in 1774 once he had sold his belongings. Between 1777 and 1779 the Bazetts, Wrangham and others made bills payable to him in London as their agent. On 31 January 1774 the Council agreed unanimously to buy cattle and sheep from him and other inhabitants. Though present, Purling signed none of the minutes or accounts from December 1773 to February 1774, and the minutes of 3 and 10 January 1774 carry only three signatures. Corneille, absent sick on 2 February 1774, appears among that day's signatories, the minutes of 7 February bear two names and Skottowe, Corneille and Purling signed the September 1773 cash account without Bazett. On 16 April 1774 the Council opened the Court's packet brought by the York and told each gentleman named in the general letter what the Company had ordered concerning him, without recording the orders. [Film No. 6, 38, 295, 312, 314, 319–320, 323–324, 387, 390–394, 449]
Military Affairs and Defence
The clothing issue charged by 30 June 1773 covered about 569 men, roughly 450 infantry and more than 100 artillery, the artillery company holding 6 sergeants, 4 corporals, 6 bombardiers, 9 gunners and 85 matrosses. Uniforms cost £1,052 15s 9d, a drummer's laced coat more than three times a private's, and the garrison's charge was £1,732 12s 11d for that quarter against £130 2s 6d in the quarter to September. A margin count in September 1773 gave 478 rank and file, and each foot company had about 97 privates. A private earned 10d a day, £3 15s 10d for a quarter of 91 days and £3 16s 8d for one of 92, a corporal or drummer 14d (£5 7s 4d) and an infantry sergeant £7 13s 4d, while captains drew £59 6s 3d and lieutenants £27 7s 6d with £6 16s 10½d table allowance and sometimes £2 10s 0d house rent. In the artillery a matross earned 12d a day (£4 11s 0d to £4 12s 0d a quarter), a gunner 16d, corporals and bombardiers £6 18s 0d and sergeants £9 4s 0d. The pay list totalled £4,403 5s 2½d for the quarter to 30 June 1773, £4,474 6s 9d to September and £4,424 19s 11½d to December. In 1778 the Court complained that yearly costs had reached £30,283 0s 0d. [Film No. 75–77, 106–111, 225–226, 262–266, 278–279, 282, 356–374]
Each soldier paid for his rations and extra clothing from the stores, which in the quarter to 30 June 1773 sold more than 6,000 pieces of salt meat and 233 soldiers' shirts and in the quarter to 31 December 1773 324 pairs of men's shoes and 191 shirts. The Company made good short weight in the contractors' casks at £94 16s 1d in the quarter to June 1773, £79 8s 8d for 488 pieces to September and £160 0s 10d for 935 pieces to December, and in 1777 the Council warned the Court of the soldiers' grumbling. Garrison issues included 287 blankets, arrack for muster days (33 gallons in the quarter to December), hourglasses for the outlying watches, whipcord for whips and boards for cots, coffins and sentry boxes. Barrack tea rose from 101 lb to 189 lb and train oil from 97 to 170 gallons between the quarters to September and December 1773, while officers' guard candles fell from 102 lb to 42 lb in the quarter to September. Smiths spent 81 days cleaning small arms in the quarter to September and 72 in the quarter to December. The inventory of 30 September 1773 held 1,302 pairs of men's stockings, 721 soldiers' shirts, nine gold-laced hats, 168 yards of broad gold lace and 9 cwt of brimstone. [Film No. 56, 60, 75, 92, 225–226, 244, 246, 253, 255, 286, 342–343, 384]
On 14 June 1773 Lieutenant Robert Gillson asked how his rank as second lieutenant of artillery affected his infantry promotion. Corporal Gillson had acted for Lieutenant Nathan Sample, retired on half pay of about £55 0s 0d a year, from 14 November 1768, and Sergeant John Shirtley for Lieutenant Leech, suspended for six months by court martial, from 7 November 1768. By letter of 19 January 1769 the Court, unaware of this, appointed Charles Ross Stewart, William Caldwell, Thomas Statham, John Bazett and Robert Gurling second lieutenants, with commissions dated 10 to 12 January 1769 that arrived by the Speke on 6 May 1769. The Council dated Gillson's and Shirtley's commissions from 1768, ahead of the Court's men, and the Court confirmed them only on 17 January 1770. In June 1773 the Council referred the dispute to the Court, proposing that the artillery be treated as a separate corps whose officers did not rise in the infantry, with an exception for Leech, whom Governor Hutchinson, Skottowe and Purling had promised no loss of infantry prospects. In 1778 it still asked the Court to rank Leech with the infantry. One minute calls Shirtley "Shirley". [Film No. 25–27, 31–32, 111]
On 21 June 1773 the Council refused Gillson leave to go to Europe on private business and warned that leaving would count as resignation. On 2 August 1773 he wrote that Captain Stephen Williams would carry him on the Hector, and his pay stopped that day; his artillery place was unfilled at the end of 1773, leaving Leech and Shirtley as the only lieutenants. Lieutenant Richard Alexander Powell, whose service the pay list ends on 3 April 1773 with an illegible word, resigned on 26 August 1773 to sail in the Devonshire, and the Council accepted at once. His vacancy went to Watkin Greentree, aged 18, whom Skottowe had made a cadet without recording it and who drew about a sergeant's pay until confirmed on 27 August 1773. James Greentree was a lieutenant in the Second Company, and a Thomas Greentree was recommended as cadet in 1777. On 6 September 1773 the town adjutant William Roberts asked to be recommended for the next lieutenancy because his staff post offered no promotion, and the Council recorded no decision. [Film No. 32, 99, 144–145, 166, 173–174, 270–272, 278–282, 371]
On 5 July 1773 the surgeons Thomas Stroud and James Farrell reported Captain Richard Beale unfit for duty for five months with a nervous disorder and violent headaches from an old skull fracture, curable only in a colder climate. On 12 July 1773 his brothers-in-law Bazett and Isaac Doveton replied that they knew no one in England to take him and that he could not sail until 1774. With only three captains fit, the Council made Lieutenant Solomon St Maurice acting captain. Beale was paid as captain to 12 July and as lieutenant with house rent from 13 July, so the Company paid no more. The same day the Governor and Council gave Bazett and Doveton full control of Beale's person and property, admitting they had no precedent, and Bazett signed the instrument appointing him. In England the Lord Chancellor appointed a committee for a lunatic's affairs. In October 1779 a dispute over Beale's estate, raised by Goodwin's petition and Bazett's reply, was sent to the Company's lawyers. [Film No. 44–45, 49–51, 91–99, 262, 270, 363]
Recruits of 1773 included James Campbell, enlisted on 26 April for £10 0s 0d and made gunner on 18 May; John McNabb, a well-built sailor from the Nassau, enlisted on 10 May for £10 0s 0d, matross from 17 May and gunner from 29 June; and John Thompson, enlisted on 2 June for five years for £5 0s 0d. Nine men joined the Second Company on 11 April 1773 and others on 1 May, and names such as Hans Peter, Jacob Benz and John Christian Strife point to foreign recruits. Surgeons of the Royal Captain and Alfred received 5s 0d for each of 38 and 39 recruits landed. Between April and June 1773 the Council paid £10 0s 0d each to 33 time-expired men, £330 0s 0d in all, among them Sergeant Joseph McCartney, to serve five more years, and later re-engaged John Tanton from 10 August and Thomas Palmer and George Towers from 26 September 1773. John Towers, left means in England, was released on 3 July 1773 after finding James Jordan of the Fourth Company to serve his term. [Film No. 7, 9, 20–21, 92, 96–98, 104, 106–110, 112, 114, 116–120, 276, 282]
Deserters from other armies were taken in. Captain Robert Morgan of the Devonshire handed over Peter Roberts and Andrew Boswell, deserters from Bombay, on 23 August 1773, though the pay list dates them from 18 August, and the Council gave each £2 0s 0d. A Peter Roberts was placed on the Duke of Portland in August 1778. On 1 October 1773 it enlisted Thomas Swaby and William Pivett, Bengal army deserters taken off the French Boyne, at £2 0s 0d each, and Walter Pritchard, a seaman left by the Boyne, for five years with a £5 0s 0d bounty, paid from 11 October though the bounty account dates him from 1 October. Bounties in the quarter to December totalled £9 0s 0d. [Film No. 159, 186, 190, 270–272, 358, 366, 378]
Discharges at the end of terms included five men on 17 May 1773, among them Bombardier Philip Connoway and the matrosses Patrick Edrington, Henry Friendly and William Phillips; John Blevin, Thomas Morgan, Abraham Miller and the matross William Bleven on 5 June; the private John Newton and the matross Robert Nichols on 7 June; Sergeant Joseph Whaley on 14 June; and the matross Matthew Charlton on 30 August 1773. In 1774 Sergeant William Sharpe left on 21 March, 13 men including James Goudy on 1 April, Sergeant George Smith and Private Mark Balls on 4 April and Sergeants Abraham Jervis and Benjamin Holmes on 11 April. On 4 April 1774 the gunner William Rankin went home for his health after Balls agreed to serve out his contract. [Film No. 7, 9, 18, 20–21, 25, 93, 95–96, 106–111, 170, 419, 429, 434, 442, 448]
Pay lists dated every change of rank. James Mannaton served 61 days as sergeant and 30 as private between April and June 1773 and was back on sergeant's pay by September, and Jacob Hiram was reduced from corporal on 13 April 1773, Mark Trueman replacing him. In the artillery Charlton rose from gunner to bombardier on 18 May 1773, Corporal William Crabb was reduced to gunner on 8 June with Thomas Price becoming corporal and Thomas Wade bombardier, John Stevens became sergeant on 14 June, Henry Batcheler corporal on 15 June and Thomas Farr bombardier after Towers left on 28 June. On 3 August 1773 Charlton and Gunner Thomas Bowen were reduced to matross, John Love became bombardier and John Sheel and Charles Grierson gunners. On 7 September 1773 Sergeant James Goudy was reduced to private, Corporal James York rising to sergeant and Private William Bridgford to corporal. Sheel died on 5 November 1773 in a fall from the rocks at Munden's Point, where the artillery kept guard, recorded in the minutes of 15 November as John Shorvel on 12 November. Grierson was reduced to matross on 1 November and James Dawson, a matross named in evidence at Lieutenant Mason's trial, made gunner on 2 November and Richard Waterhouse on 6 November. No court martial is recorded for any of these reductions. Moses Buffen died on 1 August 1773, Hugh Wagg's pay ended on 7 August and Henry Richardson died on 31 October 1773. Stephen Trueman and Jacob Bone, formerly Benz, exchanged companies on 23 November 1773. [Film No. 76, 91, 95–96, 106–111, 263, 270–272, 278–284, 300, 304, 366–374]
Captain Richardson carried three invalids home on the Pigot, which sailed on 9 May 1773, at £5 0s 0d a man, and the matross John Smith, paid to 25 October 1773, went home as an invalid on the Earl of Sandwich at the same rate. In July 1777 Robert Barff, Duncan McLaren, the drummer John Martin, Sergeant Thomas Blake and William Edwards, on the Prince of Wales, went home as invalids, as did John Desborough, by then a sergeant, on the Lord Camden. That month Captain Johnson of the Granby put two invalids ashore, probably including Joseph Martin, and Captain Court of the Prince of Wales put the Council's invalids ashore and kept the passage money, both refusing to carry them as charter-party passengers. In 1777 Charles Frazier joined the Duke of Cumberland and Charles Lewellin the Norfolk, and John Phillips and William Warren were placed on Company ships as crew. In May 1778 William Swaby, John Clemans, Baptista Tibbet, John Goringe and Joseph Blackwell were discharged onto the Earl of Sandwich, Joseph Gross, Richard Jackson and Peter Shores onto the Houghton and a James Roberts onto the York to make up crews, while William Graywich and John Richards joined the King's ship Warwick. In October 1779, 29 invalids, among them William Mudge, Anthony Reynolds, John Ferguson, John Bates, Henry Herenburg, Joseph Bowman, Samuel Packer and William Holloway, sailed on the Glatton, Shrewsbury and Hillsborough. These identifications rest on matching names. [Film No. 14, 93–94, 98, 100–107, 109–110, 112, 114, 118, 130, 374, 376]
William Thomas vanished the night before the Spanish La Venus sailed on 19 May 1773, his pay stopping that day. Bazett mustered every Company ship and found no deserters on the Duke of Grafton in May 1773, the Prince of Wales on 5 June, the Royal Henry on 21 June, the Speaker on 3 July, the Marquis of Rockingham, Triton and Hector in July and August, the Devonshire on 27 August, the Earl of Sandwich in October, the Latham in February 1774 or the ships of March and April 1774. In 1779 nine soldiers escaped hidden aboard ship. On the night of 31 January 1774 the matross Robert Harmer and the privates William Jones, George Ansell, James Bennett, Thomas Jacobs and Thomas Swaby deserted in Britannicus Wright's yawl and John Young's jolly boat, Harmer and Jacobs leaving the main guard under Lieutenant Desfountain at midnight. They took 10 pieces of salt meat and rice from the boathouse and blankets, two frying pans, two old muskets and a 36-gallon water cask from the longboat stocked for a lime run to Sandy Bay. Seen at daylight too far off to chase, none could read, they had no compass and their water would last a few days, so the Council concluded they must die at sea. It called five of them thoroughly bad men, two having deserted before in Bengal. Peter Morfett, probably the Peter Morphet presumed lost, escaped with three other privates in a fishing boat in November 1777, and four more took a cutter in May 1778. [Film No. 9, 13, 16, 18, 30, 40, 105, 132–135, 139, 142, 145, 148–149, 164, 300, 392–393, 402, 406, 408, 411, 416, 418, 423, 426, 431]
Guns marked every arrival, departure and sighting, Company ships receiving nine. In May 1773 the guns fired 299 times and used 701 lb 12 oz of powder, answering two Dutch ships that saluted with 13 guns each and giving nothing to a French ship that did not salute. In June they fired 79 guns with 234 lb 4 oz, including 19 on 6 June when John Cartier, former Governor of Bengal, embarked on the Prince of Wales. In July 1773 they fired 76 guns with 179 lb 8 oz, with six small guns for each alarm on 7, 13 and 28 July and 13 for Sir Robert Fletcher landing on 28 July, and 3 lb of lead ball went on shooting wild goats. In August they fired 83 guns with 206 lb 12 oz, including 15 each for the Dutch Ridderkerk's arrival on 11 August and departure, dated 23 August in the artillery account against 22 August in the minutes. In September 1773 the 28 guns used 208 lb 14 oz, 147 lb 10 oz on unspecified duties, and on 11 September an 18-pounder was fired at the French Sainte Anne until she saluted, after which she received seven guns and six on leaving on 15 September. An alarm from Turk's Cap on the eastern coast warned the inland posts that day. The French Boyne came in without a salute on 22 September, by the artillery's date, and left on 3 October with only alarm guns. In October 1773 the 52 guns used 249 lb 14 oz, including 21 on 25 October for George III's accession, while November saw only six alarm guns for a Portuguese vessel on 28 November and December none at all, with 104 lb 8 oz and 39 lb 6 oz used on routine duties. An 18-pound shot broke at Purling's Battery, and Tippet fitted new sponge staves, tampions and a worm. Express messengers on alarms cost 5s 0d each for 19 in the quarter to June 1773, £2 0s 0d in the quarter to September and 10s 0d for two in the quarter to December. By 1779 the engineer warned that the powder stock was too low for defence. [Film No. 23–24, 47, 116, 150, 175, 189, 286, 301, 309, 322, 378]
In January 1774 the artillery fired 24 guns with 139 lb 10 oz, nine each for the Mercury's arrival on 5 January and departure on 11 January. In February it fired 59 guns with 234 lb 12 oz and in March 143 with 408 lb 4 oz as the China ships passed. The Swedish Finland received 16 guns each way, Captain Thomas Underwood, a passenger on the Princess Royal, 13 on landing on 12 March and 11 on embarking on 17 March, and the Duke of Kingston eight on arrival on 28 February. The artillery dates the Worcester's arrival to 25 March and the minutes to 19 March 1774. Stores included Muscovy lights for lanterns and men's harness for hauling guns. [Film No. 395–396, 411, 414, 418, 437]
Fortification stores cost £23 1s 6d in the quarter to 30 June 1773, including linseed oil, white lead and red lead for gun carriages, six pieces of bunting at £7 6s 8d for a flag on the main fort, canvas and boards for the post at Prosperous Bay, whose guns had been removed by 1778 and were restored after a strange ship was sighted and iron and pig lead for the sea gate. They rose to £140 3s 1d in the quarter to September, chiefly £93 0s 0d of English coal for burning lime in place of island wood, whose cutting for fuel the Council later blamed for the woods' decline, with timber and ironwork for Rupert's guardhouse and glass for Lemon Valley. In the quarter to December they cost £26 7s 4d, including 18 wheelbarrows at £13 17s 6d for the salient angle of the ravelin and tools for the lime kiln, the alarm house and Munden's Point. [Film No. 84–86, 234–236, 348–349]
On 6 April 1774 Corneille put in writing a complaint of wild and riotous behaviour in the garrison, chiefly the artillery, which several officers said was under no command. A general court martial on 22 March and a garrison court martial on 4 April 1774 had tried barrack rioters, and other trials dealt with soldiers who knocked down sergeants and corporals or insulted officers obscenely. Corneille, 17 years with the King's troops and nine as Lieutenant Governor, said he had never seen such disorder and had never once seen a field day, and the Court's letter of 23 November 1770 made him jointly answerable with the Governor. He reported that the second lieutenants of artillery, Shirley and Gibson (Shirtley and Gillson), had been told not to interfere with their company, which was left under Lieutenant Leech, a known drinker. He asked only that order be restored. Skottowe's minute of 6 April 1774, entered twice, blamed drink alone. The adjutant, Mr Stewart, drilled off-duty men daily in the Prussian drill, and Skottowe had ordered 10 men from each marching company to train twice daily on the great guns under Tippet but suspended it because works, sickness and officers' servants left barely one relief. He promised to resume once recruits came by the storeship and the Court's fortifications were finished. [Film No. 439–443]
Shirley produced Tippet's order of 3 March 1772 making Leech the channel for every unusual matter and for gun practice in Tippet's absence, so that no man could exchange a duty or go fishing without leave from Tippet or Leech, but admitted no other hindrance. Tippet replied on 11 April 1774 that the order was meant to stop desertion when Indiamen filled the road, denied knowing of men living out of barracks, called false Shirley's claim that the Governor had rebuked him over two men sent off parade and blamed the marching companies equally. Skottowe confirmed that he had privately called the order improper and had rebuked Shirley, nearly arresting him, for unproven claims. On 11 April 1774 the Council judged the order improper and restored the rule that the officer of the week reported to the captain, without censuring Tippet or removing Leech. General orders followed: company commanders were to punish lesser offences with extra drill under the adjutant, the captain of the week and a junior officer of each company were to attend evening roll call, the officer inspecting messes was to sleep in the officers' barracks, no more than four artillery sergeants or corporals and six matrosses and two non-commissioned officers and six men of each marching company could lodge outside, daytime rooms in town required a captain's leave and a trade and captains or their juniors, not sergeants or corporals, were to pay the men. Godfrey Smith, a matross, shot himself on 12 April 1774, and the inquest found wilful self-murder, which under English law forfeited a sane suicide's goods. The artillery's non-commissioned officers mutinied in 1777, Tippet was dismissed by court martial and the Governor blamed his poor supervision. [Film No. 442–449]
Public Works
Tippet reported on 5 July 1773 that his men had spent the quarter on the new church, the hospital, rebuilding the powder store for filling cartridges and a parapet wall from the drawbridge to the lower guardhouse, and the Council ordered him to press on with the church, lay beach-stone floors in the barracks, whose earth floors kept breaking up and repair the Plantation House. On 4 October 1773 he reported the barracks floors finished, the Plantation House habitable and the church well advanced, and proposed to complete the ravelin and glacis in James Valley and repair the watercourse at Lemon Valley. The Council approved but required a plan of the ravelin and glacis first and ordered the road from James Valley to Banks's cleared. On 3 January 1774 he reported the stone facing of the ravelin on the Line taken down, the Lemon Valley watercourse repaired and the Castle painted, and the Council ordered the ravelin, glacis and church finished as fast as possible. On 4 April 1774 the church was finished except for the balusters of the communion rail. The merlons awaited dressed stone for the faces of the embrasures, and Tippet proposed to repoint the stone facing of the line across James Valley. The Council approved but forbade new work without its orders. In 1778 the Council blamed the building programme for the high costs of 1775 and 1776 and the Court ordered the use of soldiers as labourers stopped. [Film No. 43, 122, 185–186, 317–318, 431–432]
Tradesmen were paid 1s 6d a day, labourers 1s 0d, overseers 2s 0d and a second rate of carpenters 1s 3d. Church wages came to £104 11s 6d in the quarter to June 1773, £150 19s 9d to September, when lath makers appeared and £182 13s 9d to December, when labourers worked 1,660½ days, masons 335½ and carpenters 450¼, and plasterers, plumbers, tilers and turners appeared for the first time. Church stores cost £21 15s 9d, £88 15s 10d and £253 4s 8d in those quarters, about £385 0s 0d in all, including masons' chisels, stone saws and melting ladles, 142 double deal boards and Riga fir in the quarter to September, and 69 cwt of sheet lead, more than 400 deal boards, 100 bundles of oak laths, over 600 lb of nails, more than 100 panes and grained tin in the quarter to December. The butcher supplied hair from 30 hides for £1 10s 0d to bind the plaster. The carpenters' shop received 14 claw hammers, 72 gimlets and six tenon saws in the quarter to September 1773. The house of the adjutant, Lieutenant Stewart, was pulled down for the church, and on 27 September 1773 the Council repaid him £40 6s 3d for repairs he had made to it, so he lost his house rent. [Film No. 86–87, 122, 181, 220, 236–238, 284, 288, 349–355, 378, 380]
Works in the quarter to 30 June 1773 included the parapet at £28 0s 6d, the hospital at £24 4s 4½d, 688 ground joists for the officers' barracks at £21 10s 0d, cots, sentry boxes, the stores, the sea gate, the longboats, a market, dispensary shelves, re-slating the Lieutenant Governor's house and starting on the Plantation House. Clearing the open water run down James Valley, which supplied the town, garrison and ships, took more than 450 days and £42 19s 1½d. The Ladder Hill path cost £24 0s 9d and a side path £27 3s 9d, with masons paid 3s 0d a day. Lime burned from material gathered at Sandy Bay took 45 coxswains' days and 295 labourers' days to bring round, and stone blasters broke rock with gunpowder. Stores went to Marley, a Company building fitted as a bakehouse, to centring for a new bridge and to repairs of the stores, hospital, dispensary, Lieutenant Governor's house and Company houses costing £42 10s 7d. [Film No. 69–73, 116, 122, 124–126, 128, 130]
In the quarter to September 1773 general payments fell to £803 9s 5½d, more than three-quarters on works. Paving the barracks took 666½ labourers' days and £41 8s 9d, and the Plantation House cost £49 8s 1½d in wages and £58 19s 1d in stores, including over 330 lb of white lead, 550 lb of whiting, Prussian blue, vermilion, 322 panes, brass locks, rice-bound whitewash and 15 deal boards bought locally. The side path up the eastern flank of James Valley was the costliest work at £169 14s 1½d, with masons at 3s 0d and labourers at 1s 6d. Lime carriage took 854½ labourers' days, burning cost £19 16s 6d and 40 chaldrons of coal went to the kilns. Smaller works included the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood, the longboats, Rupert's guardhouse, a gun bed at Turk's Cap, the Peak lookout house, the Castle, sentry boxes, a flag for Mitchell's Line and elm for a new well. [Film No. 222–224, 236, 284, 288, 290, 292, 294]
In the quarter to December 1773 the ravelin on the Line cost £106 19s 0d, with 1,596¾ labourers' days and 218¾ days of blasting, the side path £69 9s 9d with masons at 3s 0d, the path to Banks's £7 7s 0d, burning and carrying lime £52 10s 10½d, mending lime bags 66 days and boat repairs £7 10s 3d. Smaller sums went to the bakehouse, smiths' shop, office and store room (£7 1s 6d), the plantation walls and Peak house (£6 12s 3d) and the Lieutenant Governor's house (£5 1s 3d). John Robinson, the Company's carpenter, supplied island-cut rafters, laths and binders for the alarm house (£6 10s 0d), the Peak house (£4 0s 0d) and the Lieutenant Governor's house (£1 5s 10½d), and Stewart sold seven loads of bamboos for 17s 6d. Repairs to the Castle, the Lieutenant Governor's house and the Secretary's office took £26 5s 6d in stores. [Film No. 341, 380, 382, 384, 386]
The inventory of 30 September 1773 held 273 pickaxes, 70 spades, 96 iron shovels, 42 rammers, 177 masons' chisels, 95 bricklayers' trowels, 113 cwt of sheet lead, 347 large panes, 19 large Bibles, cased staircase parts and six cases of sash windows made in England, and 10 yards of lead pipe. The Chubb's Spring waterworks of 1776 and 1777 piped water to the Crane and were maintained by Company slaves trained by the plumbers. [Film No. 128, 221, 240, 243, 249–252, 255]
Settlement, Land and Agriculture
The stock account for 1 April to 30 June 1773 shows sheep rising from 362 to 709 with 663 received, mostly wethers, 154 killed, 189 dead and 27 lambs born. Purchases included 25 fat-tailed Cape sheep from Captain Arthur Gore on 17 May at 15s 0d a head, 20 from Captain Samuel Bull at 14s 0d and 30 from Captain Pearce at 15s 0d with 40 bushels of wheat at 5s 0d. Cattle fell from 215 to 211 despite 18 calves, three bulls being sold for £18 6s 0d, goats stood at about 150, pigs fell from 32 to 22 and horses rose from 14 to 15. [Film No. 6, 16, 48, 114]
Between 1 July and 30 September 1773 sheep fell from 709 to 337, with 257 of 394 wethers dying and 98 killed, while 48 lambs were born. Most were Cape sheep landed in the previous quarter. The Governor sold the Company 18 ewes, 8 wethers and 11 lambs of his own for £33 6s 0d, about 18s 0d a head. Cattle fell from 208, not the 211 recorded in June, to 204, goats rose to 152, pigs from 22 to 35 and horses stayed at 15. Between 1 October and 31 December 1773 sheep rose to 360 with 110 bought, 37 of them from the Governor, and 26 died, while cattle fell to 201, goats to 130 and pigs to 31. The paymaster bought 21 sheep from John Desfountain for £21 0s 0d and two steers and two heifers from Stewart for £16 15s 0d. Between 1 January and 31 March 1774, in an account signed by Corneille, cattle rose to 250 with 27 calves and 27 bought, and sheep to 455 with 166 from ships, 39 bought, 15 lambs, 86 killed, 57 of them wethers bought for slaughter and 39 dead. Goats fell to 127, hogs to 23 and horses to 14, one being sold for £20 0s 0d. Each account regraded animals by age at the close. [Film No. 188, 286, 295, 302, 321, 376, 384, 436]
Commanders went on selling Cape sheep at the Company's risk. Captain John Prince of the Latham charged 15s 0d each for 90 loaded, £67 10s 0d, on 26 February 1774, though 21 died at sea. Captain Raymond Snow of the Duke of Kingston charged £37 10s 0d for 50, of which 40 arrived, Captain Robert Kerr of the Princess Royal sold 29 at 15s 0d on 14 March and Captain William Smith of the Houghton 30 on 1 April 1774, with wheat, garden seeds and a sack of acorns. [Film No. 404, 409–410, 415–416, 429–430]
Yams fed slaves and stock. In the quarter to June 1773 the slaves received 44,835 and the animals 13,600, in the quarter to September 41,860 and 17,800, in the quarter to December 18,215, with paddy for horses and poultry rising to more than 83 cwt and in the quarter to March 1774 42,740 and 18,800. A survey of 1778 found Perkins's and Bamboo Gut worn out and turned to pasture and the yam crop 200,000 below Governor Hutchinson's time. [Film No. 48, 172, 188, 321, 329, 343–346, 436]
Plantation stores cost £46 15s 0d in the quarter to June 1773, including budding knives, fleams, scythes, wheelbarrows and rat traps, £32 17s 7d to September, including pruning tools and iron for pasture gates and £55 10s 7d to December, including four scythes, hay line, six wheelbarrows, ox yokes and cart timber. Ox bows and a yoke were sold to the Bazetts and Bagleys, 16 pairs of sheep shears in the quarter to December. The inventory held wool cards. Mowers worked 60 days at 1s 6d in the quarter to December, and Thomas Jordan and Thomas Harding worked in the Long Wood, Jordan 76 days in that quarter. Plantation produce sold for £111 0s 10½d in June 1773, £63 15s 7d in the quarter to September and £45 18s 1d in the quarter to December. John Worrall, an overseer in 1773, was blamed in 1777 to 1779 for the loss of 75 Company sheep. [Film No. 80–81, 90, 114, 131, 212, 230–232, 247, 295, 329, 345–346, 376, 378, 387]
On 23 August 1773 Skottowe argued that the Company held too much land and that private owners would raise more cattle while it saved the cost of overseers and of buying, clothing and feeding slaves. The Long Wood and a few fields round the Plantation House would supply its table, and its herds already met only a sixth or an eighth of the beef the charter parties required. He asked the Court to consult Purling on the question. [Film No. 161]
Leases passed by surrender and regrant through the Council. On 19 July 1773 Sarah Prichard surrendered 12 acres called the Briers to Stephen Young, on 16 August Orlando Bagley 7 acres at the Writing Stones to Captain Henry Bazett, on 13 September Richard Bagley 3 acres in Sandy Bay to Henry Bazett and on 20 December Samuel Alexander, a Company overseer on £7 10s 0d a quarter, 1½ acres in Sandy Bay to Henry Bazett. On 13 September 1773 Thomas Burnham was allowed to dispose of 1½ acres bordering Matthew Bazett's land with no buyer named. Henry Bazett joined the Council in 1778 and surveyed the Company's plantations with Wrangham. On 15 November 1773 Richard Bagley petitioned for a strip of Company waste beside his Sandy Bay ground to ease fencing, and after inspection received 5¼ acres in the southern division at 4s 0d an acre on 31 January 1774. The same day John Price surrendered 19½ acres in Powell's Valley to William Jenkins, who held 16 acres and probably fled the island in debt in July 1777. [Film No. 133, 156, 177–178, 304, 312, 354, 390–391]
On 30 September 1773 about 80 landholders paid £628 6s 2d in rent at the Castle on 2,205½ acres freehold and 2,310½ acres leasehold. Leasehold paid 1s 6d to 5s 0d an acre and freehold only ground rent on house plots. Richard Bagley paid most, £53 4s 2d on 324 acres, followed by William Wrangham's £39 4s 0d, Matthew Bazett's £32 0s 4½d on 307½ acres and Purling's £21 10s 9d. The roll's first page carried forward £223 17s 4½d and the second brought forward £223 17s 9½d. [Film No. 182–184]
Supply and Provisioning
The Duke of Grafton and Prince of Wales arrived from Bengal by the Cape on 22 and 23 May 1773 and the Marquis of Rockingham by Mauritius on 14 July, each with an identical consignment of rice, paddy, sugar, wax candles and Batavia arrack costing 1,819 rupees 4 annas 6 pies, plus 253 rupees 14 annas, about 14 per cent, for packing, porterage and river transport. The Duke of Grafton's invoice gives the charges as 235 rupees against a total requiring 253. The Speaker arrived from Bombay on 27 June with beaten rice and batty for 611 rupees 1 quarter 70 reas. The Triton from Madras brought rice, paddy and two leaguers of arrack for 185 pagodas 34 fanams 70 cash, and the Hector from Bengal rice, paddy, sugar, candles, arrack and six pipes of Madeira for 3,537 rupees 8 annas 3 pies, both arriving on 28 July. The Hector's 120 maunds of fine rice cost 207 rupees against 291 on the May ships. The Devonshire from Bombay brought beaten rice, batty and a bale of five corge of Surat cloth for 1,068 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas on 16 August 1773. [Film No. 10–12, 37, 50–53, 136–137, 154–155]
The Latham's Bengal invoice, signed by L. Darell, charged 135 rupees 9 annas 6 pies for 120 maunds of fine rice, with sugar, wax candles and Batavia arrack at the old rates and six pipes of Madeira at 1,500 rupees. Two leaguers of arrack at 300 rupees appear as 648 rupees, and the goods and the wine share an identical total of 1,654 rupees 8 annas. Three China ships brought the yearly China supply in 1774: the Duke of Kingston on 28 February with goods invoiced on 20 November 1773 at 693 taels 6 mace 5 candareens, the Princess Royal on 12 March with 511 taels 6 mace 2 candareens 8 cash and the Worcester with 248 taels 1 mace 6 candareens 6 cash. They carried everyday teas, Hyson and Souchong in canisters, sugar, sugar candy, blue and white china and sago. The Houghton arrived from Bengal by the Cape on 29 March 1774 with rice, paddy, sugar, wax candles and two leaguers of arrack for 1,779 rupees 15 annas 3 pies, with 236 rupees 3 annas 9 pies, about 13 per cent, in charges, more than half for a sloop down the Hooghly. [Film No. 398–399, 406–407, 411–412, 418, 426–427]
Commanders sold provisions privately. On 24 May 1773 the Council paid Bull of the Duke of Grafton £141 6s 11d for 130 bags of rice, 130 of paddy, 20 of sugar, 20 sheep, wheat and seeds, which the paymaster entered as £132 7s 6d for just over 150 cwt of rice instead of the 173 billed. Bull sold a basket of seeds on 24 May, and Captain Robert Scott of the Speaker sold 12 casks of Irish beef, flour at 16s 0d a cwt and three baskets of seed for £53 0s 0d in certificates on 3 July. The Council bought a pipe of 85 gallons of Madeira at 7s 2d a gallon on 7 June 1773 for £30 9s 2d. On 30 August 1773 it paid Morgan £12 12s 0d for 126 pieces of salt beef at 2s 0d. On 10 January 1774 it bought 11 cwt 3 qr 14 lb of flour from Captain John Sharpe of the Mercury for £11 17s 6d at 20s 0d a cwt. Prince supplied 33 cwt 2 qr of wheat at 8s 0d and 15 baskets of garden seeds at 30s 0d, £103 8s 0d with his sheep, paid as £53 8s 0d in cash and £50 0s 0d in certificates. In 1774 Snow sold 1,000 lb of China rice on 7 March at 15s 0d a hundred pounds, Captain John Cook of the Worcester 317 pieces of pork and 37½ bushels of peas for £41 1s 6d on 28 March and Smith 16 bushels of peas, all paid in certificates. On 18 October 1773 the Council ordered Captain Charles Dean of the Earl of Sandwich to land 4 cwt of the Company's white pepper. [Film No. 16, 21–22, 36, 40, 114, 116, 170–171, 205, 320, 404, 410, 424, 430]
Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, charged breakage in sound packing, such as the Alfred's glass and sieves, to the packers in England, wrote off natural loss such as the Norfolk's sugar candy, and held commanders responsible for undelivered goods, such as the Alfred's 113 deal boards, 5 chaldrons 30 bushels of coal and two cases of grapeshot. On 19 July 1773 one of six pipes on the Marquis of Rockingham proved kept back by Captain Alexander Hamilton, and those delivered had lost about 5 gallons each. On 31 July Doveton reported that 21 of the Triton's 33 bags of rice and both leaguers of arrack had never come ashore. On 29 July the Council had ordered Captain William Elphinstone to land three Company bales of longcloth marked LCT, LCM and LCO from his homeward cargo, and on 30 July his second mate William Brown replied that none could be found. On 7 August 1773 Corneille required that only reasonable natural loss be written off and that withheld goods be reported while ships were in the road, and the Council entered Elphinstone's and Hamilton's conduct in its minutes for the Court. It later named commanders such as Waghorn, Sutton and Cotton in the same way. The stores bought 12 brass half-hundredweights for £43 13s 6d. The Hector landed 287 gallons of arrack and 635 of 666 gallons of Madeira, and on 23 August 1773 the Devonshire's rice was 2 cwt 1 qr 21 lb short against 52 cwt 2 qr of paddy. On 28 February 1774 the Latham proved 7 cwt short in rice, 2 cwt 1 qr 16 lb in paddy and 1 cwt 3 qr 20 lb in sugar, 14 of 266 gallons of arrack and 36 of 688 gallons of Madeira. Nearly 60 pieces of porcelain from the Duke of Kingston and more from the Princess Royal broke in sound chests, and the Houghton's two leaguers of arrack, charged as full, gauged 260 gallons and delivered 248. [Film No. 7, 9, 14–15, 19, 39, 53–54, 138–139, 146–149, 159, 221, 254, 401, 408, 413, 422, 427]
The Company sold its stores at 10 per cent above cost, to the value of £2,460 1s 3d in the quarter to June 1773, £1,786 1s 4d to September and £2,731 15s 6d to December. In the quarter to June bread from 489 cwt of flour brought £457 2s 2d, sugar £184 18s 8d and tea £46 4s 5d, with Bohea under 7d a pound and Singlo over twice as much, and recorded sales reached £935 16s 11d before the account breaks off. Flour for bread fell to about 380 cwt and sugar from 95 to 60 cwt in the quarter to September, salt beef from 2,528 to 2,191 pieces and pork from 3,586 to 2,632. Rice sales rose from 12 to 66 cwt, paddy from 23 to 66 cwt and Bohea to 637 lb. In the quarter to December 8,188 pieces of salt meat brought £818 16s 0d, bread used 635 cwt of flour and 638 gallons of Madeira were sold against 107. Sales at 40 per cent came to £33 3s 6d in the quarter to June and £6 4s 2d to September, and at 50 per cent, charged only on flour and coal, to £10 16s 10d and £16 10s 8d in the quarters to September and December. Wine sales reached £307 4s 2d in the quarter to June. In 1778 the Court set a 30 per cent mark-up on Madeira sold to officials. [Film No. 55, 64–65, 206–207, 212–216, 325, 334–335]
The inventory of 30 September 1773 valued the stores at £16,986 6s 3d, £15,013 19s 0d of it European goods. Salt meat worth £8,083 8s 9d made up almost half, with 484 casks of flour worth £1,576 0s 6d, about 32 tons of rice, 291 cwt of paddy, more than 10 tons of sugar, six tons of sugar candy, 1,414 gallons of arrack, 47 cwt of tea, 936 pairs of men's shoes and three corn mills. On 30 September 1773 the Council wrote off a puncheon of beef found spoiled in January 1773. The waste account for the year to 30 September, entered on 25 October 1773, came to £92 12s 7d, about 0.5 per cent, chiefly rice, wheat, sugar, arrack, candles and soap, which Doveton declared unavoidable. Two pipes of sour Bengal Madeira, of 12 sent that year, were ordered to auction on 16 August 1773 and 212 gallons fetched £42 5s 0d. A notice of 8 November 1773 announced an auction of damaged goods in James Valley on 15 November for cash only. It raised £7 15s 9d, broadcloth valued at £2 16s 1d fetching £1 12s 0d and the Madagascar barter stores of knives, looking glasses, razors, needles, scissors and a stove £4 9s 6d. [Film No. 158, 184, 214, 241, 243, 249, 256–259, 296–297, 303, 335–336, 387]
Goods on sale in 1773 included Canton porcelain, a small punch bowl at 3d, Coromandel longcloth, Madras stockings, Florentine olive oil and Riga timber by way of London. Every board came from England. In the quarter to June the stores sold more than 550 pairs of shoes, 224 pairs of thread stockings and over 4,000 fish hooks, and in the quarter to September more than 5,000 hooks and nearly double the line, about 270 pairs of shoes, 408½ lb of sole leather, chelloes rising from 23 to 36 pieces, baftas, London porter, 16 chest locks, 30 patty pans and 454 lb of whiting. In the quarter to December islanders bought nearly 6,000 hooks, broadcloth worth £56 8s 5d, gold lace, nine sets of octagonal china, table linen worth more than £24 0s 0d and more than 200 window panes. The inventory held about 66,000 hooks and over 4,000 lengths of line worth £176 11s 2d, nearly 1,000 pairs of shoe buckles and 130 rat and mouse traps. The Council sent a sample of the hooks it needed in 1779, and in 1777 blamed rats for spoiling rice on board ship. [Film No. 56, 58, 61–63, 71–72, 206–215, 242, 245, 251, 325–333]
The Governor's table drew £73 9s 10d in stores in the quarter to June 1773, chiefly 113 gallons of arrack, with cinnamon, mace and cloves, and £45 3s 5d in the quarter to September with 66 gallons. The paymaster spent £195 17s 10d in the quarter to June on hams, tongues, cheeses, dried fruit, pickles, soy, 11 firkins of butter, 1,050 lemons, the pipe of Madeira and two pairs of girandoles at £31 13s 8d, £40 14s 3d in the quarter to September, including 50 dozen eggs, 119 fowls and 413 lb of beef and £41 8s 4d in the quarter to December, including 110 fowls, 601½ lb of beef, 650 lemons and 33 partridges, introduced birds shot on the uplands. The Lieutenant Governor was paid £3 0s 0d for mutton. The table cost nearly £300 0s 0d a year, which Skottowe had to justify to the Court in 1778. [Film No. 74, 114, 120, 122, 224, 286, 376, 378]
The Company's table, where officials, ships' officers and passengers dined, cost £42 6s 11¾d in May 1773, when 11 Company ships called, with £22 8s 0¾d from stores, and about £32 9s 10d in June, Madeira falling from 59 bottles to 35. In July it drew £23 19s 1d with 56 bottles and bought £7 3s 0¾d of meat and poultry, in August £22 11s 2¾d with 41 bottles and 15½ gallons of arrack plus £6 3s 0½d and in September £27 19s 5¾d with 58 bottles and 18½ gallons plus £7 5s 2d, mutton falling from 243 lb to 200 lb with lamb and goat served instead. October cost £36 3s 7¼d, including £8 0s 5¾d bought in, with Madeira at about 1s 4d a bottle against 2s 0d earlier and 152 lb of mutton. The stores supplied £23 15s 5½d in November and £23 11s 8½d in December 1773, with £6 12s 10½d and £7 15s 7¾d bought in, mutton recovering from 165 lb to 236 lb. The quarter cost £79 13s 9d over the quarter with arrack up from 66 to 101 gallons. January 1774 drew £28 4s 7d, including 66 bottles of Madeira, the most since May 1773, and 139 lb of the Company's own beef, with £9 14s 0¾d bought in, February cost £28 12s 6½d and March £30 17s 3d, with Madeira at 36 bottles a month. Frederick Galluse, a private of the Fourth Company, baked the garrison's bread at 1s 9d a batch, 189 batches in the quarter to June 1773 and 195 in each of the next two quarters, earning £17 1s 3d a quarter. [Film No. 21, 24–25, 46–47, 114, 151, 176, 190, 286, 302, 310, 322–323, 341–342, 368, 376, 396–397, 414–415, 438]
Trade and Shipping
The Spanish La Venus left for Spain on 19 May 1773. On 22 May the French Three Cousins under Captain Peter Sabatary arrived from Mauritius with coffee for Port L'Orient and the Dutch Mercurius, 500 tons and 30 guns, from Batavia with sugar and pepper, whose Captain Spin bought bills for £400 0s 0d on 29 May. The Speaker left on 3 July and the Danish Carolina Mathilda, 500 tons and 16 guns, called from Bengal for Copenhagen from 29 June to 4 July. The Marquis of Rockingham sailed on 20 July, the Triton on 1 August and the Hector on 8 August, and the Hector paid £59 19s 3d on 7 August. The Dutch Ridderkerk, 500 tons, 22 guns and 86 men, called from 11 to 22 August on her way from Batavia to Amsterdam with coffee, sugar and pepper. The Devonshire under Robert Morgan stayed from 16 to 30 August with 17 passengers. The French Sainte Anne under Captain Arture, 300 tons, eight guns and 50 men, called from Mauritius with coffee for Port L'Orient from 11 to 15 September, and the Boyne under Captain Herivaut the elder, 700 tons, 16 guns and 80 men, from Bourbon with Bengal goods from 23 September to 3 October 1773. Arriving Company ships sent their boats ahead to Banks's. [Film No. 9–11, 17, 30, 37, 39, 42, 135–136, 142, 149–150, 154–155, 159, 164–165, 175, 179, 181, 185]
The Earl of Sandwich, Captain Charles Dean, arrived from Bencoolen by the Cape on 15 October 1773 and sailed for England on 28 October. Her roll lacked a first and second mate and included eastern seamen such as George Bengall, John Calcutta, Joseph Pinto and Savio Toratt, and Dean travelled with his wife and child. A Portuguese vessel from Rio de Janeiro called from 28 to 30 November 1773 on her way to Angola. The Mercury packet arrived from Madras by the Cape on 5 January 1774 and sailed for England on 11 January without the Company's packet, which the Council sent after her by boat for £5 0s 0d. A Dutch ship passed on 7 February, another probably Dutch on 17 February and six more on 19 February 1774. [Film No. 298, 300–301, 307–308, 320, 324, 384, 395, 398]
The Latham under John Prince arrived from Bengal by the Cape on 19 February 1774, her boat reaching Banks's at 5 o'clock in the evening, with passengers including Mr and Mrs Lushington and three children, Captains Frazer and Hornby and an unnamed white man and black woman. Prince wrote on 25 February that he would sail on 27 February, but on 26 February that three days of heavy rain had stopped him watering, and he sailed on 28 February. The Duke of Kingston sailed on 8 March, the Princess Royal on 17 March, the Worcester, carrying an Armenian passenger with four children and three servants, on 29 March and the Houghton on 2 April 1774. The Swedish Finland, Captain Selle, 1,300 tons, 26 guns and 140 men, called from 10 to 13 March with tea and porcelain for Gothenburg, and in May 1779 brought news of a French squadron at the Cape. The French Dauphin, Captain De la Bourdonne, 1,000 tons, 20 guns and 140 men, arrived from China for Lorient on 10 April. The Duke of Portland arrived from Bencoolen on 4 April and the York from England on 15 April 1774. [Film No. 398, 402–404, 406, 408, 411, 416, 418, 423, 426, 431, 435]
Company ships carried a commander, five or six mates, a surgeon, a purser, midshipmen and tradesmen, with ordinary seamen just over half the crew. The Duke of Grafton's fifth mate in May 1773 was an Honourable F. Brett, and her charter-party passengers were also listed among the seamen, working their passage. Jonathan Court still commanded the Prince of Wales in 1777, her third mate Augustus Joseph Applegath commanded the Europa by 1778 and Peter Douglas, third mate of the Royal Henry, commanded the Queen by then and remitted £2,000 0s 0d through the treasury in October 1779. The Marquis of Rockingham carried Colonel Morgan with three children and 16 servants in July 1773 and was wrecked off the Seven Pagodas on 26 May 1777. The Triton carried more than 50 passengers, among them Sir Robert Fletcher, Mrs Wynch with five children and soldiers returning from India. A seaman named John Waghorn served on the Devonshire in August 1773, and a Captain Waghorn commanded the Earl of Ashburnham in 1777, when he kept back rice and arrack sent to the island. Robert Kerr still commanded China ships in 1778, and the Worcester was reported at the Cape in 1779. Prince commanded the Latham in May 1779, when he brought her from China and reported the Gatton, Hillsborough and Royal George at Whampoa and a French 74-gun ship gone from the Cape. [Film No. 13–14, 18, 30, 44–45, 132–133, 140–141, 145–146, 164–165, 402, 406, 416, 418]
The stores sold £132 7s 8d of pitch, tar, cordage, canvas, paint, coal and oil to Company ships in the quarter to June 1773, £333 6s 4d in the quarter to September, including cordage worth £60 15s 4d, salt meat worth £166 5s 2d, an anchor stock and pump boxes and £9 2s 11d in the quarter to December. The inventory of 30 September 1773 held anchors worth more than £370 0s 0d, more than 23 tons of cordage worth £790 14s 9d, two spare topmasts and two damaged cables of over seven tons. In 1778 the Council asked the Court to replace an anchor lent to the Grenville under instructions of 1766 and explained to the Court that the cables had lain under a shed on the Line before being cut up for wadding and boat rope. [Film No. 66–67, 216–218, 239, 241–242, 252, 254, 336]
The Company's boats, working through the surf to the landing at Jamestown, drew £41 14s 4d in stores in the quarter to June 1773, including cordage at £17 14s 8d and verdigris for bottom paint, £49 1s 5d in the quarter to September, half of it canvas including six pieces issued before 31 March 1773 and not then entered and £37 16s 9d in the quarter to December. A crane lifted stores onto the wharf. The paymaster bought longboats from Captain Mitchell of the Fox for £40 0s 0d and from Captain Robert Rous of the Royal Henry for £45 0s 0d on 21 June 1773, £6 0s 0d below cost, a fishing boat from Captain Richardson for £6 0s 0d and 15 oars. In 1779 a longboat was decked to patrol for enemy ships. [Film No. 22, 68, 83–84, 112, 114, 130, 232–234, 340]
On 14 June 1773 Purling laid before the Council his contracts for Hyson tea. In 1772 he had agreed with Captain Riddall, outward bound, to buy 30 chests, delivered on Riddall's homeward call in 1773, and he had agreed to resell them, with 40 chests ordered by other Company servants, to Captain Dean, whose Bencoolen ship, like China ships, could carry tea on private account, but not to ships from Madras, Bengal or Bombay. The Court's orders of 6 January 1773 forbade its servants to deal in tea. The Council ruled that Purling's contracts predated those orders, but that any future contract would be a breach, and Purling signed the minute. On 21 June Matthew Bazett, Wrangham and Henry Bazett admitted the extra 40 chests were theirs, and the same ruling was applied. Purling's bill of £229 0s 0d payable to Captain John Riddall in July 1773 probably paid for the 30 chests. In 1773 Parliament passed the Tea Act, and in 1778 the Court complained that China ships passed extra tea to other ships at St Helena. [Film No. 28–29, 33, 35, 134, 157]
Finance, Currencies and Accounting
The treasury held £8,336 17s 3d on 30 April 1773, £7,797 2s 3d in coin and £539 15s 0d in island cash notes, a figure unchanged through February 1774. By 31 May 1773 it held £14,192 9s 4d, though the clerk's total of receipts was £14,102 9s 4d and the entries add to £14,192 8s 11d. In June stores sales brought £2,493 4s 9d, customs on 3,253½ gallons of arrack £406 12s 10½d and licences £11 10s 0d, and after the paymaster drew £5,830 12s 0d on 30 June the balance was £11,419 8s 6d. July receipts, with no pay drawn, raised it to £12,543 8s 7d, including £12,003 13s 7d in coin, and August to £15,113 7s 2d, including £14,573 12s 2d in coin. In September stores brought £1,803 2s 4d, rents £628 6s 2d and arrack customs on 4,623 gallons £57 15s 9d, about 3d a gallon against 2s 6d in June, with licences, plantation produce, lime and 49 feet of Purbeck stone, and after £5,277 16s 0½d went to the paymaster the balance was £12,408 19s 5d. October brought £285 12s 0d from Doveton for bills, payable to Captain John Johnstone in the minutes but John Johnson in the cash account, and £12 0s 5d from the Earl of Sandwich, closing at £12,706 11s 10d, which stood unchanged through November. In December stores brought £2,748 6s 2d, plantations £45 18s 1d, licences £11 10s 0d, customs on 5,465 gallons of arrack £68 6s 3d and the auction £7 15s 9d, and after £5,089 16s 2½d went to the paymaster the year closed at £10,498 11s 10½d, the lowest of 1773. On 31 January 1774 it held £11,748 11s 10½d, written by the clerk as £10,748 11s 10½d, and on 28 February £12,055 12s 0½d after £300 0s 0d in bills and £7 0s 2d from the Latham. In October 1779 the Council shipped £16,000 0s 0d in silver to Fort Marlborough. [Film No. 8, 33–34, 131, 157, 179, 283, 295, 299, 305, 313, 387, 400, 415]
The paymaster William Wrangham drew from the chest exactly what he paid out. On 30 June 1773 this was £5,830 12s 0d, the pay list of £4,403 5s 2½d and £1,427 6s 9½d on works, purchases and the Governor's table, and on 30 September £5,277 16s 0½d, the pay list of £4,474 6s 9d and £803 9s 5½d. On 31 December 1773 it was £5,089 16s 2½d, the pay list of £4,424 19s 11½d and £664 16s 3d. He corrected openly the £5 0s 0d omitted from the June wages of John Daniels, a mason's apprentice. [Film No. 112–130, 262, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385–386]
Bills on the Court at 90 days' sight carried private money to London. In May 1773 bills worth more than £5,700 0s 0d were sold, including £3,000 0s 0d to Captain George Richardson, £500 8s 11d to Captain John Riddall on 10 May, £175 6s 9d from Henry Bazett payable to Robert Barclay on 21 May and £700 0s 0d from Captain John Lauder on 24 May. On 21 June Captain John Howard paid in £6 10s 0d due to Edward Groves, a dead soldier of his company, for payment to his widow Rachel in London. About 19 July 1773 the Council granted bills to Powell's heirs for £50 0s 0d and to its members, and on 19 July sold eight sets for £860 4s 6d payable to Staniforth and Giberne, John Cailland (£200 0s 0d), Robert Wigram, Riddall (£229 0s 0d), William Barkley, Richard Bodman, the Reverend William Lee and Captain Richard Doveton (£200 0s 0d), while the Marquis of Rockingham paid £202 3s 11d. On 2 August four sets brought £1,983 0s 4d, including £1,290 0s 0d from Purling payable to Richardson, and on 21 August Captain Wunder of the Ridderkerk paid £500 0s 0d. On 10 January 1774 Purling took £1,200 0s 0d payable to John Purling and Henry Bazett £50 0s 0d payable to Miss Mary Bazett. On 28 February 1774 the Reverend William Bearcroft paid £300 0s 0d for bills payable to Captain John Mitford, written Milford in the cash account. On 14 March 1774 James Farrell paid in £350 0s 0d for bills payable to himself, and on 1 April Henry Bazett and Howard paid £160 9s 0d for bills payable to Bearcroft. Commanders such as Scott and Prince took certificates payable by the Court in London. [Film No. 9–10, 16–17, 32, 40, 134–135, 147, 157, 160, 179, 320, 400, 404–405, 419, 421, 429]
Bengal invoices used current rupees of 16 annas, each of 12 pies, and maunds of about 80 lb of 40 seers. Bombay reckoned in rupees of four quarters, each of 100 reas, with the Surat maund and the parah. Madras used pagodas of 36 fanams, each of 80 cash, and the garce of about four and a half tons. Canton used the tael of about 1⅓ ounces of silver, of 10 mace, each of 10 candareens of 10 cash, and the picul of 100 catties, about 133 lb. The storekeeper converted all into sterling. The stores sold 1,600 Irish halfpence for £3 6s 8d in the quarter to June 1773 and 200 for 8s 4d in the quarter to September, and the inventory held 34,928 worth £72 15s 4d. [Film No. 11, 37, 40, 56, 136–137, 154–155, 214, 241, 407, 426–427]
The accounts contain repeated arithmetical slips. In the stores account to June 1773 £1,669 6s 4d carried forward was brought forward as £1,698 6s 4d, and in the account to September £1,266 17s 8d as £1,766 17s 8d, the larger figure agreeing with the final total. Pay-list running totals changed by a few shillings between pages in September and December 1773, and the paymaster's chest receipt was carried forward once as £5,089 16s 1½d. Doveton signed each account subject to correction of errors. [Film No. 56–57, 87, 90–91, 100–101, 214–215, 240, 246, 248–249, 262, 273–274, 278, 371–372, 379]
Judiciary
The paymaster paid in the quarter to June 1773 for the Clerk of Arraignments and the Crier of the Court of Justice, a coroner's inquest on one Shaw, the Sheriff's bailiffs (£12 15s 0d for the year), the provost marshal's punishments and imprisonments (£3 7s 6d), a suit for the court officer and seats for the court house. John Price, the innkeeper, was paid £12 0s 0d for four quarters' rent of his house where the quarterly court sat, 16s 3d in the quarter to September and 12s 6d in the quarter to December for punishments and imprisonments as marshal and gaoler and £7 10s 0d salary. In the quarter to December the clerk and crier received 12s 6d, a room for the court £3 0s 0d and the coroner £1 5s 0d for the inquest on Sheel. In 1778 the Council still rented a house for the court and asked leave to build two rooms. [Film No. 112, 114, 116, 130, 261–262, 286, 355, 376]
The Council acted as probate court. On 26 July 1773 James Powell's executors produced an inventory valued on oath by Wrangham, Richard Goodwin and Solomon St Maurice, his widow swearing that she had produced every article. Jane Willson's will of April 1773, witnessed by John Whitchurch and Richard Harper, was entered on 16 August 1773. On 11 October 1773 James Greentree's executors produced an inventory valued on oath by Richard Bagley, Henry Bazett and Jonathan Doveton, and Joshua Worrall's executors one of goods sold at auction after John Seale swore he had handed over every article. Martha Merchant, a widow, died on 23 December 1773, and on 3 January 1774 her will of 22 August 1773 was proved on the oaths of James Parfett, an artillery sergeant, and James Pritchard. It left £20 0s 0d to Margaret and £40 0s 0d to Elizabeth Merchant, orphan daughters of her late husband Roderick, £10 0s 0d to her sister Margaret Young, a gold ring to her brother Nathaniel Kennedy and the residue to her daughter Ann, with John Whitchurch and George Bird as executors. Her codicil of 4 December 1773, signed with her mark, gave £30 0s 0d of the residue to Margaret Young and £20 0s 0d to Margaret Merchant with the rest to Elizabeth if Ann died before 21 or marriage, and shared any bequest from Roderick Merchant's father at Helmsdale in Scotland among the three girls. On 17 January 1774 the executors were allowed to sell her James Valley town plot of 20 by 60 feet, and on 7 February 1774 they swore to an account of her belongings. On 11 April 1774 the administrators of George Bazett swore to an inventory of goods sold at auction, part of the entry being crossed out. [Film No. 131, 134–135, 156, 187, 314–317, 324, 394, 448]
On 31 July 1773 Sir Robert Fletcher, former commander-in-chief at Madras sent home after quarrelling with its government, asked the Council to take evidence on drunkenness among the Madras soldiers. The Council refused to inquire into another settlement or examine witnesses by written questions, but as magistrates its members took sworn statements before Skottowe that day from four former soldiers. Christopher Bryon, once a corporal of artillery, said that from October 1772 to March 1773 any soldier could buy unlimited arrack at the store in Fort St George, drunkenness peaking about the 22nd of each month. Robert Pranker, a former infantry corporal, had bought 18 or 20 drams a day, often saw 20 to 40 men drunk at once and knew soldiers who sold their shirts for drink. George Wyld and Edward Cockrell said matters were worst after the last relief from Ellore and that men at Ellore and Pondelame seldom got drunk. The declarations had been prepared beforehand and read to each man. [Film No. 140, 142–144]
Crime and Punishment
On 16 August 1773 John Price was fined £6 0s 0d for letting his punch house sell soldiers more liquor than permitted, half to the informer and half, illegible in the cash account but implied as £3 0s 0d, to the Company. On 1 July 1773 the matross Thomas Nimble was paid 5s 0d for reporting that Alley, a Company slave, had sold arrack. Whipcord for whips was issued to the garrison each quarter. [Film No. 158, 179, 225–226, 284, 343]
On 11 October 1773 Skottowe laid before the Council statements gathered by Tippet from his artillerymen against Lieutenant Richard Mason at Purling's Battery. Corporal John Fox said that on 26 September Mason took the guard's powder horn shooting and called Tippet and his fowls at Rupert's cowards, and the drummer Peter Fox that Mason said Tippet backed his company in insolence and had wrongly punished the matross John Parker for stealing tobacco. Corporal Thomas Price said Mason kept the horn all day. The matross Alexander Henderson said that on 3 October Mason made an obscene taunt, tried to push him into the sea, threw his hat in the water, bruised his thigh by pushing him into a pool and then offered him a present not to complain, swearing revenge when he refused. The matross Thomas Alesworth said Corporal Walter had carried two 18-pounder cartridges into Mason's house. The Council charged Mason only with using the Company's powder and speaking improperly to the guard at Banks's. [Film No. 191–193]
A general court martial under Captain Solomon St Maurice with Lieutenants Thomas Bazett, Shirtley, John Bazett, Leech, Statham and Gurling sat on 14 October 1773. Tippet said the insult troubled him little, Walter had been discharged and Alesworth dated the cartridges about 18 months back, when Mason was not on guard, and had no witness. Mason's objection to Fox as a deserter was overruled. The drummer John Harper and Corporal Johnson confirmed Mason's coarse request to borrow a bitch but called it jest. Mason claimed he had borrowed and repaid powder, which Sergeant John Turner confirmed once and Fox and Price denied, Sergeant Wood never saw Walter give him powder, Thomas Berwick contradicted Peter Fox and Mason's servant George Chariott, a private of his company, denied the talk of fowls. The court acquitted Mason of misusing powder but sentenced him to discharge under the 20th article of the 12th section of the Articles of War. Because the judge advocate John Congreve fell ill on 13 October, Skottowe had sent the adjutant William Roberts to ask Philip Mahony to act, yet a sergeant served without warrant, and Corneille, Purling and Bazett refused to sign. On 15 October 1773 the Council ruled the trial unlawful, declined a second trial as contrary to the Mutiny Act, reprimanded the members for errors such as recalling prosecution witnesses for the defence and dismissed Mason on its own authority pending the Court's decision, citing earlier reprimands. His pay ran to 18 October 1773. After Congreve's death in 1777 the Council told the Court he could barely spell. [Film No. 194–204, 270, 272, 275, 279–281, 363]
Slavery and Coerced Labour
Stores for the Company's slaves cost £807 14s 2d in the quarter to June 1773, including 167 cwt of wheat, more than 2,000 pieces of salt meat and 311 gallons of arrack, £455 14s 8d in the quarter to September with 127 cwt of rice, about 40 cwt of wheat and 193 gallons of arrack and £895 19s 11d in the quarter to December with 268 cwt of rice, 2,319 pieces of beef against 809, 214 gallons of arrack and 96 pairs of shoes for men and 35 for women. In 1778 the Court pressed the Council to use slaves rather than paid soldiers on public works. [Film No. 77, 79, 226, 343–344]
Slave clothing in the quarter to June 1773 was seamen's slops, jackets for about 120 men and nearly 40 boys and shoes for at least 34 women, with £17 10s 6d spent through the paymaster on duffel and serge jackets, flannel drawers, checked shirts, felt hats and Dutch caps at 2s 0d, and £3 3s 0d on six watch coats. In the quarter to September they received 69 pieces of chelloes, 44 of baftas and 109 yards of canvas, the baftas from 50 pieces sold to the Company for £33 15s 0d by Hugh Jones, their superintendent. Castle slaves wore soldiers' shirts and shalloon, and in the quarter to September a livery of green serge trimmed with scarlet. The inventory held 71 boys' duffel jackets and 120 boys' shirts. The Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen drew hooks, lines and lead at Company cost, more than 900 hooks in the quarter to September 1773. [Film No. 68–69, 78–79, 114, 116, 208, 219, 227–228, 255, 284, 340]
The stock account for April to June 1773 records the receipt of a male slave named Bencoolen Jack. The quarter to September recorded the births of Attes Frank, Jack Grantham and Bill Grantham and the deaths of Phillis and Daphne, the quarter to December the births of Emanuel and Peg Alley and the deaths of Garden Toby and Susanah and the quarter to March 1774 the birth of John Blake and the deaths of a boy named Blake and of Dulbeth and Old Dutch. The Speaker's roll of 3 July 1773 ends with 13 black boys and two black girls entered only as numbers, and servants on the Duke of Grafton were recorded by single names such as Matilda, Anthony, Rosina, Parrot and Hamet. Works accounts never named slaves. [Film No. 11, 14, 41, 48, 122, 124, 188, 321, 436]
On 3 January 1774 Tippet complained that Hugh Jones had taken away a Company slave boy lent to him, as to his predecessor Captain Mitchell, as his only cook. Skottowe said the Castle needed a boy trained to wait at table, one servant having lost the use of an arm and another being old and deaf. The Council let the Governor keep the boy and gave Tippet another until the Court ruled, and in 1778 told the Court that officials had long used Company slaves by custom. On 4 April 1774 Alley, a Company slave, complained that Edward Daniels, the master mason, owed him £6 9s 11d, producing Daniels's promissory note for £5 5s 0d and claiming the rest as loans. Daniels swore repeatedly at the councillors, and the Council, citing complaints by Tippet and Lieutenant Bazett, the superintendent, of his neglect and poor skill, dismissed him. The minutes do not record whether Alley was paid. [Film No. 318–319, 355, 434]
Religion and Education
On 7 June 1773 the chaplain, the Reverend William Bearcroft, agreed to the Council's request of 3 May to stay another year, giving up two offers of cheap passage for his family, and the Council promised to ask the Court for a sum towards his passage. He was paid £40 0s 0d in the quarter to June and £55 0s 0d in the quarter to December 1773. On 20 March 1774 he asked leave to sail with Captain John Cook of the Worcester, who offered good terms, and the Council agreed by letter of 21 March since a clergyman was expected by the next storeship. Thomas Yates, parish clerk and sexton, drew £5 0s 0d a quarter and was paid for burying five soldiers in the quarter to June 1773 and two in the quarter to December. In April 1774 the churchwardens asked pay for the sexton of the Company's church in James Valley, the parish already paying him £10 0s 0d a year for the country church, and the Council granted £6 0s 0d a year. The chaplain's 30 lb of candles and cordage for the old church were charged to general expenses. [Film No. 21, 37, 39, 42, 88, 90, 116, 337, 353–355, 376, 419–420, 430]
The stores sold one Bible, one Testament, one Prayer Book and one spelling book in the quarter to June 1773, seven hornbooks, three spelling books and three Prayer Books in the quarter to September and a large Bible for £1 10s 3d with six small Prayer Books in the quarter to December. The inventory of 30 September 1773 held 15 spelling books, six primers and 21 small Prayer Books. Congreve drew £7 10s 0d as schoolmaster in the quarter to December 1773. The fife major was paid £2 5s 6d on 30 April 1773 and £2 6s 0d in the quarter to December for teaching the young drummers and fifers, and the drum major £1 0s 0d. [Film No. 63, 112, 215, 240, 325–333, 354–355, 376]
Social Order and Daily Life
Officers bought their uniforms, gold lace, gilt buttons and wig combs from the stores, which in the quarter to June 1773 also sold 17 punch ladles and 240 wine glasses. Train oil in tin lamps lit most households. The Castle and Council used nearly 600 lb of candles costing £68 4s 3d in the quarter to June, the Castle 173 lb and the Council 230 lb in the quarter to September and the Castle 350 lb in the quarter to December. General expenses were £151 18s 9d in the quarter to September and £123 4s 11d in the quarter to December, when the Castle drew 48 wine glasses, decanters, 60 pieces of octagonal china and 13 rat traps. The Company paid for the Castle's laundry, cutlery and china, for liveries for the court officer and the groom and for packet boxes and canvas to seal letters for London. The inventory held water plates and a large roasting jack. [Film No. 57, 60, 62, 68, 70, 72, 218–221, 248–249, 254, 336–341]
The hospital drew £19 3s 8d in stores in the quarter to June 1773, mostly sugar, flour, rice and tea, with 18 bowls and 18 platters, £11 13s 11d in the quarter to September and £28 16s 9d in the quarter to December, including 28 gallons of port. The Company paid for sick seamen left ashore, discharged soldiers awaiting passage (123 days' keep for £3 1s 6d in the quarter to December), a hospital helper (Thomas Hincock, £2 10s 0d) and a shop for the surgeon (£5 0s 0d). In the quarter to December 1773 the surgeon Thomas Stroud, formerly surgeon of the Royal Henry, was paid £18 16s 8d for necessaries beyond the sick men's allowance of 7d a day, £8 0s 0d for finding fresh provisions and £5 12s 0d for treating John Sage, a Devonshire passenger left ashore for 56 days. On 24 January 1774 James Farrell resigned as surgeon's mate for domestic reasons, and the Council asked Stroud to find a well-recommended young man from the ships, failing whom it would ask the Court for one. Corneille was absent sick on 2 and 7 February 1774. [Film No. 75, 82, 116, 232, 340, 376, 388–389, 392, 394]
Deaths recorded include William Worrall, a bachelor, on 25 June 1773, the matross James Gillmore on 30 June, Charles, son of John Price, on 5 July, Moses Buffen on 1 August, Mary, daughter of the Secretary Britannicus Alexander Wright, on 9 August, Rosetta, daughter of Lieutenant Charles Ross Stewart, on 29 September, Sarah, wife of Thomas Harper, on 24 January 1774, Margaret, daughter of the tailor James Pritchard, on 5 February, the privates John Jones on 7 February, Joseph Barber on 28 February and William Hales on 31 March 1774. [Film No. 39, 42, 109, 111, 142, 149, 182, 390, 394, 406, 426]
Pensions totalled £42 11s 10d a quarter, Nathan Sample and Michael Frost drawing £13 15s 11d and the widows Mary Beale and Elizabeth Kennedy £30 0s 0d a year. The Council had set aside half the profits of Martha Merchant's punch-house licence for the orphans in her care, and she asked in her will that this continue. Roderick Merchant's estate paid £1 2s 6d ground rent in September 1773. Ground rents on Jamestown plots came from pensioners such as Frost, from orphans' estates and from officials such as Hugh Jones. The Society paid 4s 0d. Edward Daniels received £5 0s 0d house rent in the quarter to December 1773. [Film No. 109, 111, 182–184, 286, 294, 314–315, 374, 376]
The Malay state prisoner Roquedah Pookollam received £12 2s 10d in stores in the quarter to June 1773, including tea, coffee, sugar, wax candles, fine shoes and fish hooks, and with Mass Senge a joint allowance of £6 11s 0d for salt provisions and house rent, £6 10s 0d in the quarter to September and £6 11s 0d in the quarter to December. Their stores rose to £29 17s 7d in the quarter to September, including scarlet and blue broadcloth, a brass tea kettle, china, women's stockings, cordage, sheet lead and two small oars, and fell to £16 3s 2d in the quarter to December. Pookollam was released in June 1778 and sailed home on the Queen with a cabin and a place at the captain's table. [Film No. 79–80, 116, 228–230, 284, 344–345, 376]
Personalities
Several soldiers of 1773 rose from the ranks. Arthur Upton, a private of the First Company, became a lieutenant, drew bills in 1778 and resigned in May 1779 to sail home with his family. Sergeant Francis Seale became second lieutenant in 1778 after Lieutenant John Bazett died. James Elgin, a sergeant on higher pay of £12 5s 4d, became a lieutenant, was suspended in January 1777 and sailed home with Captain Riddall that July. Captain John Howard of the Fourth Company was recommended to the Court in July 1777 for his service and failing health and retired on 1 January 1780 with a pension from the Military Fund. [Film No. 60, 94–95, 103, 359]
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| EAP 1364 St Helena Document Name and Date St. Helena Records 1773-1774 Photographer Peter Date photographed 28 Jan 2022 Additional comments | ||
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1 | Island St. Helena At a Consultation held on Monday the 17 Day of May 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 14 May 1773. Yesterday Sailed the Honorable Company's Ships Anson and Earl of Ashburnham for England. Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain Arthur Gore twenty five Cape Sheep, as p the following Bill, for which We have paid him Eighteen Pounds fifteen Shillings. The Honorable East India Company Dr. To Captain Gore To 25 Cape Sheep at 15/ Each £ 18 . 15 Received the Contents for Arthur Gore (signed) Wm. Dalling St. Helena 14 May 1773 The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Short received from Ship Nassau | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 17 May 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and two councillors, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 14 May 1773, were read, approved and signed. The Council noted that the Company's ships Anson and Earl of Ashburnham had sailed for England the day before. The Council bought 25 Cape sheep for the Company from Captain Arthur Gore and paid him £18 15s 0d. His bill was entered as follows. Account of the East India Company with Captain Gore 25 Cape sheep at 15s 0d each, £18 15s 0d William Dalling signed a receipt for the money on Gore's behalf at St Helena on 17 May 1773. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the ship Nassau, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Matthew Purling's place at the Council table in 1773 explains why his name ran through the bills of exchange in the later letters. Between 1777 and 1779 the Bazetts, Wrangham and others repeatedly made their bills payable to him in London. A former councillor who had gone home made a natural agent for his old colleagues. He knew the island, its people and their affairs, and could receive and invest their remittances in England. The network that carried the island's private money to London was built in part on men who had once governed it. Cape sheep were the fat-tailed sheep raised by the Dutch farmers at the Cape of Good Hope. They stored fat in their broad tails and could survive dry grazing, and they gave poor wool but good mutton. Commanders bought them at the Cape on their way north and sold them at St Helena, where they restocked the Company's flock and supplied fresh meat. At 15s 0d a head they were a cheap way of building up the island's livestock. | |
2 | 17 May Account of Stores Short Received from Ship Nassau. Cs. qr. lb 11 . 3 . 14 Rice 7 . 1 . 20 Paddy Short Weight Arrack 2 Leagers. Gallns. No. 1 Gages 155 wants to fill 8 Gallns. 2 Do. 155 Do. 7 Do. 310 15 Gallns. 15 Recd. 295 Gallons St. Helena 17 May 1773 (signed) Jona. Doveton Store keeper Mr. Isaac Doveton was this day sworn into the Office of Sheriff, and Messrs. Orlando Bagley and Charles Ross Stewart, in that of Church Wardens and Edward Daniels as Constable. Philip Connoway Bombadier Henry Friendly, Patrick Edrington and William Phillips, Matrosses and William French Private, this day Petitioned for their Discharges from the Garrison having served the Honble. Company their Contracted times. Granted Counted and Examined the Honorable Company's Cash for the Month of April last, which is as follows. | The storekeeper's account of stores that arrived short from the Nassau read as follows. Rice, 11 hundredweight 3 quarters 14 pounds short in weight Paddy, 7 hundredweight 1 quarter 20 pounds short in weight Arrack, 2 leaguers Leaguer number 1, gauged at 155 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Leaguer number 2, gauged at 155 gallons, 7 gallons short of full Arrack due in total, 310 gallons Arrack short in total, 15 gallons Arrack received, 295 gallons Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 17 May 1773. Isaac Doveton was sworn in as Sheriff. Orlando Bagley and Charles Ross Stewart were sworn in as churchwardens, and Edward Daniels as constable. Five soldiers asked to be discharged from the garrison, since they had served the full terms of their contracts with the Company. They were Bombardier Philip Connoway, three matrosses named Henry Friendly, Patrick Edrington and William Phillips, and Private William French. The Council granted their discharges. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for April 1773, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The arrack account shows how the storekeeper measured losses in casks of spirit. Each leaguer was gauged, that is, its full capacity was calculated from its dimensions with a measuring rod. The amount of empty space at the top was then measured to find how much was missing. Spirits shrank in transit through leakage and evaporation in the heat of the tropics, and they were also a tempting target for sailors who could draw off a little and top up with water. Recording the exact shortfall let the Company charge the ship for the loss, as it did for every short delivery. The swearing in of the Sheriff, churchwardens and constable shows the island's civil offices being filled each year in the same way as in an English parish. The Sheriff served writs and carried out the sentences of the island's court. The churchwardens managed the parish and its poor. The constable kept order among the inhabitants. The Council appointed these officers and swore them in, so local government on the island ran through the Company's own Council rather than through any elected body. | |
3 | Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 Apl. 1 To Balance Remaining £ 7936 . 12 . 4 7 To Ship Shrewsbury 6 . 1 . 3 13 To Ship Duke of Cumberland 2 . 17 . 6 17 To Exchange for two Sets of Bills drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors payable as follows viz. One Set to Miss Mary Bazett £ 50 One Do. to Captain Robt. Carr 300 350 To Ship Greenwich 34 . 5 . 6 24 To Ship Lioness 4 . 3 . 2 Apl. 30 To Ship Royal Captain 2 . 17 . 6 £ 8336 . 17 . 3 1773 Apl. 30 By Balance Remaining viz. In Specie £ 7797 . 2 . 3 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 8336 . 17 . 3 £ 8336 . 17 . 3 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Company's cash account for April 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 April 1773, balance in hand, £7,936 12s 4d 7 April 1773, from the ship Shrewsbury*, £6 1s 3d.* 17 April 1773, cash received for two sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, £350 0s 0d One set payable to Miss Mary Bazett, £50 0s 0d One set payable to Captain Robert Carr, £300 0s 0d From the ship Greenwich*, £34 5s 6d.* Total received, £8,336 17s 3d Balance in hand on 30 April 1773: In coin, £7,797 2s 3d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £8,336 17s 3d The account was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The cash notes in the balance were paper notes issued by the island treasury and used as money on St Helena. Coin was always scarce on the island, so the Council issued its own notes, which inhabitants and soldiers used in daily dealings and could pay back into the treasury. They counted as part of the treasury's holdings because they were claims on its coin. Here they made up only a small part of the total, with silver coin forming almost the whole balance. The balance of about £8,300 0s 0d in 1773 shows the scale of the treasury before the war. Six years later, in October 1779, the Council could ship £16,000 0s 0d in silver to Fort Marlborough and still keep enough for the island's costs. The difference came from the steady flow of money paid in for bills of exchange during the war years, as commanders, officials and passengers turned their earnings into payments in London. In April 1773 only two bills were issued, for £350 0s 0d in all, which shows how much smaller that business was before the war. | |
4 | 21 May At a Consultation held on Friday the 21 day of May 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed dated the 17 of May 1773. Tuesday the 18 Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Nassau for England Do. Passed by a Ship at a great distance Wednesday the 19 Sailed the Spanish Ship La Venus for Spain. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Short received from Ship Norfolk. Account of Stores short Received from Ship Norfolk. Cs. qr. lb 1 . . 19 Candy . . . 25 fine Do. Short Weight occasioned by Wastage the Boxes being in good order. St. Helena May the 21 1773 (signed) Jona. Doveton Store keeper. On the 10 Instant We Enlisted John Mc. Nab from Ship Nassau, he being a sightly Man and of a Good Character gave him ten Pounds Bounty Money, to buy him Necessarys. Captain Henry Bazett this day applied to Us to pay One hundred and seventy five Pounds six Shillings and nine pence into the Honorable Company's Cash, which sum we have received and given him bills of Exchange, Drawn | The Council met at the Castle on Friday 21 May 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 17 May 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Council noted that the Nassau had sailed for England on Tuesday 18 May 1773. A ship had passed the island the same day, far out to sea. On Wednesday 19 May 1773 the Spanish ship La Venus sailed for Spain. The storekeeper presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Norfolk. Sugar candy, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 19 pounds short in weight Fine sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 25 pounds short in weight He explained that the shortfall came from natural loss in transit, since the boxes had arrived in good condition. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 21 May 1773. On 10 May 1773 the Council enlisted John McNab, a sailor from the Nassau. He was a fine, well-built man of good character. The Council gave him a bounty of £10 0s 0d to buy what he needed. Captain Henry Bazett asked to pay £175 6s 9d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations McNab's enlistment shows the Council taking men from the Company's ships in the same way that the ships later took men from the garrison. In 1773, before the war, a sailor could leave his ship and sign on as a soldier, and the Council paid a bounty of £10 0s 0d to secure a strong man of good character. Six years later the Council complained bitterly about commanders who hid deserting soldiers on board. Both sides drew on the same small pool of fit men passing through the island. In wartime, with every ship short of hands, the balance tipped firmly towards the ships. The storekeeper's note on the sugar candy drew a careful line between two kinds of shortfall. If the boxes had been broken or opened, the ship would have been charged with the loss. Because the boxes were sound, the missing weight was put down to natural shrinkage, and no blame fell on the commander. The same distinction lay behind every account of short deliveries the Council sent to the Court. | |
5 | 1773 upon the Honble. the Court of Directors, payable to Mr. Robert Barclay (or Order) at Ninety Days Sight. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett At a Consultation held on Monday the 24 Day of May 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 21 of May 1773. Saturday the 22 Arrived a French Ship from Mauritius called the Three Cousins Captain Peter Sabatary burthen about four hundred and fifty Tons carry's twenty four Guns and Ninety six Men loaden with Coffee Bound to Port L'Orient. Do. Do. A Dutch Ship from Batavia called the De Mer Cuer Captain Chris. Andrew Speer burthen five hundred Tons carry's thirty Guns and Ninety eight Men loaden with Coffee and Pepper bound to Rotterdam. Do. Do. the Duke of Graftons Boat at Bankses at half an hour past five o'Clock in the Evening. Do. Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Duke of Grafton from Bengal (last from the Cape). | The bills issued to Captain Henry Bazett were payable to Robert Barclay or to his order 90 days after sight. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The Council met at the Castle on Monday 24 May 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 21 May 1773 were read, approved and signed. Several arrivals on Saturday 22 May 1773 were recorded. A French ship from Mauritius, the Three Cousins, under Captain Peter Sabatary, came in. She measured about 450 tons, carried 24 guns and a crew of 9[...] men, and was loaded with coffee for Port L'Orient. A Dutch ship from Batavia, the Mercurius, under Captain Christopher Andreas Spin, arrived the same day. She measured 500 tons, carried 30 guns and 98 men, and was loaded with sugar and pepper for [...]. That evening, at half past five, the boat of the Duke of Grafton reached Banks's. The Duke of Grafton herself, a Company ship from Bengal, arrived later the same day after a last call at the Cape. The minutes went on to record what happened the following day. Interpretations The coffee carried by the Three Cousins came from the French islands in the Indian Ocean. Coffee had been planted on Bourbon, the neighbouring island to Mauritius, earlier in the century, and by the 1770s it was one of the main exports the French shipped home through Mauritius. St Helena lay on the route of the French and Dutch ships returning from the east, as well as the British. In peacetime they called freely for water and fresh food, and the Council recorded each one, with its guns, crew and cargo. Those records gave the Court a running account of its rivals' trade. They took on a different meaning after 1778, when the French ships passing the island became enemies. | |
6 | 24 May Yesterday Arrived the Prince of Wales Boat at Bankses at half an hour past Nine o'Clock in the Morning Do. Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Prince of Wales from Bengal (last from the Cape) The Duke of Grafton and Prince of Wales brought Us the following Supply viz. Invoice of Ship Duke of Grafton Fine Rice 60 Bags Wt. Bmd. 120 at 2 . 4 p Md. 291 . 9 . 6 Paddy 15 Bags Wt. Bmd. 22 . 20 at 14 p Do. 19 . 11 Sugar 10 Bags Wt. 20 at 15 p Do. 300 Wax Candles 4 Chests Wt. 8 at 70 p Do. 560 Batavia Arrack 2 Leagers at 300 Rs. p Do. 648 1819 . 4 . 6 Charges Merchandize 155 Gunney Bags @ 25 p C. 40 . 2 . 9 4 Mango Plank Chests @ 3 p Chest 12 . 15 . 3 3 Gurrahs of 16 Covets @ 1 . 4 p Ps. 4 . . 9 10 Gunneys @ 25 p C. 4 . 5 . 3 10 Jute Rope @ 3 p Md. 12 6 Jute Twine @ 4 p Do. 9 . 6 7 Nails @ 17 p Do. 13 . 6 40 Reed Matts @ 10 p C. 5 . 6 . 6 Coopers Work for 1 Day 2 . 2 . 6 Packermen Work 12 . 9 Cooley hire 35 Weighmen 7 . 9 Duty 8 . 9 Boat hire 8 . 10 . 3 1 Peon 2 . 2 . 6 Sloop hire 135 235 . 14 Current Rupees 2073 . 2 . 6 Errors Excepted (signed) L. Darell Sub Accompt. | On Sunday 23 May 1773 the boat of the Prince of Wales reached Banks's at half past nine in the morning. The Company's ship Prince of Wales arrived from Bengal later that day, after a last call at the Cape. The Duke of Grafton and the Prince of Wales brought supplies for the island. The invoice for the goods shipped on the Duke of Grafton read as follows. Fine rice, 60 bags weighing 120 maunds, at 2 rupees 4 annas per maund, 291 rupees 9 annas 6 pies Paddy, 15 bags weighing 22 maunds 20 seers, at 14 annas per maund, 19 rupees 11 annas 0 pies Sugar, 10 bags weighing 20 maunds, at 15 rupees per maund, 300 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Wax candles, 4 chests weighing 8 maunds, at 70 rupees per maund, 560 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers, 648 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Value of goods, 1,819 rupees 4 annas 6 pies Shipping charges: 155 gunny bags at 25 rupees per hundred, 40 rupees 2 annas 9 pies 4 chests of mango planks at 3 rupees each, 12 rupees 15 annas 3 pies 3 pieces of gurrah cloth of 16 cubits at 1 rupee 4 annas per piece, 4 rupees 0 annas 9 pies 16 gunny cloths at 25 rupees per hundred, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies 10 jute rope at 3 annas per maund, 0 rupees 12 annas 0 pies 6 jute twine at 4 annas each, 0 rupees 9 annas 6 pies 2 nails at 17 annas each, 0 rupees 13 annas 6 pies 50 reed mats at 10 rupees per hundred, 5 rupees 6 annas 6 pies Coopers' work for one day, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Packers' work, 0 rupees 12 annas 9 pies Hire of porters, 35 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Weighers, 0 rupees 7 annas 9 pies Food, 0 rupees 8 annas 9 pies Boat hire, 8 rupees 10 annas 3 pies 1 peon, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Sloop hire, 135 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total shipping charges, 235 rupees 14 annas 0 pies Total in current rupees, 2,073 rupees 2 annas 6 pies L. Darell, sub-accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The invoice was drawn up in Bengal in current rupees, the money of account used in the Company's Bengal books. The rupee was divided into 16 annas, and each anna into 12 pies. The weights were Bengal maunds, each of about 80 pounds, divided into 40 seers. A cubit was a measure of length from elbow to fingertip, about 18 inches. Several of the charges were for the packing and handling needed to get the goods aboard. Gunny bags were coarse sacks woven from jute in Bengal, used to pack rice, paddy and sugar, and gunny cloth was the same material by the piece. Mango planks were cheap timber from the mango tree, made into rough chests for the candles. Gurrah was a coarse, heavy, unbleached cotton cloth from Bengal, used here for wrapping. Reed mats were laid in the hold to keep bags off the damp. The rest went on labour: coopers to make and close the casks, packers, porters, weighers and their food, and a peon, a messenger or watchman who guarded the goods. The boats and a sloop carried everything down the river from Calcutta to the ship at her anchorage. Those charges added more than a tenth to the cost of the goods. The goods themselves show what Bengal supplied to St Helena. Rice and paddy were the staple food for the Company's slaves and poorer inhabitants. Sugar came from Bengal's own cane fields. Wax candles, made from beeswax, were the costly lights used in the Castle and the church, far better than tallow. Batavia arrack was the spirit distilled by the Dutch at Batavia from rice and molasses, re-shipped through Bengal. It was considered the finest arrack and was issued to the garrison or sold to the inhabitants. | |
7 | 1773 Invoice of Ship Prince of Wales Fine Rice 60 Bags Wt. Bmd. 120 @ 2 . 4 p Md. 291 . 9 . 6 Paddy 15 Bags Wt. Bmd. 22 . 20 @ 14 p Do. 19 . 11 Sugar 10 Bags Wt. 20 @ 15 p Do. 300 Wax Candles 4 Chests Wt. 8 @ 70 p Do. 560 Batavia Arrack 2 Leagers @ 300 Rs. p Leager 648 1819 . 4 . 6 Charges Merchandise 155 Gunney Bags @ 25 p C. 40 . 2 . 9 4 Mango Plank Chests @ 3 p Ea. 12 . 15 . 3 3 Ps. Gurrah of 16 Covets @ 1 . 4 p Ps. 4 . . 9 16 Gunneys @ 25 p C. 4 . 5 . 3 10 Jute Rope @ 3 p Md. 12 6 Jute Twine @ 4 p Do. 9 . 6 2 Nails @ 17 p Md. 13 . 6 50 Reed Matts @ 10 p C. 5 . 6 . 6 Coopers Work for 1 Day 2 . 2 . 6 Packermans Work 12 . 9 Cooley Hire 35 Weightmen 7 . 9 Diet 8 . 9 Boat Hire 8 . 10 . 3 1 Peon 2 . 2 . 6 Sloop hire 135 253 . 14 Current Rupees 2073 . 2 . 6 Errors Excepted (signed) L. Darell Sub Accompt. | The invoice for the goods shipped on the Prince of Wales read as follows. Fine rice, 60 bags weighing 120 maunds, at 2 rupees 4 annas per maund, 291 rupees 9 annas 6 pies Paddy, 15 bags weighing 22 maunds 20 seers, at 14 annas per maund, 19 rupees 11 annas 0 pies Sugar, 10 bags weighing 20 maunds, at 15 rupees per maund, 300 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Wax candles, 4 chests weighing 8 maunds, at 70 rupees per maund, 560 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers at 300 rupees each, 648 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Value of goods, 1,819 rupees 4 annas 6 pies Shipping charges: 155 gunny bags at 25 rupees per hundred, 40 rupees 2 annas 9 pies 4 chests of mango planks at 3 rupees each, 12 rupees 15 annas 3 pies 3 pieces of gurrah cloth of 16 cubits at 1 rupee 4 annas per piece, 4 rupees 0 annas 9 pies 16 gunny cloths at 25 rupees per hundred, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies 10 jute rope at 3 annas per maund, 0 rupees 12 annas 0 pies 6 jute twine at 4 annas each, 0 rupees 9 annas 6 pies 2 nails at 17 annas per maund, 0 rupees 13 annas 6 pies 50 reed mats at 10 rupees per hundred, 5 rupees 6 annas 6 pies Coopers' work for one day, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Packers' work, 0 rupees 12 annas 9 pies Hire of porters, 35 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Weighers, 0 rupees 7 annas 9 pies Food, 0 rupees 8 annas 9 pies Boat hire, 8 rupees 10 annas 3 pies 1 peon, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Sloop hire, 135 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total shipping charges, 253 rupees 14 annas 0 pies Total in current rupees, 2,073 rupees 2 annas 6 pies L. Darell, sub-accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The Prince of Wales carried exactly the same consignment as the Duke of Grafton, item for item and at the same cost. The Bengal government had evidently divided the island's yearly supply into two equal halves and sent one on each ship. Loading everything on one vessel would have been simpler and saved a second set of packing and boat charges. Splitting it meant that if one ship was wrecked, delayed or failed to call at St Helena, the island would still receive half its rice, sugar, candles and arrack. Even in peacetime, the island's dependence on a few ships a year made that precaution worth the extra cost. | |
8 | 24 May Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard of the Ship Duke of Grafton to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters but found none her Muster Roll is as follows viz. Muster Roll of Ship Duke Grafton Saml. Bull Commandr. Stepn. Mardlane 1 Mate Geo. Towers 2 Do. Wm. Plaw 3 Do. Henry Churchill 4 Do. Robt. F. Brett 5 Do. Charles English Surgeon Saml. Clark Purser Jno. Brown Mid. & Coxn. Benjn. Brown Midship. Fredk. Lapenteire Do. Henry Hewit Do. Charles Moore Do. David Lawson Do. John Meek Do. Wm. Dickenson 2 Mate John James Do. John Browne Do. James Nottingham Alexd. Anderson Do. Thos. Robinson Do. Willm. Carper Carpenter Edward Cook Boatswain Thos. Gaul Gunner Thos. Phillips Captn. Cook Henry Coper Ships Steward Frans. Stiff Gunr. Mate Robt. Otley Boat. 1 Do. Jno. Franks Carp. 1 Do. John Lane Do. 2 Do. Edward Morgan Caulker Jno. Hewell Sailmaker Stepn. Vane Butcher Robt. Oliver Caulkr. Mate Andw. Cannon Coopr. Do. Wm. Nichol Captn. Cook Dennis Mc. Donald Ships Do. Thos. Wells Barber Joseph Warwick Baker Moses Ashton Armourer Wm. Morrell Seaman Thos. Smith Willm. Richie Simon Johnson Landon Gase Wm. Benson John O'Neal Martin Chuck John Walker Thos. Wild Geo. Beford Willm. Anderson John Welch Thos. Porter Henry Pope Hans Peterson John Usherwood John Anderson John Richie John Duncan Thos. Wallace Neal Campbell Willm. Manners Nathl. Bradley Charles White Seaman Henry Anne Hugh Cabin Willm. Otley John Hughes Emanl. Nunes Thos. Kennedy Saml. Hutchinson Phillip Hawelies Thos. Beale Walter Alesbury James Gregory Richd. Lynd Saml. Hart John Welch Richd. Gilbert Wm. Hind James Edwards Henry Butcher John Logan Charles Turnell Thos. Franklin Jos. Davis Saml. Bird Thos. Rochester Vans Miers John Joyce Danl. Mc. Culluck Barnaby Duff Chris. Pots Fredk. Hilliard Peter Mc. Cid | Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Duke of Grafton to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. Samuel Bull, commander Stephen Mardane, first mate George Towers, second mate William Hare, third mate Henry Churchill, fourth mate Honourable F. Brett, fifth mate Charles English, surgeon Samuel Clark, purser John Brown, midshipman and coxswain Benjamin Brown, midshipman Frederick Lapentiere, midshipman Henry Hewit, midshipman Charles Moore, midshipman David Lanson, midshipman John Meek, midshipman William Dickinson, quartermaster John James, quartermaster John Browne, quartermaster James Nottingham Alexander Anderson, quartermaster Thomas Robinson, quartermaster William Carpes, carpenter Edward Cook, boatswain Thomas Gaul, gunner Thomas Phillips, captain's clerk Henry Copes, ship's steward Francis Shaffe, gunner's mate Robert Otley, boatswain's first mate John Franks, carpenter's first mate John Lane, carpenter's second mate Edward Morgan, caulker John Howell, sailmaker Stephen Vane, butcher Robert Oliver, caulker's mate Andrew Cannon, cooper's mate William Nichols, captain's cook Dennis McDonald, ship's cook Thomas Wales, barber Joseph Warwick, baker Moses Ashton, armourer Seamen: William Morrell Thomas Smith William Richie Simon Johnson Landon Gass William Benson John O'Neal Martin Chuck John Walker Thomas Wild George Berford William Anderson John Welch Thomas Porter Henry Hope Hans Peterson John Usherwood John Anderson John Richie John Dunscam Thomas Wallace Neal Campbell William Manners Nathaniel Bradley Charles White Henry Anne Hugh Cabin William Otley John Hughes Emanuel Nunes Thomas Kennedy Samuel Hutchinson Phillip Havelies Thomas Beale Walter Alesbury James Gregory Richard Tyrol Samuel Hart John Welch Richard Gilbert William Hind James Edwards Henry Butcher John Logan Charles Furnell Thomas Franklin Joseph Davis Samuel Bird Thomas Rochester Vans Miers John Joyce Daniel McCulloch Barnaby Duff Christopher Pete Frederick Hilliard Peter McCid Interpretations Mustering a ship's crew on arrival was the Council's way of checking that no deserter from the garrison was hiding on board. A member of Council went out to the ship, called every man by name against the roll and looked for anyone who did not belong. In 1773 the check found nothing, and the Council recorded the full roll as proof. The same procedure failed in 1779, when nine soldiers vanished and the Council was convinced they were hidden on ships in the anchorage. A man who was not on the roll could still be concealed below decks, and the muster could not reach him unless the officers chose to help. The roll also shows how a Company ship was crewed. Besides the commander and five mates, a ship of this size carried a surgeon, a purser, seven midshipmen and a full set of skilled tradesmen: carpenter, caulker, cooper, sailmaker, armourer, butcher, baker and barber. The ordinary seamen made up just over half the crew. The presence of an "Honourable" as fifth mate shows that the Company's sea service attracted young men of good family, for whom a junior officer's post was the first step towards a command and the trading profits that came with it. | |
9 | 1773 James Wright Seaman Benjn. Duncan John White John Taylor John Griffiths John Hensbury Seaman John Parker Andrew Knowles Richd. Sims Thos. Atkins Timothy O'Hanson Michl. Petty Seaman Willm. Ockley Henry Cox Richd. Hobbs Richd. Welch Passengers Mrs. Isabella Mills William Magee Esqr. Major Lewis Delgloss Mr. Welwood Johnson Lieut. George Simpson Mr. Richd. Baynes Mr. Richd. Ryder Miss Mary Walker Miss Elizth. Naylor Mr. John Pelling William Williams John Griffiths William Hockley Richard Simms Mr. James Burnet Matilda Servant Anthony Do. Anthony Do. Rosina Do. Parrot Do. Hamet Do. Charter Party Passengers Michl. Petty Richd. Welch Thos. Atkins Richd. Hobbs Thos. Atkins John Parker Andw. Knowles Henry Cox John Taylor John White John Hansbury (signed) Saml. Bull The Store keeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Received from Ships Duke of Grafton and Alfred. Account of Stores Short Received from the following Ships viz. Ship Duke of Grafton Cs. qr. lb 2 . 1 . 6 Rice . 3 . 1 Paddy 1 . 3 . 27 Sugar . . 12 Candles Short Weight Occasioned by Wastage. 2 Leagers Arrack Galls. No. 1 gages 147 wants to fill 8 Gallns. 2 Do. 144 Do. to Do. 8 Do. 291 16 Galls. 275 Received (signed) Jona. Doveton | The list of seamen on the Duke of Grafton continued. James Wright Benjamin Duncan John White John Taylor John Griffiths John Hensbury John Parker Andrew Knowles Richard Sims Thomas Atkins Timothy O'Harrison Michael Petty William Ockley Henry Cox Richard Hobbs Richard Welch The passengers were listed next. Mrs Isabella Mills Miss Elizabeth Naylor William Magee John Pelling Major Lewis Delafosse William Williams Welwood Johnson John Griffiths Lieutenant George Sampson William Hockley Richard Baynes Richard Simms Richard Ryder James Burnet Miss Mary Walker Servants: Matilda Anthony Anthony Rosina Parrot Hamet The passengers carried at the charter party rate were these. Michael Petty Richard Welch Thomas Atkins Richard Hobbs Thomas Atkins John Parker Andrew Knowles Henry Cox John Taylor John White John Hensbury Samuel Bull signed the roll. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Duke of Grafton and the Alfred. For the Duke of Grafton it read as follows. Rice, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 6 pounds short in weight Paddy, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 1 pound short in weight Sugar, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 27 pounds short in weight Candles, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 12 pounds short in weight Arrack, 2 leaguers Leaguer number 1, gauged at 147 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Leaguer number 2, gauged at 144 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Arrack due in total, 291 gallons Arrack short in total, 16 gallons Arrack received, 275 gallons The storekeeper put the shortfall in weight down to natural loss in transit. Jonathan Doveton signed the account. Interpretations The charter party passengers were the same men who appeared at the end of the seamen's list. Under the charter party, the Company could put a set number of its own people aboard each ship at a fixed rate, and these men travelled on those terms. They were also mustered with the crew, which shows they worked their passage. They were probably former soldiers or Company servants going home. This was the arrangement that broke down in July 1777, when commanders refused to carry invalids as charter party passengers. In 1773 men who could work were readily taken under it, and the commander signed for them alongside his own crew. The six servants were recorded by a single name only, while every other person on the list had a surname and often a title. Matilda, Anthony, Rosina, Parrot and Hamet were probably Indian, African or Malay servants travelling with their employers. Some may have been slaves. Recording them without surnames placed them firmly below the paying passengers. A name like Parrot also suggests a name given by an owner rather than one the person chose. | |
10 | 24 May Ship Alfred 10 Hair Sieves Damaged and good for Nothing 1 Wood Bowl 1 Earthen Close Stool pan 34 Sqrs. Glass 6 by 8 2 Do. Do. 11 by 19 10 Do. Do. 10½ by 18¾ 4 Do. Do. 11½ by 17¾ 4 Do. Do. 11 by 17½ Found broke upon Opening the Packages which where in good Order. 4 Bushels Salt short measure occasioned by Wastage. Cs. qr. lb . 3 . 13 Soap . 1 . 22 Cordage . 2 . 27 Sole Leather Short Weight occasioned by Wastage. 1 Bottle Turpentine 6 Gallns. 5 . 30 Coals 4 Double Deals 113 Single Do. 1 Bundle Rod Iron Wt. 56 lb 28 Hand Spikes 4 Labourers Baskets 2 Cases Grape Shot Short Delivered Wine viz. Gallns. No. 1 1 Hhd. Lisbon Gages 60 wants to fill 2 Gallns. 2 1 Do. Do. 60 Do. 1 3 1 Do. Do. 60 Do. 1 4 1 Do. Do. 61 Do. 2 241 6 6 Galls. 235 Received Gallns. No. 5 1 Hhd. Port Gages 59 wants to fill 1 Gallns. 6 1 Do. Do. 59 Do. 2 7 1 Do. Do. 60 Do. 2 8 ½ Do. Do. 29 Do. 1 207 6 6 Gallons 201 Received Gallon No. 9 1 Hhd. Mountain Gages 60 wants to fill 1 G. 10 ½ Do. Do. 30 Do. 1 90 2 2 Galls. 88 Received 5000 Tiles Broke (signed) Jona. Doveton Storekeeper | The account for the Alfred read as follows. Found broken on opening, although the packing was in good order: 10 hair sieves, damaged and useless 1 wooden bowl 1 earthenware pan for a close stool 34 panes of glass, 6 by 8 inches 2 panes of glass, 11 by 19 inches 10 panes of glass, 10½ by 18¾ inches 4 panes of glass, 11½ by 17¾ inches 4 panes of glass, 11 by 17½ inches Short in measure from natural loss in transit: Salt, 4 bushels Short in weight from natural loss in transit: Soap, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 15 pounds Cordage, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 22 pounds Sole leather, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 27 pounds Not delivered: Turpentine, 1 bottle of 6 gallons Coal, 5 chaldrons 30 bushels Double deal boards, 4 Single deal boards, 113 Rod iron, 1 bundle weighing 56 pounds Handspikes, 28 Labourers' baskets, 4 Grapeshot, 2 cases Wine: Number 1, 1 hogshead of Lisbon wine, gauged at 60 gallons, 2 gallons short of full Number 2, 1 hogshead of Lisbon wine, gauged at 60 gallons, 1 gallon short of full Number 3, 1 hogshead of Lisbon wine, gauged at 60 gallons, 1 gallon short of full Number 4, 1 hogshead of Lisbon wine, gauged at 61 gallons, 2 gallons short of full Lisbon wine due, 241 gallons Lisbon wine short, 6 gallons Lisbon wine received, 235 gallons Number 5, 1 hogshead of port, gauged at 59 gallons, 1 gallon short of full Number 6, 1 hogshead of port, gauged at 59 gallons, 2 gallons short of full Number 7, 1 hogshead of port, gauged at 60 gallons, 2 gallons short of full Number 8, half a hogshead of port, gauged at 29 gallons, 1 gallon short of full Port due, 207 gallons Port short, 6 gallons Port received, 201 gallons Number 9, 1 hogshead of Mountain wine, gauged at 60 gallons, 1 gallon short of full Number 10, half a hogshead of Mountain wine, gauged at 30 gallons, 1 gallon short of full Mountain wine due, 90 gallons Mountain wine short, 2 gallons Mountain wine received, 88 gallons Tiles broken, 500 Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account. Interpretations The account sorted every loss into one of three kinds, and each kind fell on a different party. Breakage found inside packing that was still in good order was the fault of the packers in England, not of the ship. Shortfalls in weight or measure from natural loss in transit, such as the salt, soap and leather, were treated as unavoidable and charged to no one. Goods that were missing altogether, such as the 113 deal boards, the coal and the two cases of grapeshot, were short deliveries, and the commander was answerable for them. The storekeeper's careful sorting decided who would pay. Mountain wine was a sweet white wine from the hills around Malaga in Spain, popular in 18th-century England. Lisbon wine was a white wine from Portugal, and port the fortified red wine of the Douro. All three kept well in the cask on long voyages, which was why the Company sent them to the island. The glass in five different sizes was probably for particular windows in the Castle and other Company buildings, and the high rate of breakage shows how hard it was to ship such fragile goods. Handspikes were wooden levers used to move and aim heavy guns, and grapeshot was a cluster of small iron balls fired from a cannon at close range against men. | |
11 | 1773 William Thomas being Missing the Night before the sailing of the Spanish Ship, and not being since found, apprehended he has Deserted upon that Ship. Captain John Lauder this Day applied to Us to pay Seven hundred pounds into the Honble. Company's Cash, which Sum we have Received, and given him Bills of Exchange Drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable to himself (or Order) at Ninety Days sight. Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain Samuel Bull one hundred and thirty Bags of Rice, one hundred and thirty Bags Paddy, twenty Bags Sugar twenty Cape Sheep, four Sacks Wheat, and one Basket Garden Seeds, as p the following Bill, for the Amount whereof we have paid him, one hundred and forty one pounds, six Shillings and eleven pence. The Honble. East India Company Dr. To Samuel Bull To 130 Bags Rice Wt. Cs. qr. lb 173 . 1 . 7 @ 8/ p C. £ 69 . 6 . 6 130 Paddy 119 . 1 . 8 @ 4/ Do. 23 . 17 . 3 20 Sugar 24 . . 3 @ 25/ Do. 30 . . 8 20 Sheep @ 14/ each 14 4 Sacks Wheat Packed in 8 Bags 2 . 12 . 6 1 Basket Garden Seeds 1 . 10 £ 141 . 6 . 11 24 May 1773 Errors Excepted For Saml. Bull (signed) Saml. Clark John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | William Thomas went missing the night before the Spanish ship La Venus sailed and had not been found since. The Council concluded that he had deserted on that ship. Captain John Lauder asked to pay £700 0s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, payable to Lauder or to his order 90 days after sight. The Council bought a quantity of food and stock from Captain Samuel Bull for the Company and paid him £141 6s 11d. His bill read as follows. Account of the East India Company with Samuel Bull 130 bags of rice weighing 173 hundredweight 1 quarter 7 pounds, at 8s 0d per hundredweight, £69 6s 6d 130 bags of paddy weighing 119 hundredweight 1 quarter 8 pounds, at 4s 0d per hundredweight, £23 17s 3d 20 bags of sugar weighing 24 hundredweight 0 quarters 3 pounds, at 25s 0d per hundredweight, £30 0s 8d 20 sheep at 14s 0d each, £14 0s 0d 4 sacks of wheat packed in 8 bags, £2 12s 6d 1 basket of garden seeds, £1 10s 0d Total, £141 6s 11d Samuel Clark signed the bill on Bull's behalf, subject to correction of any errors. It was dated 24 May 1773. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Captain Bull's sale shows how the commanders' private trade fed the island. The Bengal government had sent only 60 bags of rice and 15 of paddy on each ship as the Company's own supply. Bull, commanding the Duke of Grafton, carried far more on his own account, 130 bags of each, and sold them to the Company at the island. The Council could have relied on the official consignment alone. It chose to buy the commander's cargo as well, because the island needed much more rice than Bengal sent and Bull's goods were already in the anchorage. For Bull it was a profitable use of the cargo space his rank allowed him. For the island it was the cheapest way to fill the gap. This dependence on commanders' private cargoes helps explain why the Council later took the commanders' detention of Company supplies so seriously, and why it could seldom afford to quarrel with them for long. The desertion of William Thomas on a Spanish ship was an early example of a problem that grew worse in later years. Any ship in the anchorage, British or foreign, offered a way off the island to a soldier who wanted to leave. A foreign ship bound for Spain was beyond any claim the Council or the Court could make, so a man who reached one was lost for good. | |
12 | 31 May At a Consultation held on Monday the 31 day of May 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 24 May 1773. Tuesday the 25 Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Norfolk for England. Do. Do. the French Ship Three Cousins for Port L'Orient Wednesday the 26 Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Duke of Grafton for England Friday the 28 Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Alfred for Fort Marlborough. Saturday the 29 Passed by two Dutch Ships. Yesterday Sailed the Dutch Ship De Mer Cuer for Rotterdam. On the 29 instant Captain Christian Andrew Speer of the Dutch Ship De Mer Cuer applied to Us to pay four hundred pounds into the Honble. Company's Cash which Sum we have received and given him Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors, payable to himself (or order) at Ninety days sight. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 31 May 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 24 May 1773 were read, approved and signed. The minutes recorded the ships that had left since the last meeting. On Tuesday 25 May 1773 the Company's ship Norfolk sailed for England and the French ship Three Cousins for Port L'Orient. The Duke of Grafton sailed for England on Wednesday 26 May 1773. On Friday 28 May 1773 the Alfred left for Fort Marlborough. Two Dutch ships passed the island on Saturday 29 May 1773 without stopping. The Dutch ship Mercurius sailed for Rotterdam on 30 May 1773. On 29 May 1773 Captain Christian Andrew Spin of the Mercurius asked to pay £400 0s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, payable to Spin or to his order 90 days after sight. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Captain Spin's purchase of bills shows that the island treasury served foreign traders as well as the Company's own people. A Dutch captain homeward bound from Batavia had probably sold goods on the island for silver. A bill payable in London turned that silver into a safe credit he could draw on through the close commercial links between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and London. He avoided carrying coin home, and the treasury gained silver it needed for the island's costs. A bill drawn on the Court of Directors was trusted well beyond the British community, and St Helena's position on the route of every European fleet made the treasury a convenient exchange for them all. | |
13 | 5 June At a Consultation held on Saturday the 5 Day of June 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 31 May 1773. On the 2 Instant we Inlisted John Thompson to serve the Honble. Company as a Soldier for five Years, he appearing to be a good Man we have given him five pounds bounty Money. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard of the Ship Prince of Wales to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows viz. Muster Roll of Ship Prince of Wales Jona. Court Commandr. Willm. Budworth 1 Mate Frans. Palmer 2 Do. Aug. Jos. Applegath 3 Do. David Jolme 4 Do. Saml. Weadon 5 Do. Stepn. Mattw. Surgeon Wm. Hutchens Purser Jos. Andrews Boatswain John Harris Gunner Stepn. Crump Carptr. Wm. Waghtman Surg. Mate Nichs. Rigles Caulker Thos. Shepherd Cooper John Batt Sailmaker Jam. Blake Ships Steward Thos. Perry Captn. Steward Saml. Jones Do. Cook Wm. Sheridan Ships Do. Caleb Merrett Coopr. Mate Willm. Godfrey Do. Josh. Lock Caulkers Do. Aus. Atterbury Carpr. Do. Edwd. Jenery Boats. Do. Willm. Mackwell Do. Frans. Hilliard Gunr. Do. Jos. Simmons Armour. Saml. Fisher 2 Mate Jos. Murray Do. Thos. Thomas Do. Jos. Johnson Do. John Clark Do. John Richardson 2 Mate Richd. Davis Midshipman Thos. Dale Do. John Hall Seaman John Duff John Fisher Thos. Richardson Wm. Mc. Cooley Anthony Cox Willm. Owen Josh. Lanche Anthony King Willm. Storey Luke Gardener Peter Smith Owen Thomas | The Council met at the Castle on Saturday 5 June 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 31 May 1773 were read, approved and signed. On 2 June 1773 the Council enlisted John Thompson to serve the Company as a soldier for five years. He seemed a good man, and the Council paid him a bounty of £5 0s 0d. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Prince of Wales to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. Jonathan Court, commander William Budworth, first mate Francis Palmer, second mate Augustus Joseph Applegath, third mate David Jolme, fourth mate Samuel Weadon, fifth mate Stephen Matthews, surgeon Peter Hutchens, purser Joseph Andover, boatswain John Harris, gunner Stephen Crump, carpenter William Wightman, surgeon's mate Nicholas Rigles, caulker Thomas Shipperd, cooper John Ball, sailmaker James Blake, ship's steward Thomas Povey, captain's steward Samuel Jones, captain's cook Peter Sheridan, ship's cook Caleb Merrell, cooper's mate William Godfrey, cooper's mate Joseph Jash, caulker's mate Augustus Atterbury, carpenter's mate Edward Jenery, boatswain's mate William Mackrell, boatswain's mate Francis Hilliard, gunner's mate Joseph Symmons, armourer Samuel Jackes, quartermaster Joseph Murray, quartermaster Thomas Thomas, quartermaster Joseph Johnson, quartermaster John Clark, quartermaster John Richardson, quartermaster Richard Davis, midshipman Thomas Duke, midshipman Seamen: John Hall John Duff John Fisher Thomas Richardson William McCooley Anthony Cox William Owen Joseph Lanche Anthony King William Storey Luke Gardener Peter Smith Owen Thomas Interpretations The roll shows two men who appeared in later letters at the head of their own ships. Jonathan Court, commander of the Prince of Wales in 1773, was still commanding her in July 1777, when he put the Council's invalids back ashore and kept the passage money. Augustus Joseph Applegath, third mate here, commanded the Europa by 1778. A third mate in 1773 could command an Indiaman within five years, which shows how quickly the Company's sea service promoted capable officers. The bounty paid to John Thompson was half the £10 0s 0d given to John McNab a few weeks earlier. The Council seems to have set the bounty by the man. McNab was described as a fine, well-built man, and the Council was prepared to pay more to secure him. | |
14 | 5 June Peter Conneley Seaman Willm. Sutherland Jeremiah Westaway Willm. Bettridge Jos. Lawes John Johnson Frans. Batty Willm. Hatton David Davidson David Cormick Peter De Costa John Clarey James Clark John Edwards Willm. Newton Alexd. Pennington Benjn. Clarke Thos. Hambleton John Parrish Lawe. Cooper Henry Miers Seaman Thos. Miller John Bell John Somerile Augus. Amos David Lawson Michl. Hughes John Carden Humpy. Williams Richd. Jefferies Wm. Williams James Green Saml. J. Crutt Robt. Sparks James Mores Richd. Barford James Townsend Ezekiel Conolly John Danford John Stewart Wm. Brown Seaman Lawe. Mc. Lamara Saml. Blood George Clark Willm. Martin Richd. Biddle Geo. Clark Joseph Potts John Orton Edward Moore Alexd. Mc. Lean Abraham Mills Robt. Maxwell Sorrees Cornelius John Pollydore Wm. Munday John Royal John Rea Wm. Oneille Edward Pope Passengers John Cartier Esqr. Mrs. Cartier James Harris Esqr. Mrs. Harris Mr. Willm. Marriott five Children twelve Servants (signed) Jonathan Court The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Short received from Ship Prince of Wales. Account of Stores short received from Ship Prince of Wales. 2 . 1 . 11 Rice 1 . 2 . 0 Paddy 1 . 3 . 8 Sugar 0 . 1 . 12 Candles Short Weight occasioned by Wastage the Packages being in good order. (signed) Jona. Doveton Store keeper | The list of seamen on the Prince of Wales continued. Peter Connelley William Sutherland Jeremiah Westaway William Bettridge Joseph Lawes John Johnson Francis Batty William Hatton David Davidson David Cornick Peter Da Costa John Clarey James Clark John Edwards William Newton Alexander Pennington Benjamin Clarke Thomas Hambleton John Parrish Lawrence Cooper Henry Mears Thomas Miller John Bell John Sonnerile Augustus Amos David Lawson Michael Hughes John Carden Humphrey Williams Richard Jefferies William Williams James Green Samuel J. Crutt Robert Sparks James Mores Richard Barford James Townsend Ezekiel Connelly John Danford John Stewart William Brown Lawrence McNamara Samuel Blood George Clark William Martin Richard Riddle George Clark Joseph Potts John Orton Edward Mure Alexander McLean Abraham Mills Robert Maxwell Lorreos Cornelius John Pollydore William Munday John Royal John Rea William O'Neill Edward Pope The passengers were listed next. John Cartier Mrs Cartier James Harris Mrs Harris William Marriott 5 children 12 servants Jonathan Court signed the roll. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Prince of Wales. Rice, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 11 pounds short in weight Paddy, 1 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds short in weight Sugar, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 8 pounds short in weight Candles, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds short in weight He put the shortfall down to natural loss in transit, since the packages had arrived in good condition. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account. | |
15 | 7 June William Blevin Matross John Blevin Thos. Morgan and Abraham Miller Private, this day Petitioned for their Discharges from the Garrison having served the Honble. Company their contracted times. Granted John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett At a Consultation held on Monday the 7 Day of June 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved, and Signed, dated the 24 May 1773. Last night sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Prince of Wales for England. | Four soldiers asked to be discharged from the garrison, since they had served their full contracted terms. They were William Blevin, a matross, and three privates, John Blevin, Thomas Morgan and Abraham Miller. The Council granted their discharges. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The Council met at the Castle on Monday 7 June 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 5 June 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Company's ship Prince of Wales had sailed for England on the night of 6 June 1773. The minutes went on to record a matter concerning a man named Robert. | |
16 | 7 June Robert Nichols Matross and John Newton Private this day Petitioned for their Discharges from the Garrison having served the Honble. Company their Contracted times. Granted In consequence of our Letter to the Reverend Mr. Bearcroft requesting his stay as a Chaplain to the Island under date of 3 May. Mr. Bearcroft waited upon the Board acquainting Us with his Compliance to our request. At same time assuring Us that probably his own future plan and Interest in Life might suffer from his determination, that his return this Year would have been attended with very favourable Circumstances having had two offers of a Passage home for himself and family which owing to the kindness of friends would have been but little expensive, both which considerations he now gives up from a desire to obledge the Governor and Council and the Inhabitants in general, he therefore flatters himself that his salary may be continued to him until his Departure from the Island, and further that as his return next Year under different circumstances will be attended with additional Expence, leaves to the Board to represent the same to the Court of Directors as his stay is entirely in Compliance to our request. It appears to Us that Mr. Bearcroft's request is very reasonable; have therefore agreed to allow him the Chaplains Salary during his stay and that on his Return to England next Year in case he should not meet with the same advantage which offered this; to request of the Court of Directors that they would allow Us to pay him some reasonable Gratuity to defray his Charges home as we are very sensible that his stay has been entirely in compliance to our request. There being no Madeira Wine in the Company's Stores for the use of the Table. We have purchased a Pipe containing eighty five Gallons at seven Shillings and two pence p Gallon amounting | Two more soldiers asked to be discharged, since they had served their full contracted terms: Robert Nichols, a matross, and John Newton, a private. The Council granted their discharges. On 3 May 1773 the Council had written to the Reverend Mr Bearcroft asking him to stay on as chaplain to the island. Bearcroft now came before the Council and agreed to do so. He pointed out, however, that the decision might well harm his own plans and prospects. If he had gone home that year, he would have travelled on very good terms. He had been offered passage for himself and his family twice, and thanks to the kindness of friends it would have cost him little. He was giving up both chances out of a wish to oblige the Governor, the Council and the inhabitants. He therefore hoped his salary would continue until he left the island. He also asked the Council to tell the Court that his journey home the following year would probably cost him more, since he was staying only because the Council had asked him to. The Council considered his request very reasonable. It agreed to pay him the chaplain's salary for as long as he stayed. If he could not find terms as good when he left the following year, the Council would ask the Court's permission to pay him a fair sum towards the cost of his passage home. It acknowledged that he was staying entirely at its request. There was no Madeira wine in the Company's stores for the official table. The Council therefore bought a pipe holding 85 gallons at 7s 2d a gallon, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The Council's handling of Bearcroft shows how hard it was to replace a professional man on so remote an island. A chaplain could only come from England, and a successor would take a year or more to arrive. Letting Bearcroft leave as he had planned would have left the island without a clergyman to hold services, baptise, marry and bury. The Council asked him to stay and then had to make it worth his while. It agreed at once to continue his salary, which was within its power. For the larger cost of his passage it could only promise to ask the Court. Committing the Company's money to a gratuity without the Court's consent was beyond its authority, so it recorded Bearcroft's sacrifice in full to support the request. The Madeira bought for the official table was a charge on the Company. The Governor kept a public table at the Castle, where Company officials, ships' officers and important passengers were entertained. This was the same expense whose growth Governor Skottowe had to explain to the Court in 1778. | |
17 | 14 June Exd. amounting to thirty Pounds nine Shillings, and two pence. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett At a Consultation held on Monday the 14 Day of June 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed dated the 7 June 1773. Mr. Matthew Bazett requests to have a Letter and Receipt upon a Bill of Sale Registered. Granted The Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of May last were this day laid before Us which were Examined, and are as follow viz. | The pipe of Madeira cost £30 9s 2d in all. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The Council met at the Castle on Monday 14 June 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 7 June 1773 were read, approved and signed. Matthew Bazett asked for a letter and a receipt relating to a bill of sale to be entered in the island's register. The Council agreed. The Council then examined the accounts for artillery stores and the steward's spending during May 1773, which were set out in the minutes as follows. Interpretations Bazett's request shows the Council acting as the island's public registry. A bill of sale recorded the transfer of property, such as land, a house or slaves, from one owner to another. Entering it, together with the letter and receipt that went with it, in the Company's official record gave the transaction lasting legal proof that could be produced in any later dispute. There was no separate land registry or court of record on St Helena, so councillors and inhabitants alike relied on the Council's books. The request came from a member of the Council itself, which shows that the same men who kept the register also used it for their own affairs. | |
18 | 14 June Artillery Stores Expended in May 1773 Guns fired, S[...] Pdrs., 9 Pdrs., 6 Do., 4 Do., 3 Do., Powder Expended lbs, Powder Expended oz 1 Arrived the Alfred: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 5, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 2 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Earl of Lincoln: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 5, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 3 An alarm: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Lord Camden: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 5, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 6 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Fox: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 5, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 9 A Double Alarm for four Ships: Guns fired 13, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 10, 3 Do. 3, Powder Expended lbs 24, Powder Expended oz 0 Do. Arrived the Norfolk Ashburnham & Anson: Guns fired 36, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 16, 6 Do. 20, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 63, Powder Expended oz 0 Do. Departed the Fox (no salute) p Earl of Lincoln and Pigot: Guns fired 18, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 14, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 28, Powder Expended oz 0 10 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 11 Arrived a Spanish Ship: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 5, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. An alarm for a Ship past by: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 16 Departed the Anson & Ashburnham: Guns fired 18, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 14, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 28, Powder Expended oz 0 18 Departed the Nassau: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 4, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 15, Powder Expended oz 8 19 Departed a Spanish Ship: Guns fired 15, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 4, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 28, Powder Expended oz 4 21 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 22 Do.: Guns fired 6, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 4, 3 Do. 2, Powder Expended lbs 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. The Alarm doubled Arrived a french (no Salute) and a Dutch Ship: Guns fired 13, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 8, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 18, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Duke of Grafton: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 4, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 23 Arrived the Prince of Wales: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 4, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 25 Departed the Norfolk & a french Ship no salute from the french Ship: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 4, 6 Do. 5, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 26 Departed the Duke of Grafton: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 4, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 28 Departed the Alfred: Guns fired 9, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 4, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 14, Powder Expended oz 8 29 A Double Alarm for two Dutch Ships who came in & Saluted thirteen Guns each: Guns fired 26, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 5, 6 Do. 21, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 45, Powder Expended oz 0 Fired Dutch Ship: Guns fired 0, S[...] Pdrs. 2, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 0, Powder Expended oz 0 30 Departed a Dutch Ship: Guns fired 13, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 8, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs 15, Powder Expended oz 8 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, S[...] Pdrs. 0, 9 Pdrs. 0, 6 Do. 0, 4 Do. 0, 3 Do. 0, Powder Expended lbs [...], Powder Expended oz 0 Total: Guns fired 299, S[...] Pdrs. 2, 9 Pdrs. 93, 6 Do. 139, 4 Do. 46, 3 Do. 21, Powder Expended lbs 10[2]1, Powder Expended oz 2 Carried Over | The account of artillery stores used in May 1773 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. 1 May, arrival of the Alfred: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder. 2 May, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 2 May, arrival of the Earl of Lincoln: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder. 3 May, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 3 May, arrival of the Lord Camden: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder. 6 May, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 6 May, arrival of the Fox: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder. 9 May, double alarm for four ships: 13 guns fired (10 four-pounders and 3 three-pounders), 24 lb 0 oz of powder 9 May, arrival of the Norfolk, Earl of Ashburnham and Anson: 36 guns fired (16 nine-pounders and 20 six-pounders), 63 lb 0 oz of powder. 10 May, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 11 May, arrival of a Spanish ship: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 11 May, alarm for a ship passing: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 16 May, departure of the Anson and the Earl of Ashburnham: 18 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 14 six-pounders), 28 lb 0 oz of powder. 19 May, departure of a Spanish ship: 9 guns fired (5 nine-pounders and 4 six-pounders), 15 lb 8 oz of powder 21 May, alarm: 15 guns fired (5 nine-pounders, 4 six-pounders, 4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 28 lb 4 oz of powder 22 May, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 22 May, alarm doubled: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 22 May, arrival of a French ship, with no salute, and a Dutch ship: 13 guns fired (5 nine-pounders and 8 six-pounders), 18 lb 8 oz of powder 22 May, arrival of the Duke of Grafton: 9 guns fired (5 nine-pounders and 4 six-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder. 29 May, double alarm for two Dutch ships, which came in and saluted with 13 guns each, and the salutes returned: 26 guns fired (5 nine-pounders and 21 six-pounders), 45 lb 0 oz of powder 29 May, further entry for the Dutch ships: 2 [...] 30 May, departure of a Dutch ship: 13 guns fired (8 six-pounders), 15 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 182 lb 0 oz Totals: 299 guns fired, 2 [...], 93 nine-pounders, 139 six-pounders, 46 four-pounders, 21 three-pounders, 701 lb 12 oz of powder The totals were carried forward to the next part of the account. Interpretations The account shows how much of the island's gunpowder went on ceremony and signals rather than defence. Every Company ship arriving or leaving was saluted, usually with nine guns. Foreign ships were answered when they saluted the island, as the two Dutch ships did with 13 guns each. A French ship that gave no salute received none in return. Alarms were fired from the lookout posts with the small four- and three-pounders whenever a sail was sighted, and doubled when more than one ship appeared. In a single busy month the island fired 299 guns and used about 700 pounds of powder, almost all of it in salutes and alarms. This helps explain why, by 1779, the engineer warned that the island's powder was too low for its defence. The alarm system was the island's early warning. Lookouts on the high ground could see a ship long before she reached the anchorage, and a gun signal sent the news to the Castle and the garrison at once. The guns told the Governor how many ships were approaching, and the salutes exchanged on arrival confirmed whether they were friendly. A ship that sailed past without stopping still cost an alarm. | |
19 | 1773 Small Stores Bees Wax 12 lbs Junk for Wads 106 Do. Tallow 12 Do. Match 2 Skains Paper 1 Ream Lead Shot 1 lb Spunge Staves 4 No. Do. heads 6 Pdrs. 4 Do. Sheep Skins for Spunges 2 Do. Do. Tann'd 1 No. Trunk Nails 60 No. Tampeons 18 Pdrs. 1 No. Cartridge Needles 10 No. Brooms 3 No. Worms 6 Pdrs. 1 No. Vinegar 2 Gallons Tampeons for 6 Pdrs. 2 No. (signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery. Sundrys Expended at the Honorable Company's Table in May 1773 59 Bottles Madeira £ 5 . 18 9 Do. Port 13 . 6 34 Do. Lisbon 2 . 11 7 Do. Mountain 10 . 6 71 Do. Beer 13 . 3¾ 16½ Gallons Arrack 2 . 14 . 9 55 lb Beef 13 . 9 303 Mutton 6 . 6 . 3 12 Fowls 18 6 Ducks 9 4 Turkeys 1 Carried Over £ 22 . 8 . 3¾ | The account continued with the small artillery stores used in May 1773. Beeswax, 12 lb Old rope for wadding, 106 lb Tallow, 12 lb Slow match, 2 skeins Paper, 1 ream Lead shot, 1 lb Sponge staves, 4 Sponge heads for six-pounders, 4 Sheepskins for sponges, 2 Tanned sheepskins, 1 Trunk nails, 60 Tampions for eighteen-pounders, 1 Cartridge needles, 10 Brooms, 3 Worms for six-pounders, 1 Vinegar, 2 gallons Tampions for six-pounders, 2 James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in May 1773 read as follows. 59 bottles of Madeira, £5 18s 0d 9 bottles of port, £0 13s 6d 34 bottles of Lisbon wine, £2 11s 0d 7 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 10s 6d 71 bottles of beer, £0 13s 3¾d 16½ gallons of arrack, £2 14s 9d 55 lb of beef, £0 13s 9d 303 lb of mutton, £6 6s 3d 12 fowls, £0 18s 0d 6 ducks, £0 9s 0d 2 turkeys, £1 0s 0d Carried forward, £22 8s [...] Interpretations The small stores show the routine upkeep of the guns. A sponge was a sheepskin pad on a long staff, dipped in water or vinegar and pushed down the barrel after each shot to put out any burning remains before the next charge went in. A worm was a corkscrew on a staff used to draw out old wadding. A tampion was a wooden plug fitted into the muzzle to keep out rain and sea spray. Slow match was cord soaked so that it smouldered steadily, used to fire the guns. Cartridge needles pierced the cloth or paper powder bag through the touch-hole so the priming would ignite it. The 106 pounds of old rope for wadding matched the heavy firing of salutes recorded in the same month. The account was signed by James Tippet, the captain whose neglect the Governor blamed in 1777 for the artillery's misconduct. The Company's table account shows what the Governor's official entertaining cost in a single busy month. Eleven ships called in May 1773, and their officers and principal passengers dined at the Castle. Wine made up nearly half the bill, Madeira above all. Meat was cheap by comparison: the mutton, at about 5d a pound, came from the island's own flocks. This was the expense that grew steadily over the years and that Governor Skottowe had to justify to the Court in 1778. | |
20 | 14 June Brought Over £ 22 . 8 . 0¾ 101 lb Candy 2 . 10 . 6 605 lb Flour 5 . . 10 1 Pig 5 Bought for the Table 221 lb Beef 4 . 12 . 1 12 Turkeys 3 23 Fowls 1 . 14 . 6 14 Ducks 1 . 1 1 Goose 5 6 Pigs 1 . 10 £ 42 . 6 . 11¾ Joseph Whaley Sergeant this Day Petitioned for his discharge from the Garrison, having served the Honorable Company his Contracted time. Granted. An application being made to the Governor by Lieut. Gibson respecting any future Promotion that may happen in this Garrison in the Marching Company's, and how far the same may effect him as being a Second Lieutenant of Artillery whose commission together with Lieut. Shirley's of same Corps recommended as second Lieutenants by the Governor and Council (and approved of by the Honorable the Court of Directors) being of Prior date to Lieuts. Stewart, Caldwell, Statham, Bazett and Gurling. We have thought proper to take the same into consideration, that the Ranks of the several persons, concerned may be ascertained, and their future promotion determined. But the present case appearing to us a nice Point to determine upon We beg leave to have a retrospect to their appointments (offer our oppinions thereon) refering the decision to the Honorable Company. In the Governor and Councils letter under date of the the 13 February 1769 they mention the Necessity of Superannuating | The steward's account continued from the amount brought forward of £22 8s 0¾d. 101 lb of sugar candy, £2 10s 6d 605 lb of flour, £5 0s 10d 1 pig, £0 5s 0d Bought in for the table: 221 lb of beef, £4 12s 1d 12 turkeys, £3 0s 0d 23 fowls, £1 14s 6d 14 ducks, £1 1s 0d 1 goose, £0 5s 0d 6 pigs, £1 10s 0d Total, £42 6s 11¾d Sergeant Joseph Whaley asked to be discharged from the garrison, since he had served his full contracted term. The Council granted his discharge. Lieutenant Gilson had approached the Governor about future promotions in the infantry companies. He wanted to know how his position as a second lieutenant of artillery would affect his chances. The Governor and Council had recommended him and Lieutenant Shirley of the same corps as second lieutenants, and the Court had approved. Their commissions were therefore older than those of Lieutenants Stewart, Caldwell, Statham, Bazett and Gurling. The Council decided to look into the question so that the rank of each officer could be settled and the order of future promotion fixed. The case raised a fine point that the Council did not feel able to decide alone. It chose instead to review the history of their appointments, give its own opinion and leave the final decision to the Court. In a letter of 13 February 1769 the Governor and Council had pointed out the need to retire some officers, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Gilson's question was the same one Lieutenant Leech raised in 1778. Officers of the artillery and the infantry rose by seniority, but it was unclear whether an artillery commission counted towards promotion in the infantry companies. Gilson held an older commission than five infantry lieutenants. If the two branches were ranked together, he would stand ahead of them for the next captaincy. If they were kept separate, he could be passed over by men junior to him. The Council could have ranked the officers itself and ended the uncertainty. It held back because the answer would set a rule binding every future promotion in the garrison, and only the Court could make such a rule. Five years later the question was still unsettled, and the Council was still proposing to rank artillery officers with the infantry from the dates of their commissions. The table account shows how much the island's official entertaining relied on local produce. Beef, mutton, poultry and pigs were bought on the island, while wine, flour and sugar candy came by sea. Altogether, the Company's table cost £42 6s 11¾d in May 1773. | |
21 | 1773 Superannuating Lieut. Nathan Sample on half pay, and appointing Corporal Robt. Gibson to do his duty until the Company's further pleasure was known and also Sergeant John Shirley to do the duty of Lieut. Leech who was under a Suspension of six Months by order of a General Court Martial, this, the necessity of the service required, as the Artillery Corps could not be left without Officers: during the Period between this transaction, and before the Company could be acquainted therewith they thought proper to Augment their Establishment on this Island by adding a Second Lieutenant to every Company, and in their letter bearing date 19 Janry. 1769. Appointed Charles Ross Stewart, William Caldwell, Thomas Statham John Bazett and Robert Gurling to the Rank of Second Lieutenants specifying their immediate standing Lieut. Stewart next to Lieut. Greentree Lieut. Caldwell next Stewart and so on, in determined Succession to the five above named Gentlemen; The orders being received p Speke Captain Jackson Commander the 6 of May 1769 together with two Article's respecting the Military under paragraphs 25 of General Letter requiring the assent of their Officers to the same. We thought it necessary to order new Commissions to be made out for all, worded in the same mode of those Gentlemens Commissions which immediately came from the Company without altering the dates of such as were Officers before that period, but as John Shirley had commenced doing duty for Lieut. Leech from the 7 of November 68 Suspended for Six Months, from that date and Robert Gibson for Nathan Sample the 14 of the same Month at that time Superannuated, those Commissions were made out, being dated from said period, which superceeded Lieutenants Stewart Caldwell, Statham, Bazett and Gurling, tho' the confirmation of the appointments of John Shirley and Robert Gibson was not confirmed until the Year after by the 39 Paragraph of your General Letter dated the 17 January 1770. The above is an Exact state of the case [...] and as we apprehend should any further promotion offer in this Garrison, that the seniority in Rank (if no exceptions against Character) would then probably be recommended, therefore the said Lt. Stewart, Caldwell Statham Bazett and Gurling think themselves intitled so have set forth that they apprehend that their positive appointments from your Honors agreable to the dates of their Commissions ought to take Rank of Lieut. Shirley & Gibson the | The 1769 letter had recommended retiring Lieutenant Nathan Sample on half pay. In his place the Council appointed Corporal Robert Gilson to act until the Court's wishes were known. It also appointed Sergeant John Shirtley to carry out the duties of Lieutenant Leech, whom a general court martial had suspended for six months. The service required both steps, since the artillery company could not be left without officers. Before the Court learned of these arrangements, it decided to enlarge the island's establishment by adding a second lieutenant to every company. By its letter of 19 January 1769 it appointed five men as second lieutenants: Charles Ross Stewart, William Caldwell, Thomas Statham, John Bazett and Robert Gurling. It set their order of seniority, with Stewart next after Lieutenant Greentree, Caldwell next after Stewart, and so on down the five names. Those orders arrived on 6 May 1769 by the Speke, under Captain Jackson. They came with two articles on military matters in paragraph 25 of the general letter, which the officers were required to accept. The Council then had new commissions made out for all the officers, worded in the same form as the commissions the Court had sent for the five new lieutenants. It did not change the dates of officers already serving before that time. Shirtley, however, had begun acting for Leech on 7 November 1768, when Leech's six-month suspension began. Gilson had begun acting for Sample on 14 November 1768, when Sample retired. Their new commissions were dated from those days. This placed them ahead of Stewart, Caldwell, Statham, Bazett and Gurling, even though the Court did not confirm Shirtley's and Gilson's appointments until the 39th paragraph of its general letter of 17 January 1770. The Council set out these facts as an exact account of the case. It expected that if any further promotion arose in the garrison, seniority of rank would probably decide it, provided there was no objection to a man's character. Stewart, Caldwell, Statham, Bazett and Gurling therefore claimed their rights. They argued that their appointments had come directly from the Court, and that under the dates of their commissions they should rank above Shirtley and Gilson, as the minutes went on to explain. Interpretations The dispute arose from a clash between two sources of authority over appointments. The Council had filled two vacancies on the spot in November 1768, because the garrison could not wait a year for the Court to act. Months later, without knowing this, the Court appointed five new lieutenants directly from London. When the Council made out new commissions in 1769, it dated Shirtley's and Gilson's from the day they began acting. The obvious alternative was to date them from the Court's confirmation in 1770, which would have put them behind the five London appointees. The Council chose the earlier date, rewarding the two men who had stepped in when needed. The effect was that two officers promoted from the ranks on the island now stood above five appointed by the Court. The five naturally argued that a direct appointment from the Court should outrank an acting post that was only confirmed afterwards. Faced with that, the Council would not decide the matter itself and referred it to the Court. The Lieutenant Leech whose suspension in 1768 opened the vacancy for Shirtley was probably the same Leech who served in the artillery in 1777 and 1778, when the company had only him and Hay as officers. His career on the island thus ran from a court martial in 1768 to being one of its last remaining artillery officers a decade later. | |
22 | 14 June the former only acting during the six Months suspension of Lieut. Leech and the latter on half pay until their pleasure was known, respecting Lieut. Sample's be superaniated, as our recommendation of the said Shirley & Gibson was under date of 13 February 1769 the first opportunity that offered to acquaint the Court of Directors with what we had done, tho' they had acted as Lieutenants from the 7 & 14 November 1768, and the dates of the other Gentlemens Commissions 10, 11, and 12 &c. of January 1769 at the same time expressing in the word of said Commissions that they are not to take rank until their Arrival upon this Island. Having taking into Consideration the several Ranks of the second Lieuts. as above stated We are of opinion that the priority of Rank of Lieutenants Shirley and Gibson is a hardship upon Lieutenants Stewart, Caldwell, Statham, Bazett, and Gurling appointed by the Court of Directors, to obviate which we think that the Artillery should be considered as a seperate Corps, according to the practice of the Army, that the Officers of Artillery, should not be transfered to promotion in the Marching Company's, excepting under particular Circumstance of a promise, which at present subsists to Lieut. Leech by Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Skottowe and Mr. Purling the then Governor and Council when they transfered him from a Marching Company to the Artillery for the Good of the Service with a promise that the said transfer should not hereafter impede his future rise in the Marching Companys. Matthew Purling Esqr. presented the following letter. To John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena Gentlemen Having made a Contract with | Shirtley had acted only during Leech's six-month suspension, and Gilson in Sample's place while Sample was on half pay awaiting the Court's decision on his retirement. The Council first recommended the two men to the Court on 13 February 1769, at the earliest chance it had to report what it had done. By then they had already served as lieutenants since 7 and 14 November 1768. The other five officers' commissions were dated 10, 11 and 12 January 1769 and the days that followed. Those commissions also stated that their holders would not take rank until they arrived on the island. Having considered the ranks of all the second lieutenants, the Council concluded that giving Shirtley and Gilson precedence was unfair to Stewart, Caldwell, Statham, Bazett and Gurling, the Court's own appointees. To remove that unfairness, it proposed that the artillery be treated as a separate corps, as was the practice in the King's army. Artillery officers should not then move across to promotion in the infantry companies. The only exception would be where a promise had been given. Such a promise already existed for Lieutenant Leech. When Mr Hutchinson, then Governor, and Mr Skottowe and Mr Purling, then members of Council, moved Leech from an infantry company to the artillery for the good of the service, they had assured him that the transfer would not hold back his later promotion in the infantry. Matthew Purling then presented a letter addressed to Governor Skottowe and the Council. It said that Purling had made a contract, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The Council's solution avoided ruling directly between the two groups of officers. On dates alone, Shirtley and Gilson had a strong case, since they had served months before the five London appointees, whose own commissions said they took no rank until they reached the island. The Council could have ranked them all on one list by those dates. Instead it proposed separating the artillery from the infantry altogether. Shirtley and Gilson, who had both been made officers in the artillery, would then rise within that corps and no longer stand in the way of the infantry lieutenants. This gave the five Court appointees what they wanted without stripping the two acting officers of their seniority. Following the practice of the King's army also gave the proposal an authority beyond the Council's own judgement. The exception for Leech explains his complaint in 1778 that the artillery would block his promotion. He had been moved from the infantry to the artillery under an earlier Governor, with a personal promise that he would not lose his place in the infantry. The Council's new rule would have shut artillery officers off from infantry promotion, so it had to make a special exception to keep that promise. In 1778 the Council was still asking the Court to rank Leech with the infantry from the date of his commission. The promise made under Hutchinson was still being honoured, and still causing difficulty, a decade later. | |
23 | 1773 Captain Reddall last Year on his outward bound Voyage for Thirty Chests of Hyson Tea, and in consequence thereof he procured and delivered the same to me on his Arrival here this Year homeward bound, in compliance with, and agreable to the said contract. I was under a necessity of receiving it, but as this contract was made prior to the Receipt of the Honble. Company's Orders relative to their Servants dealing in Tea, I flatter myself it will not be deemed a disobedience to those injunctions, and more especially as it never was intended to be sold to either the Captains or Officers of Madrass Bengall or Bombay Ships or in any way to be put onboard those Ships, as will manifestly appear by a Contract I have made with Captain Dean to purchase the said Tea of me, which must accordingly be delivered to him on his Arrival here, who by commanding a Bencoolen Ship has a privilege in Tea equal to the Captains of China Ships. The above circumstances considered, I hope I stand acquitted in this transaction from acting in any shape contrary to the Interest or Orders of my Employers, from which during the many Years I have been in their Service I am not conscious of ever once deviating. I also contracted with Captain Dean to purchase Forty Chests of Tea more at the request of some Gentlemen in the Service who informed me that they had wrote to their friends, to bring them that quantity on their homeward bound Voyage, Captain Dean has therefore engaged to purchase seventy Chests of Tea on his return to this place; which contract of Captain Deans as well as that of Captain Reddalls I now lay before you and request you will be pleased to give your Opinions in Consultation on the above transaction that the same with this Letter may be laid before the Honble. the Court of Directors, who I hope and doubt not will judge of it in the favourable light it has been transacted unintentionally to Act in any respect contrary to their orders and commands, or deviating in the least from the same. I have the honor to be with regard Gentlemen Your most Obedient humble Servant (signed) Purling June 14 1773 | Purling's letter explained that in the previous year he had made a contract with Captain Riddale, then on his outward voyage, to buy 30 chests of Hyson tea. Riddale bought the tea and delivered it to Purling when he called at the island on his way home this year. Purling was bound by the contract to accept it. The contract had been made, however, before the Court's orders arrived forbidding its servants to deal in tea. He therefore hoped that the transaction would not be counted as disobedience. He stressed that he had never meant to sell the tea to the captains or officers of ships from Madras, Bengal or Bombay, or to put it on board those ships in any way. A further contract proved this. He had agreed to sell the same tea to Captain Dean, to be delivered when Dean arrived at the island. Dean commanded a ship from Bencoolen and was therefore allowed to carry tea on his own account, on the same footing as the captains of China ships. With all this in view, Purling hoped to be cleared of any action against the interests or orders of the Company. He said he was not aware of having strayed from those orders at any time in his many years of service. At the request of some gentlemen in the Company's service, he had also agreed that Dean would buy 40 more chests of tea. These gentlemen told him they had written to friends asking them to bring that quantity home with them. Dean had therefore agreed to buy 70 chests in all when he returned to the island. Purling placed both contracts, Dean's and Riddale's, before the Council. He asked the Council to give its opinion in the consultation, so that his letter and its view could go to the Court together. He trusted the Court would see the matter in the favourable light in which it had been done, without any intention of acting against its orders. Purling signed the letter on 14 June 1773. Interpretations Purling's letter shows a member of Council using the island as a market for tea. He bought tea from a China ship's captain and arranged to resell it to the captain of a Bencoolen ship. The distinction he drew was the heart of his defence. Captains of China ships, and of Bencoolen ships like Dean's, were allowed to carry a set quantity of tea home on their own account. Captains of ships from Madras, Bengal and Bombay were not. Tea passed to them would have been carried outside the rules, beyond the Company's control and without paying duty. By selling only to Dean, Purling claimed to keep the tea within the permitted system. This was the same traffic the Court described in 1778, when it complained that China ships were bringing extra tea to St Helena and passing it to other ships in the anchorage. Purling could have stayed silent, since the tea had already been delivered and the sale was arranged. Instead he laid the contracts before his colleagues and asked for their opinion to go to the Court. The Court's new orders against its servants dealing in tea had made his position uncertain. Disclosing the transaction openly and dating the contract before the orders arrived was his best protection. His later role as London agent for the councillors' remittances suggests the Court did not hold the matter against him. Hyson was a fine green tea from China, made from young leaves rolled tightly into small twists. It was one of the most valuable teas in the English market and well worth the effort of moving privately. | |
24 | 14 June Mr. Purling having laid before Us a Contract for thirty Chests of Tea to be delivered to him upon this Island together with his Contract with Captain Dean to deliver to him seventy Chests of Tea, on his Arrival to this Island, on his homeward bound Voyage as stated in his Letter to the board of this day's date requesting our Opinions on the same transaction, we therefore in compliance to his request, apprehend that as the said contracts were made by him, prior to the Honble. Company's orders under date of 6 January 1773, will not be deemed a Breach of said orders, under the above Predicament but as the Company's Orders are now made known relative to their Servants trading in Tea every contract for the future relative to that Commodity, must consequently be an immediate Breach of their positive Injuctions. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Purling had placed before the Council his contract for 30 chests of tea to be delivered to him on the island, and his contract with Captain Dean to deliver 70 chests to Dean when he called on his voyage home. His letter of the same day asked for the Council's opinion. The Council gave it. Purling had made both contracts before the Court's orders of 6 January 1773, so in those circumstances they would not be treated as a breach of the orders. The Council added that the Court's orders on its servants trading in tea were now known. From then on, any contract involving tea would be a direct breach of the Court's firm instructions. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council's ruling turned entirely on dates. The Court's orders were dated 6 January 1773 and reached the island only months later, so Purling's contracts, made the year before, fell outside them. The Council excused what was past and closed the door on anything further. That gave the Court a clear line between dealings made in ignorance of the rule and dealings made after it was known. Purling signed the minute that judged his own case. The Council had only four members, and removing one would have left just three to give an opinion. Even so, the record shows a councillor taking part in clearing himself of a charge against the Company's orders. The Council's careful wording, which applied the rule strictly to the future, may have been meant to show the Court that it was not simply protecting one of its own. | |
25 | 21 June At a Consultation held on Monday the 21 of June 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and, signed, dated the 14 June 1773. Wednesday the 16 Arrived the Royal Henry's Boat at Bankses at two o'Clock in the Afternoon. Do. Do. the Honorable Company's Ship Royal Henry from China. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports he has been onboard of the Ship Royal Henry to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters, but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows viz. Muster Roll of Ship Royal Henry Robt. Rous Commander John Hoxan 1 Mate Thos. Walker 2 Do. Peter Douglas 3 Do. Thos. Dalton 4 Do. Charles Deighton 5 Do. Jos. Down 6 Do. Thos. Snord Surgeon Gawin Turnbull Do. Mate James Webb Boatswain Peter Brown Gunner John Penny Carpenter Saml. Frazer Ship Steward Charles Roberts Midship. Edward Walker Do. Geo. Millet Do. Danl. Nash Leigh Do. Willm. Rycroft Caulker John Atwick Sailmaker Evan Evans Armourer Luke Davis Boatsn. Mate Benjn. Harris 2 Do. Frans. Pursell Gunr. Do. Geo. Barnsfield Carp. Do. John Darby Caulkers Do. Charles Rawlins Cooper Jos. Taylor Do. Mate John Lugg Ships Cook Willm. Hyles Butcher John Mayo Captn. Cook Boyd Lawson Do. Steward Henry Richards Seaman Saml. Richards Qr. Mastr. Frans. Brady Do. Chris. Herring Do. Thos. Riddey Do. Wm. Guthrie Seaman Wm. Peacock John Penny Edw. Pye Danl. Robertson John Carter Thos. Dickenson John Lowhetten Robt. Spencer Mar. Welch Israel Varey John Thompson Wm. Lloyd Abrm. Jones Wm. Simmons James Forster Henry Armstrong Peter Ross | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 21 June 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 14 June 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Council noted that on Wednesday 16 June 1773 the boat of the Royal Henry reached Banks's at two in the afternoon. The Company's ship Royal Henry arrived from China later the same day. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Royal Henry to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. Robert Rous, commander John Horan, first mate Thomas Mather, second mate Peter Douglas, third mate Thomas Dalton, fourth mate Charles Deighton, fifth mate Joseph Down, sixth mate Thomas Strond, surgeon Gavin Turnbull, surgeon's mate James Webb, boatswain Peter Brown, gunner John Penny, carpenter Samuel Frazer, ship's steward Charles Robarts, midshipman Edward Walker, midshipman George Millet, midshipman James Nash Leigh, midshipman William Rycroft, caulker John Atwick, sailmaker Evan Evans, armourer Luke Davis, boatswain's mate Benjamin Harris, boatswain's second mate Francis Purcell, gunner's mate George Barnsfield, carpenter's mate John Darby, caulker's mate Charles Rawlins, cooper Joseph Saylor, cooper's mate John Legg, ship's cook William Wyles, butcher John Mayo, captain's cook Boyd Lawson, captain's steward Henry Richards, seaman Samuel Richards, quartermaster Francis Brady, quartermaster Christopher Herring, quartermaster Thomas Riddey, quartermaster Seamen: William Guither William Peacock John Penny Edward Pye Daniel Robertson John Castles Thomas Dickenson John Southellen Robert Spencer Martin Welch Israel Varey John Thompson William Lloyd Abraham Jones William Simmons James Forster Henry Armstrong Peter Ross The list of seamen continued on the next page. Interpretations Two names on this roll reappear years later. Peter Douglas, third mate of the Royal Henry in 1773, was by 1778 commanding the Queen. In that role he carried the Malay prisoner home, and in October 1779 he remitted £2,000 0s 0d through the island treasury, one of the largest sums any commander sent. Thomas Strond, the ship's surgeon here, was probably the Mr Strond who served as the island's surgeon by 1778 and asked the Court for an electrical machine. The Company's ships were a training ground for the men who later commanded them or settled into posts on the island, and the muster rolls catch them at the start of those careers. | |
26 | 21 June Benjn. Ludwick Seaman Saml. Rakestraw Isaack Skipper Geo. Harroway Nichs. Power Thos. Urling Jno. Brent Robt. Henderson Richd. Johnson Danl. Mc. Namara John Hector Alexd. Brown Peter Peterson Peter Galley Wm. Christie Mathw. Hart John Deckman John Tulley Willm. Ayres Peter Conforth John Morris Seaman Jerm. Fitzgerald Saml. Ross John Sullivan Wm. Sopler Mattw. Willington Isaack Mundan Thos. Hey James Sparks Saml. King John Musgrove Willm. Hayes Thos. Bassets Geo. Caesar John Dunn John Dampier James Webb Philip Mortimer Willm. Young Michl. Murphy Willm. Mason Seaman John Taylor John Brown Robt. Scales Frans. Scales Henry Wise Henry Jacks Frans. Bradford Jos. Nattal John Taylor Isaac Turner Pierce Cassady David Daniel David Noble John Brown John Garret Hugh Henderson Thos. Codling Thos. Hange Thos. Bassett Passengers Captn. John Shirley Frans. Guider John Taylor John Smith Chas. Benham Joseph Clutterbuck Hugh Anderson (signed) Robt. Rous Lieutenant Robert Gibson this day presented the following Petition. | The list of seamen on the Royal Henry continued. Benjamin Ludwick Samuel Rakestraw Isaac Skipper George Harroway Nicholas Pover Thomas Urling John Brent Robert Henderson Richard Johnson Daniel McNamara John Hector Alexander Brown Peter Peterson Peter Galley William Christie Matthew Hart John Deckman John Tulley William Ayres Peter Conforth John Morris Jeremiah Fitzgerald Samuel Ross John Sullivan William Sessler Matthew Willington Isaac Mundan Thomas Hey James Sparks Samuel King John Musgrove William Hayes Thomas Bissels George Caesar John Dunn John Dampier James Webb Philip Mortimer William Young Michael Murphy William Mason John Taylor John Brown Robert Scales Francis Scales Henry Wise Henry Jacks Francis Bradford Joseph Nattal John Taylor Isaac Turner Pierce Cassady David Daniel David Noble John Bowen John Garret Hugh Henderson Thomas Codling Thomas Hange Thomas Bassett The passengers were listed next. Captain John Shirley Francis Guides John Taylor John Smith Charles Benham Joseph Clutterbuck Hugh Anderson Robert Rous signed the roll. Lieutenant Robert Gilson then presented a petition to the Council, as the minutes went on to record. | |
27 | 1773 To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena The Petition of Robt. Gillson Gentn. Lieut. of Artillery. Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner requests leave to proceed from hence to Europe on some particular business which requires his Attendance. That your petitioner does not mean to quit the Honble. Company's Service, but to continue therein as long as possible if complied with, will make your petioner As in Duty Bound for your Worships Ever pray. St. Helena 21 June 1773. The Governor & Council are much surprized at the request of Lieutenant Robt. Gillson as set forth in his Petition, have acquainted him in answer thereto that they give no officer leave to go home on any business be it ever so particular, that if he chooses to leave the Island he is at liberty so to do, but that the Governor and Council in consequence of such a conduct must consider him to all intents and purposes as out of the Honorable Company's Service. Captain John Howard this day paid into the Honble. Company's Cash the sum of six pounds ten shillings, being the Balance of the Account of Edward Groves a deceased Soldier, late of his Company, and informed Us that he had wrote to Rachel Groves Wife of the deceased acquainting her that he had paid the above sum into the Company's Cash, which we ordered to be wrote off to Account Current London. Counted and Examined the Honorable Company's Cash for the Month of May last, which is as follows, viz. | Lieutenant Robert Gilson of the artillery petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council for leave to go to Europe on private business that needed him in person. He stressed that he did not mean to leave the Company's service. He wished to remain in it for as long as he could. The petition was dated at St Helena on 21 June 1773. The Governor and Council were very surprised by the request. They told Gilson in reply that they gave no officer leave to go home on any business, however particular. He was free to leave the island if he chose. If he did, however, the Governor and Council would treat him in every respect as having left the Company's service. Captain John Howard paid £6 10s 0d into the Company's treasury. This was the balance of the account of Edward Groves, a soldier of his company who had died. Howard told the Council that he had written to Rachel Groves, the dead man's widow, to say that he had paid the money into the treasury. The Council ordered the sum to be transferred to the London account. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for May 1773, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Gilson's request came a week after the Council had reviewed his rank and proposed to the Court a rule that would keep artillery officers out of infantry promotion. His private business in Europe was probably that very question. In London he could press his claim to seniority with the Court in person, where his rivals could not. The Council could have granted leave, as it did for officials such as Doveton in 1779 who had a doctor's certificate. It refused, and gave him a stark choice between staying and resigning. An officer who left the island to argue his own case would have undercut the Council's report, which had only just been sent. Treating departure as resignation also kept the garrison from losing its officers one by one to private affairs at home. The Groves money shows how a soldier's estate reached his family. A company captain kept each man's pay account, and on a soldier's death any balance owed to him was settled. Howard paid it into the treasury and wrote to the widow. The Council then transferred it to the London account, so that the Court could pay Rachel Groves in England without any coin crossing the ocean. This was the same mechanism the bills of exchange used, applied here to a soldier's few pounds. | |
28 | 21 June Cash Dr. 1773 May 1 To Balance remaining £ 8336 . 17 . 3 8 To Exchange for four Sets of Bills drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors payable as follows viz. One Set to Captn. Alexd. Tod £ 600 Do. to Do. 100 Do. to Jeremiah Smith 200 Do. to Captn. Geo. Richardson 3000 3900 9 To Ship Pigot 24 . 9 . 4 To Ship Earl of Lincoln 6 . 10 . 3 To Ship Fox 8 . 6 10 To Exchange for two Sets of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable as follows viz. One Set to Captn. David Mitchell £ 36 . 14 One Do. to Captn. John Reddall 500 . 8 . 11 537 . 2 . 11 To Ship Lord Camden 9 . 4 . 1 14 To Exchange for a Set of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable to Captn. John Reddall (or Order) 46 15 To Ship Earl of Ashburnham 7 . 17 . 6 To Ship Anson 6 . 13 . 9 17 To Ship Nassau 16 . 17 . 4 21 To Exchange for a Set of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors, payable to Mr. Robert Barclay (or Order) 175 . 6 . 9 24 To Do. for a Set of Bills drawn as above payable to Captn. John Lauder (or Order) 700 To Ship Norfolk 6 . 4 . 10 To Ship Alfred 2 . 17 . 6 To Ship Duke of Grafton 8 . 1 . 5 29 To Exchange for a Set of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable to Captn. Christian Andrew Speer (or Order). 400 £ 14102 . 9 . 4 | The Company's cash account for May 1773 recorded the following money received. 1 May 1773, balance in hand, £8,336 17s 3d 8 May 1773, cash received for four sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, £3,900 0s 0d One set payable to Captain Alwood Tod, £600 0s 0d A second set payable to Captain Alwood Tod, £100 0s 0d One set payable to Jeremiah Smith, £200 0s 0d One set payable to Captain George Richardson, £3,000 0s 0d 9 May 1773, from the ship Pigot*, £24 9s 4d.* 10 May 1773, cash received for two sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, £537 2s 11d One set payable to Captain David Mitchell, £36 14s 0d One set payable to Captain John Riddall, £500 8s 11d From the ship Lord Camden*, £9 4s 1d.* 14 May 1773, cash received for a set of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Captain John Wedderburn or to his order, £46 0s 0d 15 May 1773, from the ship Earl of Ashburnham*, £7 17s 6d.* 21 May 1773, cash received for a set of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Robert Barclay or to his order, £175 6s 9d 24 May 1773, cash received for a set of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Captain John Lauder or to his order, £700 0s 0d From the ship Norfolk*, £6 4s 10d.* 29 May 1773, cash received for a set of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Captain Christian Andrew Spin or to his order, £400 0s 0d Total received, £14,102 9s 4d | |
29 | 1773 Per Contra Cr. 1773 May 31 By Balance remaining viz. In Specie £ 13652 . 14 . 4 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 £ 14192 . 9 . 4 £ 14192 . 9 . 4 | The Company's cash in hand on 31 May 1773 was as follows. In coin, £13,652 14s 4d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £14,192 9s 4d Interpretations The balance rose by nearly £6,000 0s 0d in a single month, from £8,336 17s 3d at the end of April to £14,192 9s 4d at the end of May 1773. The whole increase came from the season's shipping. Eleven Company ships and several foreign vessels called at the island in May, and their commanders, officers and passengers paid in coin for bills on London. Bills alone brought in more than £5,700 0s 0d, including a single set of £3,000 0s 0d for Captain George Richardson. The small sums paid by each ship for supplies hardly counted beside them. The cash notes stayed exactly where they had been in April, at £539 15s 0d. The growth was entirely in silver brought by the ships. This shows how the treasury filled up each shipping season, the process that by 1778 left the Council with far more coin than the island could use. | |
30 | 21 June Messrs. Matthew Bazett William Wrangham and Captain Henry Bazett this day presented the following Letter viz. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council Gentlemen We beg leave to acquaint you that having understood Mr. Purling was about making a Contract with Captain Dean for Tea we therefore requested that he would include forty Chests which we had wrote to our friends in China to bring on our Account, and have accordingly received the same, and hope as our Contract (which we were obledged to comply with) was prior to any Orders received from the Honorable the Court of Directors, respecting the purchase and sale of Tea, and as it is to supply a Captain that has their Priveledge to purchase the same, that it will not deemed a breach of their Orders, which we ever have and shall always continue to obey with the utmost punctuality; We beg leave to conclude with requesting that you will be pleased to acquaint the Honble. the Court of Directors with your Sentiments upon this proceeding, and that we are with respect Gentlemen Your most obedient Servants (signed) M. Bazett Willm. Wrangham Henry Bazett St. Helena 21 June 1773. As the above Gentlemen stand under the same Predicament with Mr. Purling, we think the answer we have given to his Letter a sufficient Reply to this. | Matthew Bazett, William Wrangham and Captain Henry Bazett presented a joint letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council. They explained that when they learned Purling was about to make a contract with Captain Dean for tea, they asked him to include 40 chests that they had written to friends in China to bring home on their account. The tea had since arrived. They hoped their contract, which they were obliged to honour, would be accepted as made before any orders from the Court on buying and selling tea. They also pointed out that the tea was to supply a captain who was entitled to buy it. For both reasons they trusted it would not be judged a breach of the Court's orders, which they had always obeyed and always would obey to the letter. They asked the Council to send its views on the matter to the Court. The letter was dated at St Helena on 21 June 1773 and signed by Matthew Bazett, William Wrangham and Henry Bazett. The Council decided that the three men were in the same position as Purling. Its answer to his letter therefore served as a sufficient reply to theirs. The minutes went on to record a purchase. Interpretations The joint letter showed that Purling's tea dealing in 1773 was not his alone. The "gentlemen in the Company's service" for whom he had arranged the extra 40 chests were Matthew Bazett, a member of Council, together with Wrangham and Henry Bazett, both of whom later sat at the Council table themselves. Most of the men who governed the island in the 1770s were thus involved in the same private trade in tea. The Council did not examine their case separately. It simply applied its ruling on Purling, which excused contracts made before the Court's orders arrived and forbade any made afterwards. Matthew Bazett signed both the letter asking for that ruling and the minute that applied it. | |
31 | 1773 Bought on Account of the Honorable Company of Captain Robert Rous, a Long Boat for forty five pounds which is six pounds less than prime Cost. The Boat being of a Larger size than usual, and we being in want of Luggage Boat, were under the Necessity of purchasing the same. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council bought a longboat for the Company from Captain Robert Rous for £45 0s 0d, which was £6 0s 0d less than it had cost him. The boat was larger than usual, and the island needed a boat for carrying baggage, so the Council judged the purchase necessary. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Buying a ship's longboat was the island's cheapest way to add to its small fleet of working boats. St Helena had no timber fit for boatbuilding and few shipwrights. Everything that came ashore at Jamestown, from passengers' baggage to casks of stores, had to be ferried from ships lying at anchor. A large, well-built longboat from a China ship, sold below cost by a commander who would otherwise have carried it home, met that need at once. Years later, in 1779, the Council fitted a deck to one of its longboats to patrol for enemy ships, which shows how much the island depended on boats acquired in this way. | |
32 | 28 June At a Consultation held on Monday 28 day of June 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 21 June 1773. Tuesday the 22 Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Royal Henry for England. Friday the 25 died William Worrall Batchelor. Saturday the 26 Passed by a Ship at a great distance Last Night Arrived the Speakers Boat at Bankses at half past ten o'Clock. This day Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Speaker from Bombay (last from the Cape) and brought Us the following supply viz. Invoice of Ship Speaker Rice Beaten fine 45 Bags qty. 300 Sr. Mds. @ 28 Rs. p 18 Sr. Mds. 466 . 2 . 60 Batty 32 Bags each 3 Parahs is 3 . 21 . 20 lb Mds. 76 . 3 . 20 Charges on Merchandize viz. Hamallage 6 . 2 . 50 Packing Charges 56 . 1 . 40 Boat Hire 5 . 0 . 0 67 . 3 . 90 Rups. 611 . 1 . 70 Errors Excepted D. Draper Accot. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 28 June 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 21 June 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Council noted the events since its last meeting. The Royal Henry sailed for England on Tuesday 22 June 1773. William Worrall, a bachelor, died on Friday 25 June 1773. On Saturday 26 June 1773 a ship passed the island far out to sea. The boat of the Speaker reached Banks's at half past ten on the night of 27 June 1773. The Company's ship Speaker herself arrived from Bombay that day, after a last call at the Cape, bringing supplies for the island. The invoice for her cargo read as follows. Fine beaten rice, 45 bags weighing 300 maunds, at 28 rupees per [...], 466 rupees 2 quarters 60 reas Batty, 32 bags containing 3 [...], at 3 rupees 2 quarters 20 reas per [...], 76 rupees 3 quarters 20 reas Shipping charges: Porterage, 6 rupees 2 quarters 50 reas Packing charges, 56 rupees 1 quarter 40 reas Boat hire, 5 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Total shipping charges, 67 rupees 3 quarters 90 reas Total, 611 rupees 1 quarter 70 reas D. Draper, accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The Bombay invoice used a different money of account from the Bengal invoices received a month earlier. Bengal reckoned in rupees, annas and pies. Bombay reckoned in rupees, quarters and reas, with four quarters to the rupee and 100 reas to the quarter. The island's storekeeper had to convert each presidency's accounts into sterling. Batty was the word used on the western coast of India for paddy, rice still in its husk. Beaten rice had been husked by pounding in a wooden mortar, the usual method in India. The porterage charge, called hamallage in the original, was the fee paid to the hamals, the porters who carried goods at Bombay. Rice from Bombay supplemented the larger consignments from Bengal and helped feed the Company's slaves on the island. | |
33 | 1773 Matthew Purling Esqr. presented the following Letter. To John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. Gentlemen After Serving the Honble. East India Company Thirty Eight Years upon this their Island I find my Constitution rather require recess from business, I therefore beg leave to acquaint the Honble. the Court of Directors through the channel of your Consultations that I purpose to retire from their Service and proceed to England in one of the Ships that shall arrive here in 1774 provided nothing unforeseen happens and I can dispose of my Effects and settle my affairs at that period, I have the honor to subscribe myself Gentlemen Your most obedient humble Servant. (signed) M. Purling June 28, 1773. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Matthew Purling presented a letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He wrote that after 38 years in the Company's service on the island, his health now called for rest from business. Through the Council's minutes he wished to tell the Court that he intended to retire. He planned to sail for England on one of the ships calling at the island in 1774, provided nothing unexpected happened and he could sell his belongings and settle his affairs by then. The letter was dated 28 June 1773. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Purling's notice of retirement explains his later place in the island's affairs. After 38 years on St Helena he knew every family and official there. Once in England he became the London agent to whom the Bazetts, Wrangham and others made their bills of exchange payable, as the lists from 1777 to 1779 show. The tea contracts he had arranged only weeks earlier were probably part of settling his affairs before he left. He gave a full year's notice for practical reasons. He needed time to sell his property on an island with few buyers, and the Court needed time to approve his retirement and fill his seat on the Council. | |
34 | 3 July At a Consultation held on Saturday the 3 day of July 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 28 June 1773 Tuesday the 29 June Arrived a Dane Ship from Bengal called the Carolina Mathilda Captain Bagge burthen five hundred Tons carrys sixteen Guns and Seventy five Men loaden with Bengal Goods bound to Copenhagen. Wednesday the 30 June died James Gilmore Matross. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores short received from Ship Speaker. Account of Stores short received from Ship Speaker Cs. qr. lb 2 . . . Rice short Weight occasioned by Wastage the Bags being good Order 48 . 1 . Paddy received. St. Helena June the 3 1773 (signed) Jona. Doveton Storekr. John Towers this day requested his discharge from the Garrison, his Friends having left him some dependance in England he procuring James Jordan to serve the Honorable Company the remainder of his contracted time. Granted | The Council met at the Castle on Saturday 3 July 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 28 June 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Tuesday 29 June 1773 a Danish ship from Bengal, the Carolina Mathilda, under Captain Bagge, arrived at the island. She measured 500 tons, carried 16 guns and 75 men, and was loaded with Bengal goods for Copenhagen. James Gilmore, a matross, died on Wednesday 30 June 1773. The storekeeper presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Speaker. Rice, 2 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds short in weight Paddy received, 48 hundredweight 1 quarter 0 pounds He put the shortfall in the rice down to natural loss in transit, since the bags had arrived in good condition. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 3 July 1773. John Towers asked to be discharged from the garrison. Friends of his had left him some means of support in England. He had found a man named James Jordan to serve the Company for the rest of his contracted term. The Council granted his discharge. The minutes went on to record a purchase. Interpretations Towers's discharge shows a soldier buying his way out of his contract with a substitute. A man enlisted for a fixed term could not normally leave before it ended. The Council could have refused, since the garrison needed every soldier. It agreed because Towers supplied a replacement, James Jordan, who would serve out the remaining years in his place. The garrison lost no strength, and Towers was free to go home to the inheritance waiting for him. The arrangement depended on a willing substitute being found on the island, probably a man already living there who wanted the Company's pay and keep. | |
35 | 1773 Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain Robert Scott four hundred and eighty Pieces of Salt Beef. Three hundred and one quarter Pounds of Flour, and three Baskets of Garden Seeds, As p the following Bill amounting to fifty three Pounds, for the payment whereof we have given him Certificates. The Honorable Company Dr. To 12 Casks Irish Beef 480 Pcs. £ 48 to 3 . 1 Flour at 16/ 2 . 12 to 3 Baskets Seeds at 16/ ea. 2 . 8 £ 53 . . . St. Helena July the 3 1773 Received the Contents for Robt. Scott (signed) James Scott Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports he has been onboard of the Ship Speaker to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters, but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows viz. Muster Roll of Ship Speaker Robt. Scott Commandr. Robt. Craig 1 Mate Geo. Mill 2 Do. Henry Steward 3 Do. John Scott 4 Do. Willm. Charters 5 Do. James Douglass 6 Do. Willm. Boston Surgeon Saml. Scott Purser John Lofoyle Boatswain Willm. Reed Gunner Wm. Brown Carpenter Wm. Hogg Ship Steward Thos. Hart Surg. Mate Saml. Newbigging Midship. Andw. Leadhouse Do. Saml. Hunter Do. Saml. Smith Do. Thos. Dallas Do. John Fitzgerald Do. Robt. Gow Captn. Clerk Saml. Roberts Caulker Jno. Horn Carptr. Mate Jos. Hul Do. Do. Wm. Dickson Sailmaker John Bertram Cooper Luke Silvester Ships Cook Saml. Hunter Gunr. Mate Saml. Mc. Lauris Boatn. Do. Saml. Henderson 2 Do. Wm. Devrees Boatn. Yeoman Alex. Strange Quartermr. Wm. Gillespie Do. Geo. Steward Do. Timothy Hill Do. John Greig Do. | The Council bought salt beef, flour and garden seed for the Company from Captain Robert Scott. His bill came to £53 0s 0d, and the Council paid him in certificates. It read as follows. Account of the East India Company with Captain Robert Scott 12 casks of Irish beef containing 480 pieces, £48 0s 0d 3¼ hundredweight of flour at 16s 0d per hundredweight, £2 12s 0d 3 baskets of garden seeds at 16s 0d each, £2 8s 0d Total, £53 0s 0d James Scott signed a receipt for the money on Robert Scott's behalf at St Helena on 3 July 1773. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Speaker to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. Robert Scott, commander Robert Craig, first mate George Mill, second mate Henry Steward, third mate John Scott, fourth mate William Charters, fifth mate James Douglass, sixth mate William Boston, surgeon James Scott, purser John Lefoyle, boatswain William Reed, gunner William Brown, carpenter William Hogg, ship's steward Thomas Hart, surgeon's mate James Newbigging, midshipman Andrew Seadhouse, midshipman James Hunter, midshipman James Smith, midshipman Thomas Dallas, midshipman John Fitzgerald, midshipman Robert Gow, captain's clerk James Roberts, caulker John Horn, carpenter's mate Joseph Hill, carpenter's mate William Dickson, sailmaker John Bertram, cooper Luke Silvester, ship's cook James Hunter, gunner's mate Samuel McKenzie, boatswain's mate James Henderson, boatswain's second mate William Devereux, boatswain's yeoman Alexander Strange, quartermaster William Gillespie, quartermaster George Steward, quartermaster Kenneth Hill, quartermaster John Greig, quartermaster Interpretations Captain Scott's sale shows that salt provisions did not come to the island only through the Company's contracts in London. A Bombay ship's commander had Irish beef, flour and seed to spare and sold them to the Company at St Helena. Paying in certificates, which the Court would honour in London, spared the treasury its coin and suited a commander who was going home. The beef reached the island in good order, which set a contrast with the spoiled contract provisions the Council complained of four years later. | |
36 | 3 July John Brown Quartmr. Thos. Atkins Armourer John Wall Seaman Peter Johnston Saml. Macaster Thos. Morrison John Taylor Edward Allen Joseph Cally John Parks Michl. Grumel Robt. Moore Andrew Strahe Wm. Dunnaven Danl. Mc. Fee Saml. Seadon James Duncan Willm. Hill Thos. Emerson Peter Low Edward Hart Saml. Nairn Mark Saunders Patrick Lambert Vincent Cannary John Gilbert John Cornellius John Clements John Atkins Jos. Rowland Saml. Jones Saml. Littlemore Anthy. Wigmoore Geo. Ferrol Seaman Charls Nickson Wm. Vesse John Milton John Edwards Willm. Rice Charles Sparks Nichs. Newburn David Fife Thos. Stevens James Peters James Ward James Ward Jos. Bowers James Rowntree Jacob Smith Edward Lyons Danl. Mahony Geo. Henderson Robt. Lee John Canning Thos. Raven Charles Howard Thos. Best John Butts John Glenn David Pollock Thos. Smith James Houlder Geo. Hume Wm. Jenkins John Everatt Wm. Bland James Cannock Seaman Charles Corey Geo. Irvin Alexander Reed Peter Chapman Charles Steward John Pickering Richd. Watson John Smith John Pike Willm. Smith John Pike Wm. Smith Thos. Jennings Thos. Mitchel Saml. Hillock John Parker John Smith Mattw. Strankam Edward Hutchins Alexr. Bates Henry Hartgrove Henry Allcock Wm. Mullenix Nichs. Lovelass Alexr. Davidson Saml. Crompton Rd. Ashley Wm. Robertson Peter Holley Edward Brickell Thirteen Black Boys Two Black Girls | The muster roll of the Speaker continued. John Brown, quartermaster Thomas Atkins, armourer Seamen: John Wall Peter Johnston James Macaster Thomas Morrison John Taylor Edward Allen Joseph Cally John Parks Michael Gurnel Robert Moore Andrew Strahe William Dunnaven Daniel McFee James Lauder James Duncan William Hill Thomas Emerson Peter Low Edward Hart Samuel Nairn Mark Saunders Patrick Lambert Vincent Cannary John Gilbert John Cornellius John Clements John Atkins Joseph Rowland Samuel Jones James Lettimore Anthony Wigmore George Ferrol Charles Nickson William Vesse John Milton John Edwards William Rice Charles Sparks Nicholas Nanburn David Fife Thomas Stevens James Peters James Ward James Ward Joseph Bowers James Rowntree Jacob Smith Edward Lyons Daniel Mahony George Henderson Robert Lee John Canning Thomas Raven Charles Howard Thomas Best John Butts John Glenn David Pollock Thomas Smith James Houlder George Hume William Jenkins John Everatt William Bland James Cannock Charles Covey George Irven Alexander Reed Peter Chapman Charles Steward John Pickering Richard Watson John Smith John Pike William Smith John Pike William Smith Thomas Jennings Thomas Mitchel James Hillock John Parker John Smith Matthew Strankam Edward Hutchins Alexander Bates Henry Hartgrove Henry Allcock William Mullenix Nicholas Perloss Alexander Davidson Samuel Crompton Richard Ashley William Robertson Peter Holley Edward Bricknell 13 black boys 2 black girls Interpretations The last entry stands apart from the rest of the roll. Every crew member was listed by name and rank, while thirteen black boys and two black girls were entered only as a number. They were probably slaves or bonded servants taken on board at Bombay, and some may have been destined for sale on St Helena, where the Company and the inhabitants depended on slave labour. Recording them without names placed them outside the crew and the passengers. It also left no record of who they were if any of them stayed on the island. | |
37 | 5 July Passengers Captn. Chs. Elphinston Revd. John Howell Wm. Eaton Peter Bell Charles Wager Allen Thos. Farmer Richd. Forbes Chas. Carter Mr. Petrie Mr. Stackhouse five Children (signed) Robt. Scott John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett At a Consultation held on Monday 5 day of July 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 3 July 1773. Saturday the 3 Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Speaker for England. Last Night Sailed a Dane Ship Carolina Mathilda for Copenhagen. This day died Charles Son of John Price Publican. | The passengers on the Speaker were listed next. Captain Christopher Elphinston Reverend John Rowell William Caton Peter Bell Charles Wager Allen Thomas Farmer Richard Forbes Charles Carter Mrs Petrie Mrs Stackhouse 5 children Robert Scott signed the roll. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The Council met at the Castle on Monday 5 July 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 3 July 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Speaker had sailed for England on Saturday 3 July 1773. The Danish ship Carolina Mathilda left for Copenhagen during the night of 4 July 1773. Charles, the son of John Price, an innkeeper, died on 5 July 1773. The minutes went on to record the Council's further business. | |
38 | 5 July We this day received the following Letter from Captain Tippet. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council of St. Helena Gentlemen I have the Honour to Acquaint you, that the Workmen were chiefly Employed, during the last Quarter, in carrying Onwards the New Church, putting into convenient repair the Hospital, Rebuilding the Honorable Company's Charging Store house, and the parapet wall from the Draw Bridge leading to the lower guard house. I intend with your Permission Gentlemen this Quarter, Prosecuting with all expedition the new Church, new Flooring with Beach Stones, the Soldiers Barracks, and putting into repair the Plantation House, so as to render Habitable. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servant (signed) James Tippet We gave Captain Tippet Orders to prosecute the New Church with all Possible Expedition. to Pitch the Barracks with Beach Stones, as the dirt Floor is constantly Breaking up; And to Repair the Plantation House as mentioned in his Letter. | The Council received a letter from Captain James Tippet, addressed to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He reported that during the last quarter the workmen had mainly been employed on four tasks. They had continued building the new church, put the hospital into good repair, rebuilt the Company's powder store for filling cartridges, and built the parapet wall from the drawbridge to the lower guardhouse. With the Council's permission, he meant to spend the coming quarter pushing on with the new church as fast as possible. He also proposed to lay a new floor of beach stones in the soldiers' barracks and to repair the Plantation House so that it could be lived in. The Council ordered Tippet to press on with the new church as fast as he could. It also told him to pave the barracks with beach stones, since the earth floor was constantly breaking up, and to repair the Plantation House as his letter proposed. Interpretations Tippet's report shows that in 1773 the captain of artillery also managed the island's public works. The soldiers and slaves under his direction built the church, the hospital, the powder store and the defences. This was the building programme the Council later blamed, in 1778, for the high costs of 1775 to 1776, and the church was one of the buildings whose expense it then named. Tippet's dual role also helps explain the Governor's later charge that the artillery company had been badly supervised under him. A captain occupied with masons and pavers had less time for his gunners. Beach stones were the smooth, rounded stones gathered from the island's shores. Laid closely together, they made a hard floor that would not crumble or turn to mud like beaten earth, at the cost only of the labour to collect and set them. The Plantation House was the Governor's country residence in the cooler uplands. Its repair to a fit state for living shows that, in 1773, it had fallen into disrepair. | |
39 | 1773 Captain Richard Beale having been for these five Months past in a very unhappy state of mind, and being under the care of the Surgeon and his Assistants during that Period, we have for some time back desired Mr. Stroud to be Attentive to the Nature of his Disorder and let Us know from time to time, whether he thought there would be any hopes of his Recovery, but the same unhappy situation still continuing which renders him at present totally incapable of his Duty. We therefore thought it necessary to order the surgeon and his Assistant to state the present situation of Captain Beale, with their opinions thereon in order that we may fall upon a Mode that the service may not suffer thereby, and at same time to consider the unhappy Object as the said infirmity has taken hold of him whilst in the Company's Service, until we can receive the Court of Directors Instructions how further to proceed there in. Agreeable to the Orders the Surgeons received, they laid the following Report before Us. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena Worshipful Sir & Sirs Captain Richard Beale having some Years since, received a Blow upon the Head by a fall, which fractured his Skull, We are of Opinion that it has been the principal occasion, of his being for some time since, much troubled with a nervous disorder and violent pains in his Head, and that for these last five Months, his Senses, and Health has been so much Impaird as to render him quite unfit for any Service and that notwithstanding we have given him what we thought most proper for his disorder, he still continues so ill, as to be unfit for Service, and we are of | Captain Richard Beale had been in a very troubled state of mind for the past five months and was under the care of the surgeon and his assistants. For some time the Council had asked Mr Strond, the surgeon, to watch the nature of Beale's illness closely and report whether there was any hope of recovery. Beale's condition had not improved, and he was now wholly unable to carry out his duties. The Council therefore ordered the surgeon and his assistant to report on Beale's present state and give their opinion. It wanted to find a way of keeping the service from suffering. It also wished to treat the unfortunate man with consideration, since his illness had come upon him while he was in the Company's service, until the Court sent instructions on how to proceed. The surgeons presented their report to Governor Skottowe and the Council as ordered. Some years earlier Beale had fallen and struck his head, fracturing his skull. In their opinion this injury was the main cause of the nervous disorder and violent headaches that had troubled him for some time. For the past five months his mind and health had been so badly affected that he was quite unfit for any duty. Despite the treatment they had given him, he remained too ill to serve, as their report went on to explain. Interpretations Beale's case left the Council balancing the needs of the garrison against its duty to a sick officer. A captain who could not command left his company without its head, and the obvious course was to remove him and appoint another. The Council held back. Beale had been injured and fallen ill in the Company's service, so dismissing him would have left him without pay or support on a remote island. Instead it gathered medical evidence that his illness came from an old head injury, not from misconduct, and referred his future to the Court. This was the same Captain Richard Beale whose estate was in dispute in October 1779, when the Council sent Goodwin's petition and Matthew Bazett's reply to the Company's lawyers in London. | |
40 | 5 July of Opinion that at present there is no probability of his recovering here; and that we advise he might go to some colder Climate as the most likely thing to be of service to him. Given under our Hands this 5 July 1773. (signed) Thos. Stroud Surgeon James Farrell Assistant The Surgeons report being now before Us, and they giving it as their opinion that Captain Richard Beale's only chance of Recovery from his present unhappy state must be by a remove to a Colder Climate; We therefore have desired Mr. Matthew Bazett and Mr. Isaac Doveton his two Brothers in Law to inform Us whether they can fall upon any Measures of recommending him to any of his or their Friends at home as his situation renders him totaly unfit to be left to his own management. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The surgeons concluded that Beale had no prospect of recovering on the island. They advised that a move to a colder climate was the treatment most likely to help him. Thomas Stroud, the surgeon, and James Farrell, his assistant, signed the report on 5 July 1773. The Council accepted the surgeons' opinion that Beale's only chance of recovery lay in a move to a colder climate. It therefore asked his two brothers-in-law, Matthew Bazett and Isaac Doveton, whether they could arrange to place him in the care of any of his or their relatives and friends in England. His condition made him wholly unfit to be left to look after himself. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council's handling of Beale shows how closely the island's leading families were bound together. His two brothers-in-law were a member of Council and the newly sworn Sheriff. Rather than ship a sick officer home as an invalid on its own authority, the Council turned to his family to find people in England who would take charge of him. A man unable to manage his own affairs could not simply be put aboard a ship and landed in London without anyone to receive him. The family connection also explains the later dispute over his estate in October 1779, in which Matthew Bazett answered Goodwin's petition. As his brother-in-law, Bazett probably had charge of Beale's affairs once he could no longer manage them himself. | |
41 | 12 July At a Consultation held on Monday the 12 day of July 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 5 July 1773. Tuesday the 6 Passed by a Ship at a Great Distance. The Plantation Account for the Quarter and the Expence of Artillery Stores, and Stewards Accounts for the Month of June last, where this day laid before Us, which were Examined, approved of, and are as follows viz. Sundry's Expended at the Honorable Company's Table in June 1773 35 Bottles Madeira 3 . 10 15 Do. Port 1 . 2 . 6 40 Do. Lisbon 3 . 0 16 Do. Mountain 1 . 4 27 Do. Beer 5 . ¾ 19½ Gallons Arrack 2 . 19 . 3 87 lb Beef 1 . 1 . 9 309 lb Mutton 6 . 8 . 9 2 Turkeys 10 12 Fowls 18 89 lb Candy 2 . 4 . 6 635 lb Flour 5 . 5 . 10 1 Goat 10 . 0 23 . 19 . 7¾ Bought for the Table 164 lb Beef 3 . 9 . 2 4 Turkeys 1 Carried Over £ 4 . 9 . 2 | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 12 July 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 5 July 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Tuesday 6 July 1773 a ship passed the island far out to sea. The Council examined and approved the plantation account for the quarter, together with the accounts for artillery stores and the steward's spending in June 1773. They read as follows. The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in June 1773: 35 bottles of Madeira, £3 10s 0d 15 bottles of port, £1 2s 6d 40 bottles of Lisbon wine, £3 0s 0d 16 bottles of Mountain wine, £1 4s 0d 27 bottles of beer, £0 5s 0¾d 19½ gallons of arrack, £2 19s 3d 87 lb of beef, £1 1s 9d 309 lb of mutton, £6 8s 9d 2 turkeys, £0 10s 0d 12 fowls, £0 18s 0d 89 lb of sugar candy, £2 4s 6d 635 lb of flour, £5 5s 10d 1 goat, £0 10s 0d Subtotal, £23 19s 7¾d Bought in for the table: 164 lb of beef, £3 9s 2d 4 turkeys, £1 0s 0d Carried forward, £4 9s 2d Interpretations The table account for June fell well below May's, and the difference followed the shipping. In May eleven Company ships called and their officers and passengers dined at the Castle, so 59 bottles of Madeira were drunk. In June only the Royal Henry and the Speaker called, with a Danish ship, and Madeira fell to 35 bottles. The stores had in fact run out of Madeira early in the month, which was why the Council bought a pipe on 7 June 1773. The mutton, flour and arrack, by contrast, stayed almost the same from month to month. Those were the daily needs of the Governor's household, while wine rose and fell with the number of guests from the ships. | |
42 | 12 July Brought Over £ 4 . 9 . 2 39 Fowls 2 . 18 . 6 5 Ducks 7 . 6 1 Goose 5 . 0 2 Pigs 10 £ 8 . 10 . 2 Artillery Stores Expended in June 1773 Guns fired, 18 lbs, 9 lbs, 6 lbs, 4 lbs, 3 lbs, Powder Expended lb, Powder Expended oz 6 Fired to salute Govr. Cartier going on board: Guns fired 19, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 5, 6 lbs 14, 4 lbs 0, 3 lbs 0, Powder Expended lb 45, Powder Expended oz 8 16 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 0, 6 lbs 0, 4 lbs 4, 3 lbs 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Arrived the Royal Henry: Guns fired 9, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 4, 6 lbs 5, 4 lbs 0, 3 lbs 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 23 Departed Do.: Guns fired 9, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 4, 6 lbs 5, 4 lbs 0, 3 lbs 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 26 An Alarm for Ships Passing by: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 0, 6 lbs 0, 4 lbs 4, 3 lbs 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 27 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 0, 6 lbs 0, 4 lbs 4, 3 lbs 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 28 Arrived the Speaker: Guns fired 9, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 4, 6 lbs 5, 4 lbs 0, 3 lbs 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 0, 6 lbs 0, 4 lbs 4, 3 lbs 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 29 Arrived a Dane Ship: Guns fired 9, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 4, 6 lbs 5, 4 lbs 0, 3 lbs 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 For Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 0, 6 lbs 0, 4 lbs 0, 3 lbs 0, Powder Expended lb 76, Powder Expended oz 12 Total: Guns fired 79, 18 lbs 0, 9 lbs 21, 6 lbs 34, 4 lbs 16, 3 lbs 8, Powder Expended lb 234, Powder Expended oz 4 Tallow lb 22 Lead Balls 3 Match 9 Ladles for 4 lb No. 1 Worms for 9 lb 1 Handspikes 3 (signed) James Tippet Captn. of Artillery | The steward's account continued from the £4 9s 2d brought forward. 39 fowls, £2 18s 6d 5 ducks, £0 7s 6d 1 goose, £0 5s 0d 2 pigs, £0 10s 0d Total bought in for the table, £8 10s 2d The account of artillery stores used in June 1773 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. 6 June, salute for Governor Cartier going on board: 19 guns fired (5 nine-pounders and 14 six-pounders), 45 lb 8 oz of powder 16 June, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 16 June, arrival of the Royal Henry: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder. 26 June, alarm for ships passing: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 27 June, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 28 June, arrival of the Speaker: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder. 28 June, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 29 June, arrival of a Danish ship: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 76 lb 12 oz Totals: 79 guns fired, 0 eighteen-pounders, 21 nine-pounders, 34 six-pounders, 16 four-pounders, 8 three-pounders, 234 lb 4 oz of powder Small stores used: Tallow, 22 lb Lead balls, 3 Slow match, 9 skeins Ladles for four-pounders, 1 Worms for nine-pounders, 1 Handspikes, 3 James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. Interpretations The salute for Governor Cartier was more than twice the usual one. A Company ship arriving or leaving received nine guns, while Cartier, listed among the passengers of the Prince of Wales, received 19 when he went on board. The number of guns marked the rank of the person honoured, and a governor of one of the Company's presidencies ranked well above any ship's commander. That single salute used more powder than any three ordinary arrivals. Set against May, the June account shows how closely the island's use of powder followed the shipping. In May the guns fired 299 times and used 701 lb 12 oz of powder, with eleven Company ships coming and going. In June, with only two Company ships and one foreign vessel, the guns fired 79 times and used 234 lb 4 oz. The alarms for passing ships and the powder for other duties stayed much the same. Almost all the difference lay in the salutes. | |
43 | Account of the Honorable Company's Stock of Neat Cattle &c. from the 1 April to the 30 June 1773 Neat Cattle Sheep Goats Hogs Horses Poultry Bulls, Cows, Calves, Yearlings, Heifers, Steers, Oxen, Total, Ewes, Weathers, Lambs, Rams, Total, Ewes, Weathers, Kids, Rams, Total, Sows, Shoats, Pigs, Boars, Total, Horses, Mares, Total, Fowls, Ducks, Turkeys, Geese Remaining: Bulls 7, Cows 98, Calves 40, Yearlings 28, Heifers 6, Steers 22, Oxen 14, Total 215, Ewes 197, Weathers 136, Lambs 21, Rams 8, Total 362, Ewes 105, Weathers 32, Kids 10, Rams 4, Total 151, Sows 4, Shoats 11, Pigs 15, Boars 2, Total 32, Horses 6, Mares 8, Total 14, Fowls 85, Ducks 39, Turkeys 38, Geese 4 Encreased: Bulls 0, Cows 0, Calves 18, Yearlings 0, Heifers 0, Steers 0, Oxen 0, Total 18, Ewes 0, Weathers 0, Lambs 27, Rams 0, Total 27, Ewes 0, Weathers 0, Kids 14, Rams 0, Total 14, Sows 0, Shoats 0, Pigs 0, Boars 0, Total 0, Horses 1, Mares 0, Total 1, Fowls 83, Ducks 12, Turkeys 30, Geese 0 Received: Bulls 4, Cows 0, Calves 0, Yearlings 0, Heifers 2, Steers 0, Oxen 0, Total 6, Ewes 114, Weathers 549, Lambs 0, Rams 0, Total 663, Ewes 0, Weathers 0, Kids 0, Rams 0, Total 0, Sows 0, Shoats 0, Pigs 0, Boars 0, Total 0, Horses 0, Mares 0, Total 0, Fowls 0, Ducks 0, Turkeys 0, Geese 0 Total: Bulls 11, Cows 98, Calves 58, Yearlings 28, Heifers 8, Steers 22, Oxen 14, Total 239, Ewes 311, Weathers 685, Lambs 48, Rams 8, Total 1052, Ewes 105, Weathers 32, Kids 24, Rams 4, Total 165, Sows 4, Shoats 11, Pigs 15, Boars 2, Total 32, Horses 7, Mares 8, Total 15, Fowls 168, Ducks 51, Turkeys 68, Geese 4 Killed: Bulls 0, Cows 3, Calves 0, Yearlings 0, Heifers 2, Steers 10, Oxen 0, Total 15, Ewes 28, Weathers 126, Lambs 0, Rams 0, Total 154, Ewes 0, Weathers 1, Kids 2, Rams 0, Total 3, Sows 0, Shoats 2, Pigs 2, Boars 0, Total 4, Horses 0, Mares 0, Total 0, Fowls 29, Ducks 10, Turkeys 12, Geese 0 Dead: Bulls 0, Cows 1, Calves 6, Yearlings 3, Heifers 0, Steers 3, Oxen 0, Total 13, Ewes 22, Weathers 165, Lambs 2, Rams 0, Total 189, Ewes 4, Weathers 2, Kids 6, Rams 0, Total 12, Sows 0, Shoats 2, Pigs 4, Boars 0, Total 6, Horses 0, Mares 0, Total 0, Fowls 30, Ducks 1, Turkeys 16, Geese 0 Remaining: Bulls 8, Cows 94, Calves 52, Yearlings 25, Heifers 6, Steers 9, Oxen 14, Total 211, Ewes 261, Weathers 394, Lambs 46, Rams 8, Total 709, Ewes 101, Weathers 29, Kids 16, Rams 4, Total 150, Sows 4, Shoats 7, Pigs 9, Boars 2, Total 22, Horses 7, Mares 8, Total 15, Fowls 109, Ducks 40, Turkeys 40, Geese 4 Sold three Bulls for £ 18 . 6 Received one Man Slave named Bencoolen Jack Yams Expended for the Slaves 44835 Do. for the Stock 13600 Total 58435 Errors Excepted (signed) Danl. Corneille | The Company's stock of cattle and other animals from 1 April to 30 June 1773 was recorded as follows. For each kind of animal, the figures show the number at the start of the quarter, the number born, the number received, the total, the number killed, the number that died and the number remaining at the end. Cattle: Bulls: at start 7, born 0, received 4, total 11, killed 0, died 0, remaining 8 Cows: at start 98, born 0, received 0, total 98, killed 3, died 1, remaining 94 Calves: at start 40, born 18, received 0, total 58, killed 0, died 6, remaining 52 Yearlings: at start 28, born 0, received 0, total 28, killed 0, died 3, remaining 25 Heifers: at start 6, born 0, received 2, total 8, killed 2, died 0, remaining 6 Steers: at start 22, born 0, received 0, total 22, killed 10, died 3, remaining 9 Oxen: at start 14, born 0, received 0, total 14, killed 0, died 0, remaining 14 All cattle: at start 215, born 18, received 6, total 239, killed 15, died 13, remaining 211 Sheep: Ewes: at start 197, born 0, received 114, total 311, killed 28, died 22, remaining 261 Wethers: at start 136, born 0, received 549, total 685, killed 126, died 165, remaining 394 Lambs: at start 21, born 27, received 0, total 48, killed 0, died 2, remaining 46 Rams: at start 8, born 0, received 0, total 8, killed 0, died 0, remaining 8 All sheep: at start 362, born 27, received 663, total 1,052, killed 154, died 189, remaining 709 Goats: Nanny goats: at start 105, born 0, received 0, total 105, killed 0, died 4, remaining 101 Wether goats: at start 32, born 0, received 0, total 32, killed 1, died 2, remaining 29 Kids: at start 10, born 14, received 0, total 24, killed 2, died 6, remaining 16 Billy goats: at start 4, born 0, received 0, total 4, killed 0, died 0, remaining 4 All goats: at start 151, born 14, received 0, total 165, killed 3, died 12, remaining 150 Pigs: Sows: at start 4, born 0, received 0, total 4, killed 0, died 0, remaining 4 Young pigs past weaning: at start 11, born 0, received 0, total 11, killed 2, died 2, remaining 7 Piglets: at start 15, born 0, received 0, total 15, killed 2, died 4, remaining 9 Boars: at start 2, born 0, received 0, total 2, killed 0, died 0, remaining 2 All pigs: at start 32, born 0, received 0, total 32, killed 4, died 6, remaining 22 Horses: Stallions and geldings: at start 6, born 1, received 0, total 7, killed 0, died 0, remaining 7 Mares: at start 8, born 0, received 0, total 8, killed 0, died 0, remaining 8 All horses: at start 14, born 1, received 0, total 15, killed 0, died 0, remaining 15 Poultry: Fowls: at start 85, hatched 83, received 0, total 168, killed 29, died 30, remaining 109 Ducks: at start 39, hatched 12, received 0, total 51, killed 10, died 1, remaining 40 Turkeys: at start 38, hatched 30, received 0, total 68, killed 12, died 16, remaining 40 Geese: at start 4, hatched 0, received 0, total 4, killed 0, died 0, remaining 4 Notes: 3 bulls sold for £18 6s 0d 1 male slave received, named Bencoolen Jack Yams used to feed the slaves, 44,835 Yams used to feed the stock, 13,600 Total yams used, 58,435 Daniel Corneille signed the account, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The sheep figures show the cost of stocking the island from abroad. In a single quarter the Company received 663 sheep, most of them wethers bought from commanders at the Cape, such as the 25 from Captain Gore and the 20 from Captain Bull recorded in May. Yet 189 sheep died in the same quarter, almost all of them newly arrived wethers. Animals weakened by weeks at sea and moved into the island's cold, wet winter pastures died in large numbers. The flock was being kept up by constant buying rather than by breeding, and only 27 lambs were born in three months. The yam figures show the scale of the Company's slave establishment and its dependence on the plantations. Nearly 45,000 yams were issued to the slaves in three months, about 500 a day, with another 13,600 fed to the animals. This was the crop whose decline by 200,000 yams the survey of 1778 traced to exhausted soil. The slave Bencoolen Jack was named after the place he came from, Bencoolen in Sumatra. The Company often gave its slaves such names in place of their own, marking them by origin rather than as individuals. | |
44 | 12 July Messrs. Matthew Bazett and Isaac Doveton laid before Us the following Letter in answer to what we Offered to their Consideration last Monday respecting Captain Richard Beale. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. Gentlemen You were pleased to inform Us on the 5 Instant, that it was the Surgeons opinion that Captain Beale going to a Colder Climate would be the only chance he has of recovering from his unhappy situation, and desired we would inform you, whether we could fall upon any measures for his going to England for that purpose; We have in consequence thereof maturely considered every circumstance relative thereto, and it is with concern we must acquaint you that we think (notwithstanding his going to England as absolutely necessary for the Recovering of his Health) that he cannot with any propriety do it this Year, as we do not know of any Person there who would undertake the management of him or his Affairs, or of any place that he could be recommended to, and as he is totally incapable of taking care of himself, We are for these Reasons of opinion he cannot proceed to England until next Season, when we flatter ourselves we shall be able to get some Gentlemen of his Acquaintance to take that trouble upon them. We are with Respect Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servts. (signed) Matthew Bazett Isaac Doveton St. Helena 12 July 1773. | Matthew Bazett and Isaac Doveton replied by letter to the question the Council had put to them on 5 July 1773 about Captain Richard Beale. The Council had told them of the surgeons' opinion that a move to a colder climate was Beale's only chance of recovery. It had asked whether they could arrange for him to go to England for that purpose. After weighing every aspect of the matter carefully, the two men regretted to report that, although the voyage to England was essential for his health, he could not properly go that year. They knew of no one in England who would take charge of him or his affairs, or of any place where he could be placed. He was entirely unable to look after himself. For these reasons they believed he could not sail for England until the following season. By then they hoped to find gentlemen among his acquaintances willing to take on the responsibility. The letter was dated at St Helena on 12 July 1773 and signed by Matthew Bazett and Isaac Doveton. Interpretations The brothers-in-law chose delay over the course the surgeons had urged. The medical advice was that only a colder climate offered any hope, which argued for sending Beale on the next ship. Bazett and Doveton held him back for a full year because there was no one in England to receive him. A man unable to look after himself, landed in London without a guardian or a place to go, would have been in a far worse state than on the island among his family. In the meantime the Company was left with a captain who could not serve. It also had to keep paying and caring for him until his family found someone to take him in. | |
45 | 1773 From the Unhappy State of Captain Richard Beale as fully stated in Consultation of 5 July together with the Report of the Surgeon and his Assistant thereon; We have now again resumed the Consideration of said Affair in order to fall upon the most adviseable Mode of considering the unhappy object, as well as to fall upon such Measures that the service may no longer suffer thereby, as we have now only three Duty Captains consequently any indisposition happening to any one, makes the duty fall heavy upon the other two, We therefore in order to obviate the above difficulty have determined that Lieutenant Solomon St. Maurice as eldest Lieutenant shall act and do the Duty as a Captain in this Garrison until the Honorable Company's pleasure be further known thereon, and as it appears reasonable to Us that an equivolent should be allowed him until we receive their further directions we have determined that Captain Richard Beale do out of his pay as Captain make the said Lieutenant St. Maurice such an allowance as will so added to his pay as a Subaltern make him up Captains pay, and the remainder to be left for the maintenance of the said Richard Beale, and this mode we are the more inclined to, as thereby no expence will fall upon the Honble. Company. We have also further thought it necessary in the situation in which Captain Beale is at present and likely to continue, to empower Matthew Bazett Esqr. and Mr. Isaac Doveton his two Brothers in law jointly to act for him in all and every concern the same as he himself might do was he in his sound Mind, agreeable to the undermentioned power given to them as Governor and Council. This being the first Precedent of the like Affair and apprehending such things ought regularly come before the Lord Chancellor, We have been much at a loss how to Act therein Yet flatter ourselves that what we have done is for the best and hope will meet with the Honorable Company's approbation. | The Council returned to the case of Captain Richard Beale, whose condition had been set out in full in the minutes of 5 July 1773 with the surgeons' report. It wanted to settle the best way of providing for him while making sure the service no longer suffered. Only three captains were now fit for duty, so the illness of any one of them laid a heavy burden on the other two. To meet the difficulty, the Council decided that Lieutenant Solomon St Maurice, the senior lieutenant, would act as a captain in the garrison until the Company's wishes were known. It also seemed fair to the Council that St Maurice should be paid for the extra rank until the Court gave further instructions. It therefore decided that, out of his captain's pay, Beale would give St Maurice an allowance large enough to raise his lieutenant's pay to that of a captain. The rest of Beale's pay would be kept for his own support. The Council favoured this method because it placed no extra cost on the Company. Given Beale's present state and the likelihood that it would continue, the Council also thought it necessary to give his two brothers-in-law, Matthew Bazett and Isaac Doveton, joint authority to act for him in all his affairs, just as he could have done himself if he were of sound mind. It granted this authority by the powers it held as Governor and Council. This was the first case of its kind on the island. Such matters would normally go before the Lord Chancellor, so the Council had been very uncertain how to proceed. It nevertheless trusted that it had acted for the best and hoped the Company would approve. Interpretations The Council's arrangement for Beale's pay solved two problems at no cost to the Company. The obvious course was to promote St Maurice and pay him a captain's wage from the Company's funds while Beale went on drawing his own. That would have meant paying two captains for one command. Instead the Council split Beale's pay. St Maurice received the difference between a lieutenant's and a captain's pay, and Beale kept the rest for his support. The Company paid no more than before, and the service gained an acting captain. The appointment of Bazett and Doveton to manage Beale's affairs took the Council well beyond its usual powers. In England, a person who had lost his reason fell under the care of the Lord Chancellor, who appointed a committee to look after him and his property. St Helena had no such court, and Beale's affairs could not wait. The Council acted in the Lord Chancellor's place and gave his brothers-in-law the authority they needed. It admitted openly that this was the first such case on the island and that it was unsure of its powers. Recording that uncertainty and seeking the Company's approval was its protection if the step were later challenged. The step also placed Matthew Bazett in charge of Beale's property, which explains why he answered Goodwin's petition over Beale's estate in 1779. | |
46 | 12 July Island St. Helena The Surgeons having Reported to Us that Captain Richard Beales Health & Memory is so very much impaired that he is incapable of doing his Duty and we being further informed that from the causes above mentioned he is rendered wholely unfit to transact his Affairs, or take care, or manage any thing for himself. We the Governor and Council of the said Island for the above reasons finding it absolutely necessary that some persons should be appointed to take care of the said Richard Beale and see to the Management of his Affairs &c. Do by Virtue of Authority Invested in Us as Governor and Council of the Island aforesaid Empower Authorise & appoint you Matthew Bazett & Isaac Doveton both of the said Island & by these Presents do Empower Authorise & appoint you the aforesaid Matthew Bazett & Isaac Doveton to take upon you the care of the said Richard Beale & solely to transact & manage his Affairs in every respect as he would do was he in his perfect mind & Senses and to do all other lawful Acts & things whatsoever concerning the premisses, as fully in every respect, as he the said Richard Beale might or could do, was he in his sound mind & Senses. Given under our Hands this 12 day of July in the Year of our Lord 1773. (signed) John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Purling M. Bazett John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Governor and Council issued a formal instrument at St Helena granting authority over Beale's affairs. It stated that the surgeons had reported Captain Richard Beale's health and memory to be so badly impaired that he could not carry out his duties. The Council had also learned that, for the same reasons, he was wholly unfit to conduct his own affairs or look after himself. It was therefore essential that someone be appointed to care for him and manage his affairs. By the authority vested in them as Governor and Council of the island, they appointed Matthew Bazett and Isaac Doveton, both of St Helena, to take charge of Beale. The two men were to have sole control of his affairs in every respect, as he would have managed them himself if he were of sound mind. They could also do any other lawful act concerning his property as fully as Beale himself could have done in good health. The instrument was dated 12 July 1773 and signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes were signed by the same four men. Interpretations The instrument signed by Matthew Bazett gave authority to Matthew Bazett. As a member of Council he joined in appointing himself guardian of his brother-in-law's person and property. The Council had only four members, and the case could not be referred to a court that did not exist on the island. The arrangement rested on trust within a small circle of related families. Six years later, in October 1779, a dispute over Beale's estate reached the Council through Goodwin's petition and Bazett's reply. The Council then sent the papers to the Company's lawyers in London rather than judge the matter itself, which suggests it saw how awkward Bazett's position had become. | |
47 | 19 July At a Consultation held on Monday the 19 day of July 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 12 July 1773. Wednesday 14 Arrived the Honorable Company's Ship Marquis of Rockingham from Bengal (last from Mauritius) and brought Us the following Supplys. Invoice of Ship Marquis of Rockingham Fine Rice 60 Bags Wt. Bmd. 120 @ 2 . 4 p Md. 291 . 9 . 6 Paddy 15 Bags Wt. Bmd. 22 . 20 @ 14 p Md. 19 . 11 Sugar 10 Bags Wt. 20 @ 15 p Md. 300 Wax Candles 4 Chests Wt. 8 @ 70 p Md. 560 Batavia Arrack 2 Leagers @ 300 p Lea. 648 1819 . 4 . 6 Charges Merchandize 155 Gunney Bags @ 25 p C. 40 . 2 . 9 4 Mango Plank Chests 3 p Ea. 12 . 15 . 3 3 Gurrah of 16 Covets @ 1 . 4 p Ps. 4 . 0 . 9 16 Gunneys @ 25 p C. 4 . 5 . 3 10 Jute Rope @ 3 p Md. 0 . 12 . 0 6 Jute Twine @ 4 p Do. 0 . 9 . 6 2 Nails @ 17 p Do. 0 . 13 . 6 50 Reed Matts @ 10 p C. 5 . 6 . 6 Carried forward 69 . 1 . 6 1819 . 4 . 6 | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 19 July 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 12 July 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Company's ship Marquis of Rockingham had arrived from Bengal on Wednesday 14 July 1773, after a last call at Mauritius. She brought supplies for the island. The invoice for her cargo read as follows. Fine rice, 60 bags weighing 120 maunds, at 2 rupees 4 annas per maund, 291 rupees 9 annas 6 pies Paddy, 15 bags weighing 22 maunds 20 seers, at 14 annas per maund, 19 rupees 11 annas 0 pies Sugar, 10 bags weighing 20 maunds, at 15 rupees per maund, 300 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Wax candles, 4 chests weighing 8 maunds, at 70 rupees per maund, 560 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers at 300 rupees each, 648 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Value of goods, 1,819 rupees 4 annas 6 pies Shipping charges: 155 gunny bags at 25 rupees per hundred, 40 rupees 2 annas 9 pies 4 chests of mango planks at 3 rupees each, 12 rupees 15 annas 3 pies 3 pieces of gurrah cloth of 16 cubits at 1 rupee 4 annas per piece, 4 rupees 0 annas 9 pies 16 gunny cloths at 25 rupees per hundred, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies 10 jute rope at 3 annas per maund, 0 rupees 12 annas 0 pies 6 jute twine at 4 annas each, 0 rupees 9 annas 6 pies 2 nails at 17 annas per maund, 0 rupees 13 annas 6 pies 50 reed mats at 10 rupees per hundred, 5 rupees 6 annas 6 pies Charges carried forward, 69 rupees 1 anna 6 pies Interpretations The Marquis of Rockingham carried a third consignment identical to those on the Duke of Grafton and the Prince of Wales in May, item for item and at the same prices. The Bengal government had evidently split the island's yearly supply into equal parts across three ships rather than two. Each ship's arrival therefore brought the island a predictable share. The loss of any single ship would cost only a third of the year's rice, sugar, candles and arrack, a safeguard that mattered on a route where ships could be delayed for months or never arrive. | |
48 | 19 July Charges Merchandize Brought forward 69 . 1 . 6 1819 . 4 . 6 Coopers Work for 1 Day 2 . 2 . 6 Packermens Work 12 . 9 Cooley hire 35 Diet 8 . 9 Boat hire 8 . 10 . 3 Weighman 0 . 7 . 9 1 Peon 2 . 2 . 6 Sloop hire 135 . 0 . 0 253 . 14 Current Rups. 2073 . 14 . 6 Madeira Wine 6 Pipes @ 250 . 8 . 9 p Pipe 1503 . 4 . 6 Charges Merchandize Sloop hire 75 Boat Do. 1 . . 6 Cooley Do. 4 . 8 . 0 Peons 2 . 5 . 3 82 . 13 . 9 Current Rups. 1586 . 2 . 3 Errors Excepted (signed) L. Darrell Sub Accompt. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores short Received from Ship Marquis of Rockingham. Account of Stores Short Received from Ship Marquis of Rockingham Cs. qr. lb 2 . . 13 Rice 1 . . 11 Paddy . . 2 . 10 Sugar . . . 8 Candles Short Weight occasioned by Wastage as the Packages where in good order. | The charges on the Marquis of Rockingham's cargo continued from the 69 rupees 1 anna 6 pies brought forward. Coopers' work for one day, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Packers' work, 0 rupees 12 annas 9 pies Hire of porters, 35 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Food, 0 rupees 8 annas 9 pies Boat hire, 8 rupees 10 annas 3 pies Weighers, 0 rupees 7 annas 9 pies 1 peon, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Sloop hire, 135 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total shipping charges, 253 rupees 14 annas 0 pies Total in current rupees, 2,073 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Madeira wine, 6 pipes at 250 rupees 8 annas 9 pies per pipe, 1,503 rupees 4 annas 6 pies Shipping charges on the wine: Sloop hire, 75 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Boat hire, 1 rupee 0 annas 6 pies Hire of porters, 4 rupees 8 annas 0 pies Peons, 2 rupees 5 annas 3 pies Total shipping charges on the wine, 82 rupees 13 annas 9 pies Total for the wine in current rupees, 1,586 rupees 2 annas 3 pies L. Darell, sub-accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Marquis of Rockingham. Rice, 2 hundredweight 0 quarters 3 pounds short in weight Paddy, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 11 pounds short in weight Sugar, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 10 pounds short in weight Candles, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 8 pounds short in weight He put the shortfall down to natural loss in transit, since the packages had arrived in good condition. Interpretations The six pipes of Madeira came to the island by way of Bengal. Ships bound for India called at Madeira on their way out and loaded wine. Bengal held stocks of it and shipped some on to St Helena, so the wine crossed the equator twice before it was drunk. This was the same route that brought the disputed Madeira by the Sea Horse and the Duke of Portland in 1778. In 1773 the Council had run short and bought a single pipe locally in June, so a consignment of six pipes from Bengal would keep the Company's table supplied for many months. | |
49 | 1773 2 Leagers Arrack viz. Gallns. No. 1 Gauges 140 wants to fill 8 Gallons No. 2 Do. 145 Do. 9 Do. 285 17 17 Gallons 268 Received 5 Pipes Madeira Wine viz. Gallns. No. 1 Gages 114 wants to fill 5 Gallons 2 Do. 112 Do. 5 3 Do. 113 Do. 6 4 Do. 110 Do. 5 5 Do. 112 Do. 5 561 26 26 Gallons 535 Received 1 Pipe Madeira Wine short Delivered St. Helena 19 July 1773 (signed) Jona. Doveton Storekeeper The Storekeeper this day brought in his Collections and the Paymaster his Accounts for the Quarter commencing the 1 April and ending the 30 June last which were examined, and approved, and are as follows. | The storekeeper's account for the Marquis of Rockingham continued with the arrack and Madeira. Arrack, 2 leaguers Leaguer number 1, gauged at 140 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Leaguer number 2, gauged at 145 gallons, 9 gallons short of full Arrack due in total, 285 gallons Arrack short in total, 17 gallons Arrack received, 268 gallons Madeira wine, 5 pipes Pipe number 1, gauged at 114 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 2, gauged at 112 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 3, gauged at 113 gallons, 6 gallons short of full Pipe number 4, gauged at 110 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 5, gauged at 112 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Madeira due in total, 561 gallons Madeira short in total, 26 gallons Madeira received, 535 gallons Madeira wine not delivered, 1 pipe Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 19 July 1773. The storekeeper then presented his collections and the paymaster his accounts for the quarter from 1 April to 30 June 1773. The Council examined and approved them, and they were set out as follows. Interpretations The Bengal invoice listed six pipes of Madeira, but only five came ashore. A missing pipe was a short delivery, unlike the few gallons lost from each cask, which the storekeeper treated as natural loss. The commander was answerable for the whole pipe, worth about 250 rupees at the Bengal price. Recording it separately let the Company charge him or his owners for it. The losses from the casks that did arrive were also high, about five gallons a pipe. A long voyage through hot latitudes, with the wood shrinking and the wine evaporating, cost the island close to five per cent of everything it received. | |
50 | 19 July Collection of Goods Sold and Delivered out of the Honorable Company's Ware Houses from the 1 April to the 30 June 1773. Sold at 10 p Cent Sugar and Candy viz. Cs. qr. lb 95 . . 22 Sugar 144 . 7 . 7 19 . 3 . 17 Candy 39 . 9 . 5 . 1 . 12 1 . 1 . 8 184 . 18 . 8 Flour viz. Cs. qr. lb 90 . 3 . 13 Flour 84 . 16 . 2 439 . 3 . 1 Do. Baked 457 . 2 . 2 541 . 18 . 4 Rice and Paddy viz. Cs. qr. lb 12 . . 21 Rice 5 . 1 . 9 23 . 1 . 13 Paddy 5 . 10 10 . 11 . 9 Wheat Cs. qr. lb 85 . 1 . 20 31 . 6 . 6 Candles 5 . . 4 66 . 7 . 9 Soap 7 . 3 . 22 25 . 19 . 2 Salt 26¼ Bushels 4 . 18 . 1 Pepper 50 lb 1 . 8 . 1 Coffee 67 lb 3 . 1 . 5 Tea viz. lb 311 Single 19 . 18 . 9 184 Congo 13 . . 8 400 Bohea 13 . 15 46 . 4 . 5 Starch 115 lb 3 . 9 . 6 Twine viz. 25 Sks. Twine 16 . 8 3¼ Cotton Wick 8 . 2 1 . 4 . 10 Chelloes 23 Ps. 14 . 8 . 5 Carried Over £ 935 . 16 . 11 | The storekeeper's account of goods sold and issued from the Company's warehouses between 1 April and 30 June 1773 read as follows. All the goods listed were sold at 10 per cent above cost. Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 95 hundredweight 0 quarters 22 pounds, £144 7s 7d Sugar candy, 19 hundredweight 3 quarters 17 pounds, £39 9s 5d Sugar candy, a further 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds, £1 1s 8d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £184 18s 8d Flour: Flour, 90 hundredweight 3 quarters 13 pounds, £84 16s 2d Flour baked into bread, 489 hundredweight 3 quarters 1 pound, £457 2s 2d Total for flour, £541 18s 4d Rice and paddy: Rice, 12 hundredweight 0 quarters 21 pounds, £5 1s 9d Paddy, 23 hundredweight 1 quarter 13 pounds, £5 10s 0d Total for rice and paddy, £10 11s 9d Wheat, 35 hundredweight 1 quarter 20 pounds, £31 6s 6d Candles, 5 hundredweight 0 quarters 4 pounds, £66 7s 9d Soap, 7 hundredweight 3 quarters 22 pounds, £25 19s 2d Salt, 26¾ bushels, £4 18s 1d Pepper, 50 lb, £1 8s 1d Coffee, 67 lb, £3 1s 5d Tea: Singlo tea, 311 lb, £19 18s 9d Congou tea, 184 lb, £13 0s 8d Bohea tea, 400 lb, £13 15s 0d Total for tea, £46 4s 5d Starch, 115 lb, £3 9s 6d Twine and wick: Twine, 25 lb, £0 16s 8d Cotton wick, ¾ lb, £0 8s 2d Total for twine and wick, £1 4s 10d Chelloes, 23 pieces, £14 8s 5d Carried forward, £935 16s 11d Interpretations The account shows the Company acting as the island's main shop. Goods shipped out at the Company's cost were sold to the inhabitants, the garrison and officials at a fixed mark-up of 10 per cent. Far the largest item was bread, nearly 490 hundredweight of flour baked and sold in three months. The Company milled and baked for the island, and soldiers drew their bread from its stores against their pay. This was the system that made the loss of flour so serious in 1779, when the Council had to issue yams to the garrison instead. The three teas were sold at very different prices. Singlo was a green tea of middling quality, Congou a good black tea, and Bohea the cheapest black tea, made from coarse late leaves. Bohea sold at under 7d a pound and was what most inhabitants drank, while Singlo cost more than twice as much. Chelloes, the cheap checked cotton cloth from western India, were sold by the piece and probably went mostly to clothe slaves and labourers. | |
51 | 1773 Brought Over £ 935 . 16 . 11 Cordage Cs. qr. lb 3 . 2 . 6 7 . 6 . 4 Lead viz. qr. lb 2 . 13 Sheet 15 . 10 3 . 17 Shot 1 . 1 . 1 1 . 16 . 11 Iron and Steel Cs. qr. lb 1 . . 13 Iron 1 . 6 . 1 Arrack 9¼ Gallons 2 . 6 . 3 Buckram 28½ Ells White 1 . 12 . 8 Copper Money 1600 Irish half Pence 3 . 6 . 8 Blankets 6 1 . 17 Leather viz. lb 190¼ Sole 9 . 2 . 4 6 Calf Skins 3 . 1 12 . 3 . 4 Pease 9½ Bushels 2 . 13 . 7 Corks 33¼ Gro. 4 . 3 . 1 Flannel 38 Yards 4 . 11 Beef and Pork viz. 2528 Ps. Beef 252 . 16 3586 Ps. Pork 358 . 12 611 . 8 Broad Cloth viz. 8 Yds. Scarlet 8 . 18 25 Do. Dark Brown 24 . 2 . 10 11½ Do. Mar. Blew 11 . 6 . 4 6½ Do. Light Blew 6 . 5 . 11 4½ Do. White 3 . 19 . 10 10½ Do. Parsons Grey 10 . 3 . 1 13½ Do. White Cassimere 5 . 16 . 9 1¼ Do. Black Do. 11 . 8 6¼ Do. Black Broad Cloth 5 . 17 . 5 77 . 1 . 10 Canvas viz. Yds. 13½ English 15 . 2 36 Ticklenburg 1 . 11 . 6 2 . 6 . 8 Carried Over £ 1669 . 6 . 4 | The account of goods sold continued from the £935 16s 11d brought forward. Cordage, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 6 pounds, £7 6s 4d Lead: Sheet lead, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 13 pounds, £0 15s 10d Lead shot, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 17 pounds, £1 1s 1d Total for lead, £1 16s 11d Iron and steel: iron, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 13 pounds, £1 6s 1d Arrack, 9¼ gallons, £2 6s 3d White buckram, 28½ yards, £1 12s 8d Copper money, 1,600 Irish halfpence, £3 6s 8d Blankets, 6, £1 17s 0d Leather: Sole leather, 190½ lb, £9 2s 4d Calfskins, 6, £3 1s 0d Total for leather, £12 3s 4d Peas, 9½ bushels, £2 13s 7d Corks, 33¼ gross, £4 3s 1d Flannel, 38 yards, £4 11s 0d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 2,528 pieces, £252 16s 0d Salt pork, 3,586 pieces, £358 12s 0d Total for beef and pork, £611 8s 0d Broadcloth: Scarlet broadcloth, 8¼ yards, £8 18s 0d Dark brown broadcloth, 25 yards, £24 2s 10d Mazarine blue broadcloth, 11½ yards, £11 6s 4d Light blue broadcloth, 6½ yards, £6 5s 11d White broadcloth, 4½ yards, £3 19s 10d Parson's grey broadcloth, 10½ yards, £10 3s 1d White cassimere, 13½ yards, £5 16s 9d Black cassimere, 1¼ yards, £0 11s 8d Black broadcloth, 6¼ yards, £5 17s 5d Total for broadcloth, £77 1s 10d Canvas: English canvas, 13½ yards, £0 15s 2d Ticklenburg canvas, 36 yards, £1 11s 6d Total for canvas, £2 6s 8d Carried forward, £1,669 6s 4d Interpretations The sale of 1,600 Irish halfpence shows how the island met its constant shortage of small change. The treasury held silver, mostly rupees, but everyday buying and selling needed low-value coins. The Company shipped out copper halfpence, which were cheap to mint, and sold them from the stores so that people had coins for small purchases. The Irish coinage was used because it was lighter and cheaper than English copper and circulated readily in the colonies. The salt beef and pork were the largest item after bread. More than 6,000 pieces were sold in a quarter, mostly to soldiers, who paid for their rations out of their pay. This explains why spoiled salt provisions caused such anger in the garrison in 1777, when the Council warned the Court of the soldiers' grumbling. A man buying meat that turned out to be rotten was paying for food he could not eat. The cloths show the range of clothing materials for sale. Broadcloth was fine, heavy woollen cloth for coats and uniforms, and scarlet was the costliest colour. Mazarine was a deep, rich blue, and parson's grey a sober dark grey. Cassimere was a lighter twilled woollen cloth used for waistcoats and breeches. Ticklenburg was a coarse, unbleached linen canvas from Tecklenburg in Westphalia, used for sacking, sails and working clothes. | |
52 | 19 July Brought Over £ 1669 . 6 . 4 Haberdashery viz. 104 Sks. Silk 2 . 3 . 4 49 Do. Mohair 1 . 4 . 6 16½ doz. Mohair Ct. Buttons 12 . 4 20 Do. Do. Breast Do. 7 . 6 1½ Do. Silver Wire Coat Do. 7 . 6 4½ Do. Do. Plate Do. Do. 6 . 6 ½ Do. Do. Do. Breast Do. 5 13 Do. Gilt Breast Do. 10 . 1 8½ Gro. White Waistcoat Do. 1 . 3 . 2 7 Do. Shirt Do. Do. 13 . 4 4½ Doz. Gold Basket Coat Do. 19 . 6 25¾ Yds. Broad Gold Lace 5 . 13 . 9 12 Do. Narrow Do. 1 . 14 . 3 46 Ps. Tape 1 . 7 . 9 1½ Whale Bone 10 1 Yd. Tabby 9 . 5 6½ Gro. Horn Moulds 3 . 8 13 . 12 Cuttlery Ware viz. 16 Ordinary Ivory Combs 1 25 Horn Do. 7 . 3 24 Buckling Do. 14 12 Fine Ivory Do. 17 3 Shoe Knives 1 . 2 74 Pr. Leather Garters 2 . 15 . 6 6 Butchers Knives 3 . 9 1 Pr. Shoe Buckles 7 1 Pr. Carvers 7 . 5 2 doz. Stag Horn Hand Kts. & Forks 1 . 9 . 2 1 Do. Green Do. Do. & Do. 1 . 3 . 4 9 . 19 . 2 Earthen Ware viz. 2 Small Red Tea Pots 3 . 5 2 Milk Pans 3 . 1 1 Close Stool Pan 1 . 11 8 . 5 Carried Over £ 1698 . 5 . 11 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,698 6s 4d brought forward. Sewing goods and trimmings: Silk thread, 104 skeins, £2 3s 4d Mohair thread, 49 skeins, £1 4s 6d Mohair coat buttons, 16½ dozen, £0 12s 4d Mohair waistcoat buttons, 20 dozen, £0 7s 6d Silver wire coat buttons, 1½ dozen, £0 7s 6d Plated coat buttons, 4½ dozen, £0 6s 6d Plated waistcoat buttons, ½ dozen, £0 0s 5d Gilt waistcoat buttons, 13 dozen, £0 10s 1d White waistcoat buttons, 3½ gross, £1 3s 2d Shirt buttons, 7 dozen, £0 13s 4d Gold basket-weave coat buttons, 4½ dozen, £0 19s 6d Broad gold lace, 25¾ yards, £5 13s 9d Narrow gold lace, 12 yards, £1 14s 3d Tape, 46 pieces, £1 7s 9d Whalebone, ½ lb, £0 10s 0d Tabby silk, 1 yard, £0 9s 5d Horn button moulds, 6½ gross, £0 3s 8d Total for sewing goods and trimmings, £13 12s 0d Combs, knives and small hardware: Ordinary ivory combs, 16, £1 0s 0d Horn combs, 25, £0 0s 0d Combs for dressing wigs, 24, £0 7s 3d Fine ivory combs, 12, £0 14s 0d Shoemakers' knives, 3, £1 17s 0d Leather garters, 7½ pairs, £0 1s 2d Butchers' knives, 6, £2 15s 6d Shoe buckles, 1 pair, £0 3s 9d Carving knife and fork, 1 pair, £0 0s 7d [...], £0 7s 5d Knives and forks with stag-horn handles, 2 dozen, £1 9s 2d Knives and forks with green handles, 1 dozen, £1 3s 4d Total for combs, knives and small hardware, £9 19s 2d Pottery: Small red teapots, 2, £0 3s 5d Milk pans, 2, £0 3s 1d Close-stool pan, 1, £0 1s 11d Total for pottery, £0 8s 5d Carried forward, £1,698 5s 11d Interpretations The gold lace and the silver, gilt and gold buttons were the materials for officers' uniforms and gentlemen's coats. An officer bought his own uniform, and on St Helena the only source of lace and trimmings was the Company's stores. Broad gold lace edged a captain's coat and hat, while narrow lace and gilt buttons marked lower ranks. Tabby was a heavy watered silk, and the horn moulds were blanks to be covered with cloth to make matching buttons. Whalebone, which is baleen from the whale's mouth, was used to stiffen stays and bodices. Buckling combs were used to set the rolled curls of a wig, which every gentleman and officer still wore in 1773. | |
53 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1698 . 5 . 11 Hosiers Ware 224 Pr. Ordy. thread Stockings 34 . 10 . 8 5 Do. Black Silk Do. 4 . 10 . 10 7 Do. Do. Worsted Do. 2 . 10 . 9 11 Pr. Do. Do. Breeches 6 . 10 . 2 6 Pr. Girls Stockings 13 8 Pr. Madrass Do. 3 . 7 52 . 2 . 5 Hooks and Lines viz. No. 7 100 6 . 1 8 275 17 . 7 10 50 11 11 25 5 12 125 9 . 1 13 225 2 . 4 14 925 7 . 11 15 Large 2 3 . 9 16 2575 15 . 2 Hooks 2 168 2 . 11 . 4 3 111 1 . 18 . 11 4 1 5 Hambro 2 2 . 11 Log 7 8 . 5 Lines 7 . 18 . 3 Iron Ware viz. 5 Hand Hatchets 10 1 Pr. Large Steel Yards 9 . 10 2 Broad Hoes 4 . 10 15 Scythe Stones 3 . 1 6 Iron Tinn'd Locks Brass Knobs 2 . . 3 2 Spades 8 . 3 2 Chaffing Dishes 10 . 11 2 Blank Keys 1 . 5 5 Chest Locks 16 . 9 3 Splinter Do. 1 . 6 Iron Ware Carried Over £ 5 . 6 . 10 Carried Over £ 1758 . 6 . 7 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,698 5s 11d brought forward. Stockings and hosiery: Ordinary thread stockings, 224 pairs, £34 10s 8d Black silk stockings, 5 pairs, £4 10s 10d Black worsted stockings, 7 pairs, £2 10s 9d Black worsted breeches, 11 pairs, £6 10s 2d Girls' stockings, 6 pairs, £0 13s 0d Madras stockings, 8 pairs, £3 7s 0d Total for stockings and hosiery, £52 2s 5d Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 7, 100, £0 6s 1d Fish hooks number 8, 275, £0 17s 7d Fish hooks number 10, 50, £0 0s 11d Fish hooks number 11, 25, £0 0s 5d Fish hooks number 12, 125, £0 2s 1d Fish hooks number 13, 225, £0 2s 4d Fish hooks number 14, 925, £0 7s 11d Large fish hooks number 15, 2, £0 3s 9d Fish hooks number 16, 2,575, £0 15s 2d Fishing line number 2, 168 [...], £2 11s 4d Fishing line number 3, 111 [...], £1 13s 11d Fishing line number 4, 1 [...], £0 0s 5d Hamburg line, 2 [...], £0 2s 11d Log line, 7 [...], £0 8s 5d Total for fish hooks and lines, £7 18s 3d Iron goods: Hand hatchets, 5, £0 10s 0d Large steelyard, 1, £0 9s 10d Broad hoes, 2, £0 4s 10d Scythe stones, 15, £0 3s 1d Iron-rimmed locks with brass knobs, 6, £2 0s 3d Spades, 2, £0 8s 3d Chafing dishes, 2, £0 10s 11d Blank keys, 2, £0 1s 5d Chest locks, 5, £0 16s 9d Splinter locks, 3, £0 1s 6d Iron goods carried forward, £5 6s 10d Total carried forward, £1,758 6s 7d Interpretations The fish hooks show how much the island depended on fishing. More than 4,000 hooks were sold in a single quarter, most of them small sizes for the inshore fish caught from rocks and boats around the coast. Fish supplemented the salt meat and bread bought from the stores, and for the slaves and poorer inhabitants it was often the main fresh food. This is why the Council took care in 1779 to send a sample of the hooks it needed. Hamburg line was a strong, tarred hemp line from the Hamburg trade, used for heavier fishing. Log line was the light line, knotted at fixed intervals, used at sea to measure a ship's speed. Here it was probably sold for fishing as well. A steelyard was a balance with a single long arm and a sliding weight, used to weigh heavy goods. A chafing dish was a metal dish set over a small charcoal burner to keep food warm at table. Madras stockings were knitted cotton stockings from southern India, cooler and cheaper than English worsted. | |
54 | 19 July Brought Over £ 1758 . 6 . 7 Iron Ware brought Over £ 5 . 6 . 10 1 Large Frying Pan 4 . 7 1 Iron Tinn'd Lock S. Bitted 1 . 4 . 8 1 Spring Rat Trap 1 . 8 1 Pullback Lock for Street Door 17 . 4 14 Stock Locks 2 . 6 . 8 3 Pr. Sheep Shears 4 . 11 1 Sheet Emery Paper 1 6 Files 3 . 7 2 Small Frying Pans 4 . 5 3 Iron Tinn'd Locks wt. Pullbacks 13 . 11 7 Mouse Traps 4 . 4 2 Iron Shovels 9 . 11 2 Coffee Mills 16 . 2 5 Scythes 1 . 3 . 4 1 Garden Rake 2 . 7 1 Claw Hammer 1 . 8 1 Ash Helve 7 1 Rag Stone 5 2 Pickaxes 7 . 8 1 Pr. HL. Hinges 3 . 2 1 Pr. Small Steel Yards 6 . 5 15 . 9 . 11 Ticking 6¾ Yards 12 . 4 Paint viz. lb 55½ Indico 5 . 5 . 10 9 Yellow Oaker dry 2 . 2 21 White Lead dry 7 151 Whiting 6 . 3 8 Blew Smalts 15 . 4 14 Stone Colour 7 . 7 8 Barrels Blacking 4 . 6 3 oz. Prussian Blew 4 . 3 2 Blew Paint 5 . 1 110 White Lead Mixed 2 . 5 . 10 11 Red Lead 2 . 6 Paint Carried Over £ 10 . 6 . 9 Carried Over £ 1774 . 8 . 10 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,758 6s 7d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £5 6s 10d Large frying pan, 1, £0 4s 7d Iron-rimmed lock, single-bitted, 1, £1 4s 8d Spring rat trap, 1, £0 1s 8d Pull-back lock for a street door, 1, £0 17s 4d Stock locks, 14, £2 6s 8d Sheep shears, 3 pairs, £0 4s 11d Emery paper, 1 sheet, £0 0s 1d Files, 6, £0 3s 7d Small frying pans, 2, £0 4s 5d Iron-rimmed locks with pull-backs, 3, £0 13s 11d Mousetraps, 7, £0 4s 4d Iron shovels, 2, £0 9s 11d Coffee mills, 2, £0 16s 2d Scythes, 5, £1 3s 4d Garden rake, 1, £0 2s 7d Claw hammer, 1, £0 1s 8d Axe handle, 1, £0 0s 7d Ragstone, 1, £0 0s 5d Pickaxes, 2, £0 7s 8d HL hinges, 1 pair, £0 3s 2d Small steelyard, 1, £0 6s 5d Total for iron goods, £15 9s 11d Ticking, 6¾ yards, £0 12s 4d Paint: Indigo, 55½ lb, £5 5s 10d Dry yellow ochre, 9 lb, £0 2s 2d Dry white lead, 21 lb, £0 7s 0d Whiting, 151 lb, £0 6s 3d Blue smalt, 8 lb, £0 15s 4d Stone colour, 14 lb, £0 7s 7d Blacking, [...] barrels, £0 4s 6d Prussian blue, 3 lb, £0 4s 3d Green paint, 2 lb, £0 5s 1d White lead ground in oil, 110 lb, £2 5s 10d Red lead, 11 lb, £0 2s 6d Total for paint, £10 6s 9d Total carried forward, £1,774 8s 10d Interpretations Several of the paints were pigments sold in powder for the buyer to mix. White lead was the standard base for oil paint and was sold both dry and already ground in oil. Whiting was powdered chalk, used for whitewash and cheap distemper on walls. Smalt was powdered blue glass coloured with cobalt, and Prussian blue was a newer, stronger blue pigment. Stone colour was a ready-made pale grey or buff paint for imitating stonework on doors and woodwork. Red lead was used to protect ironwork from rust, which mattered in the island's damp sea air. The indigo was probably bought as dye for cloth rather than paint, since it was the usual blue dye of the period. Among the hardware, a stock lock was a lock set in a wooden case and fixed to the face of a door. A pull-back lock had a latch opened by a knob from inside. HL hinges took their name from their shape, a long strap joined to an upright plate. Ragstone was a coarse sharpening stone, and ticking a strong striped cotton or linen used for mattress and pillow covers. The rat and mouse traps were a reminder of the pest that plagued the island's stores and crops. | |
55 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1774 . 8 . 10 Paint brought Over £ 10 . 6 . 9 lb 11½ Venetian Red dry 2 . 5 29 Do. Do. mixed 15 . 1 4 Verdegrease 1 . . 1 1 Umber 2 ¼ Copperas 3 12 . 4 . 9 Shirts viz. 233 Soldiers 57 . 5 . 7 43 Yds. Brown Holland 4 . 6 . 11 2 Ps. Irish Linnen 3 . 6 . 8 64 . 19 . 2 Thread viz. Ounce 1 No. 30 2 . 5 lb oz 1 . 9 16 3 . . 11 1 . 1 17 1 . 11 . 3 1 . 3 18 1 . 9 . 6 29½ Whited Brown 10 . 13 . 10 6 Coloured 19 . 9 17 . 17 . 8 Turners Ware viz. 9 Shoe Brushes 7 . 6 1 Ladle 5 5 Hair Brooms 15 . 5 2 Do. Sive 2 . 10 12 Punch Sives 7 . 9 6 Baskets 1 . 1 . 9 1 Large Plate Basket 7 . 11 7 Plaistr. Brushes 11 . 8 15 Paint Do. 3 . 2 17 Punch Ladles 10 . 7 1 Mop 1 . 4 5 Laborers Baskets 5 . 5 1 Tray 1 . 7 1 Platter 1 . 4 2 Scrubg. Brushes 6 . 6 1 Birch Broom 4 5 . 5 . 6 Carried Over £ 1874 . 15 . 11 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,774 8s 10d brought forward. Paint brought forward, £10 6s 9d Dry Venetian red, 11½ lb, £0 2s 5d Venetian red ground in oil, 29 lb, £0 15s 1d Verdigris, 4 lb, £1 0s 1d Umber, 1 lb, £0 0s 2d Copperas, ¼ lb, £0 0s 3d Total for paint, £12 4s 9d Shirts and linen: Soldiers' shirts, 233, £57 5s 7d Brown holland, 43 yards, £4 6s 11d Irish linen, 2 pieces, £3 6s 8d Total for shirts and linen, £64 19s 2d Thread: Thread number 30, 1 oz, £0 2s 5d Thread number 16, 1 lb 9 oz, £3 0s 11d Thread number 17, 1 lb 1 oz, £1 11s 3d Thread number 18, 1 lb 3 oz, £1 9s 6d Half-bleached thread, 29½ lb, £10 13s 10d Coloured thread, 6 lb, £0 19s 9d Total for thread, £17 17s 8d Wooden goods and brushes: Shoe brushes, 9, £0 7s 6d Ladle, 1, £0 0s 5d Hair brooms, 5, £0 15s 5d Hair sieves, 2, £0 2s 10d Punch strainers, 12, £0 7s 9d Flaskets, 6, £1 1s 9d Large plate bucket, 1, £0 7s 11d Plasterers' brushes, 7, £0 11s 8d Paint brushes, 15, £0 3s 2d Punch ladles, 17, £0 10s 7d Mop, 1, £0 1s 4d Labourers' baskets, 5, £0 5s 5d Tray, 1, £0 1s 7d Platter, 1, £0 1s 4d Scrubbing brushes, 2, £0 6s 6d Birch broom, 1, £0 0s 4d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £5 5s 6d Total carried forward, £1,874 15s 11d Interpretations The 233 soldiers' shirts were sold to the men of the garrison, who paid for their own clothing as they paid for their rations. The Company bought shirts in bulk in England and sold them from the stores against the soldiers' pay. That was why the soldiers' accounts had to be settled whenever a man was discharged or died, as Captain Howard did for Edward Groves. Several items need explanation. Venetian red was a reddish-brown earth pigment, cheap and durable, used on doors and outbuildings. Verdigris was the green rust of copper, used as a green pigment, and umber a brown earth. Copperas was green vitriol, an iron salt used to fix dyes and make ink. Brown holland was a strong unbleached linen, used for sheets, aprons and lining. Half-bleached thread, called "whited brown" in the account, was a cheaper grade of linen thread. Flaskets were long, shallow baskets for carrying linen or produce. The 17 punch ladles and 12 punch strainers show how popular arrack punch was among the island's inhabitants. | |
56 | 19 July Brought Over £ 1874 . 15 . 11 Nails viz. lb 15 3 12 . 6 31 4 1 . . 8 22 6 13 . 4 6 10 3 . 1 1 20 5 2 40 10 8 Floorg. Brads 4 . 6 1 Small Do. 1 . 6 2 . 16 . 10 Shalloon viz. 12½ Yds. Scarlet 1 . 16 . 8 33½ Do. Colord. 3 . 9 . 10 5 . 6 . 6 Hats viz. 16 Mens Fine 15 . 11 . 4 33 Boys 11 . 5 . 6 2 Mens Gold Laced 4 . 7 . 4 31 . 4 . 2 Oars 12 Small 2 . 2 . 11 Shoes viz. 200 Pr. Mens Ordy. 49 . 15 . 10 38 Pr. Do. Fine 11 . 11 . 2 35 Pr. Do. Pumps 9 . 12 . 6 123 Pr. Womens Calimanco 26 . 2 . 9 17 Pr. Do. Spanish 3 . 12 . 3 30 Pr. Girls Calimanco 5 24 Pr. Do. Calf 2 . 13 49 Pr. Boys 8 . 19 . 8 35 Pr. Womens Calf 5 . 2 . 1 122 . 9 . 3 Tin Ware viz. 1 Single Sheet 4 32 Quart Sauce Pans 14 . 8 28 Pint Do. 9 . 4 17 Gallon Kettles wt. Covers 1 . 7 . 3 Tin Ware Carried Over £ 2 . 11 . 7 Carried Over £ 2038 . 15 . 7 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,874 15s 11d brought forward. Nails: Threepenny nails, 15 lb, £0 12s 6d Fourpenny nails, 31 lb, £1 0s 8d Sixpenny nails, 22 lb, £0 13s 4d Tenpenny nails, 6 lb, £0 3s 1d Twentypenny nails, 1 lb, £0 0s 5d Fortypenny nails, 2 lb, £0 0s 10d Sheathing brads, 8 [...], £0 4s 6d Small sheathing brads, 1 [...], £0 1s 6d Total for nails, £2 16s 10d Shalloon: Scarlet shalloon, 12½ yards, £1 16s 8d Coloured shalloon, 33½ yards, £3 9s 10d Total for shalloon, £5 6s 6d Hats: Men's fine hats, 16, £15 11s 4d Boys' hats, 33, £11 5s 6d Men's gold-laced hats, 2, £4 7s 4d Total for hats, £31 4s 2d Small oars, 12, £2 2s 11d Shoes: Men's ordinary shoes, 200 pairs, £49 15s 10d Men's fine shoes, 38 pairs, £11 11s 2d Men's pumps, 35 pairs, £9 12s 6d Women's calamanco shoes, 123 pairs, £26 2s 9d Women's Spanish leather shoes, 17 pairs, £3 12s 3d Girls' calamanco shoes, 30 pairs, £5 0s 0d Girls' calfskin shoes, 24 pairs, £2 13s 0d Boys' shoes, 49 pairs, £8 19s 8d Women's calfskin shoes, 35 pairs, £5 2s 1d Total for shoes, £122 9s 3d Tinware: Single sheet of tin, 1, £0 0s 4d Quart saucepans, 32, £0 14s 8d Pint saucepans, 23, £0 9s 4d Gallon kettles with lids, 17, £1 7s 3d Tinware carried forward, £2 11s 7d Total carried forward, £2,038 15s 7d Interpretations The shoe sales show the size of the island's population and how completely it relied on the Company for everyday goods. More than 550 pairs were sold in three months, for men, women and children alike, with nothing made locally to compete. Men's ordinary shoes were bought mostly by soldiers. Calamanco was a glossy worsted cloth, often striped or checked, used for the uppers of cheaper women's shoes. Spanish leather was a fine, soft leather tanned in the Spanish manner, used for better shoes. Shalloon was a light, closely woven worsted cloth used mainly to line coats, and scarlet shalloon lined the red coats of the garrison. Nails were named by the old price of a hundred, so a tenpenny nail was larger than a threepenny one. Sheathing brads were small flat-headed nails used to fix copper or wooden sheathing to boats. | |
57 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2038 . 15 . 7 Tin Ware brought Over £ 2 . 11 . 7 19 Pudding Pans 18 . 2 4 Tin Lamps 3 . 5 3 Dripping Pans 5 . 11 3 Quart Funnels 1 . 3 4 . . 4 Saddlery viz. 2 Saddle Cloths 8 . 6 1 Pr. Stirrup Leathers 2 . 10 11 . 4 Glass Ware viz. 240 Wine Glasses 5 . 12 . 11 34 Tumblers 1 . 2 . 2 11 Quart Decanters 1 . 7 . 6 10 Pints Do. 18 . 4 27 Beer Glasses 1 . 6 . 5 7 Sqrs. 10 by 12 7 . 1 65 Do. 6 by 8 1 . . 4 63 Do. 8 by 10 2 . 2 . 6 1 Do. 11 by 19 1 . 6 13 . 18 . 9 Pewter viz. 8 Basons 1 . 5 . 6 33 Chamber Pots 5 . 12 . 9 1 Close Stool Pan 5 . 8 7 . 3 . 11 China Ware viz. 12 Sets Octagon Dishes & Plates 13 . 4 138 Soop Plates 3 . 13 . 9 13 Sallad Dishes 10 . 10 1 Tea Pot 9 1 Sneaker 3 12 Enamelld. Soop Plates 8 . 3 2 Baking Dishes 2 . 6 18 . . 4 Oil viz. 40¾ Gallns. Train 7 . 17 . 11 Oil Carried Over 7 . 17 . 11 Carried Over £ 2082 . 10 . 3 | The account of goods sold continued from the £2,038 15s 7d brought forward. Tinware brought forward, £2 11s 7d Pudding pans, 19, £0 18s 2d Tin lamps, 4, £0 3s 5d Dripping pans, 3, £0 5s 11d Quart funnels, 3, £0 1s 3d Total for tinware, £4 0s 4d Saddlery: Saddle cloths, 2, £0 8s 6d Stirrup leathers, 1 pair, £0 2s 10d Total for saddlery, £0 11s 4d Glassware: Wine glasses, 240, £5 12s 11d Tumblers, 34, £1 2s 2d Quart decanters, 11, £1 7s 6d Pint decanters, 10, £0 18s 4d Beer glasses, 27, £1 6s 5d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 7, £0 7s 1d Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 65, £1 0s 4d Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 63, £2 2s 6d Window pane 11 by 19 inches, 1, £0 1s 6d Total for glassware, £13 18s 9d Pewter: Basins, 8, £1 5s 6d Chamber pots, 33, £5 12s 9d Close-stool pan, 1, £0 5s 8d Total for pewter, £7 3s 11d China: Sets of octagonal dishes and plates, 12, £13 4s 0d Soup plates, 138, £3 13s 9d Salad dishes, 13, £0 10s 10d Teapot, 1, £0 0s 9d Sneaker, 1, £0 0s 3d Enamelled soup plates, 12, £0 3s 3d Baking dishes, 2, £0 2s 6d Total for china, £18 [...] 4d Oil: Train oil, 40¾ gallons, £7 17s 11d Oil carried forward, £7 17s 11d Total carried forward, £2,082 10s 3d Interpretations The china was Chinese export porcelain, brought by the Company's ships from Canton and sold on the island far more cheaply than in England. Sets of octagonal dishes and plates were a fashionable shape for dinner services. A sneaker was a small bowl for punch or tea, and its price of 3d shows how cheap such porcelain was at St Helena. Train oil was oil boiled from whale or seal blubber, burned in lamps. On an island without gas or candles to spare, it was the common light for most households, which is why the tin lamps were sold in the same quarter. | |
58 | 19 July Brought Over £ 2082 . 10 . 3 Oil brought Over £ 7 . 17 . 11 23¾ Gallons Linseed 5 . . 5 31 Bottles Florence 4 . 10 . 5 17 . 8 . 9 Pitch and Tar viz. lb 25 Pitch 3 . 7 5½ Gallons Tar 5 . 2 80 lb Rosin 15 . 1 ½ Turpentine 5 1 . 4 . 3 Braziers Ware viz. 7 Hand Bells 15 . 2 3 door Do. 13 . 9 1 Pr. Candlesticks 8 . 7 2 Three Quart Tea Kettles 1 . 6 . 1 3 . 3 . 7 Camblet viz. 12 Yds. Dark Brown 2 . . 9 4 Do. Blew 14 . 2 5½ Do. Green 19 . 5 3 . 14 . 4 Long Cloth viz. Ps. 4¼ No. 1 21 . 2 . 2 1 3 2 . 14 . 5 1½ 5 1 . 18 . 9 25 . 15 . 4 Books viz. 1 Small Bible 4 . 2 1 Spelling Book 1 . 3 1 Testament 1 . 11 1 Common Prayer 5 . 5 12 . 9 Iron Pots viz. 9 Wt. 193 2 . 4 . 8 1 Kettle 1 . 5 . 11 3 . 10 . 7 Carried Over £ 2138 . 9 . 10 | The account of goods sold continued from the £2,082 10s 3d brought forward. Oil brought forward, £7 17s 11d Linseed oil, 23¾ gallons, £5 0s 5d Florence oil, 31 bottles, £4 10s 5d Total for oil, £17 8s 9d Pitch and tar: Pitch, 25 lb, £0 3s 7d Tar, 5½ gallons, £0 5s 2d Resin, 30 lb, £0 15s 1d Turpentine, ½ [...], £0 0s 5d Total for pitch and tar, £1 4s 3d Brass goods: Hand bells, 7, £0 15s 2d Door bells, 3, £0 13s 9d Candlesticks, 1 pair, £0 8s 7d Three-quart tea kettles, 2, £1 6s 1d Total for brass goods, £3 3s 7d Camlet: Dark brown camlet, 12 yards, £2 0s 9d Blue camlet, 4 yards, £0 14s 2d Green camlet, 5½ yards, £0 19s 5d Total for camlet, £3 14s 4d Longcloth: Longcloth number 1, 4¼ pieces, £21 2s 2d Longcloth number 3, 1 piece, £2 14s 5d Longcloth number 5, ½ piece, £1 18s 9d Total for longcloth, £25 15s 4d Books: Small Bible, 1, £0 4s 2d Spelling book, 1, £0 1s 3d New Testament, 1, £0 1s 11d Book of Common Prayer, 1, £0 5s 5d Total for books, £0 12s 9d Iron pots: Iron pots, 9, weighing 193 lb, £2 4s 8d Iron kettle, 1, £1 5s 11d Total for iron pots, £3 10s 7d Total carried forward, £2,138 9s 10d Interpretations Florence oil was olive oil from Tuscany, shipped in straw-covered flasks and used for cooking and salads. Camlet was a hard-wearing cloth of wool, often mixed with goat's hair or silk, used for cloaks and coats. Longcloth was a fine plain cotton cloth from the Coromandel coast of India, sold in long pieces and graded by number for quality. It was far cheaper on St Helena than in England because it came straight from the Company's Indian trade. The books show how little reading matter the island had. A single Bible, Testament, Prayer Book and spelling book were sold in three months, all for church and schooling. The spelling book points to the island's school, the same school whose master the Council criticised in 1777 for barely being able to spell himself. | |
59 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2138 . 9 . 10 Serge viz. 21½ Yds. Blew 5 . 1 . 3 3½ Do. Green 16 . 4 8½ Do. Scarlet 2 . 12 . 5 27½ Do. Brown Fustain 2 . 14 ½ Ps. White Do. 8 . 10 11 . 12 . 10 Deals viz. 6 Double 1 . 2 . 6 1 Elm Board 5 . 5 1 . 7 . 11 Bunting 3 Yds. Red 4 . 11 Wine viz. 353 Gallons Port 122 . 16 . 4 413 Do. Lisbon 143 . 13 . 9 117 Do. Mountain 40 . 14 . 1 307 . 4 . 2 Sailors Cloaths viz. 2 Boy Green Duffle Jackets 11 . 10 2 Do. Breeches 6 . 3 1 Do. Shirt 3 . 1 1 . 1 . 7 £ 2460 . 1 . 3 Sold at 40 p Cent Salt 3 Bushels 14 China Ware viz. 48 Octagon Soop Plates 1 . 12 . 8 1 Guglet 1 . 7 1 . 14 . 3 Broad Cloth viz. 2 Yds. Light Blew 2 . 9 6¾ Do. Black 8 . 1 . 5 6 Do. Parsons Grey 7 . 11 . 6 18 . 1 . 11 Shalloon 11¾ Yds. Colord. 1 . 10 . 4 Carried Over £ 22 . 0 . 6 | The account of goods sold continued from the £2,138 9s 10d brought forward. Serge and fustian: Blue serge, 21½ yards, £5 1s 3d Green serge, 3½ yards, £0 16s 4d Scarlet serge, 8½ yards, £2 12s 5d Brown fustian, 27½ yards, £2 14s 0d White fustian, 16 yards, £0 8s 10d Total for serge and fustian, £11 12s 10d Deal boards: Double deal boards, 6, £1 2s 6d Elm board, 1, £0 5s 5d Total for boards, £1 7s 11d Red bunting, 3 yards, £0 4s 11d Wine: Port, 353 gallons, £122 16s 4d Lisbon wine, 113 gallons, £143 13s 9d Mountain wine, 117 gallons, £40 14s 1d Total for wine, £307 4s 2d Sailors' clothing: Boys' green duffel jackets, 2, £0 11s 10d Boys' breeches, 2, £0 6s 3d Boy's shirt, 1, £0 3s 1d Total for sailors' clothing, £1 1s 7d Total of goods sold at 10 per cent above cost, £2,460 1s 3d Goods sold at 40 per cent above cost: Salt, 3 bushels, £0 14s 0d China: Octagonal soup plates, 48, £1 12s 8d Guglet, 1, £0 1s 7d Total for china, £1 14s 3d Broadcloth: Light blue broadcloth, 2 yards, £2 9s 0d Black broadcloth, 6¾ yards, £8 1s 5d Parson's grey broadcloth, 6 yards, £7 11s 6d Total for broadcloth, £18 1s 11d Coloured shalloon, 11¾ yards, £1 10s 4d Carried forward, £22 0s 6d Interpretations The account now divided the goods into two classes. Most were sold at 10 per cent above cost, but a second group carried a mark-up of 40 per cent. The same kinds of goods appear in both, such as broadcloth, shalloon, china and salt, so the higher rate did not depend on the article. It probably reflected who bought it, with the lower rate kept for the Company's servants and garrison and the higher one charged to others. In 1778 the Court set a 30 per cent mark-up on Madeira sold to officials, which shows the Company adjusting these rates from London. The wine sales were the largest item after bread and salt meat. More than 580 gallons of port, Lisbon and Mountain wine were sold in a single quarter. A guglet was a long-necked earthenware or porcelain water bottle, often porous so that evaporation kept the water cool. Bunting was a light woollen cloth used for flags and signals. Duffel was a coarse, thick woollen cloth with a heavy nap, used for warm jackets at sea. | |
60 | 19 July Brought Over £ 22 . 00 . 6 Glass Ware viz. 2 Sqrs. 10¾ by 18¾ 4 4 Do. 6 by 8 1 . 9 1 Do. 10½ by 12½ 1 . 6 7 . 3 Paint viz. 2 lb White Lead dry 11 8 White Lead mixed 4 . 4 1 Barrel Blacking 9 1 lb Verdegrease 6 . 5 12 . 5 Hosiers Ware viz. 3 Pr. Black Silk Stockings 3 . 9 . 6 2 Pr. Do. Worsted Do. 18 . 4 4 . 7 . 10 Iron Ware viz. 1 Pad Lock 2 1 Mouse Trap 10 2 Spring Rat Traps 4 . 4 1 Wire Do. Do. 9 . 6 16 . 8 Pitch and Tar 2 Barrels Pitch 3 . 5 . 8 Cutlery 2 Fine Ivory Combs 7 . 10 Haberdashery viz. 3 Sks. Silk 1 . 8 4 Do. Mohair 2 . 4 1½ doz. Do. Coat Buttons 1 . 6 2 Do. Do. Breast Do. 1 . 0 6 . 6 Buckram 1 Yd. White 1 . 6 Shirts 1½ Yds. Brown Holland 3 . 11 Pewter 1 Bason 4 . 1 Books 1 Spelling 1 . 7 Tin Ware 1 Hand Glass Lanthorn 7 . 9 £ 33 . 3 . 6 | The goods sold at 40 per cent above cost continued from the £22 0s 6d brought forward. Glass: Window panes 10¾ by 18¾ inches, 2, £0 4s 0d Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 4, £0 1s 9d Window pane 10½ by 12½ inches, 1, £0 1s 6d Total for glass, £0 7s 3d Paint: Dry white lead, 2 lb, £0 0s 11d White lead ground in oil, 8 lb, £0 4s 4d Blacking, 1 barrel, £0 0s 9d Verdigris, 1 lb, £0 6s 5d Total for paint, £0 12s 5d Stockings: Black silk stockings, 3 pairs, £3 9s 6d Black worsted stockings, 2 pairs, £0 18s 4d Total for stockings, £4 7s 10d Iron goods: Padlock, 1, £0 2s 0d Mousetrap, 1, £0 0s 10d Spring rat traps, 2, £0 4s 4d Wire rat trap, 1, £0 9s 6d Total for iron goods, £0 16s 8d Pitch, 2 barrels, £3 5s 8d Fine ivory combs, 2, £0 7s 10d Sewing goods and trimmings: Silk thread, 3 skeins, £0 1s 8d Mohair thread, 4 skeins, £0 2s 4d Mohair coat buttons, 1½ dozen, £0 1s 6d Mohair waistcoat buttons, 2 dozen, £0 1s 0d Total for sewing goods and trimmings, £0 6s 6d White buckram, 1 yard, £0 1s 6d Brown holland for shirts, 1½ yards, £0 3s 11d Pewter basin, 1, £0 4s 1d Spelling book, 1, £0 1s 7d Tin hand lantern with glass, 1, £0 7s 9d Total of goods sold at 40 per cent above cost, £33 3s 6d The account went on to record further sales. | |
61 | 1773 Sold to the Honble. Company's Ships from the 1 April to the 30 June 1773. Pitch and Tar viz. 6 Barrels Pitch 9 . 17 6 Do. Tar 9 . 5 . 6 ½ Do. Turpentine 2 . 1 . 7 21 . 4 . 1 Paint viz. lb 154 Red Lead 9 . 5 . 5 20 Venetian Red mixed 13 . 9 90 Barrels Blacking 3 . 7 . 6 132 lb White Lead dry 4 . 3 . 6 3 Verdegrease 19 . 6 ½ Umber 2 1 Copperas 1 . 5 30 lb Yellow Oaker dry 8 . 9 1 Vermillion 8 . 10 12 . 8 . 10 Canvas viz. 4 Ps. English 11 . 3 . 4 208 Yds. Ticklenburgs 11 . 5 22 . 8 . 4 Tin Ware 54 Lanthorn Leaves 17 Cordage Cs. qr. lb 9 . 2 . 14 27 . 4 Coals 109 Bushels 10 . 4 . 5 Iron Ware 50 Sail Needles 1 . 10 Hooks and Lines viz. 25 No. 6 100 13 100 14 5 . 6 24 3 9 . 7 2 Hambro 3 . 8 30 Log 2 . 5 . 3 3 . 4 Twine 146 Skanes 6 . 1 . 8 Carried Over £ 103 . 14 . 2 | The account then listed the goods sold to the Company's ships between 1 April and 30 June 1773. Pitch and tar: Pitch, 6 barrels, £9 17s 0d Tar, 6 barrels, £9 5s 6d Turpentine, ½ barrel, £2 1s 7d Total for pitch and tar, £21 4s 1d Paint: Red lead, 154 lb, £2 5s 5d Venetian red ground in oil, 20 lb, £0 13s 9d Blacking, 90 barrels, £3 7s 6d Dry white lead, 132 lb, £4 3s 6d Verdigris, 3 lb, £0 19s 6d Umber, ½ lb, £0 0s 2d Copperas, 1 lb, £0 1s 5d Dry yellow ochre, 30 lb, £0 8s 9d Vermilion, 1 lb, £0 8s 10d Total for paint, £12 8s 10d Canvas: English canvas, 4 pieces, £11 3s 4d Ticklenburg canvas, 200 yards, £11 5s 0d Total for canvas, £22 8s 4d Lantern leaves, 54, £0 17s 0d Cordage, 9 hundredweight 2 quarters 14 pounds, £27 4s 0d Coal, 109 bushels, £10 4s 5d Sail needles, 50, £0 1s 10d Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks numbers 6, 13 and 14, 225 in all, £0 5s 6d Fishing line number 3, 24 [...], £0 9s 7d Hamburg lines, 2, £0 3s 8d Log lines, 30, £2 5s 3d Total for hooks and lines, £3 4s 0d Twine, 146 skeins, £6 1s 8d Carried forward, £103 14s 2d Interpretations The sales to the Company's ships show the island's role as a supply depot on the long voyage home. A ship that had been months at sea needed pitch and tar to seal its seams, cordage to replace worn rigging, canvas for sails and paint to protect its hull. St Helena held stocks of these sent out from England and sold them to commanders as required, charging the cost to each ship's account. Those charges were the small sums from each ship that appeared in the island's monthly cash accounts. Lantern leaves were thin, translucent sheets of horn fitted into the sides of ship's lanterns in place of glass, since they would not shatter. Vermilion was a bright red pigment made from mercury sulphide, used sparingly for decoration. | |
62 | 19 July Brought Over £ 103 . 14 . 2 Glass Ware viz. 2 Minute Glasses 2 . 4 15 Sqrs. 10½ by 12½ 1 . 3 . 6 8 Do. 11½ by 18 15 . 5 2 . 1 . 3 Nails viz. lb 5 4 7 6 16 10 12 20 1 . 8 Turners Ware viz. 2 Scrubg. Brushes 3 . 4 20 Paint Do. 15 1 . 3 . 4 Oil viz. 69 Gallons Linseed 18 . 19 . 6 15 Do. Train 3 . 16 . 11 3 Do. Turpentine 1 . 4 . 6 24 . . 11 £ 132 . 7 . 8 Charges General Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1 April to the 30 June 1773 Arrack 69 Gallons Sundrys Doctors Shop & Men Emplod. in ye. Stores 15 . 1 . 11 Tea 6 lb Bohea, Groom Gardener & Doctors Shop 3 . 8 Sugar & Candy viz. 62 lb Sugar 14 . 4 10 Candy Do. 3 . 2 17 . 6 Coals 90 Bushels, Armourers Shop 5 . 16 . 3 [...] Carried Over £ 21 . 19 . 4 | The goods sold to the Company's ships continued from the £103 14s 2d brought forward. Glass: Minute glasses, 2, £0 2s 4d Window panes 10½ by 12½ inches, 15, £1 3s 6d Window panes 11½ by 18 inches, 8, £0 15s 5d Total for glass, £2 1s 3d Nails: fourpenny 5 lb, sixpenny 7 lb, tenpenny 16 lb and twentypenny 12 lb, £1 8s 0d Brushes: Scrubbing brushes, 2, £0 3s 4d Paint brushes, 20, £0 15s 0d Total for brushes, £0 18s 4d Oil: Linseed oil, 69 gallons, £18 19s 6d Train oil, 13 gallons, £3 16s 11d Turpentine, 3 gallons, £1 4s 6d Total for oil, £24 0s 11d Total sold to the Company's ships, £132 7s 8d The stores issued for the Company's own use between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged to general expenses as follows. Arrack, 69 gallons, issued to [...] and the men working in the stores, £15 1s 11d Bohea tea, 6 lb, for the groom, the gardener and the dispensary, £0 3s 8d Sugar, 62 lb, for the same, £0 14s 4d Sugar candy, 10 lb, for the same, £0 3s 2d Coal, 90 bushels, for the armourer's workshop, £5 16s 3d Carried forward, £21 19s 4d Interpretations The general charges show the Company paying part of its workers' wages in kind. Arrack issued to the men working in the stores was a regular allowance, a daily ration of spirit that labourers expected in addition to their pay. At 69 gallons in three months it was the largest of these charges. Tea and sugar for the groom, the gardener and the dispensary were small comforts given to household servants and used to make medicines palatable. A minute glass was a small sandglass, usually running for 28 or 30 seconds, used with the log line to measure a ship's speed. | |
63 | 1773 Brought Over £ 21 . 19 . 4 Candles viz. lb 353 Castle 230 Council 30 Chaplain 25 Doctors Shop 4 Secretary's Office Cs. qr. lb 5 . 2 . 26 68 . 4 . 3 Twine 3 Sks. Governors Fishermen 1 . 9 Lead viz. 9 lb Sheet Governors Fishermen 1 . 11 4 lb Shot, Castle 9 2 . 8 Sope 50 lb Linen 1 . 6 . 1 Starch 16 lb Do. 8 . 8 Iron and Steel viz. lb 80 Iron Repairing the Crane 15 13 Steel, Smiths Shop 7 . 2 1 . 2 . 2 Cordage Cs. qr. lb 2 . 1 . 13 Crane 2 . 11 Corks 18 Gro. Castle 2 . . 6 Canvas viz. 3 Yds. Oznabrigs 2 . 6 12 Do. Ticklenburgs 9 . 6 Packets 12 Oil viz. 24 Gallons Train 4 . 4 . 6 2 Do. Linseed 7 . 3 Castle & Council 6 Bottles Florence Doctors Shop 15 . 9 5 . 7 . 11 Anchors 1 Stock, Crane & Well 4 . 11 Pitch and Tar viz. 2 lb Pitch 3 2 Gallns. Tar 1 . 8 16 lb Rozin 2 . 8 Castle 4 . 7 Carried Over £ 108 . 11 . 11 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £21 19s 4d brought forward. Candles, 5 hundredweight 2 quarters 26 pounds in all, £68 4s 3d For the Castle, 353 lb For the Council, 230 lb For the chaplain, 30 lb For the dispensary, 25 lb For the Secretary's office, 4 lb Twine for the Governor's fishermen, 3 skeins, £0 1s 9d Lead: Sheet lead for the Governor's fishermen, 9 lb, £0 1s 11d Lead shot for the Castle, 4 lb, £0 0s 9d Total for lead, £0 2s 8d Soap for washing linen, 50 lb, £1 6s 1d Starch for linen, 16 lb, £0 8s 8d Iron and steel: Iron for repairing the crane, 80 lb, £0 15s 0d Steel for the smiths' workshop, 13 lb, £0 7s 2d Total for iron and steel, £1 2s 2d Cordage for the crane, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 13 pounds, £2 11s 0d Corks for the Castle, 18 gross, £2 0s 6d Canvas for buckets: Osnaburg, 3 yards, £0 2s 6d Ticklenburg canvas, 12 yards, £0 9s 6d Total for canvas, £0 12s 0d Oil: Train oil for the Castle and the Council, 24 gallons, £4 4s 6d Linseed oil for the Castle and the Council, 2 gallons, £0 7s 8d Florence oil for the dispensary, 6 bottles, £0 15s 9d Total for oil, £5 7s 11d Anchor stock for the crane and the well, 1, £4 11s 0d Pitch and tar for the Castle: Pitch, 2 lb, £0 0s 3d Tar, 2 gallons, £0 1s 8d Resin, 16 lb, £0 2s 8d Total for pitch and tar, £0 4s 7d Carried forward, £108 11s 11d Interpretations Candles were the largest single cost of running the island's government. The Castle and the Council used nearly 600 lb in three months, mostly the expensive wax candles shipped from Bengal. The Castle was both the Governor's residence and the seat of government, where the Council met and guests from the ships were entertained in the evenings. The Governor's fishermen were the slaves or servants who caught fish for his table, supplied at the Company's cost with twine and sheet lead for weighting their lines and nets. Osnaburg was a coarse, unbleached linen, named after Osnabrück in Germany. Canvas buckets were used for carrying water and for fighting fires, since they were light and did not break. The crane at the landing place, repaired with iron and new rope, was the main means of lifting stores from boats onto the wharf at Jamestown, where there was no harbour for ships to come alongside. | |
64 | 19 July Brought Over £ 108 . 11 . 11 Iron Ware viz. 1 Turkey Oil Stone Smiths Shop 7 . 8 29 Ash Helves 16 . 11 12 Do. for Hammrs. Coopr. Carpr. Shop 3 . 3 6 lb Corn Emery Smiths Shop 3 . 4 1 Gaging Rod, Cooper 3 . 4 2 Large Box Irons 17 . 8 2 Small Do. 13 . 4 2 Chest Locks 6 . 1 1 Iron Tinn'd Do. Brass Knbs. 6 . 1 Castle 1 Small Frying Pan Castle 2 1 Claw Hammer Carptr. Shop 1 . 6 1 Pr. HL. Hinges 3 . 3 2 Do. Dovetail Do. 1 . 2 Markey 2 Iron Tinn'd Locks wt. Pullbks. Castle 8 . 3 1 Maul 9 . 1 4 lb Iron Wire Castle 3 12 Knots Cat Gut, Clocks 3 . 3 24 Files 13 12 Rubber Do. 3 . 9 . 4 56 lb Rod Iron 11 . 8 1 Cupboard Lock 2 . 10 Smiths Shop 4 Iron Shovels 17 . 10 2 Pickaxes 6 . 11 Church Yard 1 Blank Key Stores 8 24 Sheets Emery Paper Smiths Shop 2 . 3 11 . 13 . 8 Thread 2½ Whited Brown Castle 16 . 6 Braziers Ware viz. 11 Sheets Copper, Crane & Carpr. Shop 1 . . 8 3 Hand Bells, Castle 5 . 9 1 . 6 . 5 Hooks and Lines viz. 150 No. 16 Hooks 25 13 Do. 9 100 11 Do. 3 Govr. and Lt. Govr. 43 2 Lines 1 . 7 6 3 Do. 13 . 4 Govrs. Fishermen 2 . 0 17 . 11 Carried Over £ 123 . 6 . 5 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £108 11s 11d brought forward. Iron goods: Turkey oilstone for the smiths' workshop, 1, £0 7s 8d Axe handles, 29, £0 16s 11d Hammer handles for the carpenters' and coopers' workshops, 12, £0 3s 3d Emery grit for the smiths' workshop, 6 lb, £0 3s 4d Gauging rod for the cooper, 1, £0 3s 4d Large box irons for the Castle, 2, £0 17s 8d Small box irons for the Castle, 2, £0 13s 4d Chest locks for the Castle, 2, £0 6s 1d Iron-rimmed lock with brass knob for the Castle, 1, £0 6s 1d Small frying pan for the Castle, 1, £0 2s 0d Claw hammer for the carpenters' workshop, 1, £0 1s 6d HL hinges for Marley, 1 pair, £0 3s 3d Dovetail hinges for Marley, 2 pairs, £0 1s 2d Iron-rimmed locks with pull-backs and staples, 2, £0 8s 3d Maul for the Castle, 1, £0 9s 1d Iron wire for the Castle, 4 lb, £0 3s 0d Catgut for the clocks, 12 knots, £0 3s 3d Files for the smiths' workshop, 24, £0 13s 0d Rubbers for the smiths' workshop, 12, £3 9s 4d Rod iron for the smiths' workshop, 56 lb, £0 11s 8d Cupboard lock for the smiths' workshop, 1, £0 2s 10d Iron shovels for the churchyard, 4, £0 17s 10d Pickaxes for the churchyard, 2, £0 6s 11d Blank key for the stores, 1, £0 0s 8d Emery paper for the smiths' workshop, 24 sheets, £0 2s 3d Total for iron goods, £11 13s 8d Half-bleached thread for the Castle, 2½ lb, £0 16s 6d Brass and copper goods: Sheet copper for the crane and the carpenters' workshop, 11 lb, £1 0s 8d Hand bells for the Castle, 3, £0 5s 9d Total for brass and copper goods, £1 6s 5d Fish hooks and lines for the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen: Fish hooks number 16, 150, £0 0s 9d Fish hooks number 13, 25, £0 0s 3d Fish hooks number 11, 100, £0 1s 7d Fishing line number 2, 43 [...], £0 13s 4d Fishing line number 3, 6 [...], £0 2s 0d Total for hooks and lines, £0 17s 11d Carried forward, £123 6s 5d Interpretations Several tools here belonged to particular trades. A Turkey oilstone was a fine whetstone from Asia Minor for putting the finest edge on tools. Rubbers were coarse, heavy files used to rough down metal before finishing. A cooper's gauging rod was a graduated rod pushed through the bunghole to measure how much a cask held, the tool behind every arrack and wine account in these records. Box irons were hollow smoothing irons with a heated iron slug inside, used for pressing linen at the Castle. Catgut was used for the cords from which clock weights hung. | |
65 | 1773 Brought Over £ 123 . 6 . 5 Haberdashery viz. 12 Sks. Silk Governors Fishermen 4 . 6 6 Do. Mohair 2 2½ doz. Gilt Breast Buttons 1 . 9 3 Do. Silver Plate Coat Do. 4 Parator of the Court of Justice 1 Ps. Carnation Tape Castle 4 12 . 7 Nails viz. lb 4 7 4 . 4 6 12 6 . 6 10 6 2 . 9 20 6 2 . 6 40 8 3 3 Dog 2 1 lb Small Brads 1 . 4 Markey & Prisons House 1 . 2 . 5 Paint viz. 7 Blew Smalts 11 . 8 2 Indico 3 . 5 Linen 20 White Lead Mixed 7 . 6 15 Whiting 4 4 Barrls. Blacking 2 Markey 20 lb Chalk Carpenters Shop 1 1 Red Lead, Castle 3 1 . 6 . 2 Cutlery Ware viz. 2 Butchers Knives 1 . 2 4 Pr. Carvers 1 . 7 3 doz. Green Handd. Knives & Forks 5 . 18 . 9 Castle 7 . 6 . 11 China Ware viz. 12 Sallad Dishes 9 15 Octagon Meat Do. 96 Do. Do. Plates 3 . 17 . 9 48 Do. Soop Do. 1 . 3 . 4 Castle 5 . 10 . 1 Carried Over £ 139 . 4 . 7 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £123 6s 5d brought forward. Sewing goods and trimmings: Silk thread for the Governor's fishermen, 12 skeins, £0 4s 6d Mohair thread for the Governor's fishermen, 6 skeins, £0 2s 0d Gilt waistcoat buttons for the court officer, 2½ dozen, £0 1s 9d Silver-plated coat buttons for the court officer, 3 dozen, £0 4s 0d Carnation tape for the Castle, 1 piece, £0 0s 4d Total for sewing goods and trimmings, £0 12s 7d Nails for Marley and the [...] house: Fourpenny nails, 7 lb, £0 4s 4d Sixpenny nails, 12 lb, £0 6s 6d Tenpenny nails, 6 lb, £0 2s 9d Twentypenny nails, 6 lb, £0 2s 6d Fortypenny nails, 3 lb, £0 3s 0d Dog nails, 3 [...], £0 2s 0d Small brads, 1 lb, £0 1s 4d Total for nails, £1 2s 5d Paint and colouring: Blue smalt for the linen, 7 lb, £0 11s 8d Indigo for the linen, 2 lb, £0 3s 5d White lead ground in oil for Marley, 20 lb, £0 7s 6d Whiting for Marley, 15 lb, £0 0s 4d Blacking for Marley, 4 barrels, £0 2s 0d Chalk for the carpenters' workshop, 20 lb, £0 1s 0d Red lead for the Castle, 1 lb, £0 0s 3d Total for paint and colouring, £1 6s 2d Knives and cutlery for the Castle: Butchers' knives, 2, £0 1s 2d Carving knives and forks, 4 pairs, £1 7s 0d Knives and forks with green handles, 3 dozen, £5 18s 9d Total for knives and cutlery, £7 6s 11d China for the Castle: Salad dishes, 12, £0 9s 0d Octagonal meat dishes, 15, and octagonal plates, 96, £3 17s 9d Octagonal soup plates, 48, £1 3s 4d Total for china, £5 10s 1d Carried forward, £139 4s 7d Interpretations The smalt and indigo charged to the linen were not paint but laundry blue. Linen washed with soap tended to yellow, and a little blue pigment in the rinsing water made it look whiter. Together with the soap and starch charged earlier, these show the Castle's laundry run at the Company's expense. The buttons for the court officer, called the apparitor in the original, were for the uniform of the official who summoned people to appear before the island's court and kept order there. Dog nails were heavy nails with a projecting head, used for fixing ironwork such as hinges to timber. | |
66 | 19 July Brought Over £ 139 . 4 . 7 Turners Ware viz. 12 Birch Brooms, Castle Lt. Govrs. House and Smiths Shop 4 9 Mops 11 . 3 6 Scrubg. Brushes 18 . 3 7 Hair Brooms 19 . 3 1 Wood Bowl 1 . 1 3 Shoe Brushes 2 . 3 Castle Lt. Govrs. House and Old Church 12 Lath Wheel Do. Smiths Shop 1 . 5 . 4 2 Baskets 6 . 7 1 Wood Ladle 5 Castle [...] Deals viz. 33 Single 3 . 4 . 8 38 Double 5 . 1 . 11 1 Mans. Board 6 . 7 1 Bath 8 . 9 Markey, Bake & Prisons House & Making Centers for the New Bridge ½ Ps. Oak Plank Do. 17 . 1 9 . 19 Glass Ware viz. 60 Wine Glasses 1 . 5 . 8 6 Tumblers 3 . 6 12 Beer Glasses 10 . 6 2 Qt. Decanters 4 . 6 2 Pt. Do. 3 . 4 1 Candle Shade 7 Castle 11 Sqrs. 10 by 12 Markey 10 . 1 3 . [...] . 7 Tin Ware viz. 2 Qt. Sauce Pans 1 . 8 4 Pt. Do. 1 . 2 24 Patty Pans 3 . 8 4 Pudding Do. 3 . 5 1 Dripping Do. 1 . 10 2 Tin Lamps 1 . 7 1 Globe Do. 8 . 1 Castle 1 . 1 . 5 Carried Over £ 157 . 18 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £139 4s 7d brought forward. Wooden goods and brushes: Birch brooms for the Castle, the Governor's house and the smiths' workshop, 12, £0 4s 0d Mops for the Castle, the Governor's house and the old church, 9, £0 11s 3d Scrubbing brushes for the same, 6, £0 16s 3d Hair brooms for the same, 7, £0 19s 3d Wooden bowl for the same, 1, £0 1s 1d Shoe brushes for the same, 3, £0 2s 3d Lathe-wheel brushes for the smiths' workshop, 12, £1 5s 4d Flaskets for the Castle, 2, £0 6s 7d Wooden ladle for the Castle, 1, £0 0s 5d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £[...] Deal boards for the Marley bakehouse, the [...] house and the centring for the new bridge: Single deal boards, 33, £3 4s 8d Double deal boards, 38, £5 1s 11d Mast board, 1, £0 6s 7d Batten, 1, £0 8s 9d Oak plank, ½ piece, £0 17s 1d Total for boards, £9 19s 0d Glass for the Castle: Wine glasses, 60, £1 5s 8d Tumblers, 6, £0 3s 6d Beer glasses, 12, £0 10s 6d Pint decanters, 2, £0 4s 6d Quart decanters, 2, £0 3s 4d Candle shade, 1, £0 7s 0d Window panes 10 by 12 inches for Marley, 11, £0 10s 1d Total for glass, £3 4s 7d Tinware for the Castle: Pint saucepans, 2, £0 1s 8d Quart saucepans, 4, £0 1s 2d Patty pans, 24, £0 3s 8d Pudding pans, 4, £0 3s 5d Dripping pan, 1, £0 1s 10d Tin lamps, 2, £0 1s 7d Globe lamp, 1, £0 8s 1d Total for tinware, £1 1s 5d Carried forward, £157 18s 0d Interpretations The deal boards were bought partly for centring for the new bridge. Centring was the temporary timber frame on which the stones of an arch were laid until the mortar set and the arch could stand alone. Timber was scarce on St Helena and every board came from England, so even a temporary frame was a costly charge. Marley appears repeatedly in these issues, for nails, paint, glass and now boards for a bakehouse, which suggests it was a Company building being fitted out that quarter. A candle shade was a glass chimney set over a candle to stop it guttering in a draught, useful at the Castle with its open windows to the sea air. | |
67 | 1773 Brought Over £ 157 . 18 .. Serge viz. 7½ Yards Blue 1 . 11 . 3 4 Do. Green 16 . 11 2½ Do. Scarlet 13 .. Parator of the Court of Justice and Groom 3 . 1 . 2 Shalloon viz. 2½ Yards Scarlet 5 . 10 4½ Do. Colord. 8 . 4 Do. 14 . 2 Long Cloth Wt. 7/8 5½ ps. No. 5 Castle 6 .. 1 Hats 1 Mans Fine, Parator of the Court of Justice 17 . 8 Buckram 2 yds. White Do. 2 . 1 Iron Pots 1 cwt. [...] Castle 1 . 8 Broad Cloth 1 Yard Blue Castle 13 . 1 Shirts viz. 1 ps. Irish Linen 1 . 10 . 1 1 ps. Brown Holland 1 . 10 Do. 1 . 11 . 11 Earthen Ware 4 Milk Pans Do. 5 . 5 £ 171 . 10 . 3 Repairs Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30 June 1773 Deals viz. 153 Single 14 . 19 . 8 8 Double 1 . 7 . 2 12 Balks 5 . 5 .. 2½ Tons Riga Timber 5 . 3 . 8 Stores and Hospital Doctors Shops & Compys. Houses 26 . 15 . 6 Carried Over £ 26 . 15 . 6 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £157 18s 0d brought forward. Serge for the court officer and the groom: Blue serge, 7½ yards, £1 11s 3d Green serge, 4 yards, £0 16s 11d Scarlet serge, 2½ yards, £0 13s 0d Total for serge, £3 1s 2d Shalloon for the same: Scarlet shalloon, 2½ yards, £0 5s 10d Coloured shalloon, 4½ yards, £0 8s 4d Total for shalloon, £0 14s 2d Longcloth number 5 for the Castle, 5½ pieces, £6 0s 1d Man's fine hat for the court officer, 1, £0 17s 8d White buckram for the same, 2 yards, £0 2s 1d Iron pot for the Castle, 1, weighing 8 lb, £0 1s 8d Blue broadcloth for the Castle, 1 yard, £0 13s 1d Shirt linen for the same: Irish linen, 1 piece, £1 10s 1d Brown holland, 1 yard, £0 1s 10d Total for shirt linen, £1 11s 11d Milk pans, 4, £0 5s 5d Total charged to general expenses, £171 10s 3d The stores issued for repairs between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Timber for the stores, the hospital, the dispensary and the Company's houses: Single deal boards, 153, £14 19s 8d Double deal boards, 8, £1 7s 2d Balks, 12, £5 5s 0d Riga timber, 2½ [...], £5 3s 8d Total for timber, £26 15s 6d Carried forward, £26 15s 6d Interpretations The serge, shalloon, hat and buckram issued to the court officer and the groom were the materials for their livery. The Company clothed the servants of its government in uniform at its own cost, so that the officer who summoned people before the court was recognisable by his dress. Balks were large squared beams of rough timber, used for joists and rafters. Riga timber was fir from the Baltic, shipped through the port of Riga. It was prized for its straight grain and strength, and it reached St Helena by way of London. Every beam used to repair the island's buildings came on that long route, which helps explain why the Council later counted building costs so carefully. | |
68 | 19th July Brought Over £ 26 . 15 . 6 Nails viz. 19 m. 3 14 . 3 17 . 4 10 . 4 26 . 6 11 . 5 11 . 10 5 .. 51 . 20 1 . . 2 ½ Small Brads 2 .. 2 Dog 1 . 4 26 Spike 8 . 1 Stores, Hospital Doctors Shop, & Companys Houses 3 . 12 . 7 Paint viz. 112 White Lead mixed 2 . 2 3 lb. Whiting 1 . 1 24 Venitian Red mixed 11 .. 1 Prussian Blue 1 . 2 . 7 2 Verdegrease 9 . 2 6 Barrl. Blacking 3 .. Hospital Doctors Shop Lt. Govr. & Companys Houses 4 . 8 . 10 Oil viz. 1 Gallon Train 3 . 6 10 Do. Linseed 1 . 18 . 4 ½ Do. Turpentine 2 . 11 Stores, Hospital Doctors Shop & Lt. Govr. Houses 2 . 4 . 9 Cordage 15 lb. Lieut. Govr. House 5 .. Lead 1 qr. 3 lb. Sheet Do. 2 . 1 . 11 Iron 26 lb. Do. 4 . 11 Glass Ware viz. 28 Sqrs. 8 by 10 15 . 9 40 Do. 6 by 8 10 . 10 Hospl. Doctrs. Shop & Compys. Houses 1 . 6 . 7 Iron Ware viz. 24 Brass Rings 5 .. 1 Blank Key .. 8 1 Stock Lock 3 . 1 1 Cupboard Do. 2 . 9 1 pr. H L Hinges 2 . 10 3 pr. Do. Do. w. ris. & Joints 9 . 6 Doctrs. Shop 1 . 3 . 10 Carried Over £ 42 . 3 . 11 | The stores issued for repairs continued from the £26 15s 6d brought forward. Nails for the stores, the hospital, the dispensary and the Company's houses: Threepenny nails, 19 lb, £0 14s 3d Fourpenny nails, 17 lb, £0 10s 4d Sixpenny nails, 26 lb, £0 11s 5d Tenpenny nails, 11 lb, £0 5s 0d Twentypenny nails, 51 lb, £1 0s 2d Small brads, ½ lb, £0 2s 0d Dog nails, 2 [...], £0 1s 4d Spikes, 26 [...], £0 8s 1d Total for nails, £3 12s 7d Paint for the hospital, the dispensary, the Lieutenant Governor's house and the Company's houses: White lead ground in oil, 112 lb, £2 2s 0d Whiting, 32 lb, £0 1s 1d Venetian red ground in oil, 24 lb, £0 11s 0d Prussian blue, 1 lb, £1 2s 7d Verdigris, 2 lb, £0 9s 2d Blacking, 6 barrels, £0 3s 0d Total for paint, £4 8s 10d Oil for the stores, the hospital, the dispensary and the Lieutenant Governor's house: Train oil, 1 gallon, £0 3s 6d Linseed oil, 10 gallons, £1 18s 4d Turpentine, ½ gallon, £0 2s 11d Total for oil, £2 4s 9d Cordage for the Lieutenant Governor's house, 15 lb, £0 5s 0d Sheet lead for the same, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 5 pounds, £2 1s 11d Iron for the same, 26 lb, £0 4s 11d Glass for the hospital, the dispensary and the Company's houses: Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 28, £0 15s 9d Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 40, £0 10s 10d Total for glass, £1 6s 7d Iron goods for the dispensary: Brass rings, 24, £0 5s 0d Blank key, 1, £0 0s 8d Stock lock, 1, £0 3s 1d Cupboard lock, 1, £0 2s 9d HL hinges, 1 pair, £0 2s 10d HL hinges with rising joints, 3 pairs, £0 9s 6d Iron goods carried forward, £1 3s 10d Total carried forward, £42 3s 11d | |
69 | 1773 Brought Over £ 42 . 3 . 11 Turners Ware & Paint Brushes Doctors Shop & Hospital 3 . 4 Pitch and Tar viz. 50 lb. Pitch 2 . 6 1 Galln. Tar 10 Stores 3 . 4 £ 42 . 10 . 7 Diet Expences Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773. Flour 16 . 1 . 24 15 . 7 . 4 Arrack 113 Gallons 24 . 14 . 5 Beef and Pork viz. 36 Ps. Beef 6 . 4 . 6 36 Do. Pork 5 . 11 .. 11 . 15 . 6 Rice C. 4 .. 23 lb. 1 . 14 . 11 Coffee 25 lb. 1 .. 10 Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 2 . 1 . 9 Sugar 2 . 19 . 11 2 . 1 . 10 Candy 3 . 17 . 5 2 .. 23 Fine 6 .. 6 12 . 17 . 10 Spice viz. 4 lb. Cinnamon 2 . 17 . 2 2 Mace & Cloves 1 . 13 .. 4 . 10 . 2 Tea viz. 4 lb. Singlo 4 . 6 2 lb. Bohea 1 . 3 5 . 9 Oil 6 Bottles Florence 15 . 9 Salt 1 Bushel 3 . 4 Pepper 8 lb. [...] Carried Over £ 73 . 9 . 10 | The stores issued for repairs continued from the £42 3s 11d brought forward. Paint brushes for the dispensary and the hospital, 8, £0 3s 4d Pitch and tar for the stores: Pitch, 50 lb, £0 2s 6d Tar, 1 gallon, £0 0s 10d Total for pitch and tar, £0 3s 4d Total charged to repairs, £42 10s 7d The stores issued for the Company's table between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Flour, 16 hundredweight 1 quarter 24 pounds, £15 7s 4d Arrack, 113 gallons, £24 14s 5d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 36 pieces, £6 4s 6d Salt pork, 36 pieces, £5 11s 0d Total for beef and pork, £11 15s 6d Rice, 4 hundredweight 0 quarters 23 pounds, £1 14s 11d Coffee, 25 lb, £1 0s 10d Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 9 pounds, £2 19s 11d Sugar candy, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 10 pounds, £3 17s 5d Fine sugar candy, 2 hundredweight 0 quarters 23 pounds, £6 0s 6d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £12 17s 10d Spices: Cinnamon, 4 lb, £2 17s 2d Mace and cloves, 2 lb, £1 13s 0d Total for spices, £4 10s 2d Tea: Singlo tea, 4 lb, £0 4s 6d Bohea tea, 2 lb, £0 1s 3d Total for tea, £0 5s 9d Florence oil, 6 bottles, £0 15s 9d Salt, 1 bushel, £0 3s 4d Pepper, 8 lb, £0 4s 0d Total charged to the table, £73 9s 10d Interpretations The diet account covered the stores drawn from the warehouses for the Governor's official table over the whole quarter. It sat alongside the steward's monthly accounts, which recorded what was actually served. Arrack was the largest single charge, more than 113 gallons in three months, most of it for the punch served to guests from the ships. The spices show the Company's eastern trade on the table: cinnamon from Ceylon, and mace and cloves from the Dutch spice islands, all costly in England but available on the island through the Company's ships. Over a whole year, the table's stores alone ran to nearly £300 0s 0d, part of the cost Governor Skottowe had to defend to the Court in 1778. | |
70 | 19th July Garrison Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773. Tea 103 lb. Bohea Barracks & Guards 3 . 2 . 3 Oil viz. 6 Gallons Linseed 1 . 3 .. 91 Do. Train 16 .. 5 Do. 17 . 3 . 3 Candles 102 lb. Officers & Guards 10 . 16 . 9 Blankets 287 34 . 13 . 9 Arrack 20 Gallons Mustering 4 . 7 . 6 Twine viz. 8 Sks. for Cots 4 . 8 ½ Cotton Wick Main Guard 1 . 2 5 . 10 Beef and Pork viz. 238 Ps. Beef 41 . 3 . 1 348 Ps. Pork 53 . 13 Recruits and Deficiency in Weight 94 . 16 . 1 Canvas 6 Ps. Cots 11 . 19 Glass Ware 1 Hour Glass Out Guards [...] Nails viz. 61 m. 3 2 . 5 . 9 14 .. 4 8 . 6 3 .. 10 1 . 5 8 . 6 4 . 4 Cots and Coffins 3 .. .. Deals viz. 41 Single 4 .. 4 12 Double 2 .. 9 1 Balk 8 . 9 Cots and Coffins 6 . 9 . 10 Iron Ware viz. 7 Ash Helves 4 . 1 5 Small Tryg. Pans 9 . 11 2 Wood Axes 5 . 8 Out Guards Iron Ware Carrd. Over 19 . 8 Carried Over £ 236 . 15 . 1 | The stores issued to the garrison between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Bohea tea for the barracks and guards, 103 lb, £3 2s 3d Oil for the same: Linseed oil, 6 gallons, £1 3s 0d Train oil, 91 gallons, £16 0s 5d Total for oil, £17 3s 3d Candles for the officers and guards, 102 lb, £10 16s 9d Blankets, 287, £34 13s 9d Arrack for muster days, 20 gallons, £4 7s 6d Twine and wick: Twine for cots, 8 skeins, £0 4s 8d Cotton wick for the main guard, ½ lb, £0 1s 2d Total for twine and wick, £0 5s 10d Beef and pork for the recruits and to make up short weight: Salt beef, 238 pieces, £41 3s 1d Salt pork, 348 pieces, £53 13s 0d Total for beef and pork, £94 16s 1d Canvas for cots, 6 pieces, £11 19s 0d Hourglass for the outlying guard, 1, £0 4s 8d Nails for cots and coffins: Threepenny nails, 61 lb, £2 5s 9d Fourpenny nails, 14 lb, £0 8s 6d Tenpenny nails, 3 lb, £0 1s 5d Sixpenny nails, 8 lb, £0 4s 4d Total for nails, £3 0s 0d Deal boards for cots and coffins: Single deal boards, 41, £4 0s 4d Double deal boards, 12, £2 0s 9d Batten, 1, £0 8s 9d Total for boards, £6 9s 10d Iron goods for the outlying guard: Axe handles, 7, £0 4s 1d Small frying pans, 5, £0 9s 11d Wood axes, 2, £0 5s 8d Iron goods carried forward, £0 19s 8d Total carried forward, £236 15s 1d Interpretations The beef and pork charged to the garrison show two exceptions to the rule that soldiers paid for their own rations. Newly arrived recruits were fed free until they began to draw pay. The Company also made good any shortfall in weight when the meat in a cask came up light, rather than leave the soldiers to pay for meat they never received. The charge was the largest in the account, nearly £95 0s 0d in a quarter, and it explains why the Council complained so sharply of short and spoiled salt provisions in later years. Every bad cask was a direct cost to the Company. The nails and boards issued for coffins show that the garrison buried its dead at the Company's expense, and the quantity suggests a steady toll. The arrack for muster days was a dram given to each man when the garrison was paraded and counted. The hourglass for the outlying guard was used to time the watches through the night at posts far from any clock. | |
71 | 1773 Brought Over £ 236 . 15 . 1 Iron Ware brought Over £ 19 . 8 2 Spring Rat Traps, Out Guards 3 . 1 1 Stock Lock 3 . 1 1 Pad Do. 1 . 5 Old Barracks 1 . 7 . 3 Lines 1 lb. Whip Cord for Whips 3 . 6 Flour C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 . 19 3 . 8 . 6 Shirts viz. 539 Soldiers 120 . 3 . 1 25 Sergeants 8 . 6 . 7 128 . 9 . 8 Hosiers Ware 569 Prs. Mens Ordinary thread Stockings 79 . 8 . 6 Shoes 569 Prs. Ordinary 128 .. 6 Soldiers Cloaths viz. 394 Soldiers Coats and Breeches 580 . 10 . 3 24 Corporals Do. & Do. 36 . 18 .. 23 Sergeants Do. & Do. 120 . 3 . 6 6 Artillery Do. Do. & Do. 30 . 7 . 2 4 Artillery Corporals Coats & Breeches 8 . 16 .. 6 Bombardiers Do. & Do. 17 . 15 . 11 9 Gunners Do. & Do. 20 . 15 . 10 16 Drummers Do. & Do. 54 . 12 .. 85 Matrosses Do. & Do. 130 . 5 . 5 1 Marshals Do. & Do. 2 . 11 . 3 1252 . 15 . 9 Thread viz. 13½ lb. Colord 2 .. 6 5½ Whited Brown 1 . 17 . 10 Alter Cloaths 3 . 13 . 4 Haberdashery viz. 2½ Gro. Broad Worsted Lace 2 .. 6 5½ Do. Narrow Do. 3 . 5 . 4 2½ lb. Whale Bone 15 .. Do. 6 . 2 . 10 Carried Over £ 1640 . 7 . 11 | The stores issued to the garrison continued from the £236 15s 1d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £0 19s 8d Spring rat traps for the outlying guards, 2, £0 3s 1d Stock lock for the old barracks, 1, £0 3s 1d Padlock for the old barracks, 1, £0 1s 5d Total for iron goods, £1 7s 3d Whipcord for whips, 1 lb, £0 3s 6d Flour, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 19 pounds, £3 8s 6d Shirts: Soldiers' shirts, 539, £120 3s 1d Sergeants' shirts, 25, £8 6s 7d Total for shirts, £128 9s 8d Men's ordinary thread stockings, 569 pairs, £79 8s 6d Ordinary shoes, 569 pairs, £128 0s 6d Uniforms: Soldiers' coats and breeches, 394 sets, £580 10s 3d Corporals' coats and breeches, 24 sets, £36 18s 0d Sergeants' coats and breeches, 23 sets, £120 3s 6d Artillery sergeants' coats and breeches, 6 sets, £30 7s 2d Artillery corporals' coats and breeches, 4 sets, £8 16s 0d Bombardiers' coats and breeches, 6 sets, £17 15s 11d Gunners' coats and breeches, 9 sets, £20 15s 10d Drummers' coats and breeches, 16 sets, £54 12s 0d Matrosses' coats and breeches, 85 sets, £130 5s 5d Provost marshal's coat and breeches, 1 set, £2 11s 8d Total for uniforms, £1,052 15s 9d Thread for altering the uniforms: Coloured thread, 13½ lb, £2 0s 6d Half-bleached thread, 5¾ lb, £1 17s 10d Total for thread, £3 18s 4d Trimmings for the uniforms: Broad worsted lace, 2½ gross, £2 0s 6d Narrow worsted lace, 5½ gross, £3 5s 4d Whalebone, 2½ lb, £0 15s 0d Total for trimmings, £6 0s 10d Carried forward, £1,640 7s 11d Interpretations This was the garrison's yearly issue of clothing, paid for by the Company rather than sold to the men. Every soldier received a new coat and breeches, a pair of shoes, a pair of stockings and a shirt, so the counts give a close picture of the garrison's size in 1773. About 569 men were clothed, among them roughly 450 infantry and more than 100 in the artillery. The uniforms came ready made from England, which is why thread was issued to alter them to fit. The soldiers' shirts sold from the stores in the same quarter were extra shirts the men bought for themselves. The breakdown of the artillery shows a company of 85 matrosses, nine gunners, six bombardiers, four corporals and six sergeants. This was the company whose non-commissioned officers mutinied in 1777. The drummers' uniforms cost more than three times as much as an ordinary soldier's, because drummers wore elaborately laced coats to mark them out on parade. | |
72 | 19th July Brought Over £ 1640 . 7 . 11 Hats viz. 504 Soldiers 72 . 4 . 11 27 Sergeants 15 . 15 . 6 1 Marshals 11 . 6 88 . 11 . 11 Turners Ware viz. 20 Wood Bowls 1 . 1 . 8 22 Platters 1 . 5 . 10 4 Ladles 1 . 5 Out Guards 2 . 8 . 11 Tin Ware viz. 15 Lamps 11 . 7 1 Horn Lanthorn 4 . 2 Out Guards 15 . 9 Iron Pots 3 cwt. 33 lb. Do. 6 . 11 Paint viz. 5 Venitian Red dry 1 .. ½ Copperas .. 6 Cots 1 . 6 £ 1732 . 12 . 11 Blacks Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30 June 1773 Wheat 167 . 2 . 14 75 . 3 . 6 Rice 13 .. 3 . 14 7 . 15 . 9 Beef and Pork viz. 775 Ps. Beef 134 .. 3 1367 Ps. Pork 310 . 14 . 11 444 . 15 . 2 Arrack 311 Gallons 68 .. 8 Tea 1 . 3 . 22 Bohea 6 . 11 . 8 Sugar 3 .. 2 .. 6 . 8 . 10 Flour .. 2 . 21 19 . 10 Carried Over £ 609 . 13 . 7 | The stores issued to the garrison continued from the £1,640 7s 11d brought forward. Hats: Soldiers' hats, 504, £72 4s 11d Sergeants' hats, 27, £15 15s 6d Provost marshal's hat, 1, £0 11s 6d Total for hats, £88 11s 11d Wooden goods for the outlying guard: Wooden bowls, 20, £1 1s 8d Platters, 22, £1 5s 10d Ladles, 4, £0 1s 5d Total for wooden goods, £2 8s 11d Tinware for the outlying guard: Lamps, 15, £0 11s 7d Horn lantern, 1, £0 4s 2d Total for tinware, £0 15s 9d Iron pots for the same, 3, weighing 33 lb, £0 6s 11d Paint for cots: Dry Venetian red, 5 lb, £0 1s 0d Copperas, ½ lb, £0 0s 6d Total for paint, £0 1s 6d Total charged to the garrison, £1,732 12s 11d The stores issued for the Company's slaves between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Wheat, 167 hundredweight 2 quarters 14 pounds, £75 3s 6d Rice, 13 hundredweight 3 quarters 14 pounds, £7 15s 9d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 775 pieces, £134 0s 3d Salt pork, 1,367 pieces, £310 14s 11d Total for beef and pork, £444 15s 2d Arrack, 311 gallons, £68 0s 8d Bohea tea, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 22 pounds, £6 11s 8d Sugar, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £6 8s 10d Flour, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 21 pounds, £0 19s 10d Carried forward, £609 13s 7d Interpretations The account for the Company's slaves shows that they were not fed on yams alone. Besides the 44,835 yams issued to them in the same quarter, they received wheat, rice, salt beef and pork, and a ration of arrack. The salt meat was the largest cost, more than 2,000 pieces in three months. The Company bore the whole cost of feeding its slaves, which came to more than £600 0s 0d a quarter, a third of what it spent clothing the entire garrison for a year. That cost explains why the Court pressed the Council in 1778 to use slaves rather than paid soldiers on public works. Once the Company was already feeding them, their labour cost nothing more. | |
73 | 1773 Brought Over £ 609 . 13 . 7 Oil viz. 1 Galln. Linseed 3 . 10 3 Do. Train 10 . 7 14 . 5 Salt ½ Bushel 1 . 8 Pepper 9 lb. 2 .. Sope 15 lb. 5 . 3 Shirts 12 Soldiers Castle Servants 2 . 13 . 6 Shoes viz. 35 Prs. Mens Ordinary 21 . 1 . 6 34 Do. Womens Calf Leather 4 . 7 . 10 1 Do. Girls Do. 2 .. 1 Do. Womans Spanish Leather 3 . 10 25 . 15 . 2 Hosiers Ware 2 Prs. Girls Worsted Stockings, Castle Servts. 3 . 11 Tin Ware 2 Tin Lamps 1 . 7 Iron Pots 2 qrs. 59 lb. 12 . 4 Shalloon viz. 10 Yds. Scarlet 1 . 5 . 10 10 Do. Colord 18 . 7 Castle Servants 2 . 4 . 5 Sailors Cloaths viz. 121 Mens Blue Duffle Jackets 44 . 18 . 6 132 Do. Do. Breeches 25 . 17 .. 121 Prs. Do. Long Drawers 9 . 16 . 10 272 Do. Check'd Shirts 45 . 3 . 3 100 Hats 8 . 6 . 8 14 Dutch Caps 1 . 1 .. 36 Boys Green Duffle Jackets 9 . 12 . 9 27 Prs. Do. Breeches 4 . 1 . 7 21 Do. Do. Drawers 1 . 5 . 6 39 Do. Shirts 5 . 8 . 11 155 . 12 Thread viz. 5 lb. Colord 15 . 2 Whited Brown 13 . 2 1 . 8 . 2 Carried Over £ 799 . 8 . 1½ | The stores issued for the Company's slaves continued from the £609 13s 7d brought forward. Oil: Linseed oil, 1 gallon, £0 3s 10d Train oil, 3 gallons, £0 10s 7d Total for oil, £0 14s 5d Salt, ½ bushel, £0 1s 8d Pepper, 9 lb, £0 2s 0d Soap, 15 lb, £0 5s 3d Soldiers' shirts for the Castle servants, 12, £2 13s 6d Shoes: Men's ordinary shoes, 85 pairs, £21 1s 6d Women's calfskin shoes, 34 pairs, £4 7s 10d Girls' calfskin shoes, 1 pair, £0 2s 0d Women's Spanish leather shoes, 1 pair, £0 3s 10d Total for shoes, £25 15s 2d Girls' worsted stockings for the Castle servants, 2 pairs, £0 3s 11d Tin lamps, 2, £0 1s 7d Iron pots, 2, weighing 59 lb, £0 12s 4d Shalloon for the Castle servants: Scarlet shalloon, 10 yards, £1 5s 10d Coloured shalloon, 10 yards, £0 18s 7d Total for shalloon, £2 4s 5d Sailors' clothing: Men's blue duffel jackets, 121, £44 18s 6d Men's breeches, 132 pairs, £25 17s 0d Men's long drawers, 121 pairs, £9 16s 10d Men's checked shirts, 272, £45 3s 3d Hats, 100, £8 6s 8d Dutch caps, 14, £1 1s 0d Boys' green duffel jackets, 36, £9 12s 9d Boys' breeches, 27 pairs, £4 1s 7d Boys' drawers, 21 pairs, £1 5s 6d Boys' shirts, 39, £5 8s 11d Total for sailors' clothing, £155 12s 0d Thread: Coloured thread, 5 lb, £0 15s 0d Half-bleached thread, 2 lb, £0 13s 2d Total for thread, £1 8s 2d Carried forward, £799 8s [...] Interpretations The Company clothed its slaves in the same ready-made garments it bought for seamen. Blue duffel jackets, breeches, long drawers and checked shirts were the standard slops issued on ships, cheap and hard-wearing, and they came out from England in bulk. The figures give a rough count of the Company's slaves: about 120 men and nearly 40 boys received jackets, with women's shoes for at least 34 women. The slaves who served at the Castle were dressed differently. They received soldiers' shirts and scarlet and coloured shalloon for a livery, since they were seen by the Governor's guests. Dress marked the division between field and household slaves as clearly as their work did. | |
74 | 19 July Brought Over £ 799 . 8 .. Hooks & Lines viz. 350 No. 6 1 . 8 . 2 350 .. 10 5 . 10 350 .. 13 3 . 3 Hooks 168 .. 2 2 . 7 . 6 180 .. 3 2 . 16 . 11 Whip Cord 3 . 6 Lines 7 . 5 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 3 Stock Locks 9 . 1 1 Small Frying Pan 2 .. 11 . 1 Turners Ware viz. 6 Platters 7 . 9 2 Bowls 2 . 2 9 . 11 £ 807 . 14 . 2 Mallay Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773 Flour 42 lb. 7 .. Sugar 72 lb. 16 . 10 Coffee 4 lb. 3 . 4 Sope 10 lb. 5 . 3 Candles 20 lb. 2 . 2 . 6 Tea viz. 6 lb. Bohea 3 . 8 2 Singlo 2 . 3 5 . 11 Paint 2 lb. Indico 3 . 5 Hooks and Lines viz. 100 No. 6 Hooks 8 . 1 6 .. 3 Lines 1 . 11 10 .. Carried Over £ 4 . 14 . 3 | The stores issued for the Company's slaves continued from the £799 8s [...] brought forward. Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 6, 350, £1 8s 2d Fish hooks number 10, 350, £0 5s 10d Fish hooks number 13, 350, £0 3s 3d Fishing line number 2, 168 [...], £2 7s 6d Fishing line number 3, 180 [...], £2 16s 11d Whipcord, £0 3s 6d Total for hooks and lines, £7 5s 2d Iron goods: Stock locks, 3, £0 9s 1d Small frying pan, 1, £0 2s 0d Total for iron goods, £0 11s 1d Wooden goods: Platters, 6, £0 7s 9d Bowls, 2, £0 2s 2d Total for wooden goods, £0 9s 11d Total charged for the slaves, £807 14s 2d The stores issued for the Malay between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Flour, 42 lb, £0 7s 0d Sugar, 72 lb, £0 16s 10d Coffee, 4 lb, £0 3s 4d Soap, 10 lb, £0 5s 3d Candles, 20 lb, £2 2s 6d Tea: Bohea tea, 6 lb, £0 3s 8d Singlo tea, 2 lb, £0 2s 3d Total for tea, £0 5s 11d Indigo, 2 lb, £0 3s 5d Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 6, 100, £0 8s 1d Fishing line number 3, 6 [...], £0 1s 11d Total for hooks and lines, £0 10s 0d Carried forward, £4 14s 3d Interpretations The Malay was the political prisoner Roquedah Pookollam, whom the Council allowed to return home on the Queen in June 1778. This account shows that he was already being kept on the island at the Company's expense in 1773, five years before his release. His allowance set him clearly apart from the slaves. He received tea, coffee, sugar, flour and wax candles, the goods of a gentleman's household rather than the yams and salt meat issued to the Company's labourers. The fish hooks and line suggest he was allowed to fish, and the indigo was probably for dyeing his own cloth. The Company treated him as a man of rank held for reasons of state, the same standing reflected in 1778 when he was given a cabin and a place at the captain's table for his voyage home. | |
75 | 1773 Brought Over £ 4 . 14 . 3 Haberdashery 2 Sks. Silk 9 Shoes viz. 1 Pr. Mens Fine Shoes 5 . 6 1 Pr. Do. Do. Pumps 5 .. 10 . 6 Beef 16 Ps. 2 . 15 . 4 Rice C. qr. lb. 3 .. 1 . 14 1 . 7 . 10 Arrack 12 Gallons 2 . 12 . 6 Salt ½ Bushel 1 . 8 £ 12 . 2 . 10 Plantation Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773 Wheat C. qr. lb. 31 .. Poultry and Horses 13 . 19 .. Rice and Paddy viz. C. qr. lb. 6 . 2 . 14 Poultry, Horses 2 . 14 . 8 56 . 2 . 14 Overseers & Stewards 12 .. 8 14 . 15 . 4 Cordage 29 lb. Long Wood & Stables 9 . 8 Beef 13 Ps. Steward 2 . 5 .. Turners Ware viz. 2 Skimming Dishes, Dairy 7 8 Birch Brooms, Stables & Gardens 2 . 8 3 Flaskets, for carrg. Meat 9 . 11 1 Shoe Brush 9 2 Laborers Baskets 1 . 11 Stables & Gardens 15 . 10 Bunting 2 Yds. Red, Dairy 1 . 6 Pitch and Tar viz. 1 Galln. Tar 10 2 lb. Turpentine 6 1 . 4 Cutlery Ware viz. 2 Shoe Knives 9 7 Buding Do. 8 . 6 1 Case Fleams 2 . 9 11 . 9 Carried Over £ 32 . 19 . 5 | The stores issued for the Malay continued from the £4 14s 3d brought forward. Silk thread, 2 skeins, £0 0s 9d Shoes: Men's fine shoes, 1 pair, £0 5s 6d Men's pumps, 1 pair, £0 5s 0d Total for shoes, £0 10s 6d Salt beef, 16 pieces, £2 15s 4d Rice, 3 hundredweight 1 quarter 14 pounds, £1 7s 10d Arrack, 12 gallons, £2 12s 6d Salt, ½ bushel, £0 1s 8d Total charged for the Malay, £12 2s 10d The stores issued for the plantations between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Wheat for the poultry and horses, 31 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £13 19s 0d Rice and paddy: For the poultry and horses, 6 hundredweight 2 quarters 14 pounds, £2 14s 8d For the overseers and stewards, 56 hundredweight 2 quarters 14 pounds, £12 0s 8d Total for rice and paddy, £14 15s 4d Cordage for the Long Wood and the stables, 29 lb, £0 9s 8d Salt beef for the steward, 13 pieces, £2 5s 0d Wooden goods and brushes: Skimming dishes for the dairy, 2, £0 0s 7d Birch brooms for the stables and gardens, 8, £0 2s 8d Flaskets for carrying meat, 3, £0 9s 11d Shoe brush, 1, £0 0s 9d Labourers' baskets for the stables and gardens, 2, £0 1s 11d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £0 15s 10d Red bunting for the dairy, 2 yards, £0 1s 6d Pitch and tar: Tar, 1 gallon, £0 0s 10d Turpentine, 2 lb, £0 0s 6d Total for pitch and tar, £0 1s 4d Knives and tools: Shoemakers' knives, 2, £0 0s 9d Budding knives, 7, £0 8s 6d Case of fleams, 1, £0 2s 9d Carried forward, £32 19s 3d Interpretations The Malay's allowance for the quarter came to £12 2s 10d, more than many soldiers earned. It included fine shoes and pumps, a gentleman's footwear, along with arrack and salt beef. The plantation charges show the Company's farms in operation. Wheat and rice were fed to the poultry and horses, and the overseers and stewards drew rice as part of their keep. Budding knives were small, thin-bladed knives used to graft fruit trees, a sign that the Company was raising orchards on its land. A fleam was a lancet used to bleed horses and cattle, the standard treatment for many animal ailments at the time. | |
76 | 19th July Brought Over £ 32 . 19 . 5 Cart Wheels 6 Wheelbarrows Gardens & Longwood 4 . 12 . 3 Iron Ware viz. 1 Pad Lock 1 . 5 2 Rag Stones 9 Stables 45 Scythe Stones 8 . 6 8 Scythes 2 . 1 .. For Gardn. & Pastures 6 Spring Rat Traps, Gardens 9 . 2 4 Sheets Emery Paper, Stables 5 23 Ash Helves, Plantations 13 . 5 4 Spades 15 .. 1 Iron Shovel 4 . 6 Gardens 2 Hand Hatchets 3 . 7 2 Curry Combs & Brushes, Stables 3 . 5 1 Pr. Large Steel Yards 8 . 11 1 Claw Hammer 1 . 6 1 Maul 9 . 10 4 Pickaxes 13 . 10 1 Shod Shovel 1 . 9 1 Plastr. Sive 4 . 9 Plantations 7 . 1 . 9 Sadlery 1 Half Curb Bridle 8 . 11 2 Prs. Stirrup Leathers 5 . 1 1 Surcingle 2 . 10 Stables 16 . 10 Oil viz. 1 Galln. Train 3 . 7 ½ Do. Turpentine 2 . 11 1 Bottle Florence 2 . 8 Do. 9 . 2 Iron 54 lb. Plantations 10 . 2 Nails viz. 1 .. 4 8 1 .. 6 7 Pastures 1 . 3 Tin Ware 1 Horn Lanthorn Stables 4 . 2 £ 46 . 15 . [...] | The stores issued for the plantations continued from the £32 19s 5d brought forward. Wheelbarrows for the gardens and the Long Wood, 6, £4 12s 3d Iron goods: Padlock for the stables, 1, £0 1s 5d Ragstones for the stables, 2, £0 0s 9d Scythe stones for the gardens and pastures, 45, £0 8s 6d Scythes for the gardens and pastures, 8, £2 1s 0d Spring rat traps for the gardens, 6, £0 9s 2d Emery paper for the stables, 4 sheets, £0 0s 5d Axe handles for the plantations, 23, £0 13s 5d Spades for the gardens, 4, £0 15s 0d Iron shovel for the gardens, 1, £0 4s 6d Hand hatchets, 2, £0 3s 7d Curry combs and brushes for the stables, 2, £0 3s 5d Large steelyard for the plantations, 1, £0 8s 11d Claw hammer for the plantations, 1, £0 1s 6d Maul for the plantations, 1, £0 9s 10d Pickaxes for the plantations, 4, £0 13s 10d Iron-shod shovel for the plantations, 1, £0 1s 9d Plasterer's sieve for the plantations, 1, £0 4s 9d Total for iron goods, £7 1s 9d Saddlery for the stables: Half-curb bridle, 1, £0 8s 11d Stirrup leathers, 2 pairs, £0 5s 1d Surcingle, 1, £0 2s 10d Total for saddlery, £0 16s 10d Oil for the stables: Train oil, 1 gallon, £0 3s 7d Turpentine, ½ gallon, £0 2s 11d Florence oil, 1 bottle, £0 2s 8d Total for oil, £0 9s 2d Iron for the plantations, 54 lb, £0 10s 2d Nails for the pastures: Fourpenny nails, 1 lb, £0 0s 8d Sixpenny nails, 1 lb, £0 0s 7d Total for nails, £0 1s 3d Horn lantern for the stables, 1, £0 4s 2d Total charged to the plantations, £46 15s 0d The account went on to record the stores issued for the hospital. | |
77 | 1773 Hospital Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773. Sugar C. qr. lb. 3 . 2 . 24 4 . 15 . 7 Flour 3 .. 2 . 22 3 . 9 .. Rice 3 .. 2 . 21 1 . 10 . 6 Tea .. 1 . 11 Bohea 1 . 3 . 7 Oil viz. 2 Gallons Linseed 7 . 8 11 Do. Train 1 . 18 . 9 2 . 6 . 5 Salt ½ Bushel 5 . 5 Twine ½ lb. Cotton Wick 1 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 1 Wood Ax 2 . 10 2 Ash Helves 1 . 2 1 Iron Shovel 4 . 6 1 Small Frying Pan 2 .. 1 Large Do. 4 . 3 1 Pr. Large Steel Yards 8 . 11 1 . 3 . 8 Kersey 6 Yds. 7 . 11 Turners Ware viz. 2 Birch Brooms 8 18 Wood Bowls 19 . 6 18 Platters 1 . 3 . 8 2 Hair Brooms 5 . 7 2 Scrubg. Brushes 6 . 1 2 . 15 . 6 Tin Ware viz. 12 Tin Lamps 9 . 3 2 Quart Saucepans 10 10 . 1 Iron Pots 3 qrs. 30 lb. 6 . 3 Haberdashery ½ Gro. Bd. Worst. Lace 9 £ 19 . 3 . 8 | The stores issued for the hospital between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Sugar, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 24 pounds, £4 15s 7d Flour, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 22 pounds, £3 9s 0d Rice, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 21 pounds, £1 10s 6d Bohea tea, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 11 pounds, £1 3s 7d Oil: Linseed oil, 2 gallons, £0 7s 8d Train oil, 11 gallons, £1 18s 9d Total for oil, £2 6s 5d Salt, 1½ bushels, £0 5s 0d Cotton wick, ½ lb, £0 1s 2d Iron goods: Wood axe, 1, £0 2s 10d Axe handles, 2, £0 1s 2d Iron shovel, 1, £0 4s 6d Small frying pan, 1, £0 2s 0d Large frying pan, 1, £0 4s 3d Large steelyard, 1, £0 8s 11d Total for iron goods, £1 3s 8d Kersey, 6 yards, £0 7s 11d Wooden goods and brushes: Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 8d Wooden bowls, 18, £0 19s 6d Platters, 18, £1 3s 8d Hair brooms, 2, £0 5s 7d Scrubbing brushes, 2, £0 6s 1d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £2 15s 6d Tinware: Tin lamps, 12, £0 9s 3d Quart saucepans, 2, £0 0s 10d Total for tinware, £0 10s 1d Iron pots, 3, weighing 30 lb, £0 6s 3d Broad worsted lace, ½ gross, £0 9s 0d Total charged to the hospital, £19 3s 8d The account went on to record the stores issued for the boats. Interpretations The hospital's stores show what the sick were fed. Sugar, flour, rice and tea made up the bulk of the charges, the light and easily digested food then thought proper for invalids, in place of the salt meat that formed the soldiers' usual diet. The 18 wooden bowls and 18 platters suggest a ward of about that many patients. Kersey was a coarse woollen cloth, probably used here for bed coverings or patients' gowns. | |
78 | 19th July Boats Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773 Cordage C. qr. lb. 9 .. 2 .. 17 . 14 . 8 Leather .. .. 18 1 . 7 . 5 Pitch and Tar viz. 1 Barrl. Pitch 1 . 3 . 5 1 Do. Tar 1 . 2 . 1 C. qr. lb. 1 .. 8 Rozin 1 .. .. 3 . 5 . 6 Arrack 6 Gallons 1 . 6 . 3 Iron C. qr. lb. 1 . 3 . 17 2 .. .. Oars 5 Small 19 . 6 Nails viz. 8 m. 3 6 .. 7 . 4 4 . 4 13 . 6 7 . 1 12 . 10 5 . 6 4 . 20 1 . 7 6 . 40 2 . 3 14 Spike 4 . 5 3 Dog 2 .. 1 . 13 . 2 Paint viz. 12 lb. Whiting 3 16 White Lead mix'd 6 . 15 Venetian Red Do. 6 . 11 2 lb. Prussian Blew 3 . 2 6 lb. Verdigrease 1 . 7 . 5 3 Barrl. Blacking 1 . 6 2 . 5 . 3 Oil viz. 3 Gallons Linseed 10 . 7 5 Do. Train 19 . 2 1 . 9 . 9 Carried Over £ 32 . 1 . 6 | The stores issued for the Company's boats between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Cordage, 9 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £17 14s 8d Leather, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 18 pounds, £1 7s 5d Pitch and tar: Pitch, 1 barrel, £1 3s 5d Tar, 1 barrel, £1 2s 1d Resin, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 8 pounds, £1 0s 0d Total for pitch and tar, £3 5s 6d Arrack, 6 gallons, £1 6s 3d Iron, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 17 pounds, £2 0s 0d Small oars, 3, £0 19s 6d Nails: Threepenny nails, 8 lb, £0 6s 0d Fourpenny nails, 7 lb, £0 4s 4d Sixpenny nails, 13 lb, £0 7s 1d Tenpenny nails, 12 lb, £0 5s 6d Twentypenny nails, 4 lb, £0 1s 7d Fortypenny nails, 6 lb, £0 2s 3d Spikes, 14 lb, £0 4s 5d Dog nails, 3 lb, £0 2s 0d Total for nails, £1 13s 2d Paint: Whiting, 12 lb, £0 0s 3d White lead ground in oil, 16 lb, £0 6s 0d Venetian red ground in oil, 15 lb, £0 6s 11d Prussian blue, 2 oz, £0 3s 2d Verdigris, 6 lb, £1 7s 5d Blacking, 3 barrels, £0 1s 6d Total for paint, £2 5s 3d Oil: Linseed oil, 3 gallons, £0 10s 7d Train oil, 5 gallons, £0 19s 2d Total for oil, £1 9s 9d Carried forward, £32 1s 6d Interpretations The boats' stores were dominated by cordage, nearly half a ton in three months at a cost of almost £18 0s 0d. The Company's boats worked constantly between the anchorage and the landing place at Jamestown, ferrying stores, passengers and water through the surf, and their ropes wore out fast. Verdigris was a costly item here because it was mixed into paint for the boats' bottoms, where its copper content helped keep off weed and shipworm. The arrack was the boatmen's allowance, given for the hard work of rowing heavy loads in all weathers. | |
79 | 1773 Brought Over £ 32 . 1 . 6 Deals viz. 8 Single 15 . 8 6 Double 1 .. 5 8 Elm Boards 1 . 19 . 8 4 Knees for Long Boats 16 . 3 4 . 12 .. Turners Ware viz. 2 Paint Brushes .. 10 4 Birch Brooms 1 . 4 2 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 1 Pean Maul 4 . 5 1 Hand Hatchet 1 . 10 6 Sail Needles 2 1 Large Frying Pan 4 . 3 2 Files 1 . 1 11 . 9 Iron Pots 1 cwt. 20 lb. 4 . 2 Blocks viz. 1 Snatch 13 . 7 5 Double wh. Brass Sheaves 1 . 5 . 10 5 Single Do. 5 Inches 6 . 3 2 . 5 . 8 Canvas 30 Yds. Ticklenburgs 1 . 3 . 9 Twine 2 Sks. 1 . 2 Braziers Ware 6½ Sheet Copper 12 . 2 £ 41 . 14 . 4 Fortifications Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773 Oil viz. 16 Gallons Linseed to Paint Gun Carriages 3 . 1 . 4 1 Do. Train, Lime Kiln 3 . 7 3 . 4 . 11 Carried Over £ 3 . 4 . 11 | The stores issued for the boats continued from the £32 1s 6d brought forward. Boards and timber: Single deal boards, 8, £0 15s 8d Double deal boards, 6, £1 0s 5d Elm boards, 8, £1 19s 8d Knees for the longboats, 4, £0 16s 3d Total for boards and timber, £4 12s 0d Brushes and brooms: Paint brushes, 2, £0 0s 10d Birch brooms, 4, £0 1s 4d Total for brushes and brooms, £0 2s 2d Iron goods: Pin maul, 1, £0 4s 5d Hand hatchet, 1, £0 1s 10d Sail needles, 6, £0 0s 2d Large frying pan, 1, £0 4s 3d Files, 2, £0 1s 1d Total for iron goods, £0 11s 9d Iron pot, 1, weighing 20 lb, £0 4s 2d Pulley blocks: Snatch block, 1, £0 13s 7d Double blocks with brass sheaves, 5, £1 5s 10d Single blocks with brass sheaves, 5 inches, 5, £0 6s 3d Total for blocks, £2 5s 8d Ticklenburg canvas, 30 yards, £1 3s 9d Twine, 2 skeins, £0 1s 2d Sheet copper, 8½ lb, £0 12s 2d Total charged to the boats, £41 14s 4d The stores issued for the fortifications between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Oil: Linseed oil for painting the gun carriages, 16 gallons, £3 1s 4d Train oil for the lime kiln, 1 gallon, £0 3s 7d Total for oil, £3 4s 11d Carried forward, £3 4s 11d Interpretations Knees were angled pieces of timber, cut from a naturally curved branch, used to brace the joint between a boat's frames and its thwarts or deck. Elm was preferred for boat planking below the waterline because it stayed sound when kept wet. Blocks were the pulleys through which ropes ran, and brass sheaves turned more freely and wore better than wooden ones. A snatch block had a hinged side so a rope could be dropped in without threading its end, which made it useful for hauling stores up from the boats. A pin maul was a heavy hammer for driving wooden pins or wedges. The linseed oil for the gun carriages shows how the island's guns were protected. Wooden carriages exposed to sea air and rain rotted unless they were painted regularly with oil and paint, the same problem that later ruined the elm mortar beds at Munden's Battery. | |
80 | 19th July Brought Over £ 3 . 4 . 11 Twine 3 Sks. Artillery Use 1 . 9 Thread 3 lb. Colord Do. 9 .. Paint viz. 16 lb. Red Lead 3 . 4 24 Barrl. Blacking 12 . 6 lb. Whiting 2 142 White Lead mix'd 2 . 13 . 3 To paint Gun Carriages 3 . 8 . 9 Turners Ware viz. 24 Birch Brooms Artillery Use 8 .. 10 Laborers Baskets Lime Kiln 9 . 7 10 Paint Brushes Paint Gun Carriages 7 . 6 3 Platters 3 . 11 3 Bowls 3 . 3 1 . 12 . 3 Glass Ware 1 Sqr. 8 by 10 7 Iron Ware viz. 1 Blank Key 8 62 Ash Helves 1 . 16 . 2 1 Iron Rubbish Riddle 7 . 6 2 Mauls 18 . 7 Lime Kiln 3 . 2 . 11 Nails viz. 2 m. 3 1 . 6 7 . 4 4 . 4 4 Dog 2 . 7 Repairg. Wheel Barrows 8 . 5 Bunting viz. 3 ps. White 3 . 6 . 9 2 ps. Blew 2 . 10 . 4 1 ps. Red 1 . 9 . 7 Main Fort Flag 7 . 6 . 8 Canvas viz. 11 Yds. English 11 .. 6 Do. Ticklenburgs 4 . 9 Do. Sprucemans Bay 15 . 9 Carried Over £ 20 . 11 .. | The stores issued for the fortifications continued from the £3 4s 11d brought forward. Twine for the artillery, 3 skeins, £0 1s 9d Coloured thread for the artillery, 3 lb, £0 9s 0d Paint for the gun carriages: Red lead, 16 lb, £0 3s 4d Blacking, 24 barrels, £0 12s 0d Whiting, 6 lb, £0 0s 2d White lead ground in oil, 142 lb, £2 13s 3d Total for paint, £3 8s 9d Wooden goods and brushes: Birch brooms for the artillery, 24, £0 8s 0d Labourers' baskets for the lime kiln, 10, £0 9s 7d Paint brushes for the gun carriages, 10, £0 7s 6d Platters, 3, £0 3s 11d Bowls, 3, £0 3s 3d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £1 12s 3d Window pane 8 by 10 inches, 1, £0 0s 7d Iron goods: Blank key, 1, £0 0s 8d Axe handles, 62, £1 16s 2d Iron riddle for rubbish, 1, £0 7s 6d Mauls for the lime kiln, 2, £0 18s 7d Total for iron goods, £3 2s 11d Nails for repairing wheelbarrows: Threepenny nails, 2 lb, £0 1s 6d Fourpenny nails, 7 lb, £0 4s 4d Dog nails, 4 lb, £0 2s 7d Total for nails, £0 8s 5d Bunting for the main fort flag: White bunting, 3 pieces, £3 6s 9d Blue bunting, 2 pieces, £2 10s 4d Red bunting, 1 piece, £1 9s 7d Total for bunting, £7 6s 8d Canvas for Prosperous Bay: English canvas, 11 yards, £0 11s 0d Ticklenburg canvas, 6 yards, £0 4s 9d Total for canvas, £0 15s 9d Carried forward, £20 11s 0d Interpretations The bunting was for a new flag to fly over the main fort at Jamestown. Six whole pieces of white, blue and red cloth were needed, which shows the size of the flag, large enough to be seen by ships far out at sea. The island's strong trade winds wore flags out quickly, so they had to be renewed often. The canvas issued for Prosperous Bay shows that the post on the windward coast was still manned in 1773. By 1778 its guns had been removed, and the Council then had to restore them after a strange ship was sighted off the bay. The lime kiln burned local stone to make the mortar for the fortifications, and the axe handles were used to cut the wood that fired it. | |
81 | 1773 Brought Over £ 20 . 11 . Lines viz. 1 Hambro 1 . 4 1 No. 3 4 2 .. 4 9 Flags 2 . 5 Tin Ware 1 Tin Lamp Lime Kiln 9 Iron Pots 1 qr. 27 lb. Do. 5 . 8 Deals viz. 2 Double 6 . 10 3 Single 5 . 11 Prosperous Bay 12 . 9 Iron 34 lb. Sea Gate 6 . 5 Cordage 19 lb. Flag 6 . 4 Lead 84 lb. Pig Sea Gate 14 .. Candles 7 lb. Lime Kilns 2 . 2 £ 23 . 1 . 6 New Church Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st April to the 30th June 1773 Cordage 28 lb. 9 . 4 Iron 122 lb. 1 . 2 . 11 Oil viz. 3 Gallons Linseed 11 . 6 3 Do. Train 10 . 7 ¼ Do. Turpentine 1 . 6 1 . 3 . 7 Lead 118 lb. Pig 19 . 8 Pitch and Tar 60 lb. Rozin 10 .. Iron Ware viz. 2 Mauls 18 . 7 8 Ash Helves 4 . 8 12 Two Feet Rules 12 .. Iron Ware Carried Over £ 1 . 15 . 3 Carried Over £ 4 . 5 . 6 | The stores issued for the fortifications continued from the £20 11s 0d brought forward. Lines for the flags: Hamburg line, 1, £0 1s 4d Line number 3, 1, £0 0s 4d Line number 4, 2, £0 0s 9d Total for lines, £0 2s 5d Tin lamp for the lime kiln, 1, £0 0s 9d Iron pot for the same, 1, weighing 27 lb, £0 5s 8d Deal boards for Prosperous Bay: Double deal boards, 2, £0 6s 10d Single deal boards, 3, £0 5s 11d Total for boards, £0 12s 9d Iron for the sea gate, 34 lb, £0 6s 5d Cordage for the flag, 19 lb, £0 6s 4d Pig lead for the sea gate, 84 lb, £0 14s 0d Candles for the lime kiln, 1 lb, £0 2s 2d Total charged to the fortifications, £23 1s 6d The stores issued for the new church between 1 April and 30 June 1773 were charged as follows. Cordage, 28 lb, £0 9s 4d Iron, 122 lb, £1 2s 11d Oil: Linseed oil, 3 gallons, £0 11s 6d Train oil, 3 gallons, £0 10s 7d Turpentine, ¼ gallon, £0 1s 6d Total for oil, £1 3s 7d Pig lead, 118 lb, £0 19s 8d Resin, 60 lb, £0 10s 0d Iron goods: Mauls, 2, £0 18s 7d Axe handles, 8, £0 4s 8d Two-foot rules, 12, £0 12s 0d Iron goods carried forward, £1 15s 3d Total carried forward, £4 5s 6d Interpretations The stores for the new church show the building Captain Tippet reported in July 1773 as the workmen's main task. Iron, pig lead, oil and resin went into fixings, roofing and paint, while the mauls and twelve two-foot rules equipped the masons and carpenters. Pig lead was lead cast in rough bars, melted down on site to run into joints and to make flashings and gutters. The sea gate, which also received lead and iron, was the gate in the line of fortifications at the landing place. Lead was poured around the iron hinge pins to fix them firmly into the stone. | |
82 | 19th July Brought Over £ 4 . 5 . 6 Iron Ware brought Over £ 1 . 15 . 3 2 Melting Ladles 1 . 2 . 2 12 Inch and Point Tools 14 . 9 2 Masons Beach Mallets 2 . 3 6 Stone Saws 1 . 4 .. 12 Plaistr. Trowels 1 .. 6 12 Bricklayers Do. 18 .. 1 Lathing Hammer 1 . 8 3 Files 1 . 8 7 .. 3 Turners Ware viz. 12 Plaistr. Brushes 18 .. 10 Paint Do. 4 . 2 2 Shoe Do. 1 . 6 18 Laborers Baskets 17 . 3 2 .. 11 Deals viz. 39 Double 6 . 12 . 6 6 Single 11 . 9 1 Coffer 3 . 4 7 . 7 . 7 Lines viz. 6 No. 2 1 . 8 12 .. 3 3 . 11 5 . 7 Paint viz. 18 lb. Chalk 9 36 White Lead mix'd 13 . 6 4 Yellow Oaker dry 10 15 . 1 Tin Ware 1 Tin Lamp 10 £ 21 . 15 . 9 St. Helena 30 June 1773 Errors Excepted (signed) Johns. Doveton Store Keeper | The stores issued for the new church continued from the £4 5s 6d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £1 15s 3d Melting ladles, 2, £1 2s 2d Inch and point chisels, 12, £0 14s 9d Masons' beech mallets, 2, £0 2s 3d Stone saws, 6, £1 4s 0d Plasterers' trowels, 12, £1 0s 6d Bricklayers' trowels, 12, £0 18s 0d Lathing hammer, 1, £0 1s 8d Files, 3, £0 1s 8d Total for iron goods, £7 0s 3d Brushes and baskets: Plasterers' brushes, 12, £0 18s 0d Paint brushes, 10, £0 4s 2d Shoe brushes, 2, £0 1s 6d Labourers' baskets, 18, £0 17s 3d Total for brushes and baskets, £2 0s 11d Boards: Double deal boards, 39, £6 12s 6d Single deal boards, 6, £0 11s 9d Coffer, 1, £0 3s 4d Total for boards, £7 7s 7d Lines: Line number 2, 6, £0 1s 8d Line number 3, 12, £0 3s 11d Total for lines, £0 5s 7d Paint: Chalk, 18 lb, £0 0s 9d White lead ground in oil, 36 lb, £0 13s 6d Dry yellow ochre, 4 lb, £0 0s 10d Total for paint, £0 15s 1d Tin lamp, 1, £0 0s 10d Total charged to the new church, £21 15s 9d Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 30 June 1773, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The tools issued for the new church show stone building in progress. Inch chisels and point chisels were the mason's basic tools for dressing stone, the point for roughing out and the inch chisel for finishing a flat face. Stone saws cut the softer local stone into blocks. The melting ladles were for pouring molten lead into joints and around iron fixings, which explains the pig lead issued in the same quarter. Lines stretched between pegs kept the courses of stone straight and level as the walls went up. In the quarter, the new church cost the Company nearly £22 0s 0d in stores alone, before any wages. | |
83 | 1773 List of the Honble. Companys Officers, and Servants upon the Island St. Helena with their several Salary's, Diet Money &c., for the Quarter ending the 30th June 1773. John Skottowe Esqr. Governor 150 .. .. Do. Allowance for Servants 31 . 14 . 9 181 . 14 . 9 Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Governor 62 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 25 .. .. 87 . 10 .. Matthew Purling Esqr. of Council 50 .. .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. .. Do. Gratuity 15 .. .. 80 .. .. Matthew Bazett Esqr. of Council 10 .. .. Do. Accountant 27 .. .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 55 .. .. William Bearcraft Chaplain 40 .. .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. .. 55 .. .. William Wrangham Paymaster 27 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. Do. Assist. to the Governor 10 .. .. 55 .. .. Jonathan Doveton Storekeeper 27 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 45 .. Britn. Wright Secretary 27 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 45 .. .. James Tippet Engineer 50 .. .. Carried Over £ 654 . 4 . 9 | The list of the Company's officers and servants on St Helena, with their salaries, table allowances and other payments for the quarter ending 30 June 1773, read as follows. Governor John Skottowe: Salary, £150 0s 0d Allowance for servants, £31 14s 9d Total, £181 14s 9d Daniel Corneille, Lieutenant Governor: Salary, £62 10s 0d Table allowance, £25 0s 0d Total, £87 10s 0d Matthew Purling, member of Council: Salary, £50 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d Gratuity, £15 0s 0d Total, £80 0s 0d Matthew Bazett, member of Council: Salary as councillor, £10 0s 0d Salary as accountant, £27 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d William Bearcroft, chaplain: Salary, £40 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d William Wrangham, paymaster: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as assistant to the Governor, £10 0s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d Jonathan Doveton, storekeeper: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £45 0s 0d Britannicus Wright, secretary: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £45 0s 0d James Tippet, engineer, £50 0s 0d Carried forward, £654 4s 9d Interpretations The list shows how the island's officials built their incomes from several posts at once. Matthew Bazett drew pay as a councillor and as accountant, and Wrangham as paymaster and as the Governor's assistant. Tippet was paid separately as engineer on top of his pay as captain of artillery, which explains why he managed the public works. Table allowance, called diet money in the original, was a fixed sum paid in place of meals at the Company's table, and house rent was paid to officials who had no Company house. The Governor alone earned £600 0s 0d a year in salary, far more than any other official. Most of the others earned between £180 0s 0d and £220 0s 0d a year in all, which helps explain why private trade, such as the tea contracts of 1773, mattered so much to them. | |
84 | 19th July Brought Over £ 654 . 4 . 9 John Goodwin Factor 12 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. Do. Collr. of the Customs 12 . 10 .. 37 . 10 .. George Bazett Writer Saly. &c. to 10th April 2 . 3 . 10 Do. Clerk of the Works 15 .. Do. Assist. Storekeeper 10 . 11 3 . 9 . 9 James Desfountain Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. Do. Assist. Storekeepr. from 10th April 2 . 16 .. 22 . 16 .. William Doveton Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 20 .. .. Robert Leech Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Clerk of the Works 6 . 1 . 10½ Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 26 . 1 . 10½ John Doveton Writer from 10th May 11 . 14 . 6 Nathl. Kennedy Do. Do. 11 . 14 . 6 Thos. Stroud Surgeon 19 . 15 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 32 . 5 .. James Farrell Surgeons Mate 13 . 15 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . 26 . 5 . Carried Over £ 846 .. 4½ | The list of officers and servants continued from the £654 4s 9d brought forward. John Goodwin, factor: Salary, £12 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as Collector of Customs, £12 10s 0d Total, £37 10s 0d George Bazett, writer: Salary and allowances to 10 April 1773, £2 3s 10d Salary as Clerk of the Works, £0 15s 0d Salary as assistant storekeeper, £0 10s 11d Total, £3 9s 9d James Desfountain, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as assistant storekeeper from 10 April 1773, £2 16s 0d Total, £22 16s 0d William Doveton, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £20 0s 0d Robert Leech, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Salary as Clerk of the Works, £6 1s 10½d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £26 1s 10½d John Doveton, writer from 10 May 1773, £11 14s 6d Nathaniel Kennedy, writer from 10 May 1773, £11 14s 6d Thomas Stroud, surgeon: Salary, £19 15s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £32 5s 0d James Farrell, surgeon's mate: Salary, £13 15s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £26 5s 0d Carried forward, £846 0s 4½d Interpretations The list catches the start of two careers recorded later in this volume. John Doveton and Nathaniel Kennedy entered the Company's service as writers on 10 May 1773. Five years later, in 1778, they asked to be made factors because their five-year contracts had ended on 10 May 1778, and the Council promoted them. The writers' pay of £30 0s 0d a year was small, but posts such as Clerk of the Works or assistant storekeeper added to it. When George Bazett left the post of assistant storekeeper on 10 April 1773, it passed at once to James Desfountain. Robert Leech, a writer here, was later promoted factor in 1777 and is a different man from the artillery lieutenant of the same surname. | |
85 | 1773 Brought Over £ 846 .. 4½ John Congreve Judge Advocate 12 . 10 .. Do. Schoolmaster 7 . 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 22 . 10 .. Philip Mahony Clk. of the Peace 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ John Young Steward 7 . 10 .. Do. Overseeing the Bakg. House 3 .. 10 . 10 .. Thos. Bazett Superintt. of the Works 25 .. .. Solomon St. Maurice Master at Arms 6 . 5 .. Saml. Alexander 7 . 10 .. John Worrall 15 .. .. Overseers John Robinson Carpenter 25 .. .. Simon Whaley Do. Mate 12 . 10 .. Edward Daniels Mason 30 .. .. John Preston Do. Mate 20 .. .. John Daniels Do. Apprentice 7 . 10 .. Joseph Yeager Armourer 15 .. .. Joseph Griffiths Cooper 15 .. .. James Carmichell Gardner 10 .. .. John Price Marshall to Greater 7 . 10 .. William Hurst Groom to the 11 . 6 Isaac Clark Do. from the 1 . 8 . 6 John Joyce Clock & Instrumt. Cleaner 1 . 5 .. Willm. French Patroon to the 17th May 3 . 17 .. Thos. Yates Clerk of the Parish 5 .. .. The Drum Majr. for Instructg. the Young Drummers 1 .. .. Hugh Pores Supr. of the Blacks 10 .. .. Do. Register Master 15 . 11 . 9 15 . 11 . 9 Carried Over £ 1140 . 13 . 5 | The list of officers and servants continued from the £846 0s 4½d brought forward. John Congreve: Salary as Judge Advocate, £12 10s 0d Salary as schoolmaster, £7 10s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £22 10s 0d Philip Mahony, Clerk of the Peace: Salary, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Young, steward: Salary, £7 10s 0d Salary for overseeing the bakehouse, £3 0s 0d Total, £10 10s 0d Thomas Bazett, Superintendent of the Works, £25 0s 0d Solomon St Maurice, Master at Arms, £6 5s 0d Samuel Alexander, overseer, £7 10s 0d John Worrall, overseer, £15 0s 0d John Robinson, carpenter, £25 0s 0d Simon Whaley, carpenter's mate, £12 10s 0d Edward Daniels, mason, £30 0s 0d John Preston, mason's mate, £20 0s 0d John Daniels, mason's apprentice, £7 10s 0d Joseph Seager, armourer, £15 0s 0d Joseph Griffiths, cooper, £15 0s 0d James Carmichael, gardener, £10 0s 0d John Price, marshal [...], £7 10s 0d William Hurst, groom [...], £0 11s 6d Isaac Clark, groom from [...], £1 8s 6d John Joyce, cleaner of clocks and instruments, £1 5s 0d William French, boat master to 17 May 1773, £3 17s 0d Thomas Yates, parish clerk, £5 0s 0d Drum major, for teaching the young drummers, £1 0s 0d Hugh Jones: Salary as Superintendent of the Blacks, £10 0s 0d Salary as Register Master, £5 11s 9d Total, £15 11s 9d Carried forward, £1,140 13s 5d Interpretations Several of these posts and their holders come back later in the volume. John Congreve was both Judge Advocate and schoolmaster in 1773, on £30 0s 0d a year for teaching. After his death in 1777 the Council told the Court that he could barely write or spell ordinary English himself. It asked for a properly qualified successor and more pay to attract one. The post of Superintendent of the Blacks, held here by Hugh Jones, was the one the Court abolished in 1778. The Council then pointed out that it had been created in 1765 and had gone unchallenged for years. John Worrall was the overseer later blamed for the loss of 75 of the Company's sheep, and Philip Mahony was the Clerk of the Peace who retired on a life allowance in November 1778. A boat master, called a patroon in the original, was in charge of one of the Company's boats and its crew. | |
86 | 19th July Brought Over £ 1140 . 13 . 6 First Company viz. Daniel Corneille Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Solomon St. Maurice Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Charles Ross Steward Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. Do. Adjutant 18 . 5 .. 54 . 19 . 4½ William Caldwell Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ William Roberts Ensn. Adjutant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ Sergeants viz. Henry Howell 7 . 11 . 8 John Allman 7 . 11 . 8 Thos. Meares 7 . 11 . 8 James Mannaton 61 Days 5 . 1 . 8 Do. Private 30 Do. 1 . 5 .. Abraham Jervis 7 . 11 . 8 Andrew Alexander 7 . 11 . 8 44 . 5 . Corporals viz. Timothy Walters 5 . 6 . 2 Thos. Rhoades 5 . 6 . 2 Christian Smith 5 . 6 . 2 William Hardee 5 . 6 . 2 John Britt 5 . 6 . 2 John Potts 5 . 6 . 2 31 . 17 .. Carried Over £ 1436 . 4 . 3 | The list of officers and servants continued from the £1,140 13s 6d brought forward, with the pay of the First Company of the garrison. Daniel Corneille, captain, £59 6s 3d Solomon St Maurice, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Charles Ross Stewart, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Pay as adjutant, £18 5s 0d Total, £54 19s 4½d William Caldwell, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d William Roberts, adjutant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Sergeants: Henry Howell, £7 11s 8d John Allman, £7 11s 8d Thomas Meares, £7 11s 8d James Mannaton, as sergeant for 61 days, £5 1s 8d James Mannaton, as private for 30 days, £1 5s 0d Abraham Jervis, £7 11s 8d Andrew Alexander, £7 11s 8d Total for sergeants, £44 5s 0d Corporals: Timothy Walters, £5 6s 2d Thomas Rhoades, £5 6s 2d Christian Smith, £5 6s 2d William Hardee, £5 6s 2d John Britt, £5 6s 2d John Potts, £5 6s 2d Total for corporals, £31 17s 0d Carried forward, £1,436 4s 3d Interpretations Daniel Corneille drew pay as captain of the First Company on top of his salary and table allowance as Lieutenant Governor. The senior officers of the island combined civil and military posts in the same way that the junior officials combined clerkships. Solomon St Maurice, the company's senior lieutenant, was the officer the Council made acting captain in July 1773 in place of the sick Captain Beale. Charles Ross Stewart and William Caldwell were two of the five lieutenants whose dispute over seniority with Shirtley and Gilson the Council referred to the Court in June 1773. James Mannaton's two entries show a sergeant reduced to the ranks during the quarter. He was paid as a sergeant for 61 days and as a private for the remaining 30. A sergeant earned about £30 0s 0d a year against a private's £15 0s 0d, so the demotion halved his pay. It was probably a punishment imposed by a court martial. | |
87 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1436 . 4 . 3 Drummers viz. John Twaits 5 . 6 . 2 Richard Flatfoot 5 . 6 . 2 George Watts 5 . 6 . 2 15 . 18 . 6 Private viz. Richd. Ashton 3 . 15 . 10 John Atwood 3 . 15 . 10 George Ansell 3 . 15 . 10 Edward Alldridge from 1 May 2 . 10 . 10 Moses Boffin 3 . 15 . 10 Timothy Bryan 3 . 15 . 10 Emanual Bonner 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Benson 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Broom 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Berwick 3 . 15 . 10 Mark Balls 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Becham 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Batterham 3 . 15 . 10 James Bennett 3 . 15 . 10 Stephen Barrett 3 . 15 . 10 Jonathan Barthalet from 1 May 2 . 10 . 10 Edward Banks Do. 2 . 10 . 10 John Baker Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Partrick Conner 3 . 15 . 10 John Charlton 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Coppin 3 . 15 . 10 Anthony Clark 3 . 15 . 10 Ralph Clevering 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Craigs 3 . 15 . 10 John Cammack 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Chapman 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Cook from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Davis 3 . 15 . 10 John Dove 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carried Over £ 104 . 10 . 10 Carried Over £ 1452 . 2 . 9 | The pay of the First Company continued from the £1,436 4s 3d brought forward. Drummers: John Twaits, £5 6s 2d Richard Flatfoot, £5 6s 2d George Watts, £5 6s 2d Total for drummers, £15 18s 6d Privates: Richard Ashton, £3 15s 10d John Atwood, £3 15s 10d George Ansell, £3 15s 10d Edward Allridge, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Moses Buffen, £3 15s 10d Timothy Bryan, £3 15s 10d Emanuel Bonner, £3 15s 10d William Benson, £3 15s 10d Richard Broom, £3 15s 10d Thomas Berwick, £3 15s 10d Mark Balls, £3 15s 10d Joseph Buckham, £3 15s 10d Joseph Batterham, £3 15s 10d James Bennett, £3 15s 10d Stephen Barrett, £3 15s 10d Jonathan Barthalet, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Edward Banks, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d John Baker, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Patrick Conner, £3 15s 10d John Charlton, £3 15s 10d William Coppin, £3 15s 10d Anthony Clark, £3 15s 10d Ralph Clevering, £3 15s 10d William Craigs, £3 15s 10d John Cammack, £3 15s 10d Peter Chapman, £3 15s 10d Richard Cook, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Davis, £3 15s 10d John Dove, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £104 10s 10d Total carried forward, £1,452 2s 9d Interpretations A private's pay of £3 15s 10d a quarter came to about £15 3s 4d a year, or roughly 10d a day. Out of that the soldier paid for his rations from the Company's stores, as the sales of salt meat and bread earlier in the account show, so little was left in cash. The four men paid from 1 May 1773 were probably recruits who arrived with the season's ships and joined the company in that month. Richard Cook's start on 11 April 1773 suggests he enlisted on the island, much as John McNab, the sailor from the Nassau, did in May. | |
88 | 19th July Brought Over £ 1452 . 2 . 9 Private Brought Over £ 104 . 10 . 10 James Drake 3 . 15 . 10 John Desborough 3 . 15 . 10 Adam Evans 3 . 15 . 10 John Ellis 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Fisher 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Frost 3 . 15 . 10 John Feake 3 . 15 . 10 Stephen Ferris 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Greenwood 3 . 15 . 10 John Grainger 3 . 15 . 10 John Griffiths 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Gratby from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Houston 3 . 15 . 10 Philip Hayes 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Hucking 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Hindcock 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Herons 3 . 15 . 10 John Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 John Jones Senr. 3 . 15 . 10 Franc. Ives 3 . 15 . 10 John Jones Junr. from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Willm. Jones from 5th May 3 . 7 . 6 Franc. Jones Do. 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Thos. Love 3 . 15 . 10 Patrick Lynch 3 . 15 . 10 Michael Leonard 3 . 15 . 10 Duncan Mc. Laron 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Mumford 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Mudge 3 . 15 . 10 John Mc. Allister 3 . 15 . 10 Michl. Mc. Namara from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Peter Morfeth Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Danl. Morgan Do. 3 . 7 . 6 James Mc. Shane from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Private Carried Over £ 227 . 9 . 2 Carried Over £ 1452 . 2 . 9 | The pay of the First Company's privates continued from the £104 10s 10d brought forward. James Drake, £3 15s 10d John Desborough, £3 15s 10d Adam Evans, £3 15s 10d John Ellis, £3 15s 10d William Fisher, £3 15s 10d Robert Frost, £3 15s 10d John Feake, £3 15s 10d Stephen Ferris, £3 15s 10d William Greenwood, £3 15s 10d John Grainger, £3 15s 10d John Griffiths, £3 15s 10d William Gratby, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Houston, £3 15s 10d Philip Hayes, £3 15s 10d Thomas Hucking, £3 15s 10d Thomas Hindcock, £3 15s 10d Robert Herons, £3 15s 10d John Johnson, £3 15s 10d John Jones senior, £3 15s 10d Francis Ives, £3 15s 10d John Jones junior, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d William Jones, from 5 May 1773, £2 7s 6d Francis Jones, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Thomas Love, £3 15s 10d Patrick Lynch, £3 15s 10d Michael Leonard, £3 15s 10d Duncan McLaren, £3 15s 10d William Mumford, £3 15s 10d William Mudge, £3 15s 10d John McAlister, £3 15s 10d Michael McNamara, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Peter Morfett, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Daniel Morgan, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d James McShane, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Privates carried forward, £227 9s 2d Total carried forward, £1,452 2s 9d Interpretations Several of these privates appear again in the later letters, which lets the record follow them through their years on the island. Duncan McLaren was sent home as an invalid in July 1777 and recommended for a pension from the Military Fund. John Desborough rose to sergeant and sailed home on the Lord Camden that same month. John McAlister was discharged in 1777 and given passage on the Earl of Ashburnham. William Mudge was among the 29 invalids sent home in October 1779. Peter Morfett was probably the Peter Morphet who slipped away in a fishing boat with three other privates in November 1777 and was presumed lost at sea. Most of these men served the island for four to six years. Those who survived left either as invalids or by desertion. | |
89 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1452 . 2 . 9 Private Brought Over £ 227 . 9 . 2 Willm. Page 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Pellister 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Palmer 3 . 15 . 10 Alexr. Paxton from 11 April 3 . 7 . 6 Willm. Robinson 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Rogers 3 . 15 . 10 Anthy. Reynolds 3 . 15 . 10 Geo. Roe 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Swaby 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Stacy 3 . 15 . 10 James Smith 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Smelt 3 . 15 . 10 Gregory Sutherwood 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Smith 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Sawer 3 . 15 . 10 John Small from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Tanton 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Townsend 3 . 15 . 10 John Taylor 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Taylor from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Arthur Upton 3 . 15 . 10 Benjn. Wise 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Windall 3 . 15 . 10 Geo. Hall 3 . 15 . 10 Bartholw. Welch 3 . 15 . 10 John Walters 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Wood 3 . 15 . 10 John White 3 . 15 . 10 John Waterfield 3 . 15 . 10 Edwd. Wickenden 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Westbury 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Warner 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Wright 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Wildas from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Private Carried Over £ 353 .. 10 Carried Over £ 1452 . 2 . 9 | The pay of the First Company's privates continued from the £227 9s 2d brought forward. William Page, £3 15s 10d Charles Pettiter, £3 15s 10d Richard Palmer, £3 15s 10d Alexander Paxton, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d William Robinson, £3 15s 10d Thomas Rogers, £3 15s 10d Anthony Reynolds, £3 15s 10d George Roe, £3 15s 10d William Swaby, £3 15s 10d Joseph Stacy, £3 15s 10d James Snell, £3 15s 10d William Smelt, £3 15s 10d Gregory Sutherwood, £3 15s 10d Thomas Smith, £3 15s 10d Henry Sawer, £3 15s 10d John Small, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Tanton, £3 15s 10d Thomas Townsend, £3 15s 10d John Taylor, £3 15s 10d William Taylor, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Arthur Upton, £3 15s 10d Benjamin Wise, £3 15s 10d Thomas Windall, £3 15s 10d George Wall, £3 15s 10d Bartholomew Welch, £3 15s 10d John Walters, £3 15s 10d Henry Wood, £3 15s 10d John White, £3 15s 10d John Waterfield, £3 15s 10d Edward Wickenden, £3 15s 10d William Westbury, £3 15s 10d William Warner, £3 15s 10d Robert Wright, £3 15s 10d William Wildas, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Privates carried forward, £353 0s 10d Total carried forward, £1,452 2s 9d Interpretations Arthur Upton, a private in 1773, appears in the later letters as Lieutenant Arthur Upton. He drew bills of exchange in 1778 and resigned his commission in May 1779 to sail home with his family. His rise from the ranks matches that of Francis Seale, the sergeant commissioned in 1778. It shows how the shortage of officers on the island opened promotion to men who could never have hoped for a commission in a regiment at home. Other names recur as well. James Snell and Benjamin Wise were sent home as invalids in 1777 and 1779. Anthony Reynolds was among the 29 invalids of October 1779, and William Swaby was discharged and placed on the Earl of Sandwich in 1778. | |
90 | 19th July Brought Over £ 1452 . 2 . 9 Private Brought Over £ 353 .. 10 Edward Hayes Fife 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. French to 17 May 1 . 19 . 2 Wm. Thomas to 19th Do. 2 .. 10 Thos. Wallington 3 . 15 . 10 364 . 13 . 4 364 . 13 . 4 Second Company viz. Henry Bazett Captain 59 . 6 . 3 James Greentree Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ John Bazett Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Lachland Leslee Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Sergeants viz. Franc. Seale 7 . 11 . 8 Joseph Whaley to 14th June 6 . 5 .. James Elgin 12 . 2 . 8 Wm. Wells 7 . 11 . 8 Joseph Mc. Cartney 7 . 11 . 8 Benjn. Thomas 7 . 11 . 8 John Sheens from 14th June 1 . 6 . 8 50 . 1 . Corporals John Sheens to 14 June 4 . 7 . 6 Saml. Warren 5 . 6 . 2 Augt. Hitchcock 5 . 6 . 2 Thos. Hart 5 . 6 . 2 Jacob Hiram to 13th April 15 . 2 Do. Private from 13 Do. 3 . 5 .. Corporals Carrd. Over £ 24 . 6 . 2 Carried Over £ 2031 . 6 . 5½ | The pay of the First Company's privates ended with four more men, and the Second Company's list followed. Privates brought forward, £353 0s 10d Edward Hayes, fifer, £3 15s 10d William French, to 17 May 1773, £1 19s 2d William Thomas, to 19 May 1773, £2 0s 10d Thomas Wallington, £3 15s 10d Total for privates of the First Company, £364 13s 4d Second Company: Henry Bazett, captain, £59 6s 3d James Greentree, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Bazett, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Lachland Leslie, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Sergeants: Francis Seale, £7 11s 8d Joseph Whaley, to 14 June 1773, £6 5s 0d James Elgin, £12 2s 8d William Wells, £7 11s 8d Joseph McCartney, £7 11s 8d Benjamin Thomas, £7 11s 8d John Stevens, from 14 June 1773, £1 6s 8d Total for sergeants, £50 1s 0d Corporals: John Stevens, to 14 June 1773, £4 7s 6d Samuel Warren, £5 6s 2d Augustus Hitchcock, £5 6s 2d Thomas Hart, £5 6s 2d Jacob Hiram, as corporal to 13 April 1773, £0 15s 2d Jacob Hiram, as private from 13 April 1773, £3 5s 0d Corporals carried forward, £24 6s 2d Total carried forward, £2,031 6s 5½d Interpretations The dates against several names match events recorded in the Council's minutes. William Thomas's pay stopped on 19 May 1773, the day the Spanish ship La Venus sailed; the Council concluded that he had deserted on her. Joseph Whaley's pay as sergeant ended on 14 June 1773, when the Council granted his discharge. John Stevens was promoted from corporal to sergeant the same day to fill the place. William French's pay stopped on 17 May 1773, when his discharge was granted. He also served as a boat master until that date. Jacob Hiram, like James Mannaton in the First Company, was reduced from corporal to private during the quarter. Two of the sergeants rose to commissions. Francis Seale was made second lieutenant in 1778 on the Council's recommendation, after Lieutenant John Bazett of this same company died. James Elgin, whose pay was well above that of the other sergeants, probably as sergeant major, later became Lieutenant James Elgin. He was suspended from the service in January 1777 and allowed to sail home with Captain Riddale that July. | |
91 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2031 . 6 . 5½ Corporals Brought Over £ 24 . 6 . 2 Mark Trueman from 13th April 4 . 11 .. Do. Private from 13 Do. 10 . 10 Henry Batchelor from 15 June 18 . 8 Do. Private from 15 Do. 3 . 2 . 6 Willm. Carter 5 . 6 . 2 38 . 15 . 4 38 . 15 . 4 Drummers viz. Benjamin Seale 5 . 6 . 2 John Wyrrell 5 . 6 . 2 10 . 12 . 4 Private viz. Timothy Atherton 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Brooks 3 . 15 . 10 Danl. Bye 3 . 15 . 10 James Beard 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Brewer 3 . 15 . 10 John Cunningham 3 . 15 . 10 John Coffee 3 . 15 . 10 Tovering Clamp 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Chankley 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Dennan 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Daniels 3 . 15 . 10 Danl. Duce 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Ellam 3 . 15 . 10 David Evans 3 . 15 . 10 James Every 3 . 15 . 10 John Eames 3 . 15 . 10 Jonah Edwards 3 . 15 . 10 John Forbes 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Fullwood 3 . 15 . 10 John Fellows 3 . 15 . 10 John Goodsole 3 . 15 . 10 John Gray 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Green 3 . 15 . 10 Philip Gleeson 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carrd. Over £ 91 .. Carrd. Over £ 2080 . 14 . 1½ | The pay of the Second Company's corporals continued from the £24 6s 2d brought forward. Mark Trueman, as corporal from 13 April 1773, £4 11s 0d Mark Trueman, as private to 13 April 1773, £0 10s 10d Henry Batcheler, as corporal from 15 June 1773, £0 18s 8d Henry Batcheler, as private to 15 June 1773, £3 2s 6d William Carter, £5 6s 2d Total for corporals, £38 15s 4d Drummers: Benjamin Seale, £5 6s 2d John Wyrell, £5 6s 2d Total for drummers, £10 12s 4d Privates: Timothy Atherton, £3 15s 10d William Brooks, £3 15s 10d Daniel Bye, £3 15s 10d James Beard, £3 15s 10d Charles Brewer, £3 15s 10d John Cunningham, £3 15s 10d John Coffee, £3 15s 10d Seeving Clamp, £3 15s 10d Thomas Chankley, £3 15s 10d William Dinnan, £3 15s 10d William Daniels, £3 15s 10d Daniel Duce, £3 15s 10d Peter Ellam, £3 15s 10d David Evans, £3 15s 10d James Every, £3 15s 10d John Eames, £3 15s 10d Jonah Edwards, £3 15s 10d John Forbes, £3 15s 10d William Fullwood, £3 15s 10d John Fellows, £3 15s 10d John Goodsole, £3 15s 10d John Gray, £3 15s 10d Robert Green, £3 15s 10d Philip Gleeson, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £91 0s 0d Total carried forward, £2,080 14s 1½d Interpretations The corporals' entries show how the company filled its non-commissioned ranks from among its own privates. Mark Trueman was made corporal on 13 April 1773, the same day Jacob Hiram was reduced to private. Henry Batcheler was raised on 15 June 1773, the day after John Stevens moved up from corporal to sergeant in Joseph Whaley's place. Each vacancy passed down a step within the company, and the pay records date every change to the day. | |
92 | 19th July Brought Over £ 2080 . 14 . 1½ Private Brought Over £ 91 .. .. David Grant 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Griffiths 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Richmond Grovenor 3 . 15 . 10 Josiah Gentleman 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Hiles 3 . 15 . 10 John Holbrooke 3 . 15 . 10 James Hudson 3 . 15 . 10 John Ham 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Hadie 3 . 15 . 10 John Haynge 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Harrison 3 . 15 . 10 Geo. Hatch 3 . 15 . 10 Edward Hughes 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Holloway 3 . 15 . 10 John Hargate 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Hendan 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Instone 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 John James 3 . 15 . 10 John Jacobs 3 . 15 . 10 John Jones 3 . 15 . 10 Rd. Jevram 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Jones 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Kilson 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Kirkham 3 . 15 . 10 John King 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Little 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Lee 3 . 15 . 10 John Morris 3 . 15 . 10 John Mc. Cullen 3 . 15 . 10 Franc. Meares 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Mahan 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Mellor 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carrd. Over £ 216 . 2 . 8 Carried Over £ 2080 . 14 . 1½ | The pay of the Second Company's privates continued from the £91 0s 0d brought forward. David Grant, £3 15s 10d Thomas Griffiths, £3 15s 10d Robert Richmond Grosvenor, £3 15s 10d Josiah Gentleman, £3 15s 10d Samuel Hiles, £3 15s 10d John Holbrooke, £3 15s 10d James Hudson, £3 15s 10d John Ham, £3 15s 10d Robert Hadie, £3 15s 10d John Haynge, £3 15s 10d Thomas Harrison, £3 15s 10d George Hatch, £3 15s 10d Edward Hughes, £3 15s 10d Charles Holloway, £3 15s 10d John Hargate, £3 15s 10d William Hendaw, £3 15s 10d Samuel Instone, £3 15s 10d William Johnson, £3 15s 10d John James, £3 15s 10d John Jacobs, £3 15s 10d John Jones, £3 15s 10d Hugh Jevram, £3 15s 10d William Jones, £3 15s 10d Samuel Kilson, £3 15s 10d Henry Kirkham, £3 15s 10d John King, £3 15s 10d Thomas Little, £3 15s 10d Thomas Lee, £3 15s 10d John Morris, £3 15s 10d John McCullen, £3 15s 10d Francis Meares, £3 15s 10d Peter Mahan, £3 15s 10d Joseph Miller, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £216 2s 8d Total carried forward, £2,080 14s 1½d | |
93 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2080 . 14 . 1½ Private brought Over £ 216 . 2 . 8 Thos. Mintell 3 . 15 . 10 Reeves Osborne 3 . 15 . 10 Jacob Peters 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Palmer 3 . 15 . 0 Thos. Ponsee 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Page 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Paddom 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Peel 3 . 15 . 10 John Phillips 3 . 15 . 10 Quin Raccoun 3 . 15 . 10 John Roberts 3 . 15 . 10 John Christian Strife 3 . 15 . 10 Fredk. Shefford 3 . 15 . 10 John Salisbury 3 . 15 . 10 James Stone 3 . 15 . 10 John Vaughn 3 . 15 . 10 Fran. Vennable 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. White 3 . 15 . 10 John Walters 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Warren 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Yates 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Kingscoot to the 5th April 4 . 2 Willm. Graysmith from 11 Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Andrew Jocalcomb Do. 3 . 7 . 6 James Laddy Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Thos. Lambly Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Hans Peter Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Simon Peck Do. 3 . 7 . 6 John Richards Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Battista Tibbet Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Robt. Withers Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Richd. Ahers from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Private Carried Over £ 328 . 7 . 6 Carried Over £ 2080 . 14 . 1½ | The pay of the Second Company's privates continued from the £216 2s 8d brought forward. Thomas Mintell, £3 15s 10d Reeves Osborne, £3 15s 10d Jacob Peters, £3 15s 10d Thomas Palmer, £3 15s 0d Thomas Pearce, £3 15s 10d Richard Page, £3 15s 10d William Paddom, £3 15s 10d Joseph Peel, £3 15s 10d John Phillips, £3 15s 10d Quin Raccoun, £3 15s 10d John Roberts, £3 15s 10d John Christian Strife, £3 15s 10d Frederick Shefford, £3 15s 10d John Salisbury, £3 15s 10d James Stone, £3 15s 10d John Vaughn, £3 15s 10d Francis Vennable, £3 15s 10d Richard White, £3 15s 10d John Walters, £3 15s 10d William Warren, £3 15s 10d Henry Yates, £3 15s 10d William Kingscot, to 5 April 1773, £0 4s 2d William Graywich, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Andrew Jocalcomb, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d James Laddy, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Thomas Lambly, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Hans Peter, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Simon Peck, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Richards, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Baptista Tibbet, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Robert Withers, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Richard Akers, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Privates carried forward, £328 7s 6d Total carried forward, £2,080 14s 1½d Interpretations Nine men joined the Second Company on 11 April 1773, the same day recruits appeared in the First Company. They probably arrived together on a single ship. Several of them reappear five years later as their engagements ended. William Graywich and John Richards were among the eight discharged soldiers who signed on with the King's ship Warwick in May 1778. Baptista Tibbet was sent home as an invalid on the Earl of Sandwich that same month, and the Council recommended him for a pension from the Military Fund. John Phillips and William Warren were among the discharged men placed on Company ships to help make up their crews in 1777 and 1778. Five years was the usual term of a soldier's engagement, so the recruits of the 1773 season left the island together in the season of 1778. | |
94 | 19th July Brought Over £ 2080 . 14 . 1½ Private Brought Over £ 328 . 7 . 6 Geo. Chapman from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Geo. Clary Do. 2 . 10 . 10 John Hughes Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Thos. Jacobs Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Jas. Malony Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Isaac Musket Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Henry Pingfield Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Willm. Weaver Do. 2 . 10 . 10 James Hubbard to 16 April 13 . 4 John Blevin to 5 June 2 . 15 .. Thos. Morgan Do. 2 . 15 . 355 . 7 . 6 Third Company viz. Richd. Beale Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Thos. Bazett Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ Thos. Statham Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Richd. Mason Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Sergeants viz. Willm. Clifton 7 . 11 . 8 James Goudy 7 . 11 . 8 David Scott 7 . 11 . 8 Thos. Hughes 7 . 11 . 8 Thos. Blake 7 . 11 . 8 John Power 7 . 11 . 8 45 . 10 Carried Over £ 2646 . 1 . | The pay of the Second Company's privates ended with the following men, and the Third Company's list followed. Privates brought forward, £328 7s 6d George Chapman, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d George Clary, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d John Hughes, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Thomas Jacobs, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d James Malony, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Isaac Musket, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Henry Pingfield, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d William Weaver, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d James Hubbard, to 16 April 1773, £0 13s 4d John Blevin, to 5 June 1773, £2 15s 0d Thomas Morgan, to 5 June 1773, £2 15s 0d Total for privates of the Second Company, £355 7s 6d Third Company: Richard Beale, captain, £59 6s 3d Thomas Bazett, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Thomas Statham, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Richard Mason, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Sergeants: William Clifton, £7 11s 8d James Goudy, £7 11s 8d David Scott, £7 11s 8d Thomas Hughes, £7 11s 8d Thomas Blake, £7 11s 8d John Power, £7 11s 8d Total for sergeants, £45 10s 0d Carried forward, £2,646 1s 0d Interpretations John Blevin and Thomas Morgan were paid to 5 June 1773, the day the Council granted their discharges at the end of their contracted terms. Their pay stopped on the very day of the minute. Captain Richard Beale drew his full captain's pay for the quarter, even though the surgeons reported that he had been unfit for duty for five months. Only in July 1773 did the Council arrange for part of his pay to go to Lieutenant St Maurice, who took over his duties. Thomas Bazett drew pay as a lieutenant of this company on top of his salary as Superintendent of the Works. Thomas Statham was one of the five lieutenants appointed by the Court in 1769 whose seniority was then in dispute. | |
95 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2646 . 1 .. Corporals viz. James York 5 . 6 . 2 John Merrill 5 . 6 . 2 James White 5 . 6 . 2 Thos. Ford 5 . 6 . 2 George Short 5 . 6 . 2 Joseph Dayley 5 . 6 . 2 31 . 17 .. Drummers viz. John Martin 5 . 6 . 2 Willm. Venn 5 . 6 . 2 10 . 12 . 4 Private James Anderson Senr. 3 . 15 . 10 John Arden 3 . 15 . 10 Ferd. Albert 3 . 15 . 10 James Anderson Junr. 3 . 15 . 10 John Allen from 1 May 2 . 10 . 10 Jacob Brill 3 . 15 . 10 John Blinkhorn 3 . 15 . 10 Fredk. Wm. Beard 3 . 15 . 10 James Brown 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Barff 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Barber 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Bayley 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Beale 3 . 15 . 10 John Barber 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Bridgford 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Barnes 3 . 15 . 10 John Brown from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Jeffery Bond Do. 2 . 10 . 10 John Cork 3 . 15 . 10 Roberts Courts 3 . 15 . 10 Benjn. Courtney 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carried Over £ 75 . 17 . 6 Carried Over £ 2688 . 10 . 4 | The pay of the Third Company continued from the £2,646 1s 0d brought forward. Corporals: James York, £5 6s 2d John Merrill, £5 6s 2d James White, £5 6s 2d Thomas Ford, £5 6s 2d George Short, £5 6s 2d Joseph Dayley, £5 6s 2d Total for corporals, £31 17s 0d Drummers: John Martin, £5 6s 2d William Venn, £5 6s 2d Total for drummers, £10 12s 4d Privates: James Anderson senior, £3 15s 10d John Arden, £3 15s 10d Jeremiah Ulbert, £3 15s 10d James Anderson junior, £3 15s 10d John Allen, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Jacob Brill, £3 15s 10d John Blinkhorn, £3 15s 10d Frederick William Beard, £3 15s 10d James Brown, £3 15s 10d Robert Barff, £3 15s 10d Joseph Barber, £3 15s 10d William Bayley, £3 15s 10d Thomas Beale, £3 15s 10d John Barber, £3 15s 10d William Bridgford, £3 15s 10d Thomas Barnes, £3 15s 10d John Brown, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Jeffery Bond, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d John Cork, £3 15s 10d Roberts Courtis, £3 15s 10d Benjamin Courtney, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £75 17s 6d Total carried forward, £2,688 10s 4d Interpretations The Third Company supplied several of the invalids the Council sent home in later years. Robert Barff sailed on the Lord Camden as an invalid in July 1777. The drummer John Martin and Sergeant Thomas Blake of the same company were sent home that season too, and the Council recommended both for pensions from the Military Fund. A James Anderson was among the 29 invalids placed on the Glatton in October 1779. Six years in the garrison was enough to break the health of many of these men, which helps explain the Council's steady requests to the Court for more recruits. | |
96 | 19th July Brought Over £ 2688 . 10 . 4 Private brought Over £ 75 . 7 . 6 George Chariot 3 . 15 . 10 James Curtis 3 . 15 . 10 James Creasey from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Maurice Downey 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Downs 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Dorey 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Ditty 3 . 15 . 10 George Dadd 3 . 15 . 10 John Dean from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Jacob Davis from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Robt. Davidson Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Wm. Edwards 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Edgles 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Ellicott 3 . 15 . 10 John Ferguson 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Frazier 3 . 15 . 10 Owen Griffiths 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Green 3 . 15 . 10 John Gray from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Gorringe Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Felix Hyder 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Hopkins 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Holloway 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Higgins 3 . 15 . 10 Edward Hacke 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Harsant 3 . 15 . 10 John Howe 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Hambleton 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Hayes 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 John Jacks 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Jamison 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Jones 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carrd. Over £ 199 . 15 . 10 | The pay of the Third Company's privates continued from the £75 7s 6d brought forward. George Chariot, £3 15s 10d James Curtis, £3 15s 10d James Creasey, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Maurice Downey, £3 15s 10d Robert Downs, £3 15s 10d Thomas Dorry, £3 15s 10d Peter Ditty, £3 15s 10d George Dadd, £3 15s 10d John Dean, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Jacob Davis, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Robert Davidson, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d William Edwards, £3 15s 10d Charles Edgles, £3 15s 10d Thomas Ellicott, £3 15s 10d John Ferguson, £3 15s 10d Charles Frazier, £3 15s 10d Owen Griffiths, £3 15s 10d Robert Green, £3 15s 10d John Gray, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Goringe, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Felix Hyder, £3 15s 10d William Hopkins, £3 15s 10d Joseph Holloway, £3 15s 10d Peter Higgins, £3 15s 10d Edward Hacke, £3 15s 10d Samuel Harsant, £3 15s 10d John Howe, £3 15s 10d William Hambleton, £3 15s 10d Thomas Hayes, £3 15s 10d Samuel Johnson, £3 15s 10d John Jacks, £3 15s 10d William Jamison, £3 15s 10d Joseph Jones, £3 15s 10d William Johnson, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £199 15s 10d Interpretations Names on this page also recur in the later letters as the men left the island. William Edwards was put on the Prince of Wales as an invalid in July 1777, and Charles Frazier was placed on the Duke of Cumberland that same month to help make up her crew. John Goringe, who enlisted on 11 April 1773, was among the discharged soldiers sent on the Earl of Sandwich in May 1778, about five years later. John Ferguson stayed longer and was sent home as an invalid on the Glatton in October 1779. | |
97 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2688 . 10 . 4 Private Brought Over £ 199 . 15 . 10 James Kemp 3 . 15 . 10 Edwd. Lambum 3 . 15 . 10 John Lane 3 . 15 . 10 John Lemmon from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Richd. Moyce 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Morris 3 . 15 . 10 Abram. Major 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Martin 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Matthews 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Morriss 3 . 15 . 10 Abram. Miller to 5th June 2 . 15 .. Charles Mannisees from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Patk. Murphy Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Andw. Nedling Do. 3 . 7 . 6 Thos. Owens 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Perry 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Pickiss 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Penny 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Powell 3 . 15 . 10 David Patton 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Richardson 3 . 15 . 10 Adam Scott 3 . 15 . 10 Arthur Shell 3 . 15 . 10 Rd. Slaughter 3 . 15 . 10 Rd. Speight 3 . 15 . 10 Stephen Seymore 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Smith 3 . 15 . 10 David Stores 3 . 15 . 10 Franc. Shambers 3 . 15 . 10 Andrew Steaman from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Thompson Senr. 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Taylor 3 . 15 . 10 George Towns 3 . 15 . 10 John Thompson Junr. 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carrd. Over £ 324 . 15 .. Carried Over £ 2688 . 10 . 4 | The pay of the Third Company's privates continued from the £199 15s 10d brought forward. James Kemp, £3 15s 10d Edward Lambum, £3 15s 10d John Lane, £3 15s 10d John Lemmon, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Richard Moyce, £3 15s 10d Thomas Morris, £3 15s 10d Abraham Major, £3 15s 10d Joseph Martin, £3 15s 10d Thomas Matthews, £3 15s 10d Charles Morriss, £3 15s 10d Abraham Miller, to 5 June 1773, £2 15s 0d Charles Mannisees, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Patrick Murphy, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Andrew Nedling, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Thomas Owens, £3 15s 10d Thomas Perry, £3 15s 10d William Pickiss, £3 15s 10d Richard Penny, £3 15s 10d William Powell, £3 15s 10d David Patton, £3 15s 10d Henry Richardson, £3 15s 10d Adam Scott, £3 15s 10d Arthur Shell, £3 15s 10d Richard Slaughter, £3 15s 10d Richard Speight, £3 15s 10d Stephen Seymore, £3 15s 10d Thomas Smith, £3 15s 10d David Stores, £3 15s 10d Francis Shambers, £3 15s 10d Andrew Strenman, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Thompson senior, £3 15s 10d Thomas Taylor, £3 15s 10d George Towers, £3 15s 10d John Thompson junior, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £324 15s 0d Total carried forward, £2,688 10s 4d Interpretations Abraham Miller's pay stopped on 5 June 1773, the day the Council granted his discharge together with those of John Blevin and Thomas Morgan. A Joseph Martin was one of the two invalids Captain Johnson put back ashore from the Granby in July 1777, when he refused to carry them as charter party passengers. The man here was probably the same soldier, still in the Third Company four years later. | |
98 | 19 July Brought Over £ 2688 . 10 . 4 Private brought Over £ 324 . 15 .. Jacob Thompson 3 . 15 . 10 Stephen Trueman from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Richd. Vincent 3 . 15 . 10 Geo. Varney 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Ward 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Walter 3 . 15 . 10 Hatten Walker 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Williams 3 . 15 . 10 James Woods 3 . 15 . 10 James Willson 3 . 15 . 10 John Walter from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 364 . 15 . 10 364 . 15 . 10 Fourth Company viz. John Howard Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Samuel Desfountain Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 36 . 14 . 4½ Robt. Gurling Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Richd. Powell Lieut. to the 3rd April 1 . 4 .. Sergeants viz. John Deale 7 . 11 . 8 John Terry 7 . 11 . 8 Thos. Williams 7 . 11 . 8 George Wood 7 . 11 . 8 Willm. Sharpe 7 . 11 . 8 Thos. Hilock 7 . 11 . 8 45 . 10 .. Carried Over £ 3230 . 5 . 2 | The pay of the Third Company's privates ended with the following men, and the Fourth Company's list followed. Privates brought forward, £324 15s 0d Jacob Thompson, £3 15s 10d Stephen Trueman, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Richard Vincent, £3 15s 10d George Varney, £3 15s 10d Thomas Ward, £3 15s 10d William Walter, £3 15s 10d Hatton Walker, £3 15s 10d Henry Williams, £3 15s 10d James Woods, £3 15s 10d James Willson, £3 15s 10d John Walter, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Total for privates of the Third Company, £364 15s 10d Fourth Company: John Howard, captain, £59 6s 3d Samuel Desfountain, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Robert Gurling, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Richard Powell, lieutenant, to 3 April 1773 [...], £1 4s 0d Sergeants: John Deale, £7 11s 8d John Jerry, £7 11s 8d Thomas Williams, £7 11s 8d George Wood, £7 11s 8d William Sharpe, £7 11s 8d Thomas Hilock, £7 11s 8d Total for sergeants, £45 10s 0d Carried forward, £3,230 5s 2d Interpretations Captain John Howard of the Fourth Company appears often in the later letters. In July 1777 the Council recommended him warmly to the Court because of his long service and failing health. The Court granted him its favour, and in 1779 he stayed on until 1 January 1780 to settle his company's accounts before retiring with a pension from the Military Fund. Robert Gurling was the last of the five lieutenants appointed by the Court in 1769 whose seniority the Council referred to London. Richard Powell drew only three days' pay as lieutenant in the quarter. His service ended on 3 April 1773, though the word recording how it ended cannot be read. | |
99 | 1773 Brought Over £ 3230 . 5 . 2 Corporals viz. George Smith 5 . 6 . 2 Willm. Taylor 5 . 6 . 2 James Youd 5 . 6 . 2 George Jarman 5 . 6 . 2 John Anderson 5 . 6 . 2 Thos. Ferris 5 . 6 . 2 31 . 17 . Drummers viz. James Moyce 5 . 6 . 2 John Harper 5 . 6 . 2 10 . 12 . 4 Private viz. John Allen 3 . 15 . 10 Joseph Blackmell 3 . 15 . 10 John Bowler 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Blackman 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Bailey 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Bickerstaff 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Caleb Baldwin 3 . 15 . 10 Jacob Benz 3 . 15 . 10 Jeremh. Butcher 3 . 15 . 10 John Bates 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Buckles 3 . 15 . 10 John Broad 3 . 15 . 10 Caleb Broadway 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Bicknell 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Blake 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Cooksey 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Close 3 . 15 . 10 Josiah Cummings 3 . 15 . 10 John Clemans 3 . 15 . 10 John Campen 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Clare 3 . 15 . 10 John Collins 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carrd. Over £ 83 . 8 . 4 Carried Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 | The pay of the Fourth Company continued from the £3,230 5s 2d brought forward. Corporals: George Smith, £5 6s 2d William Taylor, £5 6s 2d James Youd, £5 6s 2d George Jarman, £5 6s 2d John Anderson, £5 6s 2d Thomas Ferris, £5 6s 2d Total for corporals, £31 17s 0d Drummers: James Moyce, £5 6s 2d John Harper, £5 6s 2d Total for drummers, £10 12s 4d Privates: John Allen, £3 15s 10d Joseph Blackwell, £3 15s 10d John Bowler, £3 15s 10d William Blackman, £3 15s 10d Thomas Bailey, £3 15s 10d Richard Bickerstaff, £3 15s 10d William Caleb Baldwin, £3 15s 10d Jacob Benz, £3 15s 10d Jeremiah Butcher, £3 15s 10d John Bates, £3 15s 10d Robert Buckles, £3 15s 10d John Broad, £3 15s 10d Caleb Broadway, £3 15s 10d William Bicknell, £3 15s 10d William Blake, £3 15s 10d William Cooksey, £3 15s 10d Richard Close, £3 15s 10d Josiah Cummings, £3 15s 10d John Clemans, £3 15s 10d John Campen, £3 15s 10d Samuel Clare, £3 15s 10d John Collins, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £83 8s 4d Total carried forward, £3,272 14s 6d Interpretations Joseph Blackwell and John Clemans, privates in 1773, were among the five discharged soldiers placed on the Earl of Sandwich in May 1778. Their passages were left to be settled between the Court and the ship's owners. A John Bates was also one of the 29 invalids sent home on the Shrewsbury in October 1779. | |
100 | 19th July Brought Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 Private Brought Over £ 83 . 8 . 4 Thos. Dawson 3 . 15 . 10 James Dennis 3 . 15 . 10 John Deane 3 . 15 . 10 James Deighton from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Thos. Denman from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Charles Field 3 . 15 . 10 Franc. Flenn 3 . 15 . 10 Hugh Ferwen to 9th May 1 . 12 . 6 David Fowler from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 George Green 3 . 15 . 10 John Gillmore 3 . 15 . 10 Edward Germain 3 . 15 . 10 Fredk. Galluse 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Goulding 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Groves 3 . 15 . 10 Benjn. Gaviard 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Goodfellow to 9th May 1 . 12 . 6 Joseph Gross from 1st Do. 2 . 10 . 10 Herenburg 3 . 15 . 10 Roger Hayden 3 . 15 . 10 Henry Hamilton 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Hilliard 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Hales 3 . 15 . 10 Jams. Hawkins from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Chris. Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 John Johnson 3 . 15 . 10 John Joyce 3 . 15 . 10 James Jordan 3 . 15 . 10 John Jones 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Jackson from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Michael Kerry 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Lyne 3 . 15 . 10 Charles Lewellin 3 . 15 . 10 John Lassam 3 . 15 . 10 Private Carrd. Over £ 205 . 2 . 6 Carried Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates continued from the £83 8s 4d brought forward. Thomas Dawson, £3 15s 10d James Dennis, £3 15s 10d John Deane, £3 15s 10d James Deighton, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Thomas Denman, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Charles Field, £3 15s 10d Francis Flenn, £3 15s 10d Hugh Ferwen, to 9 May 1773, £1 12s 6d David Fowler, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d George Green, £3 15s 10d John Gillmore, £3 15s 10d Edward Germain, £3 15s 10d Frederick Galluse, £3 15s 10d William Goulding, £3 15s 10d Richard Groves, £3 15s 10d Benjamin Gavrard, £3 15s 10d Robert Goodfellow, to 9 May 1773, £1 12s 6d Joseph Gross, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Herenburg, £3 15s 10d Roger Hayden, £3 15s 10d Henry Hamilton, £3 15s 10d Thomas Hilliard, £3 15s 10d William Hales, £3 15s 10d James Hawkins, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Christian Johnson, £3 15s 10d Thomas Johnson, £3 15s 10d John Johnson, £3 15s 10d John Joyce, £3 15s 10d James Jordan, £3 15s 10d John Jones, £3 15s 10d Richard Jackson, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Michael Kerry, £3 15s 10d Thomas Lyne, £3 15s 10d Charles Lewellin, £3 15s 10d John Lassam, £3 15s 10d Privates carried forward, £205 2s 6d Total carried forward, £3,272 14s 6d Interpretations James Jordan was the soldier who took John Towers's place in July 1773, when Towers inherited means in England and was allowed to leave on finding a substitute to serve out his term. He was already a private in the Fourth Company that quarter, so the exchange kept an experienced man in the ranks rather than bringing in a new one. Several other names recur in later years. Christian Johnson was among the invalids recommended for a Military Fund pension in 1777, and Charles Lewellin was placed on the Norfolk that year to help make up her crew. Joseph Gross and Richard Jackson, both of whom joined on 1 May 1773, went home as discharged men on the Houghton in May 1778. Henry Herenburg was sent home as an invalid on the Shrewsbury in October 1779. | |
101 | 1773 Brought Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 Private Brought Over £ 205 . 2 . 6 Stephen Lisset from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Thos. Mc. Dearman 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. May 3 . 15 . 10 John Moyce 3 . 15 . 10 Mattw. Mould from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Newton to 7th June 2 . 16 . 8 Danl. Partrick 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Parker 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Prichard 3 . 15 . 10 John Pink 3 . 15 . 10 John Phere 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Powell 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Parkinson 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Pearce 3 . 15 . 10 James Richardson 3 . 15 . 10 James Roberts from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Willm. Scottman 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Stedman 3 . 15 . 10 James Sex 3 . 15 . 10 Chas. Smith 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Smith 3 . 15 . 10 John Smith from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Thos. Stevens 3 . 15 . 10 John Stockdell 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Shores from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Saml. Savory Do. 2 . 10 . 10 John Turner 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Turner from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Willm. Tucker 3 . 15 . 10 Stephen Vanderhorst 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Waite 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Watts 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Willson 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Willson from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Private Carrd. Over £ 326 . 8 . 4 Carrd. Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates continued from the £205 2s 6d brought forward. Stephen Lifset, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Thomas McDearman, £3 15s 10d Robert May, £3 15s 10d John Moyce, £3 15s 10d Matthew Mould, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Newton, to 7 June 1773, £2 16s 8d Daniel Partrick, £3 15s 10d William Parker, £3 15s 10d Thomas Prichard, £3 15s 10d John Pink, £3 15s 10d John Phere, £3 15s 10d William Powell, £3 15s 10d Robert Parkinson, £3 15s 10d Richard Pearce, £3 15s 10d James Richardson, £3 15s 10d James Roberts, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d William Scottman, £3 15s 10d William Stedman, £3 15s 10d James Sex, £3 15s 10d Charles Smith, £3 15s 10d Thomas Smith, £3 15s 10d John Smith, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Thomas Stevens, £3 15s 10d John Stockdell, £3 15s 10d Peter Shores, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Samuel Savery, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d John Turner, £3 15s 10d Richard Turner, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d William Tucker, £3 15s 10d Stephen Vanderhorst, £3 15s 10d William Waite, £3 15s 10d Thomas Watts, £3 15s 10d Samuel Willson, £3 15s 10d William Willson, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Privates carried forward, £326 8s 4d Total carried forward, £3,272 14s 6d Interpretations John Newton's pay stopped on 7 June 1773, the day the Council granted his discharge with that of the matross Robert Nichols. Peter Shores, who joined on 1 May 1773, was one of the six able-bodied discharged soldiers placed on the Houghton in May 1778 to help make up her crew, five years after he enlisted. A James Roberts, discharged as a sergeant, was put aboard the York for the same purpose in 1778, and was probably the private who joined here on 1 May 1773. | |
102 | 1773 Brought Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 Private Brought Over £ 205 . 2 . 6 Stephen Lisset from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Thos. Mc. Dearman 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. May 3 . 15 . 10 John Moyce 3 . 15 . 10 Mattw. Mould from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 John Newton to 7th June 2 . 16 . 8 Danl. Partrick 3 . 15 . 10 Wm. Parker 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Prichard 3 . 15 . 10 John Pink 3 . 15 . 10 John Phere 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Powell 3 . 15 . 10 Robt. Parkinson 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Pearce 3 . 15 . 10 James Richardson 3 . 15 . 10 James Roberts from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Willm. Scottman 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Stedman 3 . 15 . 10 James Sex 3 . 15 . 10 Chas. Smith 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Smith 3 . 15 . 10 John Smith from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Thos. Stevens 3 . 15 . 10 John Stockdell 3 . 15 . 10 Peter Shores from 1st May 2 . 10 . 10 Saml. Savory Do. 2 . 10 . 10 John Turner 3 . 15 . 10 Richd. Turner from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Willm. Tucker 3 . 15 . 10 Stephen Vanderhorst 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Waite 3 . 15 . 10 Thos. Watts 3 . 15 . 10 Saml. Willson 3 . 15 . 10 Willm. Willson from 11th April 3 . 7 . 6 Private Carrd. Over £ 326 . 8 . 4 Carrd. Over £ 3272 . 14 . 6 | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates continued from the £205 2s 6d brought forward. Stephen Lifset, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Thomas McDearman, £3 15s 10d Robert May, £3 15s 10d John Moyce, £3 15s 10d Matthew Mould, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d John Newton, to 7 June 1773, £2 16s 8d Daniel Partrick, £3 15s 10d William Parker, £3 15s 10d Thomas Prichard, £3 15s 10d John Pink, £3 15s 10d John Phere, £3 15s 10d William Powell, £3 15s 10d Robert Parkinson, £3 15s 10d Richard Pearce, £3 15s 10d James Richardson, £3 15s 10d James Roberts, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d William Scottman, £3 15s 10d William Stedman, £3 15s 10d James Sex, £3 15s 10d Charles Smith, £3 15s 10d Thomas Smith, £3 15s 10d John Smith, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Thomas Stevens, £3 15s 10d John Stockdell, £3 15s 10d Peter Shores, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d Samuel Savery, from 1 May 1773, £2 10s 10d John Turner, £3 15s 10d Richard Turner, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d William Tucker, £3 15s 10d Stephen Vanderhorst, £3 15s 10d William Waite, £3 15s 10d Thomas Watts, £3 15s 10d Samuel Willson, £3 15s 10d William Willson, from 11 April 1773, £3 7s 6d Privates carried forward, £326 8s 4d Total carried forward, £3,272 14s 6d Interpretations John Newton's pay stopped on 7 June 1773, the day the Council granted his discharge along with that of the matross Robert Nichols. Peter Shores joined on 1 May 1773 and five years later, in May 1778, was one of the six able-bodied discharged soldiers placed on the Houghton to help make up her crew. A James Roberts, discharged as a sergeant, was put aboard the York for the same purpose in 1778. He was probably the private who joined here on 1 May 1773. | |
103 | 1773 Brought Over £ 3358 . 5 . ½ Corporals viz. Willm. Pink 6 . 16 . 6 Wm. Crabb to 7th June 5 . 2 .. John Fox 6 . 16 . 6 Wm. Stableford 6 . 16 . 6 Thos. Yates 6 . 16 . 6 Thos. Price from 8th June 1 . 14 . 6 John Smith 6 . 16 . 6 40 . 19 .. Bombadiers viz. Philip Connoway to 17th May 3 . 10 . 6 John Towers to 28th June 6 . 13 . 6 Thos. Price to 8th June 5 . 2 .. John Wright 6 . 16 . 6 Mattw. Charlton from 18th May 3 . 6 .. Thos. Wade from 8 June 1 . 14 . 6 Thos. Farr from 29th Do. 3 27 . 6 .. Gunners viz. Mattw. Charlton to 18th May 3 . 2 . 8 Thos. Wade to 8th June 4 . 10 . 8 John Love 6 . 1 . 4 Thos. Farr to 29th June 5 . 18 . 8 Thos. Bowen 6 . 1 . 4 Willm. Rankin 6 . 1 . 4 George Street 6 . 1 . 4 James Munnings 6 . 1 . 4 Nichs. Godfrey 6 . 1 . 4 James Campbell from the 18th May 2 . 18 . 8 Wm. Crabb from 8th June 1 . 10 . 8 John Mc. Nabb from 29th June 2 . 8 54 . 12 .. Drummers viz. Alexd. Branson 5 . 6 . 2 Peter Fox 5 . 6 . 2 10 . 12 . 4 Carried Over £ 3491 . 15 . 4½ | The pay of the artillery company continued from the £3,358 5s 0½d brought forward. Corporals: William Pink, £6 16s 6d William Crabb, to 7 June 1773, £5 2s 0d John Fox, £6 16s 6d William Stableford, £6 16s 6d Thomas Yates, £6 16s 6d Thomas Price, from 8 June 1773, £1 14s 6d John Smith, £6 16s 6d Total for corporals, £40 19s 0d Bombardiers: Philip Connoway, to 17 May 1773, £3 10s 6d John Towers, to 28 June 1773, £6 13s 6d Thomas Price, to 8 June 1773, £5 3s 0d John Wright, £6 16s 6d Matthew Charlton, from 18 May 1773, £3 6s 0d Thomas Wade, from 8 June 1773, £1 14s 6d Thomas Farr, from 29 June 1773, £0 0s 3d Total for bombardiers, £27 6s 0d Gunners: Matthew Charlton, to 18 May 1773, £3 2s 8d Thomas Wade, to 8 June 1773, £4 10s 8d John Love, £6 1s 4d Thomas Farr, to 29 June 1773, £5 18s 8d Thomas Bowen, £6 1s 4d William Rankin, £6 1s 4d George Street, £6 1s 4d James Munnings, £6 1s 4d Nicholas Godfrey, £6 1s 4d James Campbell, from 18 May 1773, £2 18s 8d William Crabb, from 8 June 1773, £1 10s 8d John McNabb, from 29 June 1773, £0 2s 8d Total for gunners, £54 12s 0d Drummers: Alexander Branson, £5 6s 2d Peter Fox, £5 6s 2d Total for drummers, £10 12s 4d Carried forward, £3,491 15s 4½d Interpretations The artillery list traces a run of promotions set off by the discharges recorded in the minutes. Philip Connoway left as bombardier on 17 May 1773, the day his discharge was granted, and Matthew Charlton moved up from gunner to fill his place the next day. William Crabb was reduced from corporal to gunner on 8 June 1773, and two promotions followed. Thomas Price moved from bombardier to corporal, and Thomas Wade from gunner to bombardier. John Towers served as bombardier until 28 June 1773, a few days before the Council let him leave on finding James Jordan as a substitute. Thomas Farr was promoted to take his place. The last new gunner was John McNabb, from 29 June 1773. He was almost certainly the well-built sailor from the Nassau whom the Council enlisted on 10 May 1773 with a bounty of £10 0s 0d. Within seven weeks he had been placed among the gunners, who were paid more than the matrosses. Men who knew how to handle heavy gear at sea were prized in the artillery, which helps explain the generous bounty. | |
104 | 19 July Brought Over £ 3991 . 15 . 4½ Matrosses viz. Willm. Allen 4 . 11 .. Thos. Alesworth 4 . 11 .. John Anderson 4 . 11 .. Charles Abraham 4 . 11 .. Willm. Bleven to 5 June 3 . 6 .. Benjn. Burton 4 . 11 .. Joseph Bowman 4 . 11 .. John Barchants from 11th April 4 . 1 .. John Cope 4 . 11 .. John Cunningham 4 . 11 .. John Coleman 4 . 11 .. Mattw. Craven 4 . 11 .. John Corbett 4 . 11 .. Thos. Connely 4 . 11 .. John Clark 4 . 11 .. Isaac Clark from 11th April 4 . 1 .. James Campbell from 26 Do. 1 . 2 .. James Dunn 4 . 11 .. James Danson 4 . 11 .. John Dowse 4 . 11 .. Patrick Ettrington to 17th May 2 . 7 .. John Custon 4 . 11 .. Joseph Fellows 4 . 11 .. Wm. Faircliff 4 . 11 .. Joseph Finlinson 4 . 11 .. Henry Friendly to 17th May 2 . 7 .. Chris. Greenawald 4 . 11 .. Thos. Gorrell 4 . 11 . James Gillmore 4 . 11 . Thos. Green 4 . 11 .. Richd. Gibbs 4 . 11 .. Charles Grierson 4 . 11 .. Willm. Gibson 4 . 11 .. Owen Howard 4 . 11 .. Matrosses Carrd. Over £ 144 . 12 | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses read as follows, continuing from the £3,991 15s 4½d brought forward. William Allen, £4 11s 0d Thomas Alesworth, £4 11s 0d John Anderson, £4 11s 0d Charles Abraham, £4 11s 0d William Bleven, to 5 June 1773, £3 6s 0d Benjamin Burton, £4 11s 0d Joseph Bowman, £4 11s 0d John Barchant, from 11 April 1773, £4 1s 0d John Cope, £4 11s 0d John Cunningham, £4 11s 0d John Coleman, £4 11s 0d Matthew Craven, £4 11s 0d John Corbett, £4 11s 0d Thomas Connely, £4 11s 0d John Clark, £4 11s 0d Isaac Clark, from 11 April 1773, £4 1s 0d James Campbell, from 26 [...], £1 2s 0d James Dunn, £4 11s 0d James Danson, £4 11s 0d John Douse, £4 11s 0d Patrick Edrington, to 17 May 1773, £2 7s 0d John Euston, £4 11s 0d Joseph Fellows, £4 11s 0d William Faircliff, £4 11s 0d Joseph Finlinson, £4 11s 0d Henry Friendly, to 17 May 1773, £2 7s 0d Christian Greenawald, £4 11s 0d Thomas Gorrett, £4 11s 0d James Gillmore, £4 11s 0d Thomas Green, £4 11s 0d Richard Gibbs, £4 11s 0d Charles Grierson, £4 11s 0d William Gibson, £4 11s 0d Owen Howard, £4 11s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £144 12s 0d Interpretations A matross earned £4 11s 0d a quarter, about £18 4s 0d a year, against £15 3s 4d for an infantry private. The extra pay reflected the heavier work of hauling and serving the guns. Three entries end on dates already recorded in the Council's minutes. Patrick Edrington and Henry Friendly were paid to 17 May 1773, when the Council discharged them with the bombardier Philip Connoway. William Bleven's pay stopped on 5 June 1773, the day his discharge was granted. James Gillmore may be the matross James Gilmore whose death on 30 June 1773 was noted in the minutes of 3 July. Joseph Bowman served on until October 1779, when he was sent home as an invalid on the Glatton. | |
105 | 1773 Brought Over £ 3991 . 15 . 4½ Matrosses brought Over £ 144 . 12 Alexd. Henderson 4 . 11 .. Franc. Harding 4 . 11 .. Mullis Hooper 4 . 11 . Wm. Harrison 4 . 11 .. Robt. Harmer 4 . 11 .. Mannard Hayes 4 . 11 .. Willm. Hurst 4 . 11 . Willm. Holloway 4 . 11 . James Judge 4 . 11 .. Mattw. Haman 4 . 11 .. John Leedham from 1st May 3 . 1 .. George Marshall 4 . 11 .. John Moore 4 . 11 . Richd. Morgan 4 . 11 . Caris Martin 4 . 11 . John Mann 4 . 11 John Mallet 4 . 11 . Wm. Mackbeth 4 . 11 .. Patk. Mc. Donald from 1st May 3 . 1 .. Jno. Mc. Nabb from 17th May to 29th June 2 . 3 .. Thos. Nimble 4 . 11 . Robt. Nichols to 7th June 3 . 8 . Wm. Phillips to 17th May 2 . 7 .. Wm. Parker 4 . 11 . James Peacock 4 . 11 . Richd. Pearce 4 . 11 . Saml. Packer 4 . 11 .. Wm. Robinson 4 . 11 . Robt. Ryley 4 . 11 Charles Russell 4 . 11 . Abram. Reners 4 . 11 Thos. Richardson 4 . 11 .. Richd. Rowlands from 11 April 4 . 1 . Andw. Schooner 4 . 11 .. Matrosses Carrd. Over £ 290 . 1 . Carried Over £ 3991 . 15 . 4½ | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses continued from the £144 12s 0d brought forward. Alexander Henderson, £4 11s 0d Francis Harding, £4 11s 0d Mullis Hooper, £4 11s 0d William Harrison, £4 11s 0d Robert Harmer, £4 11s 0d Mannard Hayes, £4 11s 0d William Hurst, £4 11s 0d William Holloway, £4 11s 0d James Judge, £4 11s 0d Matthew Laman, £4 11s 0d John Leedham, from 1 May 1773, £3 1s 0d George Marshall, £4 11s 0d John Moore, £4 11s 0d Richard Morgan, £4 11s 0d Caris Martin, £4 11s 0d John Mann, £4 11s 0d John Mallet, £4 11s 0d William Mackbeth, £4 11s 0d Patrick McDonald, from 1 May 1773, £3 1s 0d John McNabb, from 17 May to 28 June 1773, £2 3s 0d Thomas Nimble, £4 11s 0d Robert Nichols, to 7 June 1773, £3 8s 0d William Phillips, to 17 May 1773, £2 7s 0d William Parker, £4 11s 0d James Peacock, £4 11s 0d Richard Pearce, £4 11s 0d Samuel Packer, £4 11s 0d William Robinson, £4 11s 0d Robert Ryley, £4 11s 0d Charles Russell, £4 11s 0d Abraham Renew, £4 11s 0d Thomas Richardson, £4 11s 0d Richard Rowlands, from 11 April 1773, £4 1s 0d Andrew Schooner, £4 11s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £290 1s 0d Total carried forward, £3,991 15s 4½d Interpretations John McNabb's entry completes his story. Enlisted from the Nassau on 10 May 1773, he served as a matross from 17 May to 28 June and was made a gunner the next day, a promotion within seven weeks of joining. Robert Nichols and William Phillips were paid to the days of their discharges, 7 June and 17 May 1773, both recorded in the minutes. Samuel Packer and William Holloway were still serving six years later and were among the invalids sent home on the Hillsborough and the Glatton in October 1779. | |
106 | [An ink blot at the head of the page partly obscures the opening of the second line.] 19th July Brought Over £ 3991 . 15 . 4½ Matross[...] Brought Over £ 290 . 1 .. Godfrey Smith 4 . 11 .. John Smith 4 . 11 .. Wm. Smith Senr. 4 . 11 .. Wm. Smith Junr. 4 . 11 .. John Shore 4 . 11 .. Thos. Sabrey 4 . 11 .. Michl. Sculley 4 . 11 .. John Shell 4 . 11 .. Richd. Smith from 1st May 3 . 1 .. Jno. Thompson from 2 June 1 . 9 .. John Towers from 28 June 2 .. Richd. Waterhouse 4 . 11 .. John Willson 4 . 11 .. Saml. Wood 4 . 11 .. Robt. Wood 4 . 11 .. John White 4 . 11 .. Wm. Weedon 4 . 11 .. John Wilkinson 4 . 11 .. Edward Ware 4 . 11 .. John Wright from 11th April to 9th May 1 . 9 .. 368 . 18 .. Pensioners viz. Nathan Sample 13 . 15 . 11 Michael Frost 13 . 15 . 11 Mary Beale 7 . 10 .. Elizabeth Kennedy 7 . 10 .. 42 . 11 . 10 £ 4403 . 5 . 2½ | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses ended with the following men, and the list of pensioners followed. Matrosses brought forward, £290 1s 0d Godfrey Smith, £4 11s 0d John Smith, £4 11s 0d William Smith senior, £4 11s 0d William Smith junior, £4 11s 0d John Shore, £4 11s 0d Thomas Sabrey, £4 11s 0d Michael Scully, £4 11s 0d John Shell, £4 11s 0d Richard Smith, from 1 May 1773, £3 1s 0d John Thompson, from 2 June 1773, £1 9s 0d John Towers, from 28 June 1773, £0 2s 0d Richard Waterhouse, £4 11s 0d John Willson, £4 11s 0d Samuel Wood, £4 11s 0d Robert Wood, £4 11s 0d John White, £4 11s 0d William Weden, £4 11s 0d John Wilkinson, £4 11s 0d Edward Ware, £4 11s 0d John Wright, from 11 April to 9 May 1773, £1 9s 0d Total for matrosses, £368 18s 0d Pensioners: Nathan Sample, £13 15s 11d Michael Frost, £13 15s 11d Mary Beale, £7 10s 0d Elizabeth Kennedy, £7 10s 0d Total for pensioners, £42 11s 10d Total of officers, servants, garrison and pensioners for the quarter, £4,403 5s 2½d Interpretations Two entries at the foot of the matrosses' list match the Council's minutes. John Thompson was paid from 2 June 1773, the day the Council enlisted him with a bounty of £5 0s 0d. John Towers was paid as a matross from 28 June 1773, after his time as bombardier ended that day. He left the garrison in early July, when James Jordan took his place. Nathan Sample was the lieutenant whom the Council retired on half pay in November 1768, when Corporal Robert Gilson was made acting lieutenant in his place. His pension of about £55 0s 0d a year was half a lieutenant's pay. The two widows' pensions of £30 0s 0d a year, to Mary Beale and Elizabeth Kennedy, predated the Military Fund. They were paid directly out of the island's establishment. Taken as a whole, the list shows the yearly cost of governing and defending St Helena in 1773. At about £4,400 0s 0d a quarter, pay and pensions alone came to roughly £17,600 0s 0d a year. The four infantry companies and the artillery took about three-quarters of the total. When the Court complained in 1778 that the island's yearly costs had reached £30,283 0s 0d, it was this pay list, swollen by higher bounties, extra sergeants and corporals and a larger artillery company, that lay behind much of the rise. | |
107 | 1773 Dr. William Wrangham Paymaster Cr. 1773 June 30th To Cash from the Chest £ 5830 . 12 .. Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 .. 1773 Apl. 26th By Cash paid Nathl. Hobbs Surgeon of the Royal Captain for his care of 38 Recruits in their Passage to this Island @ 5s. Each 9 . 10 .. By Do. Paid for Laborers unloading the Store Ship 21 .. .. By Do. paid for receiving Goods from the Cumberland 1 . 16 . 6 By Do. pd. for a Basket of Garden Seeds 1 . 10 .. By Do. pd. the Clerk of Arraigments & Cryer of the Court of Justice 12 . 6 By Do. pd. the Coroner for an Inquest on the Body of Bukea. Slave 1 . 5 .. By Do. pd. Captn. Mitchell of Ship Fox for a Long Boat wth. 6 Oars Rudder & Tiller 40 .. .. By Do. pd. Captn. Richardson of Ship Pigot for the Passage of Wm. Wright Robt. Goodfellow & Hugh Frowen 3 Invalid Soldiers to England 15 .. .. By Do. pd. Captn. Richardson for a fishing Boat 6 .. .. By Do. pd. for making a flag for the Main Fort & Repairing flags at sundry Times 2 . 5 .. Carried Over £ 98 . 19 .. Margin Notes: Apl. 26 | The paymaster William Wrangham's account read as follows. Money received: 30 June 1773, cash from the treasury chest, £5,830 12s 0d Money paid out from 26 April 1773: To Nathaniel Hobbs, surgeon of the Royal Captain*, for caring for 38 recruits on their passage to the island at 5s 0d each, £9 10s 0d.* For labourers unloading the store ship, £21 0s 0d For receiving goods from the Cumberland*, £1 16s 6d.* For a basket of garden seeds, £1 10s 0d To the Clerk of Arraignments and the Crier of the Court of Justice, £0 12s 6d To the coroner, for an inquest on the body of [...] Shaw, £1 5s 0d To Captain Mitchell of the Fox*, for a longboat with six oars, rudder and tiller, £40 0s 0d.* For making a flag for the main fort and repairing flags at various times, £2 5s 0d Carried forward, £98 19s 0d Interpretations The payment to the Royal Captain's surgeon shows how the Company tried to keep its recruits alive at sea. Men crowded into a ship for months often fell sick, and many recruits died on the way out, as the Council reported in 1779. Paying the surgeon 5s 0d for each recruit landed gave him a direct interest in their survival, since a man who died at sea earned him nothing. The passage of the three invalids on the Pigot explains two entries in the pay list. Robert Goodfellow and Hugh Ferwen of the Fourth Company were paid only to 9 May 1773, the day the Pigot sailed with them aboard. The Council paid £5 0s 0d a man for their passage, the same rate it described as usual in its dispute with the commanders in July 1777. In 1773 a commander simply accepted the money on the island. Four years later several commanders refused it and insisted that their owners settle the rate in London. The longboat bought from the Fox for £40 0s 0d and the one bought from the Royal Henry in June for £45 0s 0d show the island steadily adding to its boats from passing ships. Both were needed for the heavy work of landing stores through the surf at Jamestown. The flag made for the main fort used the bunting issued from the stores that quarter. | |
108 | 19th July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash brought Over £ 5830 . 12 Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 | On this page the receipts side of William Wrangham's account as paymaster carried the same figure forward unchanged. The rest of the page was ruled through, since no further money was received. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
109 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Apl. 26 Brought Over £ 98 . 19 .. By Cash Paid Mr. John Archibald Surgeon of the Alfred for his care of 39 Recruits on their Passage to this Island 9 . 15 .. By Do. pd. Captain Pearce for 40 Bushls. Paddy @ 5/- 10 .. .. By Do. pd. Do. for 30 Sheep @ 15/- each 22 . 10 .. By Do. pd. the Sheriff his Expences for Bailiffs & Constables for the Year past 12 . 15 .. By Do. pd. for Blue Cloth for the use of the Garrison 18 .. By Do. pd. Captain Bull of Ship Duke of Grafton 20 Sheep at 14/- £ 14 .. .. 4 Sacks of Wheat 2 . 12 . 6 1 Baskets of Garden Seeds 1 . 10 .. C. qr. lb. 130 . 3 . 15 Rice @ 9/- 60 . 7 . 1 119 . 1 . 8 Paddy @ 4/- 23 . 17 . 3 24 .. .. 3 Sugar 30 .. 8 132 . 7 . 6 By Do. pd. for Laborers unloading the Store Ships 18 . 7 .. By Do. pd. Do. in bringing up goods from the Crane Received from the Ships Duke of Grafton and Prince Wales 2 . 4 . 6 By Do. pd. for 2 Pairs Girandoles for the Castle 31 . 18 . 8 By Do. pd. Captain Rouse for a Long Boat 45 .. .. By Do. pd. for making a Coat Waistcoat & Breeches for the Parator of the Court of Justice 1 .. .. April 30 By Do. pd. the Fife Major for teaching the Young Drumrs. 2 . 5 . 6 By Do. pd. Thos. Jordan for working in the Long Wood 3 . 17 .. By Do. pd. Thos. Harding for Do. 1 . 4 .. By Do. pd. for the following Blacks Cloathing viz. 5 Duffle Jackets @ 7/6 £ 1 . 17 . 6 10 Serge Do. 6/6 3 .. .. 15 Prs. Flannel Drawers @ 3/- 2 . 5 .. 20 Check Shirts 4/6 4 . 10 .. 33 Felt Hats 2/- 3 . 6 .. 26 Dutch Caps 2/- 2 . 12 .. 17 . 10 . 6 Carried Over £ 410 . 11 . 3 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £98 19s 0d brought forward. To John Archibald, surgeon of the Alfred*, for caring for 39 recruits on their passage to the island, £9 15s 0d.* To Captain Pearce, for 40 bushels of wheat at 5s 0d a bushel, £10 0s 0d To Captain Pearce, for 30 sheep at 15s 0d each, £22 10s 0d To the Sheriff, for the expenses of bailiffs and other charges for the past year, £12 15s 0d For blue cloth for the use of the garrison, £0 18s 0d To Captain Bull of the Duke of Grafton*, for the following goods:* 20 sheep at 14s 0d each, £14 0s 0d 4 sacks of wheat, £2 12s 6d 1 basket of garden seeds, £1 10s 0d Rice, 150 hundredweight 3 quarters 15 pounds at 8s 0d per hundredweight, £60 7s 1d Paddy, 119 hundredweight 1 quarter 8 pounds at 4s 0d per hundredweight, £23 17s 3d Sugar, 24 hundredweight 0 quarters 3 pounds, £30 0s 8d Total paid to Captain Bull, £132 7s 6d For labourers unloading the store ship, £18 7s 0d For labourers carrying up from the crane the goods received from the Duke of Grafton and the Prince of Wales*, £2 4s 6d.* For 2 pairs of girandoles for the Castle, £31 13s 8d To Captain Rous, for a longboat, £45 0s 0d For making a coat, waistcoat and breeches for the court officer, £1 0s 0d 30 April 1773, to the fife major, for teaching the young drummers, £2 5s 6d To Thomas Jordan, for work in the Long Wood, £3 17s 0d To Thomas Harding, for the same, £1 4s 0d For clothing for the Company's slaves: 5 duffel jackets at 7s 6d each, £1 17s 6d 10 serge jackets at 6s 6d each, £3 0s 0d 15 pairs of flannel drawers at 3s 0d a pair, £2 5s 0d 20 checked shirts at 4s 6d each, £4 10s 0d 33 felt hats at 2s 0d each, £3 6s 0d 26 Dutch caps at 2s 0d each, £2 12s 0d Total for slaves' clothing, £17 10s 6d Carried forward, £410 11s 3d Interpretations The payment to Captain Bull differed from the bill entered in the minutes of 24 May 1773. That bill charged for 173 hundredweight of rice and came to £141 6s 11d in all. The paymaster paid for just over 150 hundredweight, and the total fell to £132 7s 6d. The rice had probably been weighed again when it reached the stores, and the Company paid only for what was actually delivered. The commander's own figure was set aside for the island's weighing, the same check that produced the storekeeper's lists of short deliveries. Girandoles were ornate branched candlesticks, often fitted with mirrors or glass drops to reflect the light. Two pairs costing more than £31 0s 0d were furnishings for the Castle's public rooms, where the Governor entertained officers and passengers from the ships. They were part of the official entertaining whose cost Governor Skottowe had to defend to the Court in 1778. The payments to Thomas Jordan and Thomas Harding for work in the Long Wood show the Company paying free labourers to tend the woodland whose decline concerned the Council for years afterwards. The slaves' clothing bought here, duffel jackets, checked shirts and Dutch caps, matched the sailors' clothing issued from the stores the same quarter. Felt hats and caps at 2s 0d each were the cheapest headwear the island could buy. | |
110 | 19 July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash brought over £ 5830 . 12 Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 . | No further money was received, so the receipts side of William Wrangham's account carried the same balance forward again. The remainder of the page was ruled through. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
111 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 April 30 Brought Over £ 410 . 11 . 3 By Cash paid for the following Cloathing for the Garrison 1 Sergeants Coat & Breeches £ 5 . 4 . 6 5 Do. Shirts 1 . 12 . 6 3 Do. Hats 1 . 17 .. 32 Centinels Hats 4 . 19 . 4 13 . 13 . 4 By Do. pd. James Rector for Serving 92 Days 6 . 18 .. By Do. pd. for rent for a Shop for the Surgeon 5 .. .. By Do. pd. Thos. Hindcock for assisting in the Hospital 2 . 10 .. By Do. pd. for redeeming 2 Hogs belonging to the Company that were pounded 10 .. By Do. pd. Noqueda Pocotium & Mass Sarigo their Allowance for Salt provisions & House Rent 6 . 11 .. By Do. pd. Thos. Yates Sexton for making Graves for 5 Deceased Soldiers 5 .. By Do. pd. for Baking 189 Batches of Bread for the Garrison @ 1/9 pr. Batch 16 . 10 . 9 By Do. pd. the Marshall for Punishg. & Imprisonmts. 3 . 7 . 6 By Do. pd. for six Watch Coats for the Blacks 3 . 3 .. By Do. pd. the Subsistance of Sick Seamen left behind 8 . 6 By Do. pd. Do. of discharged Soldiers 6 . 11 . 8 By Do. pd. the Lieut. Governor for Mutton 3 .. .. By Do. pd. 19 Expresses upon Alarms 4 . 15 .. By Do. pd. Edward Daniels, Mason for House Rent 5 .. .. By Do. pd. for Cloth to make Cuffs & Collars for the Drumrs. Coats 18 . 6 By Do. pd. for 688 Ground Joists for the Officers Barracks 21 . 10 .. By Do. pd. the following discharged Soldiers for relisting to serve the Honble. Company 5 Years longer as Soldiers subject to Articles of War their respective times to commence as follows Willm. Stedman £ 10 .. .. Wm. Mumford 10 .. .. Men Relisted Carrd. Over 20 .. Carried Over £ 571 . 3 . 4 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £410 11s 3d brought forward. 30 April 1773, clothing for the garrison: 1 sergeant's coat and breeches, £5 4s 6d 5 sergeants' shirts, £1 12s 6d 3 sergeants' hats, £1 17s 0d 32 sentries' hats, £4 19s 4d Total for clothing, £13 13s 4d To James Rector, for 92 days' service, £6 18s 0d Rent for a shop for the surgeon, £5 0s 0d To Thomas Hindcock, for helping in the hospital, £2 10s 0d For recovering 2 of the Company's hogs from the pound, £0 10s 0d To Roquedah Pookollam and Mass Senge, their allowance for salt provisions and house rent, £6 11s 0d To Thomas Yates, sexton, for digging graves for 5 soldiers who died, £0 5s 0d For baking 189 batches of bread for the garrison at 1s 9d a batch, £16 10s 9d To the provost marshal, for punishments and imprisonments, £3 7s 6d For 6 watch coats for the Company's slaves, £3 3s 0d For the keep of sick seamen left on the island, £0 8s 6d For the keep of discharged soldiers, £6 11s 8d To the Lieutenant Governor, for mutton, £3 0s 0d For 19 express messengers sent out on alarms, £4 15s 0d To Edward Daniels, mason, for house rent, £5 0s 0d For cloth to make cuffs and collars for the drummers' coats, £0 18s 6d For 688 ground joists for the officers' barracks, £21 10s 0d To discharged soldiers who re-enlisted for a further 5 years, under the articles of war, from the ends of their terms: William Stedman, £10 0s 0d William Mumford, £10 0s 0d Re-enlistment bounties carried forward, £20 0s 0d Total carried forward, £571 3s 4d Interpretations The bounties paid to William Stedman and William Mumford show the Company keeping trained men rather than relying only on recruits from England. A soldier whose five years had ended could go home, as many did that season, or sign on again for another term. The Council paid £10 0s 0d to each man who stayed, the same bounty it gave the sailor John McNab in May 1773 and twice what it paid the recruit John Thompson. A seasoned soldier already used to the island was worth more than a new recruit who might die within weeks of landing. Both men were still listed as privates in the pay list for that quarter. The allowance for salt provisions and house rent paid jointly to Roquedah Pookollam and Mass Senge suggests that the Malay prisoner did not live alone. Mass Senge was probably a companion or servant who shared his exile. The pair received a house and provisions in cash on top of the stores issued to them, which confirms that they were treated as people of standing rather than as convicts. The express messengers sent out on alarms were the other half of the signal system recorded in the artillery account. Guns gave a warning that could be heard from far off, but only a rider could carry details of a ship's appearance or movements to the Castle and the outlying posts. Each of the 19 alarms of the quarter cost 5s 0d in messengers on top of the powder fired. | |
112 | 19th July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash brought Over £ 5830 . 12 .. Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 .. | Once again William Wrangham's receipts showed no new entries. The balance was simply carried forward, and the empty space below it was ruled through. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
113 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 April 30th Brought Over £ 511 . 3 . 4 Men Relisted brought Over £ 20 .. .. Thos. Hilliard 10 .. .. Thos. Perry 10 .. .. John Gillmore 10 .. .. John Goodsole 10 .. .. Wm. Swaby 10 .. .. from 19th April Wm. Johnson from 23rd Do. 10 .. .. Wm. Robinson 10 .. .. John King 10 .. .. Owen Howard 10 .. .. Wm. Fisher 10 .. .. John Clemans 10 .. .. Wm. Jones 10 .. .. Wm. Edwards 10 .. .. Wm. Johnson 10 .. .. Philip Hayes 10 .. .. Wm. Hamilton 10 .. .. Fredk. Sheffer 10 .. .. from 13th May Geo. Roe 10 .. .. Adam Evans 10 .. .. Thos. Bailey 10 .. .. from 17th Do. Wm. Mc. Beth 10 .. .. Geo. Street 10 .. .. Saml. Wood 10 .. .. Peter White 10 .. .. Peter Ellam 10 .. .. Wm. Coppin 10 .. .. Wm. Page 10 .. .. John Wood 10 .. .. Wm. Mudge 10 .. .. Charles Edgles 10 .. .. Josph. Mc. Cartney 10 .. .. from 5 June 330 .. .. Carried Over £ 841 . 3 . 4 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £511 3s 4d brought forward, with more bounties paid to soldiers who re-enlisted for a further five years. Re-enlistment bounties brought forward, £20 0s 0d From 19 April 1773: Thomas Hilliard, £10 0s 0d Thomas Perry, £10 0s 0d John Gillmore, £10 0s 0d John Goodsole, £10 0s 0d William Swaby, £10 0s 0d From 23 April 1773: William Johnson, £10 0s 0d From 13 May 1773: William Robinson, £10 0s 0d John King, £10 0s 0d Owen Howard, £10 0s 0d William Fisher, £10 0s 0d John Clemans, £10 0s 0d William Jones, £10 0s 0d William Edwards, £10 0s 0d William Johnson, £10 0s 0d Philip Hayes, £10 0s 0d William Hamilton, £10 0s 0d Frederick Shefford, £10 0s 0d From 17 May 1773: George Roe, £10 0s 0d Adam Evans, £10 0s 0d Thomas Bailey, £10 0s 0d From 5 June 1773: William McBeth, £10 0s 0d George Street, £10 0s 0d Samuel Wood, £10 0s 0d Peter White, £10 0s 0d Peter Ellam, £10 0s 0d William Coppin, £10 0s 0d William Page, £10 0s 0d John Wood, £10 0s 0d William Mudge, £10 0s 0d Charles Edgles, £10 0s 0d Joseph McCartney, £10 0s 0d Total for re-enlistment bounties, £330 0s 0d Carried forward, £841 3s 4d Interpretations The quarter saw a large block of men reach the end of their five-year engagements together, probably the recruits of the 1768 season. The Council could have discharged them all and waited for replacements from England. Instead it paid £330 0s 0d to keep 33 of them, a large sum but cheaper than shipping out and losing new recruits, many of whom died on the voyage or soon after landing. Only a few men, such as the Blevins, Morgan and Miller, chose to go home that season. The later letters confirm the length of the new terms. William Swaby and John Clemans re-enlisted in April and May 1773 and were discharged in May 1778, exactly five years later, when they were placed on the Earl of Sandwich. William Edwards did not complete his second term. He was sent home as an invalid in July 1777. William Mudge served more than six years more and left among the invalids of October 1779. Joseph McCartney, a sergeant of the Second Company, also re-enlisted. The bounty was paid to non-commissioned officers on the same terms as to privates. | |
114 | 19 July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash brought Over £ 5830 . 12 .. Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 .. | William Wrangham's receipts side again recorded only the balance carried over from the previous page. A diagonal line closed off the unused space. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
115 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 April 30th Brought Over £ 841 . 3 . 4 By Cash pd. William to serve a Soldier 15 Months from 11 day of May 1773 2 .. .. By Do. pd. the following Men for Enlisting to serve the Honble. Company 5 Years as Soldiers from the following times viz. James Campble from 26th April £ 10 .. .. Jno. Mc. Nabb from 17th May 10 .. .. John Thompson from 2 June 5 .. .. 25 .. By Do. pd. for the following for the Governors Table viz. 16 Hams £ 18 . 18 . 9 2 Kegs of Tongues 6 .. .. 3 Jars & 1 Keg of Rasons 5 . 10 .. 1 Keg Currents & 2 Jars Almonds 6 . 12 .. 3 Bottles Rasbury 9 .. 3 Potts Current Jelly 9 .. ½ Hhd. Vinegar 3 . 12 .. 6 Jars Mince Meat 2 . 5 .. 4 Cases of Pickles & 1 Bottle Soy 8 . 14 .. 11 Firkens Butter 41 .. .. 9 Cheeses 8 . 5 .. 1 Case of preserved fruit 4 . 8 .. 11 Loaves Sugar 7 . 18 . 6 15 Pigs 3 . 15 .. 5 Bottles Oil & 24 Bottls. Mustard 5 . 2 . 6 4 Baskets of Onions & 10 lb. 17 .. 553 lb. Beef 11 . 10 . 5 5 Doz. Fowls & 7 5 .. 6 41 lb. Pork 1 .. 6 56 dozn. Eggs 4 . 4 .. 1 Cask of Bisket 1 . 11 . 6 3 Ps. Hung Beef 3 . 16 . 3 1 Pipe of Wine 30 . 9 . 2 16 Gallns. Rum 4 . 8 .. Carried Over £ 185 . 16 . 1 Carried Over £ 868 . 3 . 4 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £841 3s 4d brought forward. To William [...], for serving as a soldier for 15 months from 11 May 1773, £2 0s 0d Bounties to men enlisting to serve the Company as soldiers for 5 years: James Campbell, from 26 April 1773, £10 0s 0d John McNabb, from 10 May 1773, £10 0s 0d John Thompson, from 2 June 1773, £5 0s 0d Total for enlistment bounties, £25 0s 0d Provisions for the Governor's table: 16 hams, £13 13s 9d 2 kegs of tongues, £6 0s 0d 3 jars and 1 keg of raisins, £5 10s 0d 1 keg of currants and 2 jars of almonds, £6 12s 0d 3 bottles of raspberry, £0 9s 0d 3 pots of currant jelly, £0 9s 0d ½ hogshead of vinegar, £3 12s 0d 6 jars of mincemeat, £2 5s 0d 4 cases of pickles and 1 bottle of soy sauce, £8 14s 0d 11 firkins of butter, £41 0s 0d 9 cheeses, £8 5s 0d 1 case of preserved fruit, £4 8s 0d 11 loaves of sugar, £7 18s 6d 15 pigs, £3 15s 0d 5 bottles of oil and 24 bottles of mustard, £5 2s 6d 4 baskets of onions and other vegetables, £0 17s 0d Beef, 553 lb, £11 10s 5d 5 dozen fowls and other poultry, £5 0s 6d Pork, 41 lb, £1 0s 6d 56 dozen eggs, £4 4s 0d 1 cask of biscuit, £1 11s 6d 3 pieces of hung beef, £3 16s 3d 1 pipe of wine, £30 9s 2d 16 gallons of rum, £4 8s 0d Table provisions carried forward, £185 16s 1d Total carried forward, £868 3s 4d Interpretations The enlistment bounties confirm three men already traced through the pay lists. John McNabb received his £10 0s 0d from 10 May 1773, the date the Council recorded his enlistment from the Nassau, and John Thompson his £5 0s 0d from 2 June 1773. James Campbell was enlisted from 26 April 1773, which settles the start of his service as a matross before he was made a gunner on 18 May. The difference in bounty between men confirms that the Council paid more for a strong man it particularly wanted. The provisions bought for the Governor's table cost more than the whole quarter's issues from the Company's stores to that table. Most were luxuries that the stores did not carry: hams, tongues, cheeses, dried fruit, pickles and preserves from England, and butter by the firkin, a cask of about 56 lb. The pipe of wine at £30 9s 2d was the Madeira the Council bought on 7 June 1773 when the stores ran dry. Soy sauce had reached English tables through the Company's China trade and was prized as a relish. On top of these, the Castle bought beef, pork, poultry and eggs from the island's own farmers. | |
116 | 19th July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash Brought Over £ 5830 . 12 .. Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 . | This page of William Wrangham's account added nothing new on the receipts side. The clerk entered the balance, ruled off the blank lines and took the same total forward. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
117 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 April 30th Brought Over £ 868 . 3 . 4 Brought Over £ 185 . 16 . 1 3 Turkeys 15 .. 4 Jars sweat Meat & 3 Ginger 4 . 4 .. 36 Doz. Bottles 3 . 16 . 6 1050 Lemons 1 . 6 . 3 195 . 17 . 10 By Cash pd. for the following Work done at the New Church 303½ days Laborers @ 1/6 £ 22 . 15 . 7½ 186½ Do. Stone Blowers @ 1/6 13 . 19 . 9 29½ Do. Carpenters @ 1/6 2 . 4 . 3 10½ Do. Do. @ 1/3 13 . 1½ 56¾ Do. Smiths @ 1/6 4 . 5 . 1½ 4 Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 6 .. 144½ Do. Stone Do. @ 1/6 10 . 16 . 4½ 3½ Do. Painters @ 1/6 5 . 3 4 Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 6 .. 23 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 1 . 14 . 6 38¾ Do. Do. @ 2/- 3 . 17 . 6 842½ Do. Laborers @ 1/- 42 . 2 . 3 10½ Do. Do. @ 1/6 15 . 9 104 . 11 . 6 By Do. pd. for the following work making a New Well Viz. 5 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 0 . 7 . 6 1 Do. Sawyer @ 1/6 0 . 1 . 6 1 Do. Smith 0 . 1 . 6 40 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 2 . 0 . 0 2 . 10 . 6 By Do. pd. for the following Work burning Lime Viz. 91 Days Lime burners @ 1/6 £ 6 . 16 . 6 72 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 5 . 8 .. 56 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 2 . 16 .. 15 .. 6 By Do. pd. for the following Work repairg. the Crane Viz. 6 Days Smiths @ 1/6 £ 9 .. 8 Do. Carpenters @ 1/6 12 .. 1 . 1 .. By Do. pd. for bringing Lime from Sandy Bay Viz. 45 Days Coxswains @ 1/6 £ 3 . 8 . 3 295 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 14 . 15 .. 18 . 3 . 3 Carried Over £ 1204 . 17 . 11 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £868 3s 4d brought forward. Provisions for the Governor's table brought forward, £185 16s 1d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d 4 jars of sweetmeats and 3 jars of ginger, £4 4s 0d 36 dozen bottles, £3 16s 6d 1,050 lemons, £1 6s 3d Total for the Governor's table, £195 17s 10d Wages for work on the new church: Labourers, 303½ days at 1s 6d a day, £22 15s 7½d Stone blasters, 186½ days at 1s 6d a day, £13 19s 9d Carpenters, 29½ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 4s 3d Carpenters, 10½ days at 1s 3d a day, £0 13s 1½d Smiths, 56½ days at 1s 6d a day, £4 5s 1½d Sawyers, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Stone [...], 144½ days at 1s 6d a day, £10 16s 4½d Painters, 3½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 5s 3d Coxswains, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Overseers, 23 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 14s 6d Overseers, 38¾ days at 2s 0d a day, £3 17s 6d Labourers, 842¼ days at 1s 0d a day, £42 2s 3d Labourers, 10½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 15s 9d Total for the new church, £104 11s 6d Wages for building a new wall: Carpenters, 5 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 7s 6d Sawyer, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Smith, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Labourers, 40 days at 1s 0d a day, £2 0s 0d Total for the new wall, £2 10s 6d Wages for burning lime: Lime burners, 91 days at 1s 6d a day, £6 16s 6d Overseers, 72 days at 1s 6d a day, £5 8s 0d Labourers, 56 days at 1s 0d a day, £2 16s 0d Total for lime burning, £15 0s 6d Wages for repairing the crane: Smiths, 6 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 9s 0d Carpenters, 8 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 0d Total for the crane, £1 1s 0d Wages for bringing lime from Sandy Bay: Coxswains, 45 days at 1s 6d a day, £3 8s 3d Labourers, 295 days at 1s 0d a day, £14 15s 0d Total for bringing lime, £18 3s 3d Carried forward, £1,204 17s 11d Interpretations The wages for the public works show what the building programme cost in labour. Tradesmen were paid 1s 6d a day and labourers 1s 0d, rates that probably represented working money paid to soldiers and slaves on top of their keep rather than full wages. Labour on the new church alone cost more than £104 0s 0d in the quarter, on top of the £21 15s 9d in stores issued for it. This was the expense the Council pointed to in 1778 when the Court questioned the island's rising costs. It was also the use of soldiers as labourers that the Court then ordered stopped. Several trades reflect the island's geology. Stone blasters broke rock with gunpowder, since the island's hard volcanic stone could not easily be quarried by hand. This was the same difficulty Wrangham later cited when he raised his estimate for the Long Wood wall. Lime for mortar was burned in kilns from shell sand or limestone gathered at Sandy Bay on the south coast. With no road fit for heavy loads, it came round by boat to Jamestown. That one task took 45 days of coxswains' time and nearly 300 days of labour in a quarter. The 1,050 lemons for the Governor's table were for punch, mixed with the arrack issued from the stores. The 36 dozen bottles were probably for drawing wine off the cask for the table. | |
118 | 19th July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash Brought Over £ 5830 . 12 .. Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 .. | The single receipt of £5,830 12s 0d stood alone on this receipts page of William Wrangham's account. The clerk carried it to the next page without addition and drew a line through the unused space. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
119 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 April 30th Brought Over £ 1204 . 17 . 11 By Do. pd. for the following work repairg. the Parapet Walls from the Drawn Bridge Viz. 5 Days Coxswains @ 1/6 £ .. 7 . 6 12½ Do. Overseers @ 1/6 18 . 9 10½ Do. Do. @ 2/6 1 .. 6 474 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 23 . 14 .. 26½ Do. Masons @ 1/6 1 . 19 . 9 28 .. 6 By Do. pd. for the following work making Cots for the Garrison 15 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 2 . 6 33 Do. Do. @ 1/3 2 . 1 . 3 4 Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 6 .. 2½ Do. Laborers @ 1/6 3 . 9 2 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 3 .. 6 Do. Painters @ 1/6 9 .. 4 . 5 . 6 By Do. pd. for the following Work Cleaning Banks & Paths Viz. 21 Laborers @ 1/- £ 1 . 1 .. 2 Masons @ 1/6 3 .. 1½ Overseers @ 1/6 2 . 3 1 . 6 . 3 By Cash pd. for the following work at the Plantation House Viz. 23 days Stone Blowers @ 1/6 £ 1 . 14 . 6 5 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 7 . 6 48 Laborers @ 1/- 2 . 8 .. 4 . 10 .. By Do. pd. for the following making Sentry Boxes Viz. 24½ Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 16 . 4½ 16 Do. @ 1/3 1 .. .. 4½ Sawyers @ 1/6 0 . 6 . 9 3 . 3 . 1½ By Do. pd. for the following Work done repairg. the Hospital 25½ days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 17 . 10½ 5 Do. Masons @ 1/6 7 . 6 6 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 9 .. 3 Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 4 . 6 1 Do. Sawyer 1 . 6 11½ Do. Painters @ 1/6 17 . 3 21 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 1 . 11 . 6 9 Do. Do. @ 2/- 18 .. 357 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 17 . 17 .. 24 . 4 . 4½ Carried Over £ 1270 . 7 . 8 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £1,204 17s 11d brought forward. Wages for repairing the parapet wall from the drawbridge: Coxswains, 5 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 7s 6d Overseers, 12½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 18s 9d Overseers, 10½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 0s 6d Labourers, 474 days at 1s 0d a day, £23 14s 0d Masons, 26½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 19s 9d Total for the parapet wall, £28 0s 6d Wages for making cots for the garrison: Carpenters, 15 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 2s 6d Carpenters, 33 days at 1s 3d a day, £2 1s 3d Sawyers, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Labourers, 2½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 9d Smiths, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Painters, 6 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 9s 0d Total for cots, £4 5s 6d Wages for clearing banks and paths: Labourers, 21 days at 1s 0d a day, £1 1s 0d Masons, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Overseers, 1½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 2s 3d Total for banks and paths, £1 6s 3d Wages for work at the Plantation House: Stone blasters, 23 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 14s 6d Smiths, 5 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 7s 6d Labourers, 48 days at 1s 0d a day, £2 8s 0d Total for the Plantation House, £4 10s 0d Wages for making sentry boxes: Carpenters, 24½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 16s 4½d Carpenters, 16 days at 1s 3d a day, £1 0s 0d Sawyers, 4½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 9d Total for sentry boxes, £3 3s 1½d Wages for repairing the hospital: Carpenters, 25½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 17s 10½d Masons, 5 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 7s 6d Smiths, 6 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 9s 0d Coxswains, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 6d Sawyer, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Painters, 11½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 17s 3d Overseers, 21 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 11s 6d Overseers, 9 days at 2s 0d a day, £0 18s 0d Labourers, 357 days at 1s 0d a day, £17 17s 3d Total for the hospital, £24 4s 4½d Carried forward, £1,270 7s 8d Interpretations These wage entries match the work Captain Tippet reported to the Council on 5 July 1773. He named the parapet wall from the drawbridge to the lower guardhouse and the repair of the hospital among the quarter's main tasks, and the paymaster's figures show their cost in labour. The cots built for the garrison used the canvas, nails and deal boards charged to the garrison in the storekeeper's account. The work at the Plantation House had only just begun. The Council ordered its full repair in July so that the Governor's country residence would again be fit to live in. Two rates of pay for carpenters, 1s 6d and 1s 3d a day, probably separated skilled men from apprentices or slaves still learning the trade. | |
120 | 19th July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash brought Over £ 5830 . 12 . Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 . | Nothing new was received, and the receipts page of William Wrangham's account simply passed the opening sum forward. The space beneath the entry was struck through to prevent later additions. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
121 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 April 30th Brought Over £ 1270 . 17 . 8 By Do. pd. for the following Work repairg. the Long Boats Viz. 39¼ days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 2 . 18 . 10½ 2 Do. Painters @ 1/6 3 .. 13½ Do. Smiths @ 1/6 1 .. 3 21¼ Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 1 . 11 . 10½ 6½ Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 9 . 9 112 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 5 . 12 .. 11 . 15 . 9 By Do. for the following Work repairg. the Stores Viz. 47¼ days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 3 . 10 . 10½ 6 Do. Do. @ 1/3 7 . 6 2 Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 3 .. 22½ Do. Masons @ 1/6 1 . 13 . 9 7½ Do. Overseers @ 1/6 11 . 3 6½ Do. Do. @ 2/- 13 .. 125½ Laborers @ 1/- 6 . 5 . 3 13 . 4 . 7½ By Do. pd. for the following Work making a Markette 19 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 8 . 6 1 Do. Painter @ 1/6 1 . 6 1 . 10 .. By Do. pd. for the following Work making shelves for Medicines Viz. 30 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 2 . 5 .. 2 Do. Stone Sawyers @ 1/6 3 .. 4 Do. Masons @ 1/6 6 .. 2 Do. Painters @ 1/6 3 .. 5 Laborers @ 1/- 5 .. 3 . 2 .. By Do. pd. for the following Work repairg. the Lieut. Governors House Viz. 9 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ .. 13 . 6 13¾ Do. Slaters @ 1/6 1 .. 7 . 7½ 1 Do. Painter 1 . 6 64½ Do. Laborers @ 1/- 3 . 4 . 6 3 Do. Carpenter @ 1/6 4 . 6 2½ Do. Laborers @ 1/- 2 . 6 5 . 7 . 1½ Carried Over £ 1305 . 7 . 2 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £1,270 7s 8d brought forward. Wages for repairing the longboats: Carpenters, 39¼ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 18s 10½d Painters, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Smiths, 13½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 0s 3d Coxswains, 21¼ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 11s 10½d Sawyers, 6½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 9s 9d Labourers, 112 days at 1s 0d a day, £5 12s 0d Total for the longboats, £11 15s 9d Wages for repairing the stores: Carpenters, 47¼ days at 1s 6d a day, £3 10s 10½d Carpenters, 6 days at 1s 3d a day, £0 7s 6d Sawyers, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Masons, 22½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 13s 9d Overseers, 7½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 11s 3d Overseers, 6½ days at 2s 0d a day, £0 13s 0d Labourers, 125¼ days at 1s 0d a day, £6 5s 3d Total for the stores, £13 4s 7½d Wages for building a market: Carpenters, 19 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 8s 6d Painter, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Total for the market, £1 10s 0d Wages for making shelves for medicines: Carpenters, 30 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 5s 0d Stone sawyers, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Masons, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Painters, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Labourers, 5 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 5s 0d Total for the medicine shelves, £3 2s 0d Wages for repairing the Lieutenant Governor's house: Carpenters, 9 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 13s 6d Slaters, 13¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 0s 7½d Painter, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Labourers, 64½ days at 1s 0d a day, £3 4s 6d Carpenters, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 6d Labourers, 2½ days at 1s 0d a day, £0 2s 6d Total for the Lieutenant Governor's house, £5 7s 1½d Carried forward, £1,305 7s 2d Interpretations The repairs to the Lieutenant Governor's house match the sheet lead, cordage and iron issued for it from the stores in the same quarter. The slaters' work shows that it had a proper slate roof, which was rare on an island where most buildings were roofed with shingles or thatch. The shelves for medicines were fitted in the dispensary, whose repairs drew deal boards, glass and locks from the stores that quarter. The market built by the Company's carpenters was probably a simple covered stand where the island's farmers sold their produce to the ships and townspeople. That trade grew with the season's shipping. | |
122 | 19th July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash brought Over Brought Over £ 5830 . 12 Carried Over £ 5830 . 12 . | As on the preceding receipts pages, William Wrangham's account recorded no fresh income here. Only the £5,830 12s 0d drawn from the treasury chest was entered and carried over, with the blank space cancelled by a ruled line. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Carried forward, £5,830 12s 0d | |
123 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Brought Over £ 1305 . 7 . 2 By Cash pd. for the following Work repairing the Sea Gate Viz. 4 Days Carpenter @ 1/6 £ .. 6 .. 88 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 4 . 8 .. 12½ Do. Smiths @ 1/6 18 . 9 6 Do. Masons @ 1/6 9 .. 1 Do. Painter 1 . 6 9¼ Do. Stone Blowers @ 1/6 13 . 10½ 4 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 6 .. 5 Do. Do. @ 2/- 10 .. 7 . 13 . 1½ By Do. pd. for the following work repairg. the Company Houses Viz. 3 days Overseers @ 2/- £ .. 6 .. 3½ Do. Masons @ 1/6 5 . 3 2 Do. Painters @ 1/6 3 .. 19 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 19 .. 1 . 13 . 3 By Do. pd. for the following Work at the Officers Barracks 2 days Masons @ 1/6 £ .. 3 .. 5 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 5 .. 8 .. By Do. pd. for the following work repairg. the Water Course to the Crane Viz. 2 days Masons @ 1/6 £ .. 3 .. 2 Do. Overseers @ 2/- 4 .. 13 Do. Laborers @ 1/- 13 .. 1 .. .. By Do. pd. for the following Work repairg. the Old Barracks 4½ days Overseers @ 1/6 £ .. 6 . 9 2 Do. Do. @ 2/- 4 .. 70¾ Do. Laborers @ 1/- 3 . 10 . 9 4 . 1 . 6 By Do. pd. for the following Work cleaning the Water Run Viz. 81½ days Mason @ 3/- £ 12 . 5 . 3 371½ Do. Laborers @ 1/6 27 . 16 . 10½ 38 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 2 . 17 .. 42 . 19 . 1½ Carried Over £ 1363 . 2 . 2 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £1,305 7s 2d brought forward. Wages for repairing the sea gate: Carpenters, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Labourers, 88 days at 1s 0d a day, £4 8s 0d Smiths, 12½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 18s 9d Masons, 6 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 9s 0d Painter, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Stone blasters, 9¼ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 13s 10½d Overseers, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Overseers, 5 days at 2s 0d a day, £0 10s 0d Total for the sea gate, £7 13s 1½d Wages for repairing the Company's houses: Overseers, 3 days at 2s 0d a day, £0 6s 0d Masons, 3½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 5s 3d Painters, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Labourers, 19 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 19s 0d Total for the Company's houses, £1 13s 3d Wages for work at the officers' barracks: Masons, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Labourers, 5 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 5s 0d Total for the officers' barracks, £0 8s 0d Wages for repairing the watercourse to the crane: Masons, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Overseers, 2 days at 2s 0d a day, £0 4s 0d Labourers, 13 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 13s 0d Total for the watercourse, £1 0s 0d Wages for repairing the old barracks: Overseers, 4½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 9d Overseers, 2 days at 2s 0d a day, £0 4s 0d Labourers, 70¾ days at 1s 0d a day, £3 10s 9d Total for the old barracks, £4 1s 6d Wages for clearing the water run: Masons, 81½ days at [...] a day, £12 5s 3d Labourers, 371½ days at 1s 6d a day, £27 16s [...] Overseers, 38 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 17s 0d Total for the water run, £42 19s 1½d Carried forward, £1,363 2s 2d Interpretations Clearing the water run was the largest single labour charge of the quarter after the new church. The run was the open channel that brought fresh water down James Valley to the town, the garrison and the landing place, where ships filled their casks. It silted up and broke down constantly, and keeping it flowing took more than 450 days of work in three months. A small repair to the watercourse leading to the crane appears beside it. These open channels were the system that the Chubb's Spring waterworks replaced in 1776 and 1777. The Council then brought water from the spring to the Crane by pipe, at a cost it said fell mostly in a single year, and the plumbers trained Company slaves to maintain it. The constant cost of clearing open channels, seen here in 1773, was the practical case for that investment. | |
124 | 19 July Dr. William Wrangham 1773 June 30th To Cash Brought £ 5830 . 12 . £ 5830 . 12 . | William Wrangham's receipts for the quarter came to one entry, the cash drawn from the treasury chest. The page was ruled off beneath it and the sum was entered as the total of money received. 30 June 1773, cash brought forward, £5,830 12s 0d Total received, £5,830 12s 0d | |
125 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Brought Over £ 1363 . 2 . 2 By Do. pd. for the following Work repairg. Ladder hill Path &c. 24 days Masons @ 3/- £ 3 . 12 .. 248½ Do. Laborers @ 1/6 18 . 12 . 9 12 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 1 . 16 .. 24 .. 9 By Cash pd. for the following Work repairg. Side Path viz. 51 days Masons @ 3/- £ 7 . 13 .. 248½ Do. Laborers @ 1/6 18 . 12 . 9 12 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 18 .. 27 . 3 . 9 By Cash pd. 2 days Carpenters Work at the Main Guard 3 .. By Do. pd. 70½ days Smiths Work Cleaning Arms @ 1/6 5 . 5 . 9 By Do. pd. 4½ Do. Laborers mending Lime Bags 4 . 6 By Do. pd. 35¼ Do. Painting Gun Carriages 2 . 13 . 7½ By Do. pd. 3 Do. Smiths Work at the Plantation house 4 . 6 By Do. pd. 16½ Do. Laborers cleaning the Line 16 . 3 By Do. pd. 4 Do. Carpenters work making Seats for the Sessions House 6 .. By Do. pd. 18 days Laborers repairg. Sandy Bay Guard house 18 .. By Do. pd. 11 Do. Carpenters work making a Sledge 16 . 6 By Do. pd. 3 Do. Do. making a Table for the Castle 4 . 6 By Do. pd. for 5 Fishermens Oars 1 . 7 . 6 1427 . 6 . 9½ By Amount of the Pay Account 4403 . 5 . 2½ £ 5830 . 12 .. Island St. Helena 31 June 1773. Errors Excepted (signed) Willm. Wrangham Paymaster Counted and Examined the Honble. Company Cash for the Month of June last, which is as follows | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £1,363 2s 2d brought forward. Wages for repairing the Ladder Hill path: Masons, 24 days at 3s 0d a day, £3 12s 0d Labourers, 248½ days at 1s 6d a day, £18 12s 9d Overseers, 12 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 16s 0d Total for the Ladder Hill path, £24 0s 9d Wages for repairing the side path: Masons, 51 days at 3s 0d a day, £7 13s 0d Labourers, 248½ days at 1s 6d a day, £18 12s 9d Overseers, 12 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 18s 0d Total for the side path, £27 3s 9d Carpenters' work at the main guardhouse, 2 days, £0 3s 0d Smiths' work cleaning arms, 70½ days at 1s 6d a day, £5 5s 9d Labourers mending lime bags, 4½ days, £0 4s 6d Painting gun carriages, 35¾ days, £2 13s 7½d Smiths' work at the Plantation House, 3 days, £0 4s 6d Labourers cleaning the Line, 16¼ days, £0 16s 3d Carpenters' work making seats for the court house, 4 days, £0 6s 0d Labourers repairing the Sandy Bay guardhouse, 18 days, £0 18s 0d Carpenters' work making a sledge, 11 days, £0 16s 6d Carpenters' work making a table for the Castle, 3 days, £0 4s 6d Oars for the fishermen, 15, £1 7s 6d Total of payments, £1,427 6s 9½d Amount of the pay list, £4,403 5s 2½d Total paid out, £5,830 12s 0d William Wrangham, the paymaster, signed the account at St Helena on 30 June 1773, subject to correction of any errors. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for June 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations The paymaster's account balanced exactly because of how it was run. Wrangham did not hold a float of his own. At the end of the quarter he drew from the treasury chest precisely the sum he had paid out, £5,830 12s 0d. Of that, more than three-quarters went on the pay list of officers, garrison and pensioners, and the rest on public works, stores bought locally and the Governor's table. The pay list alone was so large that labour on the island's buildings and paths, heavy as it was, ran a distant second. The Ladder Hill path was the steep road climbing the western side of James Valley from Jamestown to the plateau above, the main route inland. Masons on the paths were paid 3s 0d a day, twice the usual rate. That reflected the skill needed to build retaining walls and steps on a cliff face, where a fault could send stone onto the town below. The seats made for the court house show that in 1773 the island's court had a building of its own. By 1778 the Council was renting a private house for the quarterly court and asking the Court for leave to build two rooms instead. | |
126 | 19 July Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 June 1 To Balance remaining £ 14192 . 9 . 4 6 To Ship Prince Wales 16 . 18 . 8 21 To Edward Groves deceased received of Captain Howard the Amount of his Effects 6 . 10 .. To Ship Royal Henry 11 . 14 30th To Jonathan Doveton, received of him, for Stores Sold in the Quarter ending this day 2493 . 4 . 9 To Plantation for Provision sold 111 .. 10½ To Licences 11 . 10 .. To Customs Received on 3253½ Gallns. Arrack 406 . 12 . 10½ £ 17250 .. 6 1773 June 30th By Sundry Accounts Advanced the Paymaster to pay Salary's &c. in the Quarter Ending this day 5830 . 12 .. By Balance remaining viz. In Specie 10879 . 13 . 6 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 11419 . 8 . 6 £ 17250 .. 6 | The Company's cash account for June 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 June 1773, balance in hand, £14,192 9s 4d 6 June 1773, from the ship Prince of Wales*, £16 18s 8d.* 21 June 1773, received from Captain Howard, the value of the effects of Edward Groves, deceased, £6 10s 0d From the ship Royal Henry*, £11 14s 0d.* 30 June 1773, received from Jonathan Doveton, for stores sold in the quarter to this day, £2,493 4s 9d From the plantations, for provisions sold, £111 0s 10½d For licences, £11 10s 0d Customs duty received on 3,253½ gallons of arrack, £406 12s 10½d Total received, £17,250 0s 6d Money paid out and balance: 30 June 1773, advanced to the paymaster to pay salaries and other charges for the quarter, £5,830 12s 0d Balance in hand, in coin, £10,879 13s 6d Balance in hand, in cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total balance in hand, £11,419 8s 6d Total, £17,250 0s 6d Interpretations The cash account shows where the island's revenue came from. By far the largest item was the storekeeper's sales, nearly £2,500 0s 0d in the quarter, which returned to the treasury much of the pay the garrison had just received. Soldiers were paid in cash and spent most of it on rations, clothing, drink and goods from the Company's warehouses, so the money went round in a closed loop. Customs on arrack was the next largest source. Duty on more than 3,250 gallons brought in about 2s 6d a gallon, more than £400 0s 0d. This helps explain why spirits alone stayed under licence when the Court opened shopkeeping to all inhabitants in 1778. Drink was both the garrison's chief vice and one of the island's best sources of income. The £6 10s 0d from Edward Groves's effects was the sum Captain Howard paid in on 21 June 1773, which the Council ordered to be passed to the London account for his widow, Rachel Groves. The treasury balance fell from £14,192 9s 4d to £11,419 8s 6d over the month. The quarter's pay and works, drawn by the paymaster in one sum, more than outweighed the income from sales and duties. | |
127 | 1773 Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports, that he has been onboard of the Ship Marquis of Rockingham to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Marquis Rockingham Alexr. Hamilton Commr. John Geed 1st Mate Robt. Fairfull 2 Do. Cuthb. Fenwick 3 Do. Dukee Wees 4 Do. Wm. Ayon 5 Do. Robt. Sands 6 Do. John Crawford Surgeon Jno. Macklary Purser Andw. Acheson Gunner Humph. Arrowsmith Carpt. Alexr. Low Boatswain Jno. Gray Ships Steward Wm. Renny Midshipr. Wm. Alexr. Davidson Do. James Charlesworth Do. Richd. Cook Do. Henry Stoker Do. Jno. Stewart Do. Edwd. Rose Seaman James Penney Do. Wm. Lindsay Do. Chris. Armstrong Mate Jno. Downey 2d. Master Thos. Shaw Do. Andw. Garthley Do. Claud Morrison Do. Jno. Cooper Capt. Steward David Jones Wm. May Ship Steward David Brand Capt. Mate Wm. Sedgwick Caulker Jno. Green Coopers Mate Wm. Mather Capt. Cook Wm. Chapman Sailmaker Jno. Scott Capt. Taylor Jno. Palmer Poulterer Henry Frisk Seaman Stephn. Dunning George Fox Jno. Strachen Joseph Bender Andw. Bartholomew John Williamson George St. Albans George Smith Jonathan Bear Joseph Ettidge Wm. Morris Wm. Cobham James Taylor Thos. Roberts Wm. Faggott Thos. Armstrong Wm. Johnson Franc. Law Robt. Ballard John Farrell Jno. Patterson Seaman Thos. Sturgeon Thos. Norton John Burridge Stephen Blewit Edwd. Garland Wm. Tripland Thos. Hyden John Mackrell Rd. Rudman John Roach John Clark Franc. Young David Mackore John Manuel Saml. Allen John Read Wm. Kendall John Rea John Gairns Henry Moore Danl. Hawkins Rt. Craigg John King John Hall John Booth Wm. Haycock James Spencer Michl. Burn | Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Marquis of Rockingham to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. Alexander Hamilton, commander John Geed, first mate Robert Fairfull, second mate Cuthbert Fenwick, third mate Dukee Wier, fourth mate William Agar, fifth mate Robert Sands, sixth mate John Crawford, surgeon John Macklary, purser Andrew Acheson, gunner Humphrey Arrowsmith, carpenter Alexander Law, boatswain John Gray, ship's steward William Kenney, midshipman William Alexander Davidson, midshipman James Charlesworth, midshipman Richard Cook, midshipman Henry Stocker, midshipman John Stewart, midshipman Edward Rose, quartermaster James Penney, quartermaster William Lindsay, quartermaster Christopher Armstrong, mate John Downey, quartermaster Thomas Shaw, quartermaster Andrew Gartley, quartermaster Claud Morrison, quartermaster John Cooper, captain's steward David Jones William May, ship's steward David Brand, carpenter's mate William Sedgwick, caulker John Green, cooper's mate William Mather, captain's cook William Chapman, [...] John Scott, captain's tailor John Palmer, poulterer Seamen: Henry Frisk Stephen Dunning George Fox John Strucher Joseph Bowler Andrew Bartholomew John Williamson George St Albans George Smith Jonathan Bear Joseph Eldridge William Morris William Cobham James Taylor Thomas Roberts William Faggott Thomas Armstrong William Johnson Francis Law Robert Ballard John Farrell John Patterson Thomas Sturgeon Thomas Norton John Burridge Stephen Blewitt Edward Garland William Fripland Thomas Hydon John Mackrell Richard Rudman John Roach John Clark Francis Young David Mackore John Manuel Samuel Allen John Read William Kendall John Rea John Gairns Henry Moore Daniel Hawkins Richard Craigg John King John Hill John Booth William Haycock James Spencer Michael Burn Interpretations The Marquis of Rockingham mustered here in July 1773 was the ship whose loss the Council reported to the Court in November 1777. Captain Williams then brought word from Madras that she had been wrecked off the Seven Pagodas on 26 May 1777. The roll shows the company she carried four years earlier: a commander, six mates, a surgeon and purser, seven midshipmen and a full set of tradesmen, down to a poulterer to keep the live fowls carried for fresh meat and a tailor for the captain. | |
128 | 19th July Lewis Manuel Seaman Charles Crompton Thos. Cales Edw. Edwards Wm. Armstrong John Read Abraham Roy Philip Calaw George Slade Thimothy Richards Seaman Joseph Daniels Wm. James James Fisher Arthur Cooper Wm. Ashby Thos. Eaken Thos. Chinerie Jno. Fatton Saml. Harvey Seaman Edward Stewart Hall Patterson Franc. Morrice George Gilby Jno. Steen Franc. Thompson Ken Johnnee Passengers Mrs. Sanderson Mrs. Wedderburn Col. Morgan Mr. Imhoff Mr. Grasso Mr. Haffey Mr. Hyd Mr. Cockrell John Patterson 3 Children 16 Servants (signed) Alexr. Hamilton Mrs. Sarah Prichard this day presented the following Petition To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. The humble Petition of Sarah Pricham Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous of disposing of her right in twelve Acres of Lease Land called the Briers, request your Worship & Council will permit her so to do and accept of Mr. Stephen Young Tenant for the same. And your Petitioner will ever pray 19th July 1773 Granted | The muster roll of the Marquis of Rockingham continued. Seamen: Lewis Manuel Charles Crompton Thomas Eales Edward Edwards William Armstrong John Read Abraham Ray Philip Calaro George Slade Timothy Richards Joseph Daniels William James James Fisher Arthur Cooper William Ashby Thomas Eaken Thomas Chinerie John Tatton James Harvey Edmund Stewart Shell Patterson Francis Morrice George Gilby John Steen Francis Thompson Ken Johnnie Passengers: Mrs Sanderson Mrs Wedderburn Colonel Morgan Mr Imhoff Mr Grasso Mr Haffey Mr Hyd Mr Cockrell John Patterson 3 children 16 servants Alexander Hamilton signed the roll. Sarah Prichard then petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. She wished to give up her right to 12 acres of leased land known as the Briers. She asked the Council to allow her to do so and to accept Stephen Young as tenant in her place. The petition was dated 19 July 1773, and the Council granted it. Interpretations Sarah Prichard's petition shows how land was held on St Helena. The Company owned the island, and inhabitants held their plots as tenants on leases from it, paying rent each year. A tenant could not simply sell or hand on the land. The new tenant had to be accepted by the Council, which kept control over who farmed the Company's ground and made sure the rent would still be paid. Her petition was in effect a sale of her lease to Stephen Young, carried out by surrender and regrant through the Council. The Council's approval was the legal act that transferred the land. That is why such petitions and grants were entered in the consultations, and why the Court received a yearly list of rents. | |
129 | 1773 We this day Granted the following Setts of Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors, Viz. Two Setts to Daniel Corneille Esqr. one for two hundred pounds payable to John Caillaud Esqr. and the other for forty three pounds, eight Shillings and six pence payable to Messrs. Stainforth and Giberne (or Order.) Two Setts to Matthew Purling Esqr. one for two hundred and twenty nine pounds payable to Captn. John Reddall, and the other for fifty pounds payable to Mr. Robert Wigram, receiv'd from the Heirs of Mr. James Powell deceased (or Order.) One Sett to Mr. William Wrangham for fifty Pounds payable to Mr. William Barkley (or Order) One Sett to Mr. Richard Goodwin for fifty Pounds, payable to Mr. William Lee (or Order) One Sett to Mr. Jonathan Doveton for two hundred pounds, payable to Captn. Richd. Doveton (or Order). And One Sett to Captn. Henry Bazett for thirty seven pounds, sixteen Shillings payable to Mr. Richd. Bodman (or Order.) all drawn at ninety days sight. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council granted the following sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors. Two sets to Daniel Corneille: The first for £200 0s 0d, payable to John Cailland The second for £43 8s 6d, payable to Staniforth and Giberne or to their order Two sets to Matthew Purling: The first for £229 0s 0d, payable to Captain John Riddall The second for £50 0s 0d, received from the heirs of James Powell, deceased, payable to Robert Wigram or to his order One set to William Wrangham for £50 0s 0d, payable to William Barkley or to his order One set to Richard Goodwin for £50 0s 0d, payable to William Lee or to his order One set to Jonathan Doveton for £200 0s 0d, payable to Captain Richard Doveton or to his order One set to Captain Henry Bazett for £37 16s 0d, payable to Richard Bodman or to his order All the bills were drawn at 90 days after sight. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Purling's bill of £229 0s 0d payable to Captain John Riddall was probably his payment for the 30 chests of Hyson tea that Riddall had bought for him in China and delivered at the island that season. Purling had laid the contract before the Council on 14 June 1773, and the Council ruled that it was not a breach of the Court's orders because it was made before those orders arrived. Rather than pay Riddall in coin, Purling settled the debt with a bill payable in London, where the captain was bound. The Company's treasury thus carried the money side of a private tea transaction. His second bill, for money received from the heirs of James Powell, shows the treasury handling a dead man's estate. The heirs paid in coin on the island, and the bill passed the value to London for whoever was entitled to it there. Several payees on this list recur through the bills of the later 1770s. John Cailland and the firm of Staniforth and Giberne regularly received Corneille's remittances, and Captain Richard Doveton the Dovetons'. These were the councillors' standing agents in England. | |
130 | 26th July At a Consultation held on Monday the 26th day of July 1773, at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 19th July 1773. Tuesday the 20th Sailed the Honble. Companys Ship Marquis of Rockingham for England. The Executrix and Executors to the Last Will and Testament of Mr. James Powell Deceased, this day produced an Inventory of his Effects Appraised by Messrs. William Wrangham, Richard Goodwin & Solomon St. Maurice who being duly Sworn that they Valued the same to the best of their Judgments & the Widow that she produced every article. It was ordered to be registered. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 26 July 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 19 July 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Marquis of Rockingham had sailed for England on Tuesday 20 July 1773. The executrix and executor of the will of James Powell, deceased, produced an inventory of his belongings. William Wrangham, Richard Goodwin and Solomon St Maurice had valued them. The three valuers swore that they had priced every item to the best of their judgement. The widow swore that she had produced every article. The Council ordered the inventory to be entered in the register. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Powell inventory shows the Council acting as the island's probate court. In England, a will was proved before a church court, which supervised the executors and kept the inventory. St Helena had no such court, so the executors brought the inventory to the Council. Valuers were sworn to price the goods honestly, and the widow swore that nothing had been held back. Those oaths protected creditors and any heirs elsewhere against an executor who undervalued the estate or kept goods out of it. Registering the inventory gave it lasting force as evidence. A week earlier the Council had issued a bill for £50 0s 0d received from Powell's heirs, so the estate's money was already being sent on to England through the treasury. | |
131 | 31st July At a Consultation held on Saturday the 31st day of July 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 26th July 1773. Wednesday 28th Arrived the Hectors Boat at Banks's at five Clock in the Morning. Do. Do. The Honble. Companys Ship Hector from Bengal. Do. Do. the Tritons Boat at Banks's at two Clock in Afternoon Do. Do. the Honble. Companys Ship Triton from Yesterday died Mr. William Smith [...] Madrass (last from the Cape). The Ships Triton and Hector brought Us the following Supplys. Invoice of Ship Triton Battavia Arrack 2 Leagrs. Contg. 280 Gallons @ 49 Ps. Leager 98 .. .. Rice 33 Bags Ps. Gt. C. qr. lb. 43 . 3 . 12 Tare @ 4 lb. Every two Bags 1 . 20 Nt. 42 . 1 . 20 or 4752 or 205 7/10 Maund @ 106 . 13 . 7¼ Pr. % 54 . 23 . 35 Paddy 36 Bags Ps. Gt. 34 . 1 . 18 Tare @ 4 lb. Every two Bags 1 . 1 . 4 Nt. 33 .. 14 258 3/10 Maund @ Pr. % 25 .. .. 177 . 23 . 35 Charges Merchandize Tin plate & Nails 9 .. Cooley Hire 18 . 40 Twine 4 .. Weighing hire on 17220 Candy beat 4 . 20 Gunny Bags 1052 @ 6 Pr. % 6 . 12 . 35 Boat & Tarpaulin hire 35 .. 3 . 11 . 35 Errors Excepted Pagodas 185 . 35 . 70 Geo. Mowbray Accomt. Invoice | The Council met at the Castle on Saturday 31 July 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 26 July 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Wednesday 28 July 1773 the boat of the Hector reached Banks's at five in the morning, and the Company's ship Hector arrived from Bengal later that day. The boat of the Triton reached Banks's at two in the afternoon. The Company's ship Triton then arrived from Madras after a last call at the Cape. On 30 July 1773 [...] died. The Triton and the Hector brought supplies for the island. The invoice for the goods shipped on the Triton read as follows. Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers containing 230 gallons, at 49 pagodas per leaguer, 98 pagodas 0 fanams 0 cash Rice, 33 bags, gross weight 43 hundredweight 3 quarters 12 pounds, less tare at 4 lb for every two bags, net 42 hundredweight 1 quarter 20 pounds, or 4,752 lb, at [...] per garce, 54 pagodas 23 fanams 35 cash Paddy, 36 bags, gross weight 34 hundredweight 1 quarter 18 pounds, less tare of 1 hundredweight 1 quarter 4 pounds, net 33 hundredweight 0 quarters 14 pounds, at [...] per garce, 25 pagodas 0 fanams 0 cash Value of goods, 177 pagodas 23 fanams 35 cash Shipping charges: Tin plate and nails, 0 pagodas 9 fanams 0 cash Hire of porters, 0 pagodas 18 fanams 40 cash Twine, 0 pagodas 4 fanams 0 cash Weighing, 0 pagodas 4 fanams 22 cash Gunny bags, 105, 6 pagodas 12 fanams 35 cash Boat and tarpaulin hire, 0 pagodas 35 fanams 0 cash Total shipping charges, 8 pagodas 11 fanams 35 cash Total, 185 pagodas 34 fanams 70 cash George Mowbray, accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The Triton's invoice came from Madras and used that presidency's money and measures, the third system in the island's books after the rupees, annas and pies of Bengal and the rupees, quarters and reas of Bombay. The pagoda was a gold coin of southern India, divided into 36 fanams, each of 80 cash. Grain at Madras was sold by the garce, a large measure of roughly four and a half tons. The rice and paddy were weighed in English hundredweights for shipment and then priced by the garce. The island's storekeeper had to convert all three currencies into sterling to enter the goods in the Company's books, one more reason invoices carried the warning that errors were excepted. The Madras supply was much smaller than those from Bengal. It was a few dozen bags of rice and paddy and two leaguers of Batavia arrack, worth about 185 pagodas in all, with no sugar, candles or Madeira. Bengal remained the island's main source of rice, while Madras sent only a modest share of the Company's eastern supplies. | |
132 | 1773 Invoice of Ship Hector Fine Rice 60 Bags Nt. B. Md. 120 @ 2 Rs. 5 Pr. Md. 207 . 5 . 9 Paddy 40 Bags Do. 60 @ .. 14 Pr. Md. 52 . 8 .. Sugar 10 Bags Do. 20 @ 15 Pr. Md. 300 .. .. Wax Candles 4 Chests Do. 8 @ 70 Pr. Md. 560 .. .. Batavia Arrack 2 Leagers @ 270 Rs. Pr. Lr. 583 .. .. 1703 . 1 .. Charges Merchandize 180 Gunney Bags @ 22 .. Pr. % 42 . 12 . 3 4 Mango Plank Chests @ 2 . 8 Pr. each 10 . 12 . 9 3 Ps. Gurrah of 16 Cobits @ 1 . 4 Pr. Ps. 4 .. 6 16 Gunneys @ 25 .. Pr. % 4 . 5 . 3 10 Jute Rope @ 3 .. Pr. Md. 13 .. 8 Jute Twine @ 4 .. Pr. Md. 12 . 9 2 Nails @ 17 .. Pr. Md. 13 . 6 50 Reed Matts @ 10 Rs. Pr. % 5 . 6 . 6 Diet 8 . 6 Boathire 4 . 5 . 3 Sloop hire 135 .. .. Weighmen 11 .. Packermen 14 .. Cooleyhire 35 .. .. Peons 2 . 2 . 6 248 . 4 . 9 1951 . 5 . 9 Madeira Wine 6 Pipes @ 250 . 8 . 9 Pr. Pipe 1503 . 4 . 30 Charges Merchandize Sloop hire 75 .. .. Boat Do. 1 .. 9 Cooley Do. 4 . 8 .. Peons 2 . 5 . 3 82 . 14 . [...] Errors Excepted Current Rupees 3537 . 8 . 3 (signed) [...] Purvell Sub Accomt. | The invoice for the goods shipped on the Hector read as follows. Fine rice, 60 bags weighing 120 maunds, at [...] per maund, 207 rupees 5 annas 9 pies Paddy, 40 bags weighing 60 maunds, at 14 annas per maund, 52 rupees 8 annas 0 pies Sugar, 10 bags weighing 20 maunds, at 15 rupees per maund, 300 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Wax candles, 4 chests weighing 8 maunds, at 70 rupees per maund, 560 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers at 270 rupees per leaguer, 583 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Value of goods, 1,703 rupees 1 anna 0 pies Shipping charges: 186 gunny bags at 22 rupees per hundred, 42 rupees 12 annas 3 pies 4 chests of mango planks at 2 rupees 8 annas each, 10 rupees 12 annas 9 pies 3 pieces of gurrah cloth of 16 cubits at 1 rupee 4 annas per piece, 4 rupees 0 annas 6 pies 16 gunny cloths at 25 rupees per hundred, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies 10 jute rope at 3 annas per maund, 0 rupees 13 annas 0 pies 8 jute twine at 4 annas each, 0 rupees 12 annas 9 pies 2 nails at 17 annas per maund, 0 rupees 13 annas 6 pies 50 reed mats at 10 rupees per hundred, 5 rupees 6 annas 6 pies Food, 0 rupees 8 annas 6 pies Boat hire, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies Sloop hire, 135 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Weighers, 0 rupees 11 annas 0 pies Packers, 0 rupees 14 annas 0 pies Hire of porters, 35 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Peons, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Total shipping charges, 248 rupees 4 annas 9 pies Total for the stores, 1,951 rupees 5 annas 9 pies Madeira wine, 6 pipes at 250 rupees 8 annas 9 pies per pipe, 1,503 rupees 4 annas [...] Shipping charges on the wine: Sloop hire, 75 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Boat hire, 1 rupee 0 annas 9 pies Hire of porters, 4 rupees 8 annas 0 pies Peons, 2 rupees 5 annas 3 pies Total shipping charges on the wine, 82 rupees 14 annas 0 pies Total in current rupees, 3,537 rupees 8 annas 3 pies L. Darell, sub-accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The Hector brought the fourth Bengal consignment of the 1773 season, after those on the Duke of Grafton, the Prince of Wales and the Marquis of Rockingham. It differed from the other three in ways the figures make plain. The same 120 maunds of fine rice cost 207 rupees instead of 291, nearly a third less, so the Bengal price of rice had fallen between the ships' loadings. The paddy was larger, 60 maunds instead of 22½, and the arrack was cheaper at 583 rupees instead of 648. The sugar and wax candles were unchanged in quantity and price. The Hector also carried a second consignment of six pipes of Madeira at exactly the same price as the Marquis of Rockingham's. Twelve pipes in one season was ample to restock the Company's table after the shortage of early June, when the Council had to buy a single pipe on the island. | |
133 | 31st July The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores short received from Ship Triton Account of Stores short received from Ship Triton 21 Bags Rice Wt. C. qr. lb. 27 . 3 . 12 2 Leagers Arrack Short Receivd C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 . 16 Paddy Short Weight occationed by Wastage (signed) Jonn. Doveton Storekeeper St. Helena 31 July 1773. There being no long Cloth in the Honble. Companys Stores and this settlement being intirely in want of that Article, we thought it Advisable to take some out of the Ship Triton, and sent Captain Elphinstone the following Order. To Captain William Elphinstone Commander of Ship Triton. Sir You are hereby Ordered to send on Shore three Bales of the Honorable Companys Long Cloth for the Use of this Island, marked as follows Viz. one Bale LCT one Bale LCM and one Bale LCO. We are Sir Your humble Servants (signed) John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Mattw. Purling Mattw. Bazett St. Helena 29 July 1773 | The storekeeper presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Triton. Rice, 21 bags weighing 27 hundredweight 3 quarters 12 pounds, not received Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers, not received Paddy, 3 hundredweight 3 quarters 16 pounds short in weight, from natural loss in transit Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 31 July 1773. The Company's stores held no longcloth, and the island badly needed it. The Council therefore decided to take some from the Triton's cargo. On 29 July 1773 it ordered Captain William Elphinstone, her commander, to send ashore three bales of the Company's longcloth for the island's use. The bales were marked LCT, LCM and LCO. The order was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Triton's short delivery was the worst of the season. More than half the rice listed on her Madras invoice and both leaguers of arrack never came ashore. That went far beyond the natural loss in transit recorded for other ships, and the storekeeper entered it as goods not received, chargeable to the commander. The order to Captain Elphinstone shows the Council taking goods from a homeward cargo. Longcloth shipped from Madras was the Company's merchandise bound for sale in London, packed in bales marked for the London warehouses. The obvious course was to wait for longcloth sent to the island in its own consignments. The Council chose instead to break into the cargo because the island had none at all and needed it at once for clothing. By naming the exact bales and putting the order in writing, signed by all four members, it gave the commander a formal discharge for the goods. The bales would be charged to the island's account rather than counted as missing when the Triton reached London. | |
134 | 31st July Captain Elphinstone laid before the Board the following Answer received from his Officer. The Honble. William Elphinstone Sir I have made all possible search for the Bales of the Honble. Companys, marked LCT. LCM. LCO. but cannot find any of either those Marks I am Sir Your most humble Servant (signed) Wm. Brown. Ship Triton St. Helena Road July 30th 1773. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been Onboard the Ship Triton to Muster her Company, and enquire for Deserters but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows. Muster Roll of Ship Triton Wm. Elphinstone Commr. Thos. Larkins 1 Mate Willm. Brown 2 Do. John Raitt 3 Do. Carter Moor 4 Do. John Haig 5 Do. Saml. Bailey Surgeon John Weston Purser Robinson Surg. Mate James Tod Boatswain John Baud Gunner James Sympson Carpenter Robt. Baillie Midn. & Coxn. John Larkins Do. Alexr. Gray Do. Henry Lowee Midshipn. Wm. Lamb Gunrs. Mate John Briggs Caulker Mattw. Jenkes Carpts. Mate Saml. Munroe Do. David Grey Joyner John Green Ship Steward Jno. Dressings Cr. Do. John Thomas Cooper French Do. Mate Wm. Bailey Sail Maker Wm. Parker Butcher Charles Bickley Poulterer John Hewet 2d. Master John Miller Do. Rt. Mc. Allister 2d. Mate James Cummings Ships Cook Domk. Avons Captn. Do. John Richards Baker Wm. Anderson Seaman Barney Mc. Lane John Bain James Drummond Geo. Thompson John Smith Wm. Parker Edwd. Manning Richd. Morgan John Linton [...] | Captain Elphinstone laid before the Council the reply he had received from one of his officers. William Brown wrote from the Triton, lying in St Helena road, on 30 July 1773. He reported that he had searched as thoroughly as he could for the Company's bales marked LCT, LCM and LCO, but could not find any bale with those marks. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Triton to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll began as follows. William Elphinstone, commander Thomas Larkins, first mate William Brown, second mate John Raitt, third mate Carter Moor, fourth mate John Haig, fifth mate James Bailey, surgeon John Weston, purser [...] Robinson, surgeon's mate James Todd, boatswain John Band, gunner James Simpson, carpenter Robert Baillie, midshipman and coxswain John Larkins, midshipman Alexander Gray, midshipman Henry Lowce, midshipman William Lamb, gunner's mate John Briggs, caulker Matthew Fenkes, carpenter's mate James Munroe, carpenter's mate David Grey, joiner John Green, ship's steward John Dessings, [...] John Thomas, cooper [...] French, cooper's mate William Bailey, sailmaker William Parker, butcher Charles [...], poulterer John Hewet, quartermaster John Miller, quartermaster Richard McAllister, quartermaster James Cummings, ship's cook Domingo Avous, captain's cook John Richards, baker Seamen: William Anderson Barney McLane John Bain James Drummond George Thompson John Smith William Parker Edward Manning Richard Morgan John Linton Interpretations The second mate's reply defeated the Council's order. The Council had named the bales by their marks, presumably from the Triton's bill of lading or the Madras invoice, but the bales were not in the hold where they should have been, or had never been loaded. The island stayed without longcloth, and the Council could do no more than enter the officer's letter in its minutes. That letter protected the commander, since it showed that he had tried to obey. It also gave the Court notice that three of the Company's bales listed on the ship were missing, along with the rice and arrack she had failed to deliver. | |
135 | 1773 James Patton Seaman Thos. Tyson John Springle Wm. Edwards Rt. Moreton Edward Normer Alexr. Scott Franc. More Wm. White John Brown Thos. Seale Edward Straker John Campbell Henry Howell Mattw. Lumberny Thos. Gough James Mc. Mellan Charles Cumoe Nicholas Watson John Mason Seaman Peter Whiley Wm. Salmon Robt. Hirty John Merrick Willm. Thomas John Morbeck Wm. Browne Donald Stewart Thos. Carrington John Emanuel Franc. Emerald Thos. Audley Lewis Gallarrut Alex. Robinson Richd. Roberts Lloyd Evans Peter Helton Willm. Davis Edward Bales John Howard Saml. Gill James Peacock John Seoper Alexr. Moore David Ross John Gilbraith John Hyde Josiah Marsh Robt. Campbel Wm. Mc. Gregor Wm. Edwards John Butler Wm. Henderson Robt. Moss Henry Hue Rd. Reaston James Mills Passengers Mrs. Wynch & 5 Chil. Mr. Crawford Colonel Campbell Mr. Duncan Campbell Sr. Robt. Fletcher Mr. Charles Duffin Mr. Ewen Bailey Captn. Callendar Mr. James Clerk Major Smith Mr. Hook Mr. Schaak Thos. Rule Geo. Sinclair Wm. Smith David Ross Jos. Smith Wm. Mitchell Wm. King Saml. Davis Wm. Roberts Geo. Wild Edward Field Saml. Parish Edward Cockerill Robt. Pranker James Hayward Simon Evans Wm. Thompson Danl. Williams Thos. King Thos. Mable Hugh Pettit John French Thos. Sharpley Thos. Chrisp | The muster roll of the Triton continued. Seamen: James Patton Thomas Tyson John Springle William Edwards Richard Moreton Edward Normer Alexander Scott Francis More William White John Brown Thomas Seale Edward Straker John Campbell Henry Howell Matthew Sunbury Thomas Gough James McMellon Charles Cumoe Nicholas Watson John Mason Peter Whiley William Salmon Robert Hirty John Merrick William Thomas John Morbeck William Browne Donald Stewart Thomas Carrington John Emanuel Francis Emerald Thomas Audley Lewis Gallarrat Alexander Robinson Richard Robarts Lloyd Evans Peter Hellon William Davis Edward Bates John Howard Samuel Gill James Peacock John Scoper Alexander Moore David Ross John Gilbraith John Hyde Josiah Marsh Robert Campbel William McGregor William Edwards John Buller William Henderson Robert Moss Henry Hue Richard Keaston James Mills Passengers: Mrs Wynch and 5 children Mrs Crawford Colonel Campbell Duncan Campbell Sir Robert Fletcher Charles Duffin Ewen Bailey Captain Callender James Clerk Major Smith Mr Hook Mr Schaak Thomas Rule George Sinclair William Smith David Ross Joseph Smith William Mitchell William King James Davis William Robarts George Wild Edward Field Samuel Parish Edward Cockeritt Robert Franker James Hayward Simon Evans William Thompson Daniel Williams Thomas King Thomas Mable Hugh Pettit John French Thomas Sharpley Thomas Chrisp | |
136 | 31st July Mr. Roberts Passenger Franc. Birch Hite Verdon Mr. Boswells Children Five Children Eight Servants (Signed) Willm. Elphinstone John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The list of the Triton's passengers ended with the following people. Mr Roberts Francis Birch Hite Verdon Mrs Boswell's children 5 children 8 servants William Elphinstone signed the roll. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. | |
137 | 2nd Augt. At a Consultation held on Monday the 2nd day of August 1773, at the Castle Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lt. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved, and signed dated the 31st July 1773. Yesterday Sailed the Honble. Company Ship Triton, for England Do. Died Moses Boffin Private. On the 31st of last Month Sr. Robert Fletcher waited on the Board and requested that We would take the depositions and examine by Intirogatories the evidence he had to produce respecting to the Drunkeness of the Soldiers in Madrass, and further aledging that his sudden departure from that Presidency prevented his doing of it upon the Spot, as likewise the necessity he thought himself under of having those Vouchers for fear of Death or the Partys being out of the way on his Sr. Robert Fletchers arrival in England Upon which we requested of Sr. Robert Fletcher to withdraw, and having taking the same request into mature deliberation We resolved to Acquaint him that we were of opinion that any Irregularity of another Settlement by no means belonged to an Inquiry by this board nor could we consent to any Evidences being examined before Us by Intirogatories on that subject, that Sr. Robert Fletcher desired to bring any one before Us to give their deposition in any fact that he thought necessary to be authenticated, as Magistrates we had no right to refuse him that. And the above opinion of the Board being made known to Sr. Robert Fletcher he laid before Us the following declarations Captn. Brown Mr. Pearkes Geo. Wild & Edwd. Cockerill &c. and the several persons being called in seperately had them read to them and askd whether they were willing to swear | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 2 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 31 July 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Triton had sailed for England on 1 August 1773. Moses Buffen, a private, died the same day. On 31 July 1773 Sir Robert Fletcher came before the Council with a request. He asked it to take sworn statements and to examine, by written questions, evidence he wished to produce about drunkenness among the soldiers at Madras. He explained that his sudden departure from that presidency had prevented him from doing this there. He felt he needed the evidence on record, in case he died or his witnesses could not be found when he reached England. The Council asked Sir Robert to withdraw and considered his request with care. It resolved to tell him that it did not consider any irregularity in another settlement a proper subject for inquiry by the Council. Nor would it agree to examine witnesses by written questions on that subject. As magistrates, however, its members had no right to refuse to take a sworn statement from anyone he chose to bring, on any fact he wished to have formally attested. The Council told him its decision. He then laid before it declarations made by [...] Rule, [...] Wild and Edward Cockeritt. Each man was called in separately, his declaration was read to him, and he was asked whether he was willing to swear to it, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The Council drew a careful line in answering Sir Robert Fletcher. He was a senior officer from Madras and a passenger on the Triton, and the easy course would have been to grant his request in full. An examination by written questions would have amounted to an inquiry into the conduct of the Madras garrison, conducted by the government of St Helena. The Council refused that, because it had no authority over another presidency and did not want to be drawn into its disputes. It did not, however, turn him away entirely. As magistrates, its members were bound to take a sworn statement from anyone willing to make one. By confining itself to that narrow duty, the Council let Fletcher's witnesses put their evidence on oath while keeping itself clear of any judgement on what happened at Madras. Rule, Wild and Cockeritt appear among the Triton's passengers listed without titles, which suggests they were soldiers returning from India. | |
138 | 2 August swear to the contents of the same, to which they several answered in the Affirmative and were sworn accordingly. Their Depositions are as follows. St. Helena 31st July 1773 I Christopher Bryon late Corporal of Artillery do swear that from the time I came from Ellore to Madrass in October 1772 until March 1773 I found I could get as much Arrack as I could buy at the Arrack Godown and I believe it was the same with all the Garrison, Drunkenness was a common practice among the Soldiers in Madrass and particularly about the 22d of the Month, I was upwards of two Years at Ellore, and altho' the Men sometimes drank hard when they could get it. Yet Drunkenness was not carried to the Excess there, that it was at Madrass. (signed) Christopher Bryon Sworn before Me in Council this 31st day of July 1773. (signed) John Skottowe St. Helena 31st July 1773 I Robert Pranker late Corporal of Infantry do swear that during the time I did Duty in Fort St. George in the Years 1772 and 1773 I got in common with the rest of the Soldiers as much Arrack as I could purchase at the Arrack Godown established in the Fort, I have myself bought eighteen or twenty Drams at that Godown in a day, I have often seen twenty, thirty and forty Soldiers Drunk in a Day, and I have sometimes seen the greatest part of the Regiment drunk at once, about the 22d day of the Month, Sometimes Men were confined for being drunk but in General they were not confined unless they did any bad thing in their Drunkenness. I have often known the Soldiers sell their Shirts to get drunk with the Money. (signed) Robt. Pranker Sworn before Me in Council this 31st day of July 1773 (signed) John Skottowe | Each of the men said that he was willing to swear to the contents of his declaration, and each was sworn. Their sworn statements read as follows. Christopher Bryon, formerly a corporal of artillery, swore at St Helena on 31 July 1773 to the following. From the time he came from Ellore to Madras in October 1772 until March 1773, he could get as much arrack as he could pay for at the arrack store. He believed the same held for the whole garrison. Drunkenness was common among the soldiers at Madras, especially around the 22nd of each month. He had spent more than two years at Ellore. The men there sometimes drank heavily when they could get spirits, but never to the excess seen at Madras. Bryon signed the statement, and Governor Skottowe witnessed his oath before the Council the same day. Robert Pranker, formerly a corporal of infantry, swore at St Helena on 31 July 1773 to the following. While he served at Fort St George in 1772 and 1773, he and the other soldiers could buy as much arrack as they wanted at the arrack store set up inside the fort. He himself had bought 18 or 20 drams a day there. He had often seen 20, 30 or 40 soldiers drunk in a single day. Around the 22nd of the month he had sometimes seen most of the regiment drunk at once. Men were occasionally confined for drunkenness, but usually only if they did some harm while drunk. He had often known soldiers to sell their shirts to buy drink. Pranker signed the statement, and Governor Skottowe witnessed his oath before the Council the same day. Interpretations Both witnesses described the same mechanism. The arrack store stood inside Fort St George itself, under the authority of the garrison, and it sold spirits to the soldiers without limit. Drunkenness was then tolerated unless it led to harm. The surge around the 22nd of the month probably marked the day the men received their pay. Bryon set Madras against Ellore, an up-country station where drink was harder to come by, to show that the excess came from easy supply rather than from the soldiers themselves. Evidence of this kind, put on oath by men who had seen it, would carry weight in London against whoever ran the Madras garrison. The same tension existed on St Helena. The island drew more than £400 0s 0d a quarter in customs on arrack and licensed its retail sale, while issuing drams to soldiers and slaves as part of their allowances. Sir Robert Fletcher's witnesses described what could happen when a garrison's own store put revenue ahead of discipline. When the Court opened shopkeeping to all inhabitants in 1778, spirits were the one article still kept under licence. | |
139 | 1773 St. Helena 31st July 1773 We George Wyld and Edward Cockrell, Do swear that during the whole time we was in Madrass Garrison which was one Year and ten Months begining in the Year 1771 untill March 1773, We never found any difficulty, and believe no other Soldier found any difficulty during that time, to get as much Arrack as they or we could purchase at the Arrack Godown in the Fort, we have often seen thirty or forty Men drunk in a Day making great disturbances in the Barracks, We have known them sell their Cloaths to get drunk with Arrack purchased with the produce, this was the common practice all the time we was at Madrass but particularly after the last Relief of the Europeans from Ellore, we have always understood that the Soldiers very seldom got Drunk at Pondelame. Sworn before Me in Council this 31st day of July 1773 (signed) John Skottowe (Signed) George Wyld. Edward Cockrell. We this day received the following Letter from Lieutenant Robert Gillson. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council. That on having made application to Captain Williams for a passage he has consented to my Proceeding to Europe in his Ship, and hope your Worships have no objections I am with due Respect and Esteem your Worships Most obedt. humble Servant. (Signed) Robt. Gillson August the 2nd 1773 | George Wyld and Edward Cockrell swore jointly at St Helena on 31 July 1773 to the following. They served in the Madras garrison for a year and ten months, from 1771 until March 1773. In all that time neither of them had any difficulty buying as much arrack as he could pay for at the arrack store in the fort, and they believed no other soldier had any either. They had often seen 30 or 40 men drunk in a single day, causing serious disturbances in the barracks. They had known soldiers sell their clothes and spend the money on arrack. This went on throughout their time at Madras, but was worst after the last relief of the European troops from Ellore. They had always understood that soldiers stationed at Pondelame very seldom got drunk. Both men signed the statement, and Governor Skottowe witnessed their oath before the Council the same day. The Council received a letter from Lieutenant Robert Gillson, dated 2 August 1773. He wrote that he had asked Captain Williams for a passage and that the captain had agreed to carry him to Europe in his ship. He hoped the Governor and Council had no objection. The minutes went on to record their response. Interpretations Wyld and Cockrell added a comparison that sharpened the other statements. At Ellore and at Pondelame, stations away from the main fort, soldiers seldom got drunk. At Fort St George, where the arrack store stood inside the walls, drunkenness was constant and grew worse when fresh troops arrived. The four witnesses together placed the cause squarely on the open sale of spirits in the garrison. Gillson's letter came six weeks after the Council refused him leave to go home on private business in June 1773. It had then warned him that if he left the island, he would be treated as having quitten the Company's service. His new letter did not ask for leave. It simply told the Council that he had arranged a passage. He was evidently prepared to accept the consequence the Council had set out, probably so that he could press his claim to seniority with the Court in person. | |
140 | 2 August On Reading the above Letter, finding that Lieutenant Gillson persist in his resolution of leaving the Island and quiting the Companys Service, we acquainted him that we had no Objections of his taking his Passage to England upon the Ship Hector. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports he has been onboard the Ship Hector to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters, but found none her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Hector. Stephen Williams Commr. John Moffet 1st Mate Henry Adderton 2d. Do. Charles Stewart 3 Do. James Mill 4 Do. Geo. Fletcher 5 Do. Gilbert Brecket 6 Do. Alexr. Gibbons Purser Robt. Patch Surgeon A. Young Sweeting Do. Mate Willm. Smith Boatswain John Blackmore Gunr. Rd. Harrison Midn. & Coxn. Godfrey Nokes Do. Thos. Frazier Do. John Cook Quartr. Mastr. James Lawson Do. John Shelton Do. Robt. Thompson Do. Dav. Greendwater Ship Stew. John Johnson Cr. Do. Thos. Lee Caulker Rt. Ferguson Cooper Thos. Gildersleeve Sail mkr. Geo. Buckley Boatns. Mate Wm. Ludloe Do. 2 Do. James Graham Cr. Mate Joseph Burn Do. 2 Do. Robt. Ramage Carpt. Mate Don. Mc. Donald Ships Cook Wm. Hutchinson Poulterer Robt. Rt. Thurn Armourer Jos. Saunders Caulk. Mate Geo. King Capt. Cook Saml. Burden Seaman Henry Harrison John Williams Thos. Holley John Bassett James Cotten Wm. Hodges Henry Smith James Robinson Seam. Robt. Wells Jno. Dowland Wm. Vincent Miles Graham Joseph Wood Jno. Kingston Geo. Rice Richd. Bell Geo. Moore Jos. Brookhouse Wm. Payne Peter White Jno. Patience Danl. Moon Mattw. Hammond Robt. Cook Thos. Irwin Thos. Little James Railey Joseph Booth | The Council read Gillson's letter and saw that he still meant to leave the island and the Company's service. It told him that it had no objection to his taking passage to England on the Hector. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Hector to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll began as follows. Stephen Williams, commander John Moffat, first mate Henry Adderton, second mate Charles Stewart, third mate James Mill, fourth mate George Fletcher, fifth mate Gilbert Brecket, sixth mate Alexander Gibbons, purser Robert Patch, surgeon A. Young Sweeting, surgeon's mate William Smith, boatswain John Blackmore, gunner Richard Harrison, midshipman and coxswain Godfrey Nokes, midshipman Thomas Frazier, midshipman John Cook, quartermaster James Lawson, quartermaster John Shelton, quartermaster Robert Thompson, quartermaster David Greenwater, ship's steward John Johnson, captain's steward Thomas Lee, caulker Richard Ferguson, cooper Thomas Gildersleeve, sailmaker George Buckley, boatswain's first mate William Judloe, boatswain's second mate James Graham, carpenter's first mate Joseph Burn, carpenter's second mate Robert Ramage, cooper's mate Donald McDonald, ship's cook William Hutchinson, poulterer Robert Pettigrew, armourer Joseph Saunders, caulker's mate George King, captain's cook Seamen: Samuel Burden Henry Harrison John Williams Thomas Kelley John Bassett James Cotton William Hedges Henry Smith James Robinson Robert Wells John Dowland William Vincent Miles Graham Joseph Wood John Kingston George Rice Richard Bell George Moore Joseph Brookhouse William Payne Peter White John Patience Daniel Moon Matthew Hammond Robert Cook Thomas Irvin Thomas Little James Railey Joseph Booth Interpretations The Council's answer to Gillson carried out its earlier warning without a fresh quarrel. In June 1773 it had refused him leave and said that if he left the island, he would be treated as having left the Company's service. When he wrote to say he had arranged a passage with Captain Williams of the Hector, the Council neither forbade it nor granted leave. It recorded that he was quitting the service and raised no objection to his going. He went home as a private man, free to press his claim to seniority in London, but no longer holding the commission that claim depended on. | |
141 | 1773 John Wray Seaman John Sauer David Hall Wm. Bateman John Savery John Briston John Seagat Robt. Barnes James Wolley Henry Williams Thos. Woolmore Andrew Hewson Charles Clark Robt. Glooster Seaman John Tuff John Douglas John Thornton Martin Darum James Blackwell William Cato John Mc. Pearce Richd. Lines Ephraim Jorden Geo. Booth John Lees John Ead Seaman Waterman Wheale John Hasty Saml. Crutch Wm. Mc. Donald John Vaughn Thos. Bignell John White Charles Shand Thos. White James Stephenson Wm. Bridge Passengers Captain Davidson Captain Sellick Captain Sampson Thos. Rider (signed) Stepn. Williams The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores short received from Ship Hector. Account of Stores short received from Ship Hector Viz. C. qr. lb. 1 . 3 . 4 3 . 2 . 24 .. 2 . 20 .. .. 8 Short Weight Occationed by Wastage. 2 Leagers Arrack Viz. No. 1 Gauges 150 Gallons 2 Do. 137 Do. Gallons 287 received | The muster roll of the Hector ended with the following seamen and passengers. Seamen: John Wray John Sauer David Hall William Bateman John Savery John Briston John Seagat Robert Barnes James Woolley Henry Williams Thomas Woolmore Andrew Hewson Charles Clark Robert Glooster John Tuff John Douglas John Thornton Martin Darum James Blackwell William Cato John McPearce Richard Lines Ephraim Jorden George Booth John Lees John Eads Waterman Wheale John Hastey Samuel Crutch William McDonald John Vaughn Thomas Bignell John White Charles Shord Thomas White James Stephenson William Bridge Passengers: Captain Davidson Captain Selluk Captain Sampson Thomas Rider Stephen Williams signed the roll. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Hector. The four weights of grain and goods were entered without names beside them. They have been named here from the Hector's invoice and the storekeeper's earlier accounts for the Bengal ships, which always listed rice, paddy, sugar and candles in that order. Rice, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 4 pounds short in weight Paddy, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 24 pounds short in weight Sugar, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 20 pounds short in weight Candles, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 8 pounds short in weight Arrack, 2 leaguers Leaguer number 1, gauged at 150 gallons Leaguer number 2, gauged at 137 gallons Arrack received, 287 gallons The storekeeper put the shortfall in weight down to natural loss in transit. | |
142 | 2 August 6 Pipes of Madeira Wine viz. No., Gauges Gallons, Wants to fill Gallons 1: Gauges Gallons 110, Wants to fill Gallons 5 2: Gauges Gallons 112, Wants to fill Gallons 5 3: Gauges Gallons 110, Wants to fill Gallons 4 4: Gauges Gallons 112, Wants to fill Gallons 8 5: Gauges Gallons 113, Wants to fill Gallons 4 6: Gauges Gallons 109, Wants to fill Gallons 5 666 31 31 Gallons Gallons 635 Received (signed) Jonn. Doveton Storekeeper. St. Helena August the 1st 1773 We this day granted the following Setts of Bills of Exchange, drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors &c. One Sett to Mattw. Purling Esqr. for twelve hundred and ninety Pounds payable to Captain Geo. Richardson (or Order.) And Three Setts to Mr. Willm. Wrangham One for two hundred and twenty one Pounds, eight Shillings and seven pence, payable to Captain Richd. Pearce, One for one hundred and eight Pounds, eleven shillings and nine pence, payable to Captn. Alexander Tod. And one for three hundred and sixty three pounds payable to Mr. James Williams (or Order.) All drawn at Ninety days Sight. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The storekeeper's account for the Hector continued with the Madeira. Madeira wine, 6 pipes Pipe number 1, gauged at 110 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 2, gauged at 112 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 3, gauged at 110 gallons, 4 gallons short of full Pipe number 4, gauged at 112 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Pipe number 5, gauged at 113 gallons, 4 gallons short of full Pipe number 6, gauged at 109 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Madeira due in total, 666 gallons Madeira short in total, 31 gallons Madeira received, 635 gallons Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 2 August 1773. The Council granted the following sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors. One set to Matthew Purling for £1,290 0s 0d, payable to Captain George Richardson or to his order Three sets to William Wrangham: The first for £221 8s 7d, payable to Captain Richard Pearce The second for £108 11s 9d, payable to Captain Alexander Tod The third for £363 0s 0d, payable to James Williams or to his order All the bills were drawn at 90 days after sight. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Unlike the Marquis of Rockingham, which landed only five of her six pipes, the Hector delivered every pipe of Madeira on her invoice. The loss was confined to the usual shrinkage of about five gallons a cask. Between the two ships the island received eleven pipes, more than 1,150 gallons, enough to stock the Company's table for many months. Purling's bill of £1,290 0s 0d payable to Captain George Richardson was by far the largest sum he remitted that season. Richardson had himself bought a bill for £3,000 0s 0d in May 1773. The size of the payment suggests a trading settlement between the two men rather than a remittance of savings. It was probably connected with the tea and other goods Purling was buying and selling as he prepared to retire and leave the island in 1774. | |
143 | 7th August At a Consultation held on Saturday the 7th day of August 1773 at the Castle Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved and signed dated the 2 August 1773. Mr. Corneille request of the Board that they will be pleased to give such necessary orders to the Storekeeper for the future, not to write off from the Bills of Laden more than the reasonable waste upon such Goods as may be consigned from the other Residences to this settlement. And when the Commanders fail of delivering the whole, or stoping any part for the use of their Ships, that the same may be laid before the Board in proper time, and not when the Ship is immediately under despatch, that the Board may have time to take such necessary measures as the nature of the thing requires conformable to the Honorable Companys Orders to their Commanders not to distress this settlement, but provide themselves elsewhere with their wants for their homeward bound Voyage. (signed) Danl. Corneille St. Helena 7 August Notwithstanding the Honorable Companys Orders to their Commanders not to distress this Settlement, we are to remark that Captain Elphinstone delivered only twelve bags of Rice out of thirty three | The Council met at the Castle on Saturday 7 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 2 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. Daniel Corneille asked the Council to give the storekeeper new orders. In future, the storekeeper should write off no more than reasonable natural loss against the bills of lading for goods sent to the island from the other presidencies. Whenever a commander failed to deliver the whole of a consignment, or kept back any part of it for his own ship, the storekeeper should report it to the Council in good time. The report should not wait until the ship was about to sail. The Council would then have time to act as the case required, under the Company's orders forbidding commanders to deprive the island of its supplies and requiring them to stock up elsewhere for the homeward voyage. Corneille signed the request at St Helena on 7 August 1773. The Council then noted that, despite the Company's orders to its commanders not to deprive the island, Captain Elphinstone had delivered only 12 of 33 bags of rice, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Corneille's request was a direct answer to the Triton. Her storekeeper's account came before the Council on 31 July 1773, the day before she sailed, and showed 21 bags of rice and both leaguers of arrack missing. By then nothing could be done. Elphinstone had probably kept the rice and arrack to feed his crew and passengers on the voyage home, which the Company's orders forbade. Commanders were meant to buy what they needed at the Cape or in India, not take it from an island that depended on those supplies. Corneille saw that the weakness lay in timing rather than in the rules. A shortfall discovered on the eve of sailing could only be recorded, not recovered. His proposal had two parts. The storekeeper would stop excusing large losses as natural waste, and would report every shortfall while the ship was still at anchor and the goods could still be demanded. This was the practice the Council followed in later years, when it entered short deliveries in its consultations while the ships were still in the road and reported commanders such as Waghorn, Sutton and Cotton to the Court by name. | |
144 | 7th August consigned to this settlement and likewise detained all the Arrack. That Captain Hamilton also kept back one pipe of Madeira, out of the six consigned that we have mentioned the above conduct of those Gentlemen, as we have [...] hitherto being often distressed by such measures. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett At a Consultation held on Monday the 9th day of August 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 7th August 1773. Last Night Sailed the Honble. Companys Ship Hector for England. This day died Mary Daughter of Mr. Britannicus Alexr. Wright Secretary. | Captain Elphinstone of the Triton had delivered only 12 of the 33 bags of rice sent to the island and had kept back all the arrack. Captain Hamilton of the Marquis of Rockingham had also kept back one of the six pipes of Madeira consigned to the island. The Council recorded the conduct of both commanders because the island had often suffered hardship from such practices in the past. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The Council met at the Castle on Monday 9 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 7 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Hector had sailed for England the night before. On 9 August 1773 Mary, the daughter of Britannicus Alexander Wright, the Secretary, died. The minutes went on to record the Council's further business. Interpretations The Council could not recover the rice, arrack or wine, since both ships had already sailed. Naming the two commanders in the minutes was its only remedy. The consultations went to the Court, which could charge the missing goods to the commanders or their owners and reprimand them. Putting Elphinstone and Hamilton on record also turned Corneille's general request into evidence of specific failures. It showed the Court why the island needed shortfalls reported while ships were still at anchor. Both men commanded Company ships, and Elphinstone was a member of a noble family, so the Council's willingness to name them shows how seriously it took the loss. | |
145 | 9th August The Exspence of Artillery Stores, and Stewards Accounts for the Month of July last, were this day laid before Us, which were examined, approved of, and are as follows Viz. Artillery Stores expended in July 1773. Guns Fired, 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder lb, Powder oz 3rd Departed the Speaker: Guns Fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 13, Powder oz 8 4 Do. a Dane: Guns Fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 13, Powder oz 8 7 An Alarm (the Ship pass'd by: Guns Fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 13 An alarm: Guns Fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 14 Arrived the Marquis of Rockingham: Guns Fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 13, Powder oz 8 20 Departed Do. Do.: Guns Fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 13, Powder oz 8 28 An Alarm: Guns Fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 Arrived the Triton: Guns Fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 13, Powder oz 8 Fired to salute Sr. Robt. Fletchers coming a Shore: Guns Fired 13, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 9, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 18, Powder oz 8 For Sundry Services: Guns Fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 50, Powder oz 0 Total: Guns Fired 76, 9 lbs. 24, 6 lbs. 34, 4 lbs. 12, 3 lbs. 6, Powder lb 179, Powder oz 8 Lead Balls to shoot Goats lb. 3 Bees Wax 24 Tallow 18 Paper Quires 2 (Signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery | The artillery stores and the steward's accounts for July 1773 were laid before the Council, examined and approved. The account of artillery stores used in July 1773 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. 3 July, departure of the Speaker*: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder.* 4 July, departure of a Danish ship: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 7 July, alarm for a ship passing: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 13 July, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 14 July, arrival of the Marquis of Rockingham*: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder.* 28 July, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 28 July, arrival of the Triton*: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder.* 28 July, salute for Sir Robert Fletcher coming ashore: 13 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 9 six-pounders), 18 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 50 lb 0 oz Totals: 76 guns fired, 24 nine-pounders, 34 six-pounders, 12 four-pounders, 6 three-pounders, 179 lb 8 oz of powder Small stores used: Lead balls for shooting goats, 3 lb Beeswax, 24 lb Tallow, 18 lb Paper, 2 quires James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. Interpretations The 13-gun salute for Sir Robert Fletcher was a mark of his rank. An ordinary ship's arrival received nine guns. A senior officer from Madras received more, though fewer than the 19 fired for Governor Cartier in June. Fletcher was a lieutenant colonel and former commander-in-chief at Madras. He was the same passenger who asked the Council a few days later to take evidence about drunkenness in the Madras garrison. The lead balls for shooting goats show the artillery helping to protect the island's plantations and woodland. Wild goats roamed the hills in large numbers, stripping young trees and crops. Soldiers were sent out to shoot them, an early sign of the problem the Council later blamed for the destruction of the Long Wood. | |
146 | 9th August Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Companys Table in July 1773 56 Bottles Madeira £ 5 . 12 .. 8 Do. Port 12 .. 13 Do. Lisbon 19 . 6 13 Do. Mountain 19 . 6 28 Do. Beer 5 . 3 16¼ Gallons Arrack 2 . 9 . 3 50 lb. Beef 12 . 6 309 lb. Mutton 6 . 8 . 9 3 Turkeys 15 .. 12 Fowls 18 .. 6 Ducks 9 .. 16 lb. Butter 16 .. 87 lb. Candy 2 . 3 . 6 598 lb. Flour 4 . 18 . 10 1 Lamb 10 .. 1 Goat 10 .. £ 23 . 19 . 1 Bought for the Table 165¼ Beef 3 . 9 . ½ 3 Turkeys 15 .. 22 Fowls 1 . 13 .. 4 Pigs 1 .. .. 4 Ducks 6 .. £ 7 . 3 . ¾ The Lieutenant Governor presented the following Letter to the Board Viz. | The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in July 1773 read as follows. 56 bottles of Madeira, £5 12s 0d 8 bottles of port, £0 12s 0d 13 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 19s 6d 13 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 19s 6d 28 bottles of beer, £0 5s 3d 16¼ gallons of arrack, £2 9s 3d 50 lb of beef, £0 12s 6d 309 lb of mutton, £6 8s 9d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d 12 fowls, £0 18s 0d 6 ducks, £0 9s 0d 16 lb of butter, £0 16s 0d 87 lb of sugar candy, £2 3s 6d 598 lb of flour, £4 18s 10d 1 lamb, £0 10s 0d 1 goat, £0 10s 0d Total from the stores, £23 19s 1d Bought in for the table: 165½ lb of beef, £3 9s 0½d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d 22 fowls, £1 13s 0d 4 pigs, £1 0s 0d 4 ducks, £0 6s 0d Total bought in, £7 3s 0¾d The Lieutenant Governor then presented a letter to the Council, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Madeira rose again in July to 56 bottles, close to May's 59, after falling to 35 in June. The reason lay in the shipping and in the stores. The Marquis of Rockingham and the Triton brought officers and passengers to the Castle in July, Sir Robert Fletcher among them. The island had also been restocked, with five pipes landed from the Marquis of Rockingham on 19 July. The table had run short in early June and been eked out with a single pipe bought locally. Butter, absent from the earlier months, appeared now, probably drawn from the 11 firkins bought for the Governor's table that quarter. The everyday staples of mutton and flour were almost unchanged from month to month. | |
147 | 1773 To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & the Council. Gentlemen. As Mr. Purling has signified his intention of returning to Europe, as also in disposing of his Estate and property upon this Island, give me leave to offer to your consideration a Scheme of mine, which appears to me of infinite advantage to my Honble. Employers respecting the purchase of a Parcel of Mr. Purlings Land consisting of 54¼ Acres called the Hutts, and that the same purchase might be little if any Exspence, I would recommend disposing of two parcells of their present Estate, the one known by the Name of Perkins of 23 Acres and the other Swanly Valley of 25 Acres both which parcells as totally detached from the rest of their Estate, I apprehend are not of that use, the Hutts land would be from its Vicinity to the Long Wood, as well as supplying the same with Water, which has been always the case and must continue fall into any other Hand whatsoever. I am further to observe Gentlemen that I am obledged to keep the Working Bullocks all the Year through in the Long Wood, and from your knowledge of that land know, that at a certain time of the Year, and the more so in dry Seasons which of late we have so oft experienced, that the Grass is so much burned up and the access to the Water in the Valley below the Wood so distant and difficult, that we have lost many of our Cattle from those inconveniency's, and in my humble Opinion that alone is a sufficient reason to justify the future advantage to the Honble. Company of being possessors of the Hutts, as at such times of the Year and such Seasons would inable me at all times to keep the Working Cattle imployed, and have much more use of the Pasture in the Wood by continualy keeping most of the dry Stock therein as the contiguousness of | Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, wrote to Governor Skottowe and the Council with a proposal. Matthew Purling had announced that he meant to return to Europe and sell his land and property on the island. Corneille put forward a scheme which he believed would bring great benefit to the Company. The Company would buy a block of Purling's land of 54¼ acres called the Hutts. To keep the cost low or remove it altogether, Corneille recommended selling two parcels of the Company's existing land. One was Perkins's, of 23 acres, and the other lay in Swanly Valley, also of 23 acres. Both were cut off from the rest of the Company's estate and, in his view, of little value to it. The Hutts, by contrast, lay next to the Long Wood and had always supplied the wood with water. It should not be allowed to fall into anyone else's hands. Corneille also pointed out that he had to keep the Company's working bullocks in the Long Wood all year round. At certain seasons, and above all in the dry years the island had suffered lately, the grass was badly scorched. The water in the valley below the wood was then so far away and so hard to reach that many cattle had been lost. In his view this alone justified buying the Hutts. Owning it would let him keep the working cattle employed at all times. It would also allow far better use of the pasture in the wood, since most of the dry stock could be kept there all year, as the letter went on to explain. Interpretations Corneille's proposal was a land exchange designed to cost the Company little. The obvious course was simply to buy the Hutts outright when Purling put it up for sale. Corneille offered a cheaper route, selling two scattered parcels the Company barely used to pay for one compact block that mattered. The Hutts was valuable for its position rather than its size. It held the spring that watered the Long Wood and lay right beside the Company's main upland pasture. In private hands, its owner could cut the Company off from that water. Owning it meant the cattle need never be driven down to the valley in dry weather, where many had died. This letter of 1773 lies behind the schemes the Council pressed on the Court in 1777 and 1778. Perkins's, offered here for sale as detached and unproductive, was the plantation later found to be exhausted and turned over to pasture. The spring at the Hutts was the source from which the Council proposed in 1777 to pipe water into the Long Wood, at an estimated cost of £518 19s 0d. It argued then, as Corneille did here, that cattle were being lost on the slope down to the water. | |
148 | 9th August of the said Land would also serve to turn any of the said Stock, when ever they fall off by remaining in the Long Wood, all which I submit to your Judgments and have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient & Most humble Servant. (signed) Danl. Corneille St. Helena 9th August 1773 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Corneille added that, because the Hutts lay next to the Long Wood, it could also be used to fatten any stock that lost condition from being kept in the wood. He left the whole proposal to the Council's judgement and signed the letter at St Helena on 9 August 1773. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council recorded Corneille's letter but made no decision on it at this meeting. One reason is plain from the signatures. Purling, the owner of the Hutts, sat at the Council table and signed the minute. Any price the Council agreed for his land would have been fixed with the seller taking part in the decision. A purchase of Company land also needed the Court's approval. The proposal was therefore probably left to be referred to London rather than settled on the island. | |
149 | 16th August At a Consultation held on Monday the 16th day of August 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed dated the 9th August 1773. Monday the 9th Passed by a Ship at a great distance. Wednesday the 11th Arrived a Dutch Ship from Batavia called the Ridderkirk Captain Wunder burthen five hundred Tons carrys twenty two Guns and Eighty six Men, loaden with Coffee, Sugar and Pepper bound to Amsterdam. This day Arrived the Devonshires Boat at Banks's at half past Eleven Clock in the forenoon. Do. Do. the Honble. Companys Ship Devonshire from Bombay, and brought Us the following Supply. Invoice of Ship Devonshire Rice Beaten fine 42 Bags qt. B. Md. S. 283 . 20 @ 28 Rups. pr. 18 Surat Maunds. 441 .. Batty 32 Bags or 3 Parahs 3 . 21 @ Rs. 7 pr. Md. 76 . 3 . 20 Surat Piece Goods 1 Bale No. 8 B. Co. L. B. N. 1 . 5 . 1 . 8 . 1 . 11 Surat @ 96 pr. Corge 480 Surat Charges 8 .. 36 488 .. 36 Charges on Merchandize Viz. Hamalbury 2 . 2 . 80 Packing Charges 57 .. Boathire 2 . 2 .. 62 .. 80 Errors Excepted Rs. 1068 .. 36 T. Draper Accomt. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 16 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 9 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. A ship passed far out to sea on Monday 9 August 1773. On Wednesday 11 August 1773 a Dutch ship from Batavia, the Ridderkerk under Captain Wunder, arrived at the island. She measured 500 tons, carried 22 guns and 86 men, and was loaded with coffee, sugar and pepper for Amsterdam. On 16 August 1773 the boat of the Devonshire reached Banks's at half past eleven in the morning. The Company's ship Devonshire then arrived from Bombay, bringing supplies for the island. The invoice for her cargo read as follows. Fine beaten rice, 42 bags weighing 283 maunds 20 seers, at 28 rupees per 18 Surat maunds, 441 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Batty, 32 bags containing 3 parahs [...], at [...], 76 rupees 3 quarters 20 reas Surat piece goods, 1 bale, at 96 rupees per corge, 480 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Charges at Surat, 8 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas Total for the Surat piece goods, 488 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas Shipping charges: Porterage, 2 rupees 2 quarters 80 reas Packing charges, 57 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Boat hire, 2 rupees 2 quarters 0 reas Total shipping charges, 62 rupees 0 quarters 80 reas Total, 1,068 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas D. Draper, accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The bale of Surat piece goods was cotton cloth woven in Gujarat and bought at Surat, the Company's old trading centre north of Bombay. A corge was a trade count of 20 pieces, so the bale held about 100 pieces at roughly five rupees each. These were probably the cheap chelloes and similar cloths used to clothe the Company's slaves and labourers. A fortnight earlier the Council had found the stores empty of longcloth and failed to take any from the Triton. The bale from Bombay helped fill that gap. The parah was a Bombay measure of capacity for grain, used here for the paddy, which the western coast called batty. | |
150 | 16th August At a Consultation held on Monday the 16th day of August 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed dated the 9th August 1773. Monday the 9th Passed by a Ship at a great distance. Wednesday the 11th Arrived a Dutch Ship from Batavia called the Ridderkirk Captain Wunder burthen five hundred Tons carrys twenty two Guns and Eighty six Men, loaden with Coffee, Sugar and Pepper bound to Amsterdam. This day Arrived the Devonshires Boat at Banks's at half past Eleven Clock in the forenoon. Do. Do. the Honble. Companys Ship Devonshire from Bombay, and brought Us the following Supply. Invoice of Ship Devonshire Rice Beaten fine 42 Bags qt. B. Md. S. 283 . 20 @ 28 Rups. pr. 18 Surat Maunds. 441 .. Batty 32 Bags or 3 Parahs 3 . 21 @ Rs. 7 pr. Md. 76 . 3 . 20 Surat Piece Goods 1 Bale No. 8 B. Co. L. B. N. 1 . 5 . 1 . 8 . 1 . 11 Surat @ 96 pr. Corge 480 Surat Charges 8 .. 36 488 .. 36 Charges on Merchandize Viz. Hamalbury 2 . 2 . 80 Packing Charges 57 .. Boathire 2 . 2 .. 62 .. 80 Errors Excepted Rs. 1068 .. 36 T. Draper Accomt. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 16 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 9 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Monday 9 August 1773 a ship passed far out to sea. On Wednesday 11 August 1773 a Dutch ship from Batavia, the Ridderkerk under Captain Wunder, arrived at the island. She measured 500 tons, carried 22 guns and 86 men, and was loaded with coffee, sugar and pepper for Amsterdam. On 16 August 1773 the boat of the Devonshire reached Banks's at half past eleven in the morning. The Company's ship Devonshire then arrived from Bombay, bringing supplies for the island. The invoice for her cargo read as follows. Fine beaten rice, 42 bags weighing 283 maunds 20 seers, at 28 rupees per 18 Surat maunds, 441 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Batty, 32 bags containing 3 parahs [...], at [...], 76 rupees 3 quarters 20 reas Surat piece goods, 1 bale of 5 corge, at 96 rupees per corge, 480 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Charges at Surat, 8 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas Total for the Surat piece goods, 488 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas Shipping charges: Porterage, 2 rupees 2 quarters 80 reas Packing charges, 57 rupees 0 quarters 0 reas Boat hire, 2 rupees 2 quarters 0 reas Total shipping charges, 62 rupees 0 quarters 80 reas Total, 1,068 rupees 0 quarters 36 reas D. Draper, accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The bale of Surat piece goods was cotton cloth woven in Gujarat and bought at Surat, the Company's old trading centre north of Bombay. A corge was a trade count of 20 pieces, so the bale's 5 corge came to 100 pieces at just under five rupees each. These were probably the cheap chelloes and similar cloths used to clothe the Company's slaves and labourers. A fortnight earlier the Council had found the stores empty of longcloth and had failed to take any from the Triton. The Bombay bale helped fill that gap. The parah was a Bombay measure of capacity for grain, used here for the paddy, which the western coast of India called batty. | |
151 | 1773 Day of April, in thirteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord the King, and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three. Signed, sealed and declared in the presence of Us who have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses in the presence of the Testatrix. (signed) John Whitchurch Richard Harper. (signed) Jane Willson Mr. Orlando Bagley this day presented the following Petition. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. The humble Petition of Orlando Bagley. Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous of disposing of his right in seven Acres of Land known by the Name of the Writing Stones. Request your Worships and Council will give him leave so to do, and accept of Captn. Henry Bazett Tenant for the same And your Petitioner will ever pray. 16th August 1773 Granted Counted and Examined the Honorable Companys Cash, for the Month of July last which is as follows. Viz. | The will of Jane Willson was dated in April 1773, in the 13th year of the reign of King George III; the day of the month fell on the preceding page. She signed and sealed it and declared it to be her will in the presence of John Whitchurch and Richard Harper. The two men signed as witnesses in her presence. Orlando Bagley then petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. He wished to give up his right to seven acres of land known as the Writing Stones. He asked the Council to allow him to do so and to accept Captain Henry Bazett as tenant in his place. The petition was dated 16 August 1773, and the Council granted it. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for July 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations Jane Willson's will was entered in the consultations because the Council served as the island's register of record. The witnesses' statement that they signed in the testatrix's presence followed the English rule for valid wills. Recording the full text in the Company's books meant the will could be produced if anyone later disputed her estate. Bagley's petition followed the same form as Sarah Prichard's of 19 July 1773. A tenant could not sell his lease directly. He surrendered it to the Council and asked that his buyer be accepted as the new tenant. The buyer here was Captain Henry Bazett, a garrison officer and brother of the councillor Matthew Bazett, who later joined the Council himself. Officers and officials were among the island's main landholders, and transfers like this one show the land gathering into the hands of the families that also governed it. | |
152 | 16th August Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 July 1st To Balance remaining £ 11419 . 8 . 6 3 To Ship Speaker 5 . 12 . 6 19 To Exchange for Eight Setts of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable as follows Viz. One Sett to Messrs. Stainforth and Giberne £ 43 . 8 . 6 Do. Do. to John Caillaud Esqr. 200 .. .. Do. Do. to Mr. Robt. Wigram 50 .. .. Do. Do. to Captn. John Reddall 229 .. .. Do. Do. to Mr. Wm. Barkley 50 .. .. Do. Do. to Mr. Richd. Bodman 37 . 16 .. Do. Do. to the Revd. Mr. Wm. Lee 50 .. .. Do. Do. to Captn. Richd. Doveton 200 .. .. 860 . 4 . 6 To Ship Marquis of Rockingham 202 . 3 . 11 31st To Ship Triton 55 . 18 . 9 £ 12543 .. 8 . 7 1773 July 31st By Balance remaining Viz. In Specie £ 12003 . 13 . 7 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 12543 . 8 . 7 £ 12543 .. 8 . 7 | The Company's cash account for July 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 July 1773, balance in hand, £11,419 8s 6d 3 July 1773, from the ship Speaker*, £5 12s 6d.* 19 July 1773, cash received for eight sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, £860 4s 6d One set payable to Staniforth and Giberne, £43 8s 6d One set payable to John Cailland, £200 0s 0d One set payable to Robert Wigram, £50 0s 0d One set payable to Captain John Riddall, £229 0s 0d One set payable to William Barkley, £50 0s 0d One set payable to Richard Bodman, £37 16s 0d One set payable to the Reverend William Lee, £50 0s 0d One set payable to Captain Richard Doveton, £200 0s 0d From the ship Marquis of Rockingham*, £202 3s 11d.* Total received, £12,543 8s 7d Balance in hand on 31 July 1773: In coin, £12,003 13s 7d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £12,543 8s 7d Interpretations July was a quiet month for the treasury. No pay or works were drawn, since the paymaster took the quarter's sum at the end of June, so the whole month's receipts were added to the balance. The bills issued on 19 July 1773 brought in £860 4s 6d. The payment from the Marquis of Rockingham was large because the ship carried passengers and bought supplies on the island, and her commander settled for them in coin. By the end of the month the treasury held more than £12,000 0s 0d, almost all in silver. This was the build-up that in later years let the Council offer surplus coin to Fort Marlborough. | |
153 | 1773 Two Pipes of Madeira Wine Consigned to Us from Bengal proving Sour, We Ordered them to be sold by Publick Auction. It appearing before Us, this day that John Price Publican, had suffered some irregularity in his Punch House, in selling more Liquor to the Garrison than is allowed them, and some circumstances appeard in his favour allowed them, and We therefore only Mulct him Ten Pounds, half which we received in the Honble Company's Cash, and the other half have given to the Informer. John Skottowe Danl Corneille Burling Bazett | Two pipes of Madeira wine sent to the island from Bengal had turned sour. The Council ordered them to be sold at public auction. The Council heard that John Price, a publican, had allowed irregular dealing in his punch house by selling the garrison more liquor than soldiers were permitted. Some circumstances told in his favour, so the Council fined him only £6 0s 0d. Half went into the Company's treasury and the other half to the informer. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Price's case shows how the island tried to control the drunkenness that Sir Robert Fletcher's witnesses had described at Madras only days before. Publicans held licences to sell spirits, and the licence limited how much they could sell to soldiers. Enforcement relied on informers, who were rewarded with half of any fine. The arrangement gave inhabitants and soldiers a private reason to report breaches, and it cost the Company nothing. The Council could have imposed a heavier penalty or taken away Price's licence. It chose a modest fine because of circumstances in his favour, perhaps the recent death of his son Charles, recorded on 5 July 1773. That kept a licensed house open and the licence fees flowing, while still showing that the limit would be enforced. Selling the sour Madeira at auction recovered something from wine unfit for the Company's table. Two of the twelve pipes sent from Bengal that season were lost in this way, on top of the pipe kept back by Captain Hamilton. | |
154 | 23rd August At a Consultation held on Monday the 23rd day of August 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 16th August 1773. Yesterday Sailed the Dutch Ship Ridderkirk for Amsterdam. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores, short received from Ship Devonshire. Account of Stores short received from Ship Devonshire C. qr. lb. 2 . 1 . 21 Rice short Weight occasioned by Wastage as the Bags where in good Order 52 . 2 .. Paddy received. (signed) Jonn. Doveton Storekeeper. St. Helena 23rd August 1773. Captain Robert Morgan delivered to Us Peter Roberts and Andrew Boswell, Deserters from Bombay, and they being in want of necessary's, gave them Two Pounds each to furnish themselves. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 23 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 16 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Dutch ship Ridderkerk had sailed for Amsterdam on 22 August 1773. The storekeeper presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Devonshire. Rice, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 21 pounds short in weight Paddy received, 52 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds He put the shortfall in the rice down to natural loss in transit, since the bags had arrived in good condition. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 23 August 1773. Captain Robert Morgan handed over to the Council two deserters from Bombay, Peter Roberts and Andrew Boswell. They had nothing to live on, so the Council gave each of them £2 0s 0d to buy what they needed. Interpretations Morgan's delivery of the deserters reversed the usual pattern. More often, soldiers deserted from St Helena onto passing ships, as William Thomas had done on the Spanish ship in May. Here a commander brought two runaways from the Bombay army and gave them to the island. The Council could have kept them under guard and sent them back to Bombay to face punishment. Instead it gave them money for necessities, which suggests it meant to take them into its own garrison, which was always short of men. The later letters bear this out. A Peter Roberts was among the discharged soldiers placed on the Duke of Portland in August 1778 to help make up her crew, five years after he was landed here. | |
155 | 1773 On the 21st Instant Captain Wunder of the Dutch Ship Ridderkirk applied to Us to pay five hundred Pounds into the Honble. Companys Cash, which sum we have received, and given him Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors, payable to himself (or Order) at Ninety days sight. In consequence of the Lieutenant Governors Letter to the Board of the 9th Instant. The Governor Mr. Purling and Mr. Bazett, delivered the following Minutes. The Governor in consequence of Mr. Purling having signified his intention of Advertising his Hutts Land, to be sold at Auction as also what Mr. Corneille addressed to the Board, on the 9th inst. respecting the propriety of purchasing of sd. Lands, on the Honble. Companys Account, as the sale of some part of their property, that lays very remote from the rest of their Land would probably amount to a sum of Money nearly equal to the purchase of sd. Hutts Land. Which on account of its Vicinity to the Long Wood, as well as better Land, than that proposed to be sold would undoubtedly be more advantageous to the Company, Yet offers it, as his Opinion that the Governor and Council, have no Authority to dispose off any part of the Companys Estate on this Island, nor to purchase any more Land on their Account, without their Consent and liberty to do so, & as there is no president of the like Nature recorded in Consultation, that he knows off apprehends the sd. Hutts Land cannot be purchased by the Board on account of the Honble. Company without subjecting themselves to censure. The Governor takes this opportunity of Signifying to the Honble. Company that in his Opinion, They have more | On 21 August 1773 Captain Wunder of the Dutch ship Ridderkerk asked to pay £500 0s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, payable to Wunder or to his order 90 days after sight. In response to the Lieutenant Governor's letter of 9 August 1773, Governor Skottowe, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett each set down a written opinion. The Governor's opinion began with the facts. Purling had announced that he meant to advertise his land at the Hutts for sale at auction. Corneille had urged the Council on 9 August 1773 to buy it on the Company's account. Corneille's plan was to sell some of the Company's land lying far from the rest of its estate, which would probably raise almost enough to pay for the Hutts. The Governor agreed that the Hutts was better land than the parcels to be sold and lay next to the Long Wood. The exchange would therefore undoubtedly benefit the Company. All the same, he held that the Governor and Council had no authority to sell any part of the Company's estate on the island, or to buy more land on its account, without the Company's consent. No such purchase had ever been recorded in the consultations, as far as he knew. He feared that if the Council bought the Hutts for the Company, it would lay itself open to the Court's censure. The Governor then took the opportunity to give the Company his own view, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The Governor's minute set the case for the purchase against the limits of the Council's authority. He accepted every practical argument Corneille had made. The Hutts was better land, it lay beside the Long Wood, and selling remote parcels would nearly cover its price. What he would not accept was that the Council could buy and sell Company land on its own decision. The Company owned the island, and its land was a capital asset governed from London. Buying property in the Company's name without leave, and selling other property to pay for it, went far beyond the Council's ordinary business. His appeal to the absence of any precedent in the consultations shows how much the Council relied on its own past record to judge what it could lawfully do. The timing made the question pressing. Purling meant to sell at auction, and once the Hutts passed to a private buyer, the chance would be gone. The obvious course was to buy at once and seek approval afterwards. The Governor chose to let the chance go rather than risk censure. His caution was sharpened by the fact that the seller sat at the Council table, so any price agreed would have been set with Purling taking part. A purchase made on his own Council's authority from one of its own members was exactly the kind of transaction the Court would examine most closely. | |
156 | 23rd August more Land here in their possesion, than is consistant with either their own Interest or the Publick Advantage, because it is very evident, that if they would sell most of their property to Individuals, many more Cattle, as well as all manner of Stock would be raised for the publick benefit, than the Company has ever been able to make from them; and would more over be a saving of the expence of paying Overseers, and the purchasing, Cloathing and feeding many more Slaves, than in this case would be necessary: as the Long Wood and two or three fields round the Plantation House would be sufficient to raise as much Stock, for to supply the Honble. Companys Table, as has ever been done, And the small supply of Charty Party Beef that their Stock of Cattle has or could with propriety afford to the Ships, not having exceeded one sixth or eight part of sd. Charty Party stipulation for these many Years past, the Governor apprehends it can be but a small objection to this proposal, And is also of Opinion that the present circumstance of things renders it expedient to adopt every measure that tend to raise refreshments for the number of Ships that Annualy touch here for that purpose. But Mr. Purling on his Arrival in London will have it in his power of stating this matter so very clear to the Honble. Court of Directors, that he begs leave to refer their Honors to him for a more perticular explination, as well as for a circumstantial Account of their affairs in General on this Island. St. Helena 23rd August 1773. (Signed) John Skottowe. | Governor Skottowe gave the Company his view that it already held more land on the island than suited either its own interest or the public good. If it sold most of its property to private owners, far more cattle and other stock would be raised for the public benefit than the Company had ever managed to produce from that land. The Company would also save the cost of paying overseers and of buying, clothing and feeding many slaves. The Long Wood and two or three fields round the Plantation House would be enough to raise as much stock for the Company's table as had ever been raised before. The Governor anticipated one objection, the supply of charter party beef to the ships. Under the charter parties the island was bound to supply the Company's ships with beef. For many years, however, the Company's herds had supplied no more than a sixth or an eighth of the amount the charter parties set. He therefore judged this a small objection to his proposal. In his view the present state of affairs made it wise to adopt every measure likely to increase the fresh food available for the many ships that called at the island each year for that purpose. He added that Purling, once he reached London, could explain the matter to the Court far more clearly than any letter. He asked the Court to refer to Purling for a fuller account of this question and of the island's affairs in general. Governor Skottowe signed his opinion at St Helena on 23 August 1773. Interpretations The Governor turned Corneille's modest proposal into an argument against the Company's whole system of landholding. Corneille wanted the Company to own more land in a better place. Skottowe argued that it should own far less. The Company farmed its land with slaves and paid overseers, and it produced too little to justify the cost. Its herds met only a sixth or an eighth of the beef the ships were owed under the charter parties. Private owners farming for their own profit would raise more cattle, and the island's purpose was to feed the ships. On this view the Hutts was better left to whichever private buyer Purling found at auction. The suggestion that the Court consult Purling in London was an obvious courtesy to a colleague about to retire. It also placed the question in the hands of the man whose land was for sale and who stood to gain from any decision. Purling was about to become the London agent for many of the island's officials. His influence with the Court on island matters would continue long after he left the Council. | |
157 | 1773 Mr. Purling being a Party concerned, says he cannot with any propriety give his Opinion upon the proposed purchase of his Hutts Land for the Company, Although he must acknowledge that the reasons urged in favor of the purchase have weight, he Acquaints the Board he shall put the said Land up at a publick Auction. August 23rd 1773. Mr. Bazett having duly considered the Lieut. Governors proposal to the Board on the 9th Instant, for disposing of two Pieces of the Honble. Companys Land containing 48 Acres, and purchasing 54¼ Acres of Mr. Purlings, called the Hutts; Thinks from the Vicinity of that Land to the Long Wood, that it would be more beneficial to the Company (particularly in the dry Season of the Year,) than those Lands Mr. Corneille mentions, especially that piece in Sandy Bay call'd Perkins which is so remote from all their other Lands, consequently cannot be of that advantage as Ground Situated more conveniently, he is likewise convinced that Mr. Purlings Land is much better pastirage than the Companys proposed to be sold. Mr. Bazett for the reasons Assigned, is of Opinion (provided the Company can dispose of their Lands at the same price they may purchase Mr. Purlings) that the exchange will be for their Benefit; at the same time could have wished, this proposal had been mentioned last Year; that Our Honble. Masters Sanction might have been obtained; as he is not clear whether they will approve of their Agents transfering, or disposing of any part of their Landed Estate here, without their Approbation. 23 August 1773. | Purling recorded that, as an interested party, he could not properly give an opinion on the proposal that the Company buy his land at the Hutts. He admitted that the arguments in favour of the purchase carried weight. He told the Council that he would put the land up for sale at public auction. His statement was dated 23 August 1773. Matthew Bazett set out his own opinion after considering the Lieutenant Governor's proposal of 9 August 1773. That proposal was to sell two pieces of the Company's land, 46 acres in all, and buy Purling's 54¼ acres at the Hutts. Bazett judged that the Hutts, lying beside the Long Wood, would serve the Company better than the land Corneille proposed to sell, above all in the dry season. This was especially true of Perkins's, in Sandy Bay, which lay so far from all the Company's other land that it could never be as useful as ground in a more convenient place. He was also convinced that Purling's land was much better pasture than the land the Company would sell. For these reasons Bazett held that the exchange would benefit the Company, provided its own land could be sold for the same price it paid for Purling's. He wished, however, that the proposal had been raised the year before, so that the Court's approval could have been obtained in time. He was not sure that the Court would approve of its agents on the island exchanging or selling any part of its landed estate without its consent. His opinion was dated 23 August 1773. Interpretations Purling's refusal to give an opinion resolved the conflict of interest that ran through the whole question. As owner of the Hutts, any view he gave on the purchase would have been a view on his own sale. By standing aside and announcing a public auction, he left the price to open bidding rather than to a bargain struck at the Council table. That protected him against any later suggestion that he had sold to the Company on favourable terms. Bazett reached the same practical conclusion as Corneille and the same constitutional doubt as the Governor. He supported the exchange on its merits, as long as it cost the Company nothing. He would not, however, act on it without the Court's approval, and that approval could not arrive before the auction. His regret that the scheme had not been raised a year earlier pointed to the real difficulty. A distant government needing London's consent for any change to the Company's estate could not seize an opportunity that would be gone in weeks. The Council therefore let the Hutts go to auction. Four years later it was asking the Court to pay for a pipe to bring water from the spring at the Hutts into the Long Wood, the very need Corneille had pointed to in 1773. | |
158 | 23rd August Ordered the following Advertizement to be published. Island St. Helena 23rd August 1773 This is to give Notice to all Persons upon the said Island, that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary's Office on or before the 20th of September next ensuing an exact signed Account of their Familys Lands and Cattle and to attend at the Castle on Thursday the 30th of the same Month to pay their Rents and Revenues due to the Honble. Company for the Year past. Notice is hereby further given that the Honble. Companys Stores will be shut from the 4th of September to the 4th of October next. Per Order of Council. (Signed) B. Wright Secretary. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council ordered the following notice to be published. The notice, dated at St Helena on 23 August 1773, told everyone on the island to send to the Secretary's office, by 20 September 1773, an exact signed account of their family, land and cattle. They were also to attend at the Castle on Thursday 30 September 1773 to pay the rents and other dues owed to the Company for the past year. It gave further notice that the Company's stores would be closed from 4 September to 4 October 1773. Britannicus Wright, the Secretary, signed the notice on the Council's order. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The notice set in motion the island's annual census and rent day. Each household had to declare its members, its land and its cattle in writing and over its own signature. Those returns became the lists of families and rents that the Council sent to the Court each year, and that appear in every packet list of the later 1770s. Requiring a signed return made each landholder answerable for its accuracy. It also gave the Council an exact roll against which rents could be collected on the fixed day at the Castle. The month-long closure of the stores almost certainly allowed the storekeeper to count his stock and balance his books for the year ending 30 September, the date to which the Company's general account books were made up. The island depended on the stores for bread, salt meat, cloth and most other necessities, so a month's closure meant inhabitants and soldiers had to lay in what they needed beforehand. Publishing the dates well in advance gave them time to do so. | |
159 | 27th August At a Consultation held on Friday the 27th day of August 1773, at the Castle Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 23rd August 1773. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports he has been onboard the Ship Devonshire to Muster her Company, and enquire for Deserters, but found none her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Devonshire Robt. Morgan Command. Geo. Lindsay 1 Mate Archd. Fraser 2 Do. Geo. Gould 3 Do. Jno. Ham Dempster 4 Do. John Ogilby 5 Do. James Lugave 6 Do. H. S. Bickey Purser Jos. Carmichael Surgeon John Read Carpenter Wm. Fullford Boatswn. Wm. Bruce Ship Steward Gipsy Smith Captn. Do. John Butler Mid. & Cox. John Lovejoy Do. Wm. Durward Do. Wm. Hall Stubbs Do. Rt. Corrance Quar. Mr. James Mc. Cree Do. Anthony Rodrick Do. Wm. Williams Do. Peter Carey Sailmaker Thos. Oliver Gunr. Mate Thos. Lawrence Carp. 1 Do. Thos. Dobbins Do. 2 Do. Elias Wedderburn Cooper Danl. Weldom Bt. 1 Mte. Geo. Meyers Do. 2 Do. Wm. Jeffries Armourer Andw. Clements C. Cook Thos. Butcher John Nichols Baker John Roy Taylor Thos. Shirley Poulterer Thos. Webb Seaman James Patterson Charles Cooper Geo. More Henry Burnett Edward Price Richd. Cole John Baker John Morris Alexd. Armstrong John Thompson Robt. Lua Geo. Edwards Benjn. Nash Henry Collins John Wigham Edw. Dennison | The Council met at the Castle on Friday 27 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 23 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Devonshire to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll began as follows. Robert Morgan, commander George Lindsay, first mate Archibald Fraser, second mate George Gould, third mate John Hamm Dempster, fourth mate John Ogilby, fifth mate James Sugrove, sixth mate H. S. Bickey, purser Joseph Carmichael, surgeon John Read, carpenter William Fullford, boatswain William Bruce, ship's steward Gipsy Smith, captain's steward John Butler, midshipman and coxswain John Lovejoy, midshipman William Durward, midshipman William Hall Stubbs, midshipman Robert Corrance, quartermaster James McCree, quartermaster Anthony Rodrick, quartermaster William Williams, quartermaster Peter Carey, sailmaker Thomas Oliver, gunner's mate Thomas Lawrence, carpenter's first mate Thomas Dobbins, carpenter's second mate Elias Wedderburn, cooper Daniel Weldon, boatswain's first mate George Meyers, boatswain's second mate William Jeffries, armourer Andrew Clements, captain's cook Thomas Butcher John Nicholls, baker John Roy, tailor Thomas Shirley, poulterer Seamen: Thomas Webb James Patterson Charles Cooper George More Henry Burnett Edward Price Richard Cole John Baker John Morris Alexander Armstrong John Thompson Robert Lea George Edwards Benjamin Nash Henry Collins John Waghorn Edward Dennison Interpretations The name John Waghorn among the seamen of the Devonshire is worth noting. A Captain Waghorn commanded the Earl of Ashburnham in 1777, when he kept back the rice and arrack sent to the island from Bengal. He was probably the same man or a relative. If so, he had risen from the forecastle to command in four years. The Company's sea service did sometimes promote men from the lower deck, though most commanders came up through the mates' berths. | |
160 | 27th August Andw. Mc. Can Seaman John Rogers John Woodward Robt. Anderson Nichs. Gillard John Hassan Davd. Mills Wm. Mackey Thos. Vaughn Geo. Marshall John Horn Geo. Scott Mr. Bruce Wm. Mills John Callendar John Ayrs Willm. Caper Thos. Barrell Wm. Willis Seaman Benjn. Emery John Thompson John Matthews Stephen Joseph Simon Santo John Franscisco Thos. Burridge Wm. Daniel Wm. Spurgwell John Hynes James Gibbson John Mc. Cappy Thos. Hutchinson John Walters James Hares Benjn. Ogle George Pile Alexd. Wilkinson Seam. John Frame Geo. Brackett Henry Bowman Andw. Lewis Abram. Hill Phillip Wilson Peter Shuttleworth John Dolman Charles Reynols Philip Stapleton Philip Viguers Wm. Brownwell Geo. Simpson James Shaw Wm. Standish James Dickenson Passengers Mr. Jno. Mc. Kenzie Mr. Geo. Nicholson Lt. James Black John Sage Charls. D. Vanbelee Gabl. Muller Lt. Jno. Sales J. D. Richardson J. Guild Wm. Brinkwell Ann Radley Richd. Saddle Leond. Dent John Wallis Wm. Higgenson Wm. Smith Thos. Mounsler (Signed) Robt. Morgan. Lieutenant Richard Powell on the 26 Instant, presented the following Letter | The muster roll of the Devonshire continued. Seamen: Andrew McCan John Rogers John Woodward Robert Anderson Nicholas Gillard John Hassan David Mills William Mackey Thomas Vaughn George Marshall John Horn George Scutt M. Bruce William Mills John Callendar John Ayrs William Caper Thomas Barrell William Willis Benjamin Emery John Thompson John Matthews Stephen Joseph Simon Santo John Francisco Thomas Burridge William Daniel William Spurgwell John Hynes James Gibbson John McCappy Thomas Hutchinson John Walters James Hares Benjamin Ogle George Pile Alexander Wilkinson John Frame George Brackett Henry Bowman Andrew Lewis Abraham Hill Phillip Wilson Peter Shuttleworth John Tolman Charles Reynolds Philip Stapleton Philip Viquers William Brownwell George Simpson James Shaw William Standish James Dickenson Passengers: John McKenzie George Nicholson Lieutenant James Black John Sage Charles D. Vanbulee Gabriel Muller F. D. Sales T. D. Richardson T. Guild William Brinkwell Ann Radley Richard Saddle Leonard Dent John Wallis William Higgenson William Smith Thomas Mounster Robert Morgan signed the roll. On 26 August 1773 Lieutenant Richard Powell presented a letter to the Council, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Richard Powell had appeared in the pay list for the quarter to 30 June 1773 as a lieutenant of the Fourth Company paid only to 3 April 1773. The word recording how his service ended there could not be read. His letter, which followed in the minutes, would explain why his pay had stopped. | |
161 | 1773 To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor and Council. Gentlemen Being desirous to quit the Honorable Companys Service, and finding a favourable Ocation of taking my Passage on the Ship now in the Road commanded by Captain Morgan, I take this opportunity of requesting you will please to accept of my resignation which I hereby make. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your most humble and most obedient Servant. (Signed) Richard Alexander Powell. St. Helena 26 August 1773. Which resignation we accepted of, and Ordered the Secretary to write Captain Morgan a permission to receive him, and his Necessary's on board the Devonshire and carry him to England. The Governor being desirous of [...] Introducing Watkin Greentree of Eighteen Years of Age into the Military of this Garrison, and to Qualify him for the same has Ordered him to do duty as a Cadet, And having omitted Entering the same in Consultation, beg leave to recommend him for the Vacancy of Lieut. Powell which recommendation of the Governors the Council Ascents to. | Richard Alexander Powell wrote to Governor Skottowe and the Council on 26 August 1773. He wished to leave the Company's service and had found a good opportunity to take passage on the ship then lying in the road under Captain Morgan. He asked the Council to accept his resignation, which he tendered with the letter. The Council accepted Powell's resignation. It ordered the Secretary to write to Captain Morgan giving him permission to take Powell and his belongings on board the Devonshire and carry him to England. The Governor wished to bring Watkin Greentree, aged 18, into the garrison as an officer. To prepare him for it, he had ordered Greentree to serve as a cadet, but this order had not been entered in the consultations at the time. The Governor now recommended Greentree for the vacancy left by Lieutenant Powell, and the Council agreed. Interpretations Powell's departure was handled quite differently from Robert Gillson's earlier in the month. Gillson had first asked for leave to go home while keeping his commission. The Council refused, and he could leave only by quitting the service. Powell simply resigned, and the Council accepted at once and arranged his passage. The Council would not grant leave of absence to officers on private business, but it put no obstacle in the way of a man who wished to leave for good. The vacancy went straight to a young man of the island's own families rather than to an officer sent from England. The Greentrees were already established in the garrison: a James Greentree served as lieutenant of the Second Company, and in 1777 the Council recommended a Thomas Greentree as a cadet. The Governor's practice of placing a youth as a cadet first gave him a recognised standing to be promoted from when a vacancy arose. The Council did, however, have to correct its own record, since the cadetship had never been entered in the consultations. | |
162 | 27th August The Lieutenant Governor presented the following Letter to the Board. To John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. and Council. Gentlemen As you have entered in Consultation of the 23 Instant your several opinions respecting my proposal of the Honble. Company's becoming a Purchaser of the Hutts Land, and disposing of two parcells of theirs in order to accomplish the same; with a very triffling if any additional expence in the exchange: And as you have further admited of the advantages thereby arrising to Our Honorable Imployers, which I am well perswaded must be obvious to every one that has the least knowledge of their Estate upon this Island, Yet offer it as your opinions that the present measure cannot be adopted by Us without the prior consent of the Court of Directors. In answer to which I beg leave to offer to your consideration a few observations that having had recourse to the Company's Orders as far back as the Year one Thousand seven hundred and forty, find no Orders from them prohibitting their Agents here acting in like cases when their manifest advantage is acknowledged and so immediately concerned. It is true that in Governor Goodwins time some exchanges, and likewise Sale of their Lands were made, I believe then thought more to the Advantage of Individuals than calculated for the Interest of the Honorable Company, and there is still the more reason to suppose the same, as I cannot find such Alterations any where stated to the Company or the then Governor and Councils reasons for so doing which I suppose occationed the 20th Pa. Paragraph in General Letter dated 28th Janry. 1740 from the Honble. the Court of Directors as follows. | Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, then presented a further letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He noted that the consultation of 23 August 1773 recorded each member's opinion on his proposal. That proposal was for the Company to buy the land at the Hutts and sell two of its own parcels to pay for it, at very little extra cost. He observed that the members had also admitted the advantages the exchange would bring the Company, which he thought must be plain to anyone who knew the least about its estate on the island. Even so, they held that the measure could not be adopted without the Court's prior consent. Corneille offered some observations in reply. He had searched the Company's orders as far back as 1740 and found none forbidding its agents on the island to act in such cases, where the Company's advantage was admitted and so directly concerned. He granted that some exchanges and sales of Company land had taken place during Governor Goodwin's time. In his belief, those had been designed more for the benefit of private persons than for the Company's interest. He had all the more reason to think so because he could find no record that the Governor and Council of that time had ever explained their reasons to the Company. That, he supposed, was what had prompted the 20th paragraph of the Court's general letter of 28 January 1741, which the letter went on to quote. Interpretations Corneille did not accept defeat. His colleagues had agreed the exchange was good for the Company and blocked it only for want of the Court's consent. He attacked that ground directly. He argued that no standing order forbade the Council to deal in Company land, and that the only warning the Court had ever given arose from abuses under Governor Goodwin. Those earlier deals had served private men, and the Council of the day had never reported its reasons to London. Corneille's proposal, by contrast, was openly argued, entered in full in the consultations and plainly for the Company's benefit. He was distinguishing a proper transaction from the kind the Court had condemned. His argument also shows how the Council worked out the limits of its authority. With no written constitution, its powers rested on the Court's letters over the years. A member who wanted to act had to show that no order forbade it, while one who wished to hold back could point to the absence of any precedent. Corneille's search back to 1740 was an attempt to settle that question from the record itself. | |
163 | 1773 "It being reported that there has been several "Exchanges of late of the Companys Lands, We recomend "it to you to enquire to whom such Exchanges has been made "for what considerations, and whether the same was "advantagious to the Company as to the Planter. Now Gentlemen as the above is the only Order I can find any ways aplicable to the present case in question humbly apprehend that nether the wording nor the spirit of that order in any Shape prevents our acting in this Affair so Manifestedly advantageous to their Estate, and the more so, if you are pleased to consider, that, the Quantity of Land proposed to be sold is within a few Acres addequate to that meant to be purchased: that likewise insulated as they are from the rest of their Estate consequently less under the Eye of the Overseers, become to much a property of the surrounding Neighbourhood, as trespasers of Cattle will incroach as you must know from Experience even in Lands immediately under ones own observation, therefore cannot be of that utility as their other Lands, the former remote the other conected together. This together with the obvious advantage of the Hutts Land in exchange, from its Fertility supplying the Long Wood with Water, and Vicinity thereto, often made it an object of my consideration for the improvement of that part of the Honble. Company's Estate and if I have not offered my reasons sooner in order to be certain of Our Imployers approbation in this Affair, it was not but that I am equaly solisitious that the whole standard of my Conduct should be regulated on that principle, but unacquainted with Mr. Purlings determination, had no right to make proposals of a Purchase of part of his property, before he had declared his intention of parting with the same, And as you are sensible that what I offered immediately followed his determination, and as we are at present circumstanced impossible to wait for the approbation of our Honorable Imployers. it rest with you Gentlemen to consider how far the measure is advisable, particularly as we can have no Interested | The paragraph Corneille quoted from the Court's letter of 28 January 1741 said that the Court had heard of several recent exchanges of the Company's land. It told the Council to find out who had received the land and on what terms, and whether the exchanges had benefited the Company or the planter. Corneille argued that this was the only order he could find that bore on the case. In his view, neither its wording nor its intent prevented the Council from acting in a matter so clearly to the advantage of the Company's estate. He asked the Council to weigh several points. The land to be sold was within a few acres of the land to be bought. The two parcels were cut off from the rest of the Company's estate and so lay largely outside the overseers' sight. They had in effect become the property of the surrounding neighbours, whose straying cattle encroached on them. Even land close at hand suffered from such trespass, as every landholder knew. Remote and scattered parcels could never be as useful as the Company's other land, which lay together. Against this stood the plain advantages of the Hutts: its fertility, its supply of water to the Long Wood and its position beside it. Corneille had long considered the Hutts as a way to improve that part of the Company's estate. He had not put forward his reasons earlier, so as to obtain the Court's approval in advance, only because he had not known that Purling meant to sell. He had no right to propose buying part of another man's property before the owner had announced he would part with it. His proposal had followed immediately on Purling's decision. As matters stood, the Council could not possibly wait for the Court's approval. He left it to his colleagues to judge how far the measure was advisable, particularly since none of them had any personal interest in it, as the letter went on to explain. Interpretations Corneille's answer to Bazett's regret about timing was direct. He could not have raised the scheme a year earlier, because it would have been improper to propose buying a colleague's land before the colleague had put it up for sale. The opportunity arose only when Purling announced the auction, and the auction would be over long before any letter could reach London and return. The choice therefore lay between acting at once on the Council's own authority and losing the Hutts for good. His description of the outlying parcels shows how difficult it was to manage the Company's scattered estate. Land far from the main plantations could not be watched by the overseers. Neighbours' cattle grazed it freely, and over time it came to be treated as common ground. The Company was in effect paying for land that others used. Selling it to those neighbours and buying a compact block beside the Long Wood would turn a liability into an asset. That was the substance of Corneille's case, set against his colleagues' concern for the Court's authority. | |
164 | 27th August. Interested Views therein (nor Mr. Purling want Purchasers) but meerly as a measure we are induced to take as their Agents from a thorough conviction that it is for the Advantage of Our Honorable Imployers. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most obedient & Most humble Servant. (signed) Danl. Corneille St. Helena 27th August 1773. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Corneille ended his letter by stressing that no member of the Council had any personal interest in the purchase. Nor did Purling lack other buyers for his land. The Council would be taking the step simply as the Company's agents, from a firm conviction that it would benefit their employers. Corneille signed the letter at St Helena on 27 August 1773. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Corneille's point that Purling did not lack buyers answered the suspicion that hung over the whole proposal. If the Company bought the Hutts from a sitting councillor, the Court might suspect that it was rescuing a colleague from a poor market or paying him above value. By stressing that the land would sell readily at auction, Corneille presented the purchase as a matter of competing with private bidders for a valuable property, not a favour to Purling. The Council entered the letter but took no fresh decision, which suggests that the Governor and Bazett held to their view that the Court's consent was required. | |
165 | 30th August At a Consultation held on Monday the 30th day of August 1773, at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 27th August 1773. This day sailed the Honorable Companys Ship Devonshire for England. Matthew Charlton Matross this day Petitioned for his discharge from the Garrison having served the Honorable Company his contracted Time. Granted. Hugh Jones this day resigning his Station as Register Master. We Ordered John Scott to act in his stead. Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain Robt. Morgan one hundred and twenty six Pieces Salt Meat at two Shillings Pr. Piece Amounting to twelve Pounds, twelve Shillings, As Pr. the following Bill. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 30 August 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 27 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Devonshire sailed for England that day. Matthew Charlton, a matross, asked to be discharged from the garrison because he had served the full term of his contract with the Company. The Council granted his discharge. Hugh Jones resigned his post as Register Master, and the Council ordered John Scott to act in his place. The Council bought 126 pieces of salt meat for the Company from Captain Robert Morgan at 2s 0d a piece, £12 12s 0d in all. His bill was entered as follows. Interpretations Hugh Jones had held the post of Register Master alongside that of Superintendent of the Blacks, as the pay list for the quarter to June 1773 shows. Giving up the register left him with the superintendency, the post the Court abolished in 1778. The Council filled the register at once on an acting basis, as it did with other civil posts, so that the work went on while it waited for the Court's wishes. The salt meat bought from Morgan cost 2s 0d a piece, the same rate at which the stores sold beef to the garrison. Buying from a homeward commander's surplus topped up the island's stock of provisions at no loss, an early example of the purchases the Council relied on whenever the contract supplies from England ran short or spoiled. | |
166 | [An ink blot in the middle of the page partly obscures one word.] 30th August The Honble. Company Dr. To the Owners of the Ship Devonshire. 3 Casks Beef contg. 126 Ps. @ 2/ each £ 12 . 12 .. Receiv'd the Contents (signed) H. S. Bickey. St. Helena August the 30th 1773 Appointed Mr. Matthew Bazett to inspect and take the Remains of the Honorable Companys Stores for the present Year as Usual. Mr. Matthew Bazett Presented the following Minute. As the Governor and Lieutenant Governors Opinion, in their Minute[...] entered upon Consultation, are directly opposite, in respect to the Authority vested in the Governor & Council to Alienate, or Dispose of the Honorable Companys Property in Lands, without first having their Consent and Mr. Purling as a party concerned declining to give his Sentiments upon the proposed Purchase of his Huts Land, I do in Consequence of its being Signified to Me, that my Oppinion must determine the Question, give it against the disposal of the Companys Lands, and purchasing Mr. Purlings. for the following reasons. That if the Measure proposed by the Governor for disposing of the Major part of the Companys Land to individuals, should meet with the Sanction and approbation of Our Honble. | The bill read as follows. Account of the East India Company with the owners of the Devonshire*:* 3 casks of beef containing 126 pieces at 2s 0d each, £12 12s 0d H. S. Bickey, the Devonshire's purser, signed a receipt for the money at St Helena on 30 August 1773. The Council appointed Matthew Bazett to inspect and record the stores remaining in the Company's warehouses for the current year, as was the usual practice. Bazett then presented a minute on the Hutts. The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor had set out directly opposite views on whether the Governor and Council had authority to sell or otherwise dispose of the Company's land without first obtaining its consent. Purling, as an interested party, had declined to give an opinion on the proposed purchase of his land at the Hutts. Bazett had been told that his opinion must therefore decide the question. He gave it against selling the Company's land and against buying Purling's, for reasons he went on to set out. The first concerned the Governor's own proposal to sell most of the Company's land to private owners. If that proposal won the Court's approval, as the minute went on to explain. Interpretations The split on the Council left Bazett holding the casting vote. Skottowe held that the Council could not deal in Company land without consent, Corneille that it could, and Purling had stood aside. Bazett had earlier supported the exchange on its merits while doubting the Council's authority. Forced now to decide, he came down against it. His first reason tied the Hutts to the Governor's wider proposal. If the Court accepted Skottowe's advice and sold most of the Company's land to private owners, buying more land now would make little sense. A purchase made on the eve of a possible sell-off would be money spent against the direction the Court might soon take. | |
167 | 1773 Honble. Masters it will render the proposed purchase for the Company of no Utility, a Plan I think if adopted will certainly be of advantage in raising greater Supply's of Provisions for the Shipping, That it is very probable the purchase cannot be made without paying more for Mr. Purlings Land than can be raised on the Sale of the Company's, a circumstance perhaps that would not be approved of. That in this, and all other similar cases, I think the securest, best and most eligible way of proceeding, is to Act by Authority, and then we are sure we cannot Err. 30th August 1773. (Signed) Matthew Bazett John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Bazett's first reason was that if the Court approved the Governor's plan to sell most of the Company's land to private owners, the purchase of the Hutts would serve no purpose. He thought the Governor's plan, if adopted, would certainly increase the supply of provisions for the ships. His second reason was that the Company would very probably have to pay more for Purling's land than the sale of its own parcels would raise, which the Court might well disapprove. Finally, he held that in this case and all others like it, the safest and most proper course was to act only with authority, for then the Council could be sure of not doing wrong. Bazett signed his minute on 30 August 1773. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Bazett's casting vote settled the question on caution rather than on the merits. He had agreed only a week earlier that the Hutts was better land and that the exchange would benefit the Company if it cost nothing. He now raised the likelihood that it would cost something. At public auction the Hutts would probably fetch more than two remote and trespassed parcels, and the Council would then be spending the Company's money on its own authority. His closing principle, that the Council should act only on clear authority so that it could never be in the wrong, put the Council's safety ahead of the opportunity Corneille had pressed. The obvious course of buying while the land was available was set aside for one that could not be faulted in London. The decision had consequences that ran through the later letters. The Hutts passed into private hands. Four years later the Council was asking the Court to pay for a pipe from the spring at the Hutts into the Long Wood, and urging a costly fence around the wood itself. Both were problems that owning the Hutts in 1773 might have eased. Bazett's support for the Governor's plan to sell Company land to private farmers also found an echo. By 1778 Perkins's and Bamboo Gut had been worn out and turned to pasture, and the Company's plantations produced 200,000 fewer yams than in Governor Hutchinson's time. | |
168 | 6th September At a Consultation held on Monday the 6th day of September 1773, at the Castle Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed dated the 30 August 1773. William Roberts Town Ajutant, this day Presented the following Petition To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor and Council. The Humble Petition of William Roberts Town Ajutant. Sheweth. That your Petitioner's, sensible of your kind Intentions towards him, takes the Liberty Most humbly to represent to your Worship and the other Gentlemen of Council that from the particularity of his Station by which he is fixed with out any hopes of further preferment, he is thereby so restricted in his future Expectations that he hopes you will not deem him unreasonable in Sollisiting your Recommendation to the Honble. the Court of Directors for his succeeding to the first vacant Lieutenancy. Your Worship and the other Gentlemen are | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 6 September 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 30 August 1773 were read, approved and signed. William Roberts, the town adjutant, presented a petition to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He thanked them for the goodwill they had shown him. He pointed out that his post was a fixed one that carried no prospect of further promotion, which left his hopes for the future very limited. He therefore asked the Council to recommend him to the Court of Directors to fill the first lieutenancy that fell vacant, and trusted the request would not seem unreasonable. The petition went on to its close. Interpretations Roberts's complaint shows a gap in the garrison's career ladder. A town adjutant handled the daily business of the garrison under the commanding officer, drawing a lieutenant's pay and allowances, as the pay list for June 1773 shows. Unlike a company lieutenant, however, he held a staff post outside the line of companies, so he could never rise to captain by seniority. An able man could spend his whole career there. By asking to be put in line for the next lieutenancy, Roberts sought to move from a post that led nowhere into one with a route to command. The request had to go to the Court because only the Court made permanent commissions, and the vacancy left by Powell had just gone to the young Watkin Greentree. | |
169 | 1773 are sensible of the Bar your Petitioners present Station puts to his rise in the Service, and how great and advantage every Officer in this Garrison has over him by expecting the rewards of their Services, Diligence and Seniority from all which he is excluded. From motives so cogent, he beg's Leave to lay the above case before you, that it may please you to take it into kind consideration; And he will ever pray. &c. 6th September 1773 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Roberts closed his petition by reminding the Council that it knew how his present post barred his rise in the service. Every other officer in the garrison had a great advantage over him, since each could look forward to rewards for service, diligence and seniority, all of which were closed to him. For these strong reasons he laid his case before the Council and asked it to consider him kindly. The petition was dated 6 September 1773. The minutes recorded no decision on the petition. They were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council entered Roberts's petition in full but took no step on it that day. A recommendation to the Court for the next lieutenancy would have committed the Council to a promise it could not keep, since the Court alone granted commissions and had its own candidates to place. The Council had also just given the latest vacancy to Watkin Greentree. Recording the petition ensured that Roberts's claim reached London with the consultations, where the Court could weigh it, without the Council pledging itself to a particular appointment. | |
170 | 13th September At a Consultation held on Monday the 13th day of Septemr. 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed dated 6th September 1773 Saturday the 11th Arrived a French Ship from Mauritius called the La St. Anne Captain Antoine Burthen three hundred Tons, carrys Eight Guns and fifty Men, Loaden with Coffee, bound to Port L'Orient. The Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of August last were this day laid before Us, which were Examined, approved of and are as follows. Artillery Stores Expended in August 1773 Guns fired, 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder Expended lb, Powder Expended oz 1st Departed the Triton: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 9th An Alarm for a Ship passing by: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 10th An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 11th Ditto for the same Ship: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Arrived the Ridderkirk (a Dutch Ship): Guns fired 15, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 11, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 21, Powder Expended oz 8 16th An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Arrived the Devonshire: Guns fired 11, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 7, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 16, Powder Expended oz 0 22nd Departed the Ridderkirk: Guns fired 15, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 11, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 21, Powder Expended oz 8 30 Departed the Devonshire: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 62, Powder Expended oz 12 Total: Guns fired 83, 9 lbs. 20, 6 lbs. 39, 4 lbs. 16, 3 lbs. 8, Powder Expended lb 206, Powder Expended oz 12 | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 13 September 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 6 September 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Saturday 11 September 1773 a French ship from Mauritius, the Sainte Anne under Captain Arture, arrived at the island. She measured 300 tons, carried eight guns and 50 men, and was loaded with coffee for Port L'Orient. The artillery stores and the steward's accounts for August 1773 were laid before the Council, examined and approved. The account of artillery stores used in August 1773 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. 1 August, departure of the Triton: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 9 August, alarm for a ship passing: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 10 August, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 11 August, alarm for the same ship: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 11 August, arrival of the Ridderkerk, a Dutch ship: 15 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 11 six-pounders), 21 lb 8 oz of powder 16 August, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 16 August, arrival of the Devonshire: 11 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 7 six-pounders), 16 lb 0 oz of powder 23 August, departure of the Ridderkerk: 15 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 11 six-pounders), 21 lb 8 oz of powder 30 August, departure of the Devonshire: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 62 lb 12 oz Totals: 83 guns fired, 20 nine-pounders, 39 six-pounders, 16 four-pounders, 8 three-pounders, 206 lb 12 oz of powder Interpretations The Dutch ship Ridderkerk was answered with 15 guns when she arrived and again when she left, far more than the nine guns given to a Company ship. A foreign ship saluted the island on coming into the road, and the forts returned the salute gun for gun as a courtesy between nations. Foreign callers were therefore costly in powder. The two salutes for this one Dutch ship used more powder than any two Company arrivals combined. The French Sainte Anne, arriving on 11 September, does not appear in the August account. In May a French ship that gave no salute received none, and French ships seem often to have come in without one. | |
171 | 1773. Dry Stores. Tallow lb. 4 Match 9 Lead Ball 4 .. 8 Paper 4 Quires Spunge Staff 1 Cartridge Case 1 Spunge Head 1 Spirits of Wine 1 Pint Vinegar 3 Quarts (Signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Companys Table in August 1773. 41 Bottles Madeira £ 4 . 2 .. 10 Do. Port 15 .. 10 Do. Lisbon 15 .. 11 Do. Mountain 16 . 6 39 Do. Beer 7 . 3½ 15½ Gallons Arrack 2 . 6 . 6 14 lb. Beef 3 . 6 243 Mutton 5 . 1 . 3 6 Fowls 9 .. 13 lb. Butter 13 .. 30 lb. Candy 2 .. .. 553 Flour 4 . 12 . 2 1 Goat 10 .. £ 22 . 11 . 2¾ Bought for the Table 133¼ lb. Beef 2 . 15 . 6½ 31 Fowls 2 . 6 . 6 4 Ducks 6 .. 3 Pigs 15 .. £ 6 . 3 .. ½ | The account of dry stores used by the artillery in August 1773 read as follows. Tallow, 4 lb Slow match, 9 lb Lead ball, 4 lb 8 oz Paper, 4 quires Sponge staff, 1 Cartridge case, 1 Sponge head, 1 Spirits of wine, 1 pint Vinegar, 3 quarts James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in August 1773 read as follows. 41 bottles of Madeira, £4 2s 0d 10 bottles of port, £0 15s 0d 10 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 15s 0d 11 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 16s 6d 39 bottles of beer, £0 7s 3¾d 15½ gallons of arrack, £2 6s 6d 14 lb of beef, £0 3s 6d 243 lb of mutton, £5 1s 3d 6 fowls, £0 9s 0d 13 lb of butter, £0 13s 0d 80 lb of sugar candy, £2 0s 0d 553 lb of flour, £4 12s 2d 1 goat, £0 10s 0d Total from the stores, £22 11s 2¾d Bought in for the table: 133¼ lb of beef, £2 15s 6½d 31 fowls, £2 6s 6d 4 ducks, £0 6s 0d 3 pigs, £0 15s 0d Total bought in, £6 3s 0½d Interpretations Wine fell again in August, to 41 bottles of Madeira from July's 56, with only the Triton leaving, the Devonshire calling and two foreign ships in the road. The Company's table rose and fell with the number of Company officers and passengers to be entertained, and foreign callers seldom dined at the Castle. Spirits of wine were strong distilled alcohol, used by the artillery to make quick-burning priming and to clean the guns' vents. The vinegar was for the sponges, since a sponge dipped in vinegar and water was thought better at killing sparks in the barrel than water alone. | |
172 | 13th September Mr. Richard Bagley this day Presented the following Petition. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council. The Humble Petition of Richard Bagley Sheweth That your Petitioner is desirous of disposing of his right, to about three Acres of Lease Land lying in Sandy Bay, request your Worship and Council will permit him so to do, and accept of Captain Henry Bazett Tenant for the same, and your Petitioner will ever pray. St. Helena 13 Septr. 1773. Granted. Mr. Thomas Burnham this day Presented the following Petitioner. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council. The humble Petition of Thomas Burnham Planter. Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous to dispose of One Acre and a half of Lease Land Butting | Richard Bagley petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. He wished to give up his right to about three acres of leased land in Sandy Bay. He asked the Council to allow him to do so and to accept Captain Henry Bazett as tenant in his place. The petition was dated at St Helena on 13 September 1773, and the Council granted it. Thomas Burnham, a planter, then petitioned the Governor and Council. He wished to give up an acre and a half of leased land, as the petition went on to explain. Interpretations This was Captain Henry Bazett's second purchase of a lease in under a month. On 16 August 1773 he took over Orlando Bagley's seven acres at the Writing Stones, and now Richard Bagley's three acres in Sandy Bay. A garrison officer and brother of a councillor was steadily building up a landholding on the island through the Council's approval of each transfer. The Council granted these petitions as routine, and nothing in the record suggests any objection. The pattern nonetheless shows the island's land gathering into the hands of its leading official families, a few acres at a time. | |
173 | 1773 Butting and bounding to the Land of Mattw. Bazett Esqr. humbly requests your permission for the same. And your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray. St. Helena 13 Septemr. 1773 Granted John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett At a Consultation held on Monday the 20th day of September 1773 at the Castle Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council Mr. Mattw. Purling Absent. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated 13 September 1773. Wednesday the 15th sailed the French Ship La St. Anne for Port L'Orient. Counted and Examined the Honorable Companys Cash for the Month of August last which is as follows Viz. | Burnham's acre and a half bordered the land of Matthew Bazett. He asked the Council's permission to dispose of it. The petition was dated at St Helena on 13 September 1773, and the Council granted it. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The Council met at the Castle on Monday 20 September 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and Matthew Bazett. Matthew Purling was absent. The minutes of 13 September 1773 were read, approved and signed. The French ship Sainte Anne had sailed for Port L'Orient on Wednesday 15 September 1773. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for August 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations Burnham's petition did not name the person taking over his land, but its description is telling. The plot lay against Matthew Bazett's land, and Bazett sat at the table that granted the request. A small parcel bordering a councillor's estate was most naturally sold to that councillor, rounding off his holding. If so, Bazett joined his brother Henry in buying up leases that season. The Council's practice of granting such transfers without recording the price or the buyer left the Court little means of seeing how Company land was passing among the island's officials. | |
174 | 20th September Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 Augt. 1st To Balance remaining £ 12543 . 8 . 7 2nd To Exchange for four Setts of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable as follows Viz. One Sett to Captn. Geo. Richardson £ 1290 Do. to Captn. Richd. Pearce 221 . 8 . 7 Do. to Mr. James Williamson 363 Do. to Captn. Alexander Tod 108 . 11 . 9 1983 .. 4 7th To Ship Hector 59 . 19 . 3 16th To Fines received of John Price as Pr. Consultation this day. To Exchange for a Sett of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable to Captain Michael Hendrik Wunder 500 .. 29th To Ship Devonshire 23 . 19 .. £ 15113 . 7 . 2 1773 Augt. 31st By Balance remaining Viz. In Specie 14573 . 12 . 2 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 15113 . 7 . 2 £ 15113 . 7 . 2 | The Company's cash account for August 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 August 1773, balance in hand, £12,543 8s 7d 2 August 1773, cash received for four sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, £1,983 0s 4d One set payable to Captain George Richardson, £1,290 0s 0d One set payable to Captain Richard Pearce, £221 8s 7d One set payable to James Williamson, £363 0s 0d One set payable to Captain Alexander Tod, £108 11s 9d 7 August 1773, from the ship Hector, £59 19s 3d 16 August 1773, fines received from John Price, as recorded in the consultation of that day, £[...] Cash received for a set of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Captain Michael Hendrik Wunder, £500 0s 0d 29 August 1773, from the ship Devonshire, £23 19s 0d Total received, £15,113 7s 2d Balance in hand on 31 August 1773: In coin, £14,573 12s 2d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £15,113 7s 2d Interpretations The fine from John Price was the Company's half of the £6 0s 0d imposed on 16 August 1773 for selling the garrison too much liquor. The other half went to the informer and never passed through the treasury. Its figure in the account is lost, but the total implies £3 0s 0d. The bill bought by Captain Wunder of the Ridderkerk shows the treasury once again serving a foreign commander. In a single quiet month with no pay drawn, the balance climbed past £15,000 0s 0d, almost all in silver. | |
175 | 1773 Mr. Matthew Bazett requests to have a Bill of sale and an Assignment Registered. Granted. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille [...] M. Bazett | Matthew Bazett asked for a bill of sale and an assignment to be entered in the register. The Council granted his request. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Matthew Purling's name also appears below theirs, but only faintly, even though he was recorded as absent from this meeting. Interpretations A bill of sale recorded the transfer of property, and an assignment the handing over of a lease or other right. Bazett's request came a week after the Council allowed Thomas Burnham to dispose of the acre and a half of leased land bordering Bazett's own estate. The documents were probably the deeds of that transfer. Entering them in the Company's register gave Bazett lasting proof of title. As on 14 June 1773, the request came from a member of the Council and was approved by a meeting at which he sat. | |
176 | 27th September At a Consultation held on Monday the 27th day of September 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 20 September 1773. Thursday the 23rd Arrived a French Ship from Bourbon called the La Boyne Captn. Heirivuet Laine Burthen Seven hundred Tons carry's sixteen Guns and Eighty Men Loaden with Bengall Goods bound to Port L'Orient. Mr. Stewart the Adjutant upon his Arrival to this Island was alloted the House appropriated to those in that Station, that the said House being much out of Repair he was at the expence to repair it, so as to make it habitable, and that in the erecting the New Church, we were under the Necessity of pulling down the said House, to make room for that building. We therefore think it reasonable, as Mr. Stewart was obliged to resign this House, (for the above purpose) to repay him his Expences which we have accordingly done, amounting to £ 40 . 6 . 3 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 27 September 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 20 September 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Thursday 23 September 1773 a French ship from Bourbon, the Boyne under Captain Herivaut the elder, arrived at the island. She measured 700 tons, carried 16 guns and 80 men, and was loaded with Bengal goods for Port L'Orient. When Mr Stewart, the adjutant, first reached the island, he was given the house set aside for holders of that post. The house was badly out of repair, and he paid to put it right so that it could be lived in. When the new church was built, however, the Council had to pull the house down to make room for it. Since Stewart had been obliged to give up the house for that purpose, the Council judged it fair to repay what he had spent on it. It paid him £40 6s 3d. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The repayment to Stewart shows the Council treating an official's own outlay on a Company house as a debt once the Company took the house back. Officials often had to repair the houses they were allotted at their own cost, since the Company's maintenance was slow and the island's buildings decayed quickly. Normally they recovered nothing. Here the Company demolished the house for its own purposes, so Stewart lost both the house and the money he had put into it. The obvious course was to let the loss lie, as an ordinary risk of holding a Company house. The Council chose to repay him in full because the demolition was its own decision. The sum of £40 6s 3d was more than a lieutenant's pay for a quarter, and it became one more hidden cost of the new church on top of its labour and stores. | |
177 | 30th September At a Consultation held on Thursday the 30th September 1773 at the Castle Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 27th September 1773. Yesterday Died Rosella Daughter of Lt. Charles Ross Stewart. Pursuant to an Order in Consultation of the 23 of last Month the Planters this day attended to pay their Rents and Revenues due to the Honorable Company for the Year past which amounts to £ 628 . 6 . 2. The Rent Roll is as follows. Ground Rent, Free Land, Lease Land, £, S, D Samuel Alexander: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 34, Lease Land 37½, £ 11, S 1, D 6 John Alexander 15½ Ac. @ 5/ pr. Acre 40 @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 71½, Lease Land 113½, £ 23, S 18, D 6 George Alexander: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 47¾, Lease Land 104¾, £ 28, S 11, D 6 Margt. Mock decd. 1¾ @ 20/ pr. Annum: Ground Rent 34/6, Free Land 20, Lease Land 13½, £ 6, S 14, D 6 Orephs. Beals Orphans: Ground Rent 19/6, Free Land 10, Lease Land 13½, £ 4, S 8, D 0 Richard Beale: Ground Rent 5/, Free Land 41, Lease Land 24, £ 3, S 6, D 0 Willm. Bearcroft 61 @ 1/6 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 61, £ 4, S 11, D 6 John Bagley Senr.: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 20, £ 5, S 0, D 0 John Bagley Junr. 21½ @ 5/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 28, Lease Land 21½, £ 6, S 11, D 0 Richard Bagley 12 @ 4/ pr. Acre 7 @ 3/ 176 pr. Ac. 4½ @ 2/ pr. Ac. 17½ @ 3/: Ground Rent 26/3, Free Land 126½, Lease Land 197½, £ 53, S 4, D 2 Orlando Bagley [...] 21 @ 2/6 pr. Acre 16¾ Acs. @ 3/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 51½, Lease Land 95¾, £ 23, S 1, D 0 Mattw. Bazett 15 @ 1/ pr. Ac. 17½ @ 3/ pr. Ac.: Ground Rent 10/, Free Land 197, Lease Land 110½, £ 32, S 0, D 4½ Henry Bazett 8 @ 4/ pr. Ac. 4½ Ac. 29½ pr. Ac. 5 @ 1/6 pr. Ac. 3 @ 1/ pr. Ac.: Ground Rent 19/, Free Land 65, Lease Land 56½, £ 15, S 17, D 9 John Bazett: Ground Rent 12/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 12, D 0 Carried Over: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 692, Lease Land 864½, £ 223, S 17, D 4½ | The Council met at the Castle on Thursday 30 September 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 27 September 1773 were read, approved and signed. Rosetta, the daughter of Lieutenant Charles Ross Stewart, had died on 29 September 1773. Following the notice ordered on 23 August 1773, the planters came to the Castle that day to pay the rents and dues owed to the Company for the past year. The total came to £628 6s 2d. The rent roll read as follows, giving for each landholder the ground rent, the acres held freehold, the acres held on lease and the sum paid. Samuel Alexander: ground rent 0, freehold 34 acres, leasehold 37½ acres, £11 1s 6d John Alexander (15½ acres at 4s 0d an acre and the rest at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 71½ acres, leasehold 113½ acres, £23 18s 6d George Alexander: ground rent 0, freehold 47½ acres, leasehold 104½ acres, £28 11s 6d Margaret Mack, deceased (1½ acres at 24s 0d a year): ground rent 3s 6d, freehold 20 acres, leasehold 13½ acres, £6 14s 6d The orphans of Onesiphorus Beale: ground rent 19s 6d, freehold 10 acres, leasehold 13½ acres, £4 8s 0d Richard Beale: ground rent 5s 0d, freehold 41 acres, leasehold 24 acres, £3 6s 0d William Bearcroft (61 acres at 1s 6d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 61 acres, £4 11s 6d John Bagley senior: ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 20 acres, £5 0s 0d John Bagley junior (21½ acres at [...] an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 28 acres, leasehold 21½ acres, £6 11s 0d Richard Bagley (12 acres at 4s 0d an acre, 7 acres at [...] and the rest at 1s 6d an acre): ground rent [...], freehold 126½ acres, leasehold 197½ acres, £53 4s 2d Orlando Bagley (31 acres at 2s 6d an acre and 16½ acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 51½ acres, leasehold 95½ acres, £23 1s 0d Matthew Bazett (15 acres at 4s 0d an acre and 17½ acres at [...] an acre): ground rent 19s 0d, freehold 197 acres, leasehold 110½ acres, £32 0s 4½d Henry Bazett (8 acres at 4s 0d an acre, 4½ acres at [...], 29½ acres at 5s 0d and 3 acres at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 19s 0d, freehold 65 acres, leasehold 56½ acres, £15 17s 9d John Bazett: ground rent 12s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 12s 0d Carried forward: freehold 692½ acres, leasehold 869½ acres, £223 17s 4½d Interpretations The rent roll shows the two ways land was held on the island. Freehold land had been granted outright, often to early settlers, and paid no rent beyond a small ground rent on house plots. Leasehold land remained the Company's and paid a yearly rent by the acre, at rates that varied with the quality of the ground, from 1s 6d to 5s 0d an acre. The leading families held large blocks of both. Richard Bagley alone held more than 320 acres, and Matthew Bazett more than 300, against the 54¼ acres of the Hutts that the Council had just declined to buy. The roll also shows the councillors' families on both sides of the rent table. Matthew Bazett sat at the Council that collected the rents and paid £32 0s 4½d of them. The Bazetts and Bagleys between them held a large share of the island's farmland, and the leases they had bought that summer, from Orlando and Richard Bagley and Thomas Burnham, show those holdings still growing. Collecting the rents in person on a fixed day at the Castle, from signed returns made a month before, gave the Council an exact check on who held what. | |
178 | 30 September Ground Rent, Free Land, Lease Land, £, S, D Brought Over: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 692, Lease Land 869½, £ 223, S 17, D 9½ Orlando Bagley 19 Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Ac. 9½ Ac. @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 72½, £ 13, S 8, D 0 Thomas Burnham: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 29, Lease Land 15, £ 5, S 4, D 0 William Beale: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 9½, Lease Land 15½, £ 4, S 5, D 6 Robt. Ballard: Ground Rent 13/, Free Land 15½, Lease Land 0, £ 1, S 8, D 6 Geo. Bird: Ground Rent 17/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 17, D 0 James Colgrave: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 3, Lease Land 100, £ 25, S 3, D 0 Jos. Chamberlains Orps.: Ground Rent 15/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 15, D 0 John Dovetons Orps.: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 86½, Lease Land 8, £ 6, S 6, D 6 Jonathan Doveton: Ground Rent 14/3, Free Land 128½, Lease Land 4, £ 8, S 3, D 1 Isaac Doveton 5 Acres @ 4/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 78, Lease Land 25, £ 9, S 13, D 0 James Desfountain 7¾ Ac. @ 2/6 pr. Ac. 13½ Ac. @ 1/8 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 60, Lease Land 63¾, £ 10, S 11, D 9 Sarah Desfountain 3 Ac. @ 4/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 33½, Lease Land 22, £ 7, S 0, D 6 John Desfountain 12½ Ac. @ 4/3 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 20, Lease Land 83½, £ 19, S 10, D 11 Samuel Desfountain: Ground Rent 17/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 17, D 0 Charles Desfountain: Ground Rent 13/6, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 13, D 6 Henry Casthope: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 14, Lease Land 23, £ 7, S 14, D 0 James Casthope: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 11, Lease Land 8, £ 2, S 11, D 0 Michael Frost: Ground Rent 15/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 15, D 0 Julio Fabiano: Ground Rent 15/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 15, D 0 Richard Goodwin: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 49, Lease Land 27, £ 9, S 4, D 0 John Goodwin: Ground Rent 10/6, Free Land 67½, Lease Land 23, £ 10, S 18, D 0 James Greentree 26 Ac. @ 2/6 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 29/3, Free Land 41½, Lease Land 44, £ 10, S 16, D 9 Jas. Greentree's Orps. 33½ Ac. @ 4/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 5/, Free Land 65, Lease Land 93, £ 25, S 1, D 9 Robt. Gurling 9 Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Ac. 15½ Ac. & 2½ @ 1/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 23, Lease Land 27½, £ 3, S 10, D 3 George Hayes: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 30, Lease Land 6½, £ 3, S 2, D 6 Marg. Harper: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 10, Lease Land 26, £ 7, S 0, D 0 Wm. Hayes 18½ @ 1/6 pr. Ac. 23 Ac. @ 4/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 10/, Free Land 52½, Lease Land 63½, £ 11, S 8, D 9 Gab. Harper 6 Ac. @ 4/ pr. Ac. 4½ Ac. @ 3/ pr. Ac. ½ Ac. @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 40, Lease Land 11½, £ 3, S 1, D 9 Elisha Isaacke: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 25, Lease Land 5, £ 2, S 10, D 0 Willm. Jenkins: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 16, £ 4, S 0, D 0 Hugh Jones: Ground Rent 3/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 3, D 0 Marta. Jacks: Ground Rent 16/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 16, D 0 Gabl. Isaacke: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 8, £ 2, S 0, D 0 Carried Over: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 1384½, Lease Land 1650, £ 443, S 7, D 9½ | The rent roll continued from the totals brought forward: freehold 692½ acres, leasehold 869½ acres, £223 17s 9½d. Orlando Bagley (19 acres at 1s 6d an acre and 9½ acres at 2s [...] an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 72½ acres, £13 8s 0d Thomas Burnham: ground rent 0, freehold 29 acres, leasehold 15 acres, £5 4s 0d William Beale: ground rent 0, freehold 9½ acres, leasehold 15½ acres, £4 5s 6d Robert Ballard: ground rent 13s 0d, freehold 15½ acres, leasehold 0, £1 8s 6d George Bird: ground rent 17s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 17s 0d James Colgrave: ground rent 0, freehold 3 acres, leasehold 100 acres, £25 3s 0d The orphans of Joseph Chamberlain: ground rent 15s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 15s 0d The orphans of John Doveton: ground rent 0, freehold 86½ acres, leasehold 8 acres, £6 6s 6d Jonathan Doveton: ground rent 14s 3d, freehold 128½ acres, leasehold 4 acres, £8 3s 1d Isaac Doveton (5 acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 78 acres, leasehold 25 acres, £9 13s 0d James Desfountain (7½ acres at 2s 6d an acre and 13½ acres at 1s 6d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 60 acres, leasehold [...] acres, £10 11s 9d Sarah Desfountain (3 acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 33½ acres, leasehold 22 acres, £7 0s 6d John Desfountain (12½ acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 20 acres, leasehold 83½ acres, £19 10s 11d Samuel Desfountain: ground rent 17s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 17s 0d Charles Desfountain: ground rent 13s 6d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 13s 6d Henry Easthope: ground rent 0, freehold 14 acres, leasehold 23 acres, £7 4s 0d James Easthope: ground rent 0, freehold 11 acres, leasehold 8 acres, £2 11s 0d Michael Frost: ground rent 15s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 15s 0d Julio Fabiano: ground rent 15s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 15s 0d Richard Goodwin: ground rent 0, freehold 49 acres, leasehold 27 acres, £9 4s 0d John Goodwin: ground rent 10s 6d, freehold 67½ acres, leasehold 23 acres, £10 18s 0d James Greentree (26 acres at 2s 6d an acre): ground rent 29s 3d, freehold 41½ acres, leasehold 44 acres, £10 16s 9d The orphans of James Greentree (33½ acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 5s 0d, freehold 65 acres, leasehold 93 acres, £25 1s 9d Robert Gurling (9 acres at 1s 6d an acre, 15½ acres at 2s 0d an acre and 2½ acres at 1s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 23 acres, leasehold 27½ acres, £3 10s 3d George Hayes: ground rent 0, freehold 30 acres, leasehold 6½ acres, £3 2s 6d Margaret Harper: ground rent 0, freehold 10 acres, leasehold 26 acres, £7 0s 0d William Hayes (10½ acres at 1s 6d an acre and 23 acres at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 10s 0d, freehold 52½ acres, leasehold 63½ acres, £11 8s 9d Gabriel Harper (6 acres at [...] an acre, 4½ acres at 3s 0d an acre and ½ acre at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 40 acres, leasehold 11½ acres, £3 1s 9d Elisha Isaacke: ground rent 0, freehold 25 acres, leasehold 5 acres, £2 10s 0d William Jenkins: ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 16 acres, £4 0s 0d Hugh Jones: ground rent 3s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 3s 0d Martha Jacks: ground rent 16s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 16s 0d Gabriel Isaacke: ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 8 acres, £2 0s 0d Carried forward: freehold 1,384½ acres, leasehold 1,650 acres, £443 7s 9½d Interpretations Several entries were for ground rent alone, small sums of 3s 0d to 17s 0d paid by people such as George Bird, Michael Frost and the orphans of Joseph Chamberlain. These were rents on house plots in Jamestown rather than on farmland. Michael Frost appears in the pay list as a pensioner, and Hugh Jones as Superintendent of the Blacks. Town lots let those who did not farm keep a house and garden. Orphans' estates were entered in the children's names, so the Company's rent came from the property while it was held in trust for them. William Jenkins, holding 16 acres on lease, was probably the inhabitant who slipped away on one of the July 1777 ships, deep in debt and leaving his wife and family in hardship. In 1773 he paid his £4 0s 0d rent on time, an ordinary small tenant. | |
179 | 1773 Ground Rent, Free Land, Lease Land, £, S, D Brought Over: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 1384½, Lease Land 1650, £ 443, S 7, D 9½ Saml. Knipe Senr.: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 15, Lease Land 11½, £ 3, S 13, D 9 Richard Knipe: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 15, Lease Land 11½, £ 3, S 13, D 9 Eliz. Kennedy: Ground Rent 17/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 17, D 0 Thos. Leech: Ground Rent 12/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 12, D 0 Eliz. Lamb: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 10, £ 2, S 10, D 0 Benj. Mason 31 Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 15/9, Free Land 42, Lease Land 84½, £ 19, S 10, D 3 Rodk. Merchant Orps.: Ground Rent 22/6, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 1, S 2, D 6 Mattw. Purling 13½ Ac. @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 28/2, Free Land 103½, Lease Land 69½, £ 21, S 10, D 2 Eliza. Powell: Ground Rent 3/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 3, D 0 John Price 19½ Ac. @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 57/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 23½, £ 5, S 16, D 0 James Pritchard: Ground Rent 22/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 1, S 2, D 0 Sarah Pritchard: Ground Rent 10/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 10, D 0 John Preston: Ground Rent 13/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 13, D 0 John Robinson 45¾ Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 8/, Free Land 64½, Lease Land 68½, £ 12, S 16, D 4½ John Seale 5½ Acres @ 1/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 23, £ 4, S 13, D 0 Sol. St. Maurice: Ground Rent 50/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 2, S 10, D 0 Wm. Seale 5½ Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Ac. 11 Ac. @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 7, Lease Land 47½, £ 9, S 10, D 9 Benjn. Seale 10½ @ 1/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 21, £ 3, S 2, D 0 Francis Seale: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 10½, Lease Land 33¾, £ 8, S 19, D 0 Geo. Seale: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 0, Lease Land 7½, £ 1, S 17, D 6 Charles Ross Stewart 6½ Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Ac. 2½ Ac. @ 2/ pr. Acre: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 23, Lease Land 57½, £ 13, S 18, D 10½ Martha Scott decd.: Ground Rent 12/3, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 12, D 3 Nathan Sampell: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 28, Lease Land 11, £ 4, S 0, D 0 Society Ground Rent @ 4/ pr. Annum: Ground Rent 4/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 4, D 0 John Shirtley: Ground Rent 10/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 10, D 0 James Torbells Orphs.: Ground Rent 12/, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 12, D 0 John Worrall: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 31, Lease Land 33, £ 9, S 16, D 0 Wm. Wrangham 3 Ac. @ 4/6 pr. Ac.: Ground Rent 26/6, Free Land 183, Lease Land 89, £ 39, S 4, D 0 John Whitchurch: Ground Rent 5/6, Free Land 0, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 5, D 6 Simon Whaley: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 2, Lease Land 0, £ 0, S 10, D 0 Wm. Young 6½ Ac. @ 1/6 pr. Acre: Ground Rent 5/, Free Land 79½, Lease Land 35½, £ 11, S 18, D 10½ Stephen Young: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 20, Lease Land 20½, £ 6, S 2, D 6 Total: Ground Rent 0, Free Land 2205½, Lease Land 2310¾, £ 628, S 6, D 2 The Storekeeper reports that on examining the Honble. Companys salt Provisions in January last he found one Puncheon Beef damaged and good for nothing. Ordered, to write off to Profit and Loss. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The rent roll continued from the totals brought forward: freehold 1,384½ acres, leasehold 1,650 acres, £443 7s 9½d. Samuel Knipe senior: ground rent 0, freehold 15 acres, leasehold 11½ acres, £3 13s 9d Richard Knipe: ground rent 0, freehold 15 acres, leasehold 11½ acres, £3 13s 9d Elizabeth Kennedy: ground rent 17s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 17s 0d Thomas Leech: ground rent 12s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 12s 0d Elizabeth Lamb: ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 10 acres, £2 10s 0d Benjamin Mason (31 acres at 1s 6d an acre): ground rent 15s 9d, freehold 42 acres, leasehold 84½ acres, £18 10s 3d The orphans of Roderick Merchant: ground rent 22s 6d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £1 2s 6d Matthew Purling (13½ acres at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 28s 2d, freehold 103½ acres, leasehold 69½ acres, £21 10s 9d Elizabeth Powell: ground rent 3s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 3s 0d John Price (19½ acres at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 57s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 23½ acres, £5 16s 0d James Pritchard: ground rent 22s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £1 2s 0d Sarah Pritchard: ground rent 10s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 10s 0d John Preston: ground rent 15s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 15s 0d John Robinson (45¾ acres at 1s 6d an acre): ground rent 8s 0d, freehold 64½ acres, leasehold 68½ acres, £12 16s 4½d John Seale (5½ acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 23 acres, £4 13s 0d Solomon St Maurice: ground rent 50s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £2 10s 0d William Seale (5½ acres at 1s 6d an acre and 11½ acres at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 7 acres, leasehold 47½ acres, £9 10s 9d Benjamin Seale (10½ acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 21 acres, £3 2s 0d Francis Seale: ground rent 0, freehold 10½ acres, leasehold 33½ acres, £8 19s 0d George Seale: ground rent 0, freehold 0, leasehold 7½ acres, £1 17s 6d Charles Ross Stewart (6½ acres at 5s 0d an acre and 2½ acres at 2s 0d an acre): ground rent 0, freehold 23 acres, leasehold 57½ acres, £13 18s 10½d Martha Scott, deceased: ground rent 12s 3d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 12s 3d Nathan Sample: ground rent 0, freehold 28 acres, leasehold 11 acres, £4 0s 0d The Society, ground rent at 4s 0d a year: ground rent 4s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 4s 0d John Shirtley: ground rent 10s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 10s 0d The orphans of James Torbett: ground rent 12s 0d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 12s 0d John Worrall: ground rent 0, freehold 31 acres, leasehold 33 acres, £9 16s 0d William Wrangham (3 acres at 4s 0d an acre): ground rent 26s 6d, freehold 183 acres, leasehold 39 acres, £39 4s 0d John Whitchurch: ground rent 5s 6d, freehold 0, leasehold 0, £0 5s 6d Simon Whaley: ground rent 0, freehold 2 acres, leasehold 0, £0 10s 0d William Young (6½ acres at 1s 6d an acre): ground rent 5s 0d, freehold 79½ acres, leasehold 35½ acres, £11 18s 10½d Stephen Young: ground rent 0, freehold 20 acres, leasehold 20½ acres, £6 2s 6d Total: freehold 2,205½ acres, leasehold 2,310½ acres, £628 6s 2d The storekeeper reported that, on examining the Company's salt provisions in January 1773, he had found one puncheon of beef spoiled and worthless. The Council ordered it to be written off as a loss. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The completed roll shows how the island's land was divided in 1773. About 2,200 acres were held freehold and 2,300 on lease from the Company, among roughly 80 landholders. A small group held a large share. William Wrangham paid the largest single rent, £39 4s 0d, on more than 220 acres, followed by Richard Bagley, Matthew Bazett, the Greentree orphans and Purling. All the councillors and most of the senior officials appear on it as landholders. Stephen Young appears with 20½ acres on lease, including the Briers he took over from Sarah Prichard in July. The whole year's rent came to £628 6s 2d, small beside the £2,500 0s 0d the stores took in a single quarter. The Society paying ground rent was probably the island's friendly society or masonic lodge, holding a meeting house in Jamestown. | |
180 | 4th October At a Consultation held on Monday the 4th day of October 1773, at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 30 September 1773. Last Night Sailed the French Ship La Boyne for Port L'Orient. We this day received the following Letter from the Engineer Viz. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council. Gentlemen I have the Honor to Acquaint you that the Workmen were Employed during the Quarter last past, in bringing onwards the New Church, which I have the pleasure to inform you is in great forwardness; new flooring with Beach Stones the Soldiers Barracks and putting into Habitable repair the Plantation House. I intend with your Permission Gentlemen this ensuing Quarter, carrying onwards with the greatest Expedition the New Church, Completing the Raveling, & the glacis in this Valley, and repairing the Water course at Lemon Valley. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servt. James Tippet St. Helena 4 October 1773 | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 4 October 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 30 September 1773 were read, approved and signed. The French ship Boyne had sailed for Port L'Orient the night before. The Council received a letter from James Tippet, the engineer, dated at St Helena on 4 October 1773. He reported that during the past quarter the workmen had been mainly employed on three tasks. They had pushed on with the new church, which he was glad to say was well advanced. They had laid new floors of beach stones in the soldiers' barracks. They had also repaired the Plantation House so that it could be lived in. With the Council's permission, he meant to spend the coming quarter pressing on with the new church as fast as possible. He also planned to complete the ravelin and the glacis in James Valley and to repair the watercourse at Lemon Valley. Interpretations Tippet's report confirms that the three tasks the Council approved on 5 July 1773 had been carried out. Two of the new works were defensive. A ravelin was a triangular outwork built in front of a fortified line to cover its gate and break up an attack. A glacis was a long, gently sloping bank of earth in front of a fortification, which exposed attackers to fire and shielded the base of the wall. Both strengthened the defences at the mouth of James Valley, the island's main landing place. Lemon Valley lay to the west of Jamestown, a secondary landing place with a battery whose garrison needed a reliable water supply. | |
181 | 1773. To which we directed the Secretary to return him the following answer. To Captain James Tippet Engineer Sir I am directed by the Governor and Council to Acquaint you, that you are to Work on the New Church untill it is completed, and to set about the Raveling in this Valley, agreable to what you mention in your Letter of this day, but before you proceed thereon you are to lay before the Board a Plan of the Alteration proposed of the Raveling and Glacis, You are also to clear out the Road from this Valley to Banks's and the Water Channel at Lemon Valley. I am Sir Your Humble Servant (Signed) B. Wright Secy. St. Helena 4th October 1773. On the 1st of October we Enlisted Thomas Swaby and William Pivett two Deserters from Bengal taken out of the French Ship La Boyne & gave them two Pounds each to buy them Necessarys. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council told the Secretary to send Captain Tippet a reply. The Secretary wrote that Tippet was to keep working on the new church until it was finished. He was also to begin the ravelin in James Valley, as his letter proposed. Before starting it, however, he was to lay before the Council a plan of the changes he intended to make to the ravelin and the glacis. He was also to clear the road from James Valley to Banks's and the water channel at Lemon Valley. B. Wright, the Secretary, signed the reply at St Helena on 4 October 1773. On 1 October 1773 the Council enlisted Thomas Swaby and William Pivett, two deserters from the Bengal army who had been taken off the French ship Boyne. It gave each of them £2 0s 0d to buy what they needed. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council approved the ravelin but would not let Tippet start without first seeing his plan. Earthworks and outworks reshaped the defences of the island's main landing place, and a mistake would be costly to undo. Requiring a drawing first kept control of the island's fortification with the Council rather than with its engineer alone. The same caution later led the Council to ask Captain Pierie for a cross-section and estimate before strengthening the portcullis in 1778. The two deserters were treated as Peter Roberts and Andrew Boswell had been in August, given a small sum and taken into the garrison. Men who had run from the Company's army in Bengal and tried to reach Europe on a French ship were pulled out at St Helena and set to serve the Company again, now on the island. A garrison always short of men had every reason to keep them rather than send them back to India. | |
182 | 11th October At a Consultation held on Monday the 11th day of October 1773, at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 4 October 1773. The Executrix and Executors to the last Will and Testament of Mr. James Greentree Deceased this day produced an Inventory of his Effects, appraised by Messrs. Richd. Bagley, Henry Bazett and Jonn. Doveton; who being duly sworn that they Valued the same to the best of their Judgments and the Widow that she produced every Article; The Executors of Joshua Worrall Deceased likewise produced an Inventory of his Effects as received from John Seale and sold at Publick Auction who being duly sworn that he delivered every Article. They were Ordered to be Registered. The Plantation Account for the Quarter, and the expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of September last, were this day laid before Us, which were examined, approved of, and are as follow Viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 11 October 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 4 October 1773 were read, approved and signed. The executrix and executor of the will of James Greentree, deceased, produced an inventory of his belongings. Richard Bagley, Henry Bazett and Jonathan Doveton had valued them. The valuers swore that they had priced everything to the best of their judgement. The widow swore that she had produced every article. The executors of Joshua Worrall, deceased, also produced an inventory of his belongings. They had received the goods from John Seale and sold them at public auction. Seale swore that he had handed over every article. The Council ordered both inventories to be entered in the register. The plantation account for the quarter, together with the accounts for artillery stores and the steward's spending in September 1773, were laid before the Council, examined and approved. They were set out as follows. Interpretations The two estates were handled in slightly different ways. Greentree's goods were valued in kind by sworn valuers, with the widow swearing she had kept nothing back, as in James Powell's case in July. Worrall's goods had already been sold at auction, so the oath that mattered was John Seale's. He had held the goods before passing them to the executors, and he swore that none had gone astray. Each oath was aimed at the person who could most easily have kept something back. Registering both inventories gave the heirs and creditors a sworn public record against which the executors' accounts could later be tested. | |
183 | 1773 Account of the Honorable Company's Stock of Neat Cattle &c. from the 1st of July to the 30th Septr. 1773 Neat Cattle Bulls, Neat Cattle Cows, Neat Cattle Calves, Neat Cattle Yearlings, Neat Cattle Heifers, Neat Cattle Steers, Neat Cattle Oxen, Neat Cattle Total, Sheep Ewes, Sheep Weathers, Sheep Lambs, Sheep Rams, Sheep Total, Goats Ewes, Goats Weathers, Goats Kids, Goats Rams, Goats Total, Hogs Sows, Hogs Shoats, Hogs Pigs, Hogs Boars, Hogs Total, Horses Horses, Horses Mares, Horses Total, Poultry Fowls, Poultry Ducks, Poultry Turkeys, Poultry Geese Remaining: Neat Cattle Bulls 8, Neat Cattle Cows 94, Neat Cattle Calves 52, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 6, Neat Cattle Steers 9, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 208, Sheep Ewes 261, Sheep Weathers 394, Sheep Lambs 46, Sheep Rams 8, Sheep Total 709, Goats Ewes 101, Goats Weathers 29, Goats Kids 16, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 150, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 7, Hogs Pigs 9, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 22, Horses Horses 7, Horses Mares 8, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 109, Poultry Ducks 40, Poultry Turkeys 40, Poultry Geese 4 Encreased: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 6, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 6, Sheep Ewes 0, Sheep Weathers 0, Sheep Lambs 48, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 48, Goats Ewes 0, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 24, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 24, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 16, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 16, Horses Horses 1, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 1, Poultry Fowls 65, Poultry Ducks 29, Poultry Turkeys 13, Poultry Geese 4 Total: Neat Cattle Bulls 8, Neat Cattle Cows 94, Neat Cattle Calves 58, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 6, Neat Cattle Steers 9, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 214, Sheep Ewes 261, Sheep Weathers 394, Sheep Lambs 94, Sheep Rams 8, Sheep Total 757, Goats Ewes 101, Goats Weathers 29, Goats Kids 40, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 174, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 7, Hogs Pigs 25, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 38, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 8, Horses Total 16, Poultry Fowls 174, Poultry Ducks 69, Poultry Turkeys 53, Poultry Geese 8 Killed: Neat Cattle Bulls 1, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 1, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 1, Neat Cattle Steers 2, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 5, Sheep Ewes 26, Sheep Weathers 98, Sheep Lambs 3, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 127, Goats Ewes 0, Goats Weathers 5, Goats Kids 6, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 11, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 3, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 3, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 24, Poultry Ducks 0, Poultry Turkeys 10, Poultry Geese 0 Dead: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 3, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 2, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 5, Sheep Ewes 36, Sheep Weathers 257, Sheep Lambs 0, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 293, Goats Ewes 4, Goats Weathers 2, Goats Kids 5, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 11, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 0, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 1, Horses Total 1, Poultry Fowls 11, Poultry Ducks 13, Poultry Turkeys 9, Poultry Geese 3 Remaining: Neat Cattle Bulls 7, Neat Cattle Cows 91, Neat Cattle Calves 57, Neat Cattle Yearlings 23, Neat Cattle Heifers 5, Neat Cattle Steers 7, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 204, Sheep Ewes 199, Sheep Weathers 39, Sheep Lambs 91, Sheep Rams 8, Sheep Total 337, Goats Ewes 97, Goats Weathers 22, Goats Kids 29, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 152, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 4, Hogs Pigs 25, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 35, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 139, Poultry Ducks 56, Poultry Turkeys 34, Poultry Geese 5 Changed the Specie: Neat Cattle Bulls 7, Neat Cattle Cows 91, Neat Cattle Calves 37, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 10, Neat Cattle Steers 20, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 204, Sheep Ewes 199, Sheep Weathers 39, Sheep Lambs 91, Sheep Rams 8, Sheep Total 337, Goats Ewes 97, Goats Weathers 26, Goats Kids 24, Goats Rams 5, Goats Total 152, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 12, Hogs Pigs 17, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 35, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 139, Poultry Ducks 56, Poultry Turkeys 34, Poultry Geese 5 Slaves Born 1 Girl Named Attes Frank 1 Boy Do. Jack Grantham 1 Do. Do. Bille Grantham Deceased Slaves 1 Woman Named Pullie 1 Do. Do. Daphina Yams Expended for the Slaves 41860 Do. Do. for the Stock 17800 Total 59660 Errors Excepted (signed) Danl. Corneille | The account of the Company's cattle and other stock from 1 July to 30 September 1773 read as follows. For each kind of animal it gave the number at the start of the quarter, the number born, the total, the number killed, the number that died and the number remaining at the end. A final figure gave the numbers remaining after young animals had been moved up into their next class by age. Cattle: Bulls: at start 8, born 0, total 8, killed 1, died 0, remaining 7, after regrading 7 Cows: at start 94, born 0, total 94, killed 0, died 3, remaining 91, after regrading 91 Calves: at start 52, born 6, total 58, killed 1, died 0, remaining 57, after regrading 37 Yearlings: at start 25, born 0, total 25, killed 0, died 2, remaining 23, after regrading 25 Heifers: at start 6, born 0, total 6, killed 1, died 0, remaining 5, after regrading 10 Steers: at start 9, born 0, total 9, killed 2, died 0, remaining 7, after regrading 20 Oxen: at start 14, born 0, total 14, killed 0, died 0, remaining 14, after regrading 14 All cattle: at start 208, born 6, total 214, killed 5, died 5, remaining 204, after regrading 204 Sheep: Ewes: at start 261, born 0, total 261, killed 26, died 36, remaining 199, after regrading 199 Wethers: at start 394, born 0, total 394, killed 98, died 257, remaining 39, after regrading 39 Lambs: at start 46, born 48, total 94, killed 3, died 0, remaining 91, after regrading 91 Rams: at start 8, born 0, total 8, killed 0, died 0, remaining 8, after regrading 8 All sheep: at start 709, born 48, total 757, killed 127, died 293, remaining 337, after regrading 337 Goats: Nanny goats: at start 101, born 0, total 101, killed 0, died 4, remaining 97, after regrading 97 Wether goats: at start 29, born 0, total 29, killed 5, died 2, remaining 22, after regrading 26 Kids: at start 16, born 24, total 40, killed 6, died 5, remaining 29, after regrading 24 Billy goats: at start 4, born 0, total 4, killed 0, died 0, remaining 4, after regrading 5 All goats: at start 150, born 24, total 174, killed 11, died 11, remaining 152, after regrading 152 Pigs: Sows: at start 4, born 0, total 4, killed 0, died 0, remaining 4, after regrading 4 Young pigs past weaning: at start 7, born 0, total 7, killed 3, died 0, remaining 4, after regrading 12 Piglets: at start 9, born 16, total 25, killed 0, died 0, remaining 25, after regrading 17 Boars: at start 2, born 0, total 2, killed 0, died 0, remaining 2, after regrading 2 All pigs: at start 22, born 16, total 38, killed 3, died 0, remaining 35, after regrading 35 Horses: Stallions and geldings: at start 7, born 1, total 8, killed 0, died 0, remaining 8, after regrading 8 Mares: at start 8, born 0, total 8, killed 0, died 1, remaining 7, after regrading 7 All horses: at start 15, born 1, total 16, killed 0, died 1, remaining 15, after regrading 15 Poultry: Fowls: at start 109, hatched 65, total 174, killed 24, died 11, remaining 139 Ducks: at start 40, hatched 29, total 69, killed 0, died 13, remaining 56 Turkeys: at start 40, hatched 13, total 53, killed 10, died 9, remaining 34 Geese: at start 4, hatched 4, total 8, killed 0, died 3, remaining 5 Slaves born: 1 girl, named Attes Frank 1 boy, named Jack Grantham 1 boy, named Bill Grantham Slaves who died: 1 woman, named Phillis 1 woman, named Daphne Yams used to feed the slaves, 41,860 Yams used to feed the stock, 17,800 Total yams used, 59,660 Daniel Corneille signed the account, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The flock of sheep collapsed during the quarter. Set against the account for April to June 1773, the number of sheep fell from 709 to 337, and almost all the loss fell on the wethers. In the spring quarter the Company had brought in 549 wethers, mostly Cape sheep bought from commanders such as Gore, Bull and Pearce, and 165 of them died then. In this quarter a further 257 died and 98 were killed, leaving only 39. The quarter covered the island's winter, July to September, when the uplands were cold and wet and the grass grew poorly. Sheep raised on the dry pastures of the Cape and weakened by the voyage could not survive it. The Company was buying sheep from passing ships faster than the island could keep them alive. This explains the Council's anxiety over grazing and water in the Long Wood. Corneille, who kept this account, had warned in August that cattle were being lost on the slope down to water in the valley. Over the same quarter the yams fed to stock rose from 13,600 to 17,800, while the slaves' ration fell slightly, from 44,835 to 41,860. In the winter months, with little grass, yams went to the animals as well as to the people. The doubled entries for "after regrading" were the account's way of moving calves into yearlings, kids into grown goats and so on as they aged. That is why the class figures change while the totals stay the same. | |
184 | 11th October Artillery Stores Expended in September 1773 Guns fired, 18 lbs., [...], 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder lb, Powder oz 10th An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs. 0, [...] 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 11th Do. at Turks Cap: Guns fired 2, 18 lbs. 0, [...] 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 2, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 4, Powder oz 0 Arrived a French Ship: Guns fired 7, 18 lbs. 0, [...] 0, 9 lbs. 3, 6 lbs. 4, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 11, Powder oz 0 Fired at Do.: Guns fired 1, 18 lbs. 1, [...] 1, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 7, Powder oz 0 15 Departed a French Ship: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs. 0, [...] 0, 9 lbs. 3, 6 lbs. 3, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 10, Powder oz 4 22 An Alarm for a French Ship no Salute: Guns fired 6, 18 lbs. 0, [...] 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 For Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 18 lbs. 0, [...] 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 147, Powder oz 10 Total: Guns fired 28, 18 lbs. 1, [...] 1, 9 lbs. 6, 6 lbs. 7, 4 lbs. 10, 3 lbs. 4, Powder lb 208, Powder oz 14 Paper 1½ Quires Match 1 lb. Tallow 52 Bees Wax 3½ Lead Ball ½ Spunge Staff No. 1 Do. Head 1 Rammer Do. 1 Sheep Skins 3 Trunk Nails 110 Vinegar Gallns. 1¼ (signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery. | The account of artillery stores used in September 1773 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. The column headings for the sizes of gun were left blank on this page. They have been supplied from the same account for earlier months, which listed eighteen-pounders, nine-pounders, six-pounders, four-pounders and three-pounders. One column, used only once, could not be matched to the earlier accounts. 10 September, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 11 September, alarm at Turk's Cap: 2 guns fired (2 four-pounders), 4 lb 0 oz of powder 11 September, arrival of a French ship: 7 guns fired (3 nine-pounders and 4 six-pounders), 11 lb 0 oz of powder 11 September, fired at the same French ship: 1 gun fired (1 eighteen-pounder and 1 [...]), 7 lb 0 oz of powder 15 September, departure of a French ship: 6 guns fired (3 nine-pounders and 3 six-pounders), 10 lb 4 oz of powder 22 September, alarm for a French ship, which gave no salute: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 147 lb 10 oz Totals: 28 guns fired, 1 eighteen-pounder, 1 [...], 6 nine-pounders, 7 six-pounders, 10 four-pounders, 4 three-pounders, 208 lb 14 oz of powder Small stores used: Paper, 1½ quires Slow match, 1 lb Tallow, 52 lb Beeswax, 3½ lb Lead ball, ½ lb Sponge staff, 1 Sponge head, 1 Rammer, 1 Sheepskins, 3 Trunk nails, 110 Vinegar, 1¼ gallons James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. Interpretations The gun fired at the French ship on 11 September 1773 stands out from the routine salutes. The heaviest gun on the battery was used, with a full charge of powder. The ship was the Sainte Anne from Mauritius, which arrived that day. A shot fired at an incoming vessel, usually across her bows, was the standard order to heave to, show her colours or salute the fort. Earlier in the year a French ship that came in without saluting received no salute in return. This time the forts enforced the courtesy, and once the ship had complied she was answered with the usual seven guns. The second French ship, the Boyne, came in on 22 September without saluting and was met only with the alarm guns. Turk's Cap was a lookout post on the island's eastern coast, above the bay of the same name. An alarm fired there with two small guns warned the posts inland that a ship was approaching from windward, where landings could be made away from Jamestown. | |
185 | 1773 Sundrys Expended at the Honorable Companys Table in September 1773. 58 Bottles Madeira £ 5 . 16 .. 20 Do. Port 1 . 10 .. 10 Do. Lisbon 15 .. 8 Do. Mountain 12 62 Do. Beer 11 . 7½ 18½ Galls. Arrack 2 . 15 . 6 200 lb. Mutton 4 . 3 . 4 5 Turkeys 1 . 5 .. 6 Fowls 9 .. 21 lb. Butter 1 . 1 .. 84 lb. Candy 2 . 2 .. 564 lb. Flour 4 . 14 .. 2 Lambs 1 .. .. 1 Kid 5 .. 2 Goats 1 .. .. 27 . 19 . 5½ Bought for the Table 184 lb. Beef 3 . 4 . 2 27 Fowls 2 .. 6 7 Ducks 10 . 6 2 Geese 10 . 4 Pigs 1 .. .. £ 7 . 5 . 2 We this day enlisted Walter Pritchard Seaman who staid here out of the French Ship La Boyne, to serve the Honorable Company as a Soldier for five Years, he being in want of Necessary's gave him five Pounds Bounty Money. | The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in September 1773 read as follows. 58 bottles of Madeira, £5 16s 0d 20 bottles of port, £1 10s 0d 10 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 15s 0d 8 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 12s 0d 62 bottles of beer, £0 11s 7¾d 18½ gallons of arrack, £2 15s 6d 200 lb of mutton, £4 3s 4d 5 turkeys, £1 5s 0d 6 fowls, £0 9s 0d 21 lb of butter, £1 1s 0d 84 lb of sugar candy, £2 2s 0d 564 lb of flour, £4 14s 0d 2 lambs, £1 0s 0d 1 kid, £0 5s 0d 2 goats, £1 0s 0d Total from the stores, £27 19s 5¾d Bought in for the table: 154 lb of beef, £3 4s 2d 27 fowls, £2 0s 6d 7 ducks, £0 10s 6d 2 geese, £0 10s 0d 4 pigs, £1 0s 0d Total bought in, £7 5s 2d The Council enlisted Walter Pritchard, a seaman who had stayed behind on the island from the French ship Boyne. He was to serve the Company as a soldier for five years. He had nothing to live on, so the Council gave him a bounty of £5 0s 0d. Interpretations The table account for September rose again although no Company ship called during the month. Madeira came to 58 bottles and arrack to 18½ gallons, against 41 bottles and 15½ gallons in August. The guests that month were the officers of the two French ships, the Sainte Anne and the Boyne. Courtesy between nations at peace required the Governor to entertain them, much as the forts returned their salutes. Mutton fell from 243 lb to 200 lb, and lamb and goat were served instead. That fits the stock account, which shows the flock of sheep halved in the same quarter. Walter Pritchard's bounty of £5 0s 0d matched John Thompson's in June rather than the £10 0s 0d paid to John McNab, the sailor the Council particularly wanted in May. The island took in men from every passing ship, British or foreign. A seaman who chose to stay behind from a French ship was as welcome a recruit as a deserter from Bengal. | |
186 | 11th October This day the Governor laid before the Board the following declarations of Several of the Artillery Men against Lt. Mason given to him by Captain Tippet. I John Fox do hereby declare that on Sunday the 26 day of September last being on Guard at Purlings Battery, was asked by Lt. Mason officer of the Guard to go with him on the fishing Rocks; and he (Lt. Mason) enquired of me about Captain Tippets Fowls at Ruperts if they were Game to which I replied I could not tell, Lt. Mason then said they were like my Captain all Cowards, at the same time Lieut. Mason sent for the Powder Horn and went on the Rocks a shooting which has been done by him several times and not knowing the expence of Powder hindered me from making a just report of Artillery Stores. (Signed) John Fox Corpl. I Peter Fox drummer do declare that being on Guard at Purlings Battery was told by Lt. Mason (Officer on Duty at this Guard) that Captain Tippet upheld the Artillery Company in all manner of impudence and that he got that poor fellow Parker punished Wrongfully for stealing his Tobacco, when he believed he never Stole any. (Signed) Peter Fox. I Thomas Price Corpl. being on Guard at Purlings Battery went on the Landing Rocks | Governor Skottowe laid before the Council several written statements made by men of the artillery against Lieutenant Mason. Captain Tippet had handed them to him. Corporal John Fox stated the following. On Sunday 26 September 1773 he was on guard at Purling's Battery. Lieutenant Mason, the officer of the guard, asked him to go with him onto the fishing rocks. Mason asked him whether Captain Tippet's fowls at Rupert's were game birds. Fox replied that he could not say. Mason then said that they were like his captain, all cowards. At the same time Mason sent for the powder horn and went shooting on the rocks. He had done this several times, and because Fox did not know how much powder was used, he could not make an accurate report of the artillery stores. Peter Fox, a drummer, stated the following. While he was on guard at Purling's Battery, Lieutenant Mason, the officer on duty there, told him that Captain Tippet supported the artillery company in every kind of insolence. Mason also told him that Tippet had wrongly had a poor man named Parker punished for stealing his tobacco, when Mason believed Parker had never stolen any. Corporal Thomas Price stated that while he was on guard at Purling's Battery, he went onto the landing rocks, as his statement went on to say. Interpretations The statements turned a quarrel between two officers into a charge before the Council. Mason was alleged to have spoken against his superior to the men under him, mocking Tippet as a coward and accusing him of punishing a soldier unjustly. Saying such things to the rank and file attacked the captain's authority over his company, which was a serious offence in any garrison. The charge about the powder horn was more practical. Mason was using the Company's powder for his own sport, and the corporal, unable to tell how much was used, could not keep the store account straight. That was the kind of loose control of stores the Court watched closely. "Game" fowls were fighting cocks, so the taunt about Tippet's birds at Rupert's carried a plain insult. The episode bears on the later history of the artillery company. Four years after these statements, its non-commissioned officers mutinied, and Tippet was dismissed by court martial. The Governor then blamed the company's misconduct on Tippet's failure to supervise and command it properly. In 1773 the men's statements were being used against a lieutenant who had criticised their captain, but they also show the company divided and its discipline already under strain. | |
187 | 1773 Rock to fish, on my Return missed the Powder Horn by enquiring heard Lt. Mason had got it on the Rocks a fowling on his return I asked him for it, but he denied to give it me saying he had not done with it, and took it with him a fowling in the Afternoon. (Signed) Thos. Price I Alexander Henderson do declare that on Sunday the 3rd of October Lt. Mason came to Purlings Battery on Duty; the same day I being Sentry from 10 to 12 Clock Lt. Mason came on my Post, and asked me to do an Act shocking to hear much more perform soon after I was relieved he (Lt. Mason) askes me to go on the landing Rock to catch some fish which I readily agreed to, as soon as we came on the Rock Lt. Mason said to me you belong to Tippets Company with the rest of the Fools & Blackguards for there is none else belongs to them. I then replied there was good and Bad in all the Companys and thought there was some as good in Captain Tippets Company as there was in any Company in the Garrison upon which he attempted to push me in the Sea, and, and did throw my Hat in for his Dog to Fetch out. On the 6th day of October As I was going to my Captain to make my Complaint Lt. Mason called me in his House and asked me if I had been with Capt. Tippet, I told him I had not, (he Lt. Mason) told me if I did not say any thing of the Affair and make it up he would give me a handsome present, to which I told Lt. Mason I would take no Bribe. Lt. Mason then swore By G—d he would make me severely repent when I did not think on it. Marked thus × by Alexr. Henderson Matross | Thomas Price's statement went on as follows. He went onto the landing rock to fish, and when he came back the powder horn was missing. He asked about it and heard that Lieutenant Mason had taken it onto the rocks to shoot birds. When Mason returned, Price asked him for it. Mason refused to give it back, saying he had not finished with it, and took it out shooting again in the afternoon. Price signed the statement. Alexander Henderson, a matross, stated the following. On Sunday 3 October 1773 Lieutenant Mason came on duty at Purling's Battery. Henderson was on sentry that day from ten until twelve o'clock. Mason came to his post and asked him to do something that Henderson described as shocking even to hear of, let alone to do. Soon after Henderson was relieved, Mason asked him to go onto the landing rock to catch some fish, and Henderson readily agreed. As soon as they reached the rock, Mason told him that he belonged to Tippet's company along with the rest of the fools and blackguards, since no one else would have them. Henderson replied that every company had good and bad men in it, and that Captain Tippet's company had men as good as any in the garrison. Mason then tried to push him into the sea, and threw his hat into the water for his dog to fetch. Later on 3 October 1773, as Henderson was going to his captain to complain, Mason called him into his house. He asked whether Henderson had been with Captain Tippet. Henderson said he had not. Mason then told him that if he said nothing about the matter and let it drop, he would give him a handsome present. Henderson replied that he would take no bribe. Mason then swore by God that he would make Henderson bitterly regret it when he least expected it. Henderson could not write and made his mark on the statement. Interpretations Henderson's statement raised the case far above a quarrel over insults. Price and the two Foxes described a junior officer who mocked his captain and misused the Company's powder. Henderson described an officer who made an improper approach to a sentry on duty, insulted him, tried to push him into the sea and then offered him a bribe to stay silent, followed by a threat when he refused. An attempt to buy off a witness was among the most serious charges that could be laid against an officer, since it struck at the whole process of military justice. Henderson's refusal, recorded in his own words, made him the key witness. The case shows how evidence against an officer reached the Council. Tippet gathered statements from his own men and gave them to the Governor, who laid them before the Council. The men were Tippet's own corporals, drummer and matross, and Mason's alleged words were aimed at Tippet himself. That gave the Council reason to weigh the statements carefully. A captain collecting complaints against a lieutenant who had called him a coward had his own interest in the outcome. Henderson's account, however, contained a specific attempt at bribery that the others did not need to confirm. | |
188 | 11th October I Thomas Alesworth Matross do declare that I did see Corpl. Walter take 2 Cartridges of Powder (by the size they were either 18 or 24 lb.) out of the Magazine at Purlings Battery and carry them to the Fort saying they were for Lt. Mason upon which I watched him and see him Walter carry them into Mr. Masons House and return without them thinking then it was by the Captains Order, but hearing a report spread that the Powder was short at that Post, thought it my duty to make it known to my Captain at another time being on Guard there with Lt. Mason and Walter; see Walter take some signal Cartridges to go a shooting with Lt. Mason. Marked thus × by Thos. Alesworth. Upon Considering the above declarations, we determined to Order a General Court Martial to be held on Thursday next to try Lt. Mason, on the Following Crime. For making Use of the Honorable Companys Powder, when Officer of the Guard at Banks's, and speaking in a very free and undecent manner to several men of the said Guard unbecoming the Character of an Officer and a Gentleman. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Thomas Alesworth, a matross, stated the following. He saw Corporal Walter take two cartridges of powder out of the magazine at Purling's Battery. Judging by their size, they were for 18-pounder or 24-pounder guns. Walter carried them to the fort, saying they were for Lieutenant Mason. Alesworth followed him and saw him carry them into Mason's house and come out without them. At the time he thought this was done on the captain's orders. When he later heard it said that powder was missing at that post, he thought it his duty to tell his captain. On another occasion, when Alesworth was on guard there with Mason and Walter, he saw Walter take some signal cartridges to go shooting with Mason. Alesworth could not write and made his mark on the statement. Having considered the statements, the Council decided to order a general court martial to sit on Thursday 14 October 1773 to try Lieutenant Mason. The charge was that, while officer of the guard at Banks's, he had used the Company's powder for his own purposes and had spoken to several men of the guard in a loose and improper way, unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The charge the Council framed was narrower than the evidence. It named the misuse of powder and improper language to the men. It did not mention the improper approach Henderson described, the attempt to push him into the sea, or the bribe and the threat that followed. The Council probably chose the charges it could prove most easily, those supported by several witnesses who agreed with one another. The powder could be checked against the store accounts, and the insults to Tippet had been heard by more than one man. A single matross's word on a bribe offered in private was harder to sustain against an officer. The charge placed the offences at Banks's, while the statements spoke of Purling's Battery. The two were probably neighbouring posts covering the same stretch of coast north-east of Jamestown, under one officer of the guard. Alesworth's evidence also widened the matter beyond shooting. Two full cartridges for the heaviest guns, carried to Mason's own house, was not sport but the removal of the Company's powder to a private dwelling. That was why it reached the charge sheet ahead of everything else. | |
189 | 15th October At a Consultation held on Friday the 15th day of October 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 11 October 1773. The General Court Martial held by order of a Warrant from the Governor and Council on thursday the 14 Instant being laid before the Board by the Governor on the evening of same Day, The same was taken under Consideration, and to their great surprise find that the said General Court Martial was held without any Judge Advocate properly appointed and Authorised by Us (the Judge Advocate of the Garrison Mr. Congreve being sick and unable to attend) and a Sergeant in the Garrison officiating in his room by whose or what Authority Messrs. Corneille, Purling & Bazett, are entirely ignorant of, from which circumstance they deem the said Court Martial Illegal therefore could not sign the same; The Governor in answer to the Gentlemen of the Board, offer his reasons to them how that mistake arose, which are as follows viz. That on Wednesday the 13th Instant in the evening Mr. Roberts Town Adjutant informing him that the Judge Advocate was ill and unable to attend the General Court Martial the next day, the Governor then directed him to acquaint Captn. Solomon St. Maurice who was ordered President of said General Court Martial. | The Council met at the Castle on Friday 15 October 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 11 October 1773 were read, approved and signed. On the evening of 14 October 1773 the Governor laid before the Council the proceedings of the general court martial. It had sat that day under a warrant from the Governor and Council. On examining the proceedings, Corneille, Purling and Bazett were greatly surprised to find that the court had sat without a properly appointed and authorised judge advocate. The garrison's judge advocate, Mr Congreve, had been ill and unable to attend, and a sergeant of the garrison had acted in his place. The three councillors did not know on whose authority the sergeant had acted. For this reason they considered the court martial unlawful and refused to sign its proceedings. The Governor answered by explaining how the mistake had come about. On the evening of Wednesday 13 October 1773, Mr Roberts, the town adjutant, told him that the judge advocate was ill and could not attend the court martial the next day. The Governor then told Roberts to inform Captain Solomon St Maurice, who had been appointed president of the court martial, as his explanation went on to say. Interpretations The councillors' objection struck at the validity of the whole trial. The judge advocate conducted the prosecution, advised the court on the law and swore in its members and witnesses. Without one appointed under proper authority, the court had no lawful standing, and any verdict on Lieutenant Mason could be overturned. A sergeant was a subordinate soldier, and having one stand in for the judge advocate at the trial of an officer was plainly irregular. By refusing to sign, three of the four councillors kept the proceedings from going to the Court with their approval. That left the Governor, who had arranged the substitution, to account for it. The episode also shows how thinly the island's offices were spread. John Congreve served as both judge advocate and schoolmaster, so his illness left the garrison's courts without their legal officer, and no deputy existed to take his place. The same man was later criticised by the Council, after his death in 1777, as barely able to write or spell. | |
190 | 15 October that the Judge Advocate was ill and therefore desired him to get Mr. Mahony Clerk of the Peace to Officiate in his room, and acknowledges he committed an error in not recolecting the necessity in this case of some one Person being appointed by the Board to act as such, after having had the proper Warrant for doing so, his mistake arose from apprehending that the Oath as prescribed in the Articles of War, for the Judge Advocate to take at the General Court was sufficient for that purpose. In Consequence of the reasons which the Governor has Ingenuously offered to the Board in taking the error solly upon himself it is our Unanimous opinion that the said General Court Martial has been Illegally held, therefore cannot subject the Prisoner to the sentence passed upon him by the said General Court Martial, and as the Prisoner has stood his trial, Yet from an error, which we consider as invalidating the whole, apprehend that it is contrary to the act of Parliment made and provided for Mutiny and desertion, to order Lieut. Richard Mason to stand another General Court Martial. Notwithstanding We cannot sign the said General Court Martial from the reasons above assigned by Us, Yet we think it highly incumbent on Us to enter the proceedings of said General Court Martial in this days Consultation, which are as follow. Island St. Helena 14th October 1773 A General Court Martial held by Virtue of a Warrant from the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. &c. Council Captain Solomon St. Maurice President Lt. Thos. Bazett Lt. Shirtley Lt. John Bazett Lt. Leech Lt. Statham Lt. Gurling Members | The Governor had told Roberts to inform Captain St Maurice that the judge advocate was ill, and to ask Mr Mahony, the Clerk of the Peace, to act in his place. The Governor admitted his error in forgetting that, in this case, the Council itself had to appoint someone to act, and then issue the proper warrant. His mistake came from believing that the oath laid down in the Articles of War for the judge advocate, taken before the court, was enough for the purpose. The Governor had frankly taken the whole error on himself. On his explanation, the Council agreed unanimously that the general court martial had been held unlawfully. It could not, therefore, hold the prisoner to the sentence the court had passed on him. The prisoner had nonetheless stood his trial. The error had invalidated the whole proceeding, but the Council believed it would be contrary to the Act of Parliament for punishing mutiny and desertion to order Lieutenant Richard Mason to stand trial before another general court martial. Although the Council could not sign the proceedings for these reasons, it thought it its clear duty to enter them in that day's consultation. They read as follows. A general court martial was held at St Helena on 14 October 1773 under a warrant from Governor Skottowe and the Council. Its members were: Captain Solomon St Maurice, president Lieutenant Thomas Bazett Lieutenant Shirtley Lieutenant John Bazett Lieutenant Leech Lieutenant Statham Lieutenant Gurling Interpretations The Council's ruling left Mason in an unusual position. The court's verdict and sentence could not stand because no lawfully appointed judge advocate had sat. Yet the Council refused to order a second trial. The Mutiny Act, under which the Company's troops were governed, held that no man should be tried twice for the same offence. Mason had already been arraigned, heard and sentenced, so the Council would not put him in jeopardy a second time, even though the first trial had been void. The obvious course was simply to convene a fresh court with a proper judge advocate. The Council rejected it on principle, and the cost was that whatever Mason had done went unpunished through the Governor's own procedural slip. Entering the proceedings in full, while refusing to sign them, served a further purpose. The Court in London would see exactly what evidence had been heard and what sentence had been passed. It could then judge the case and the Governor's error for itself. The members of the court were the island's own lieutenants. Several of them, Shirtley, Statham and Gurling, were the officers whose disputed seniority the Council had referred to London that summer. Leech was the officer whose transfer to the artillery had been sweetened with a promise about his later promotion. | |
191 | 1773 The Court being duly Sworn by taking the Oaths prescribed in the first Article of the tenth Section and the twentieth Article of the twelfth Section of the Articles of War Lieut. Richard Mason brought Prisoner before the Court and accused for making use of the Honorable Companys Powder when Officer of the Guard at Purlings Battery, and speaking in a very free and indecent manner to several Men of the said Guard unbecoming the Character of an Officer and a Gentleman. Captain James Tippet being duly Sworn, deposeth that respecting Lieut. Masons branding him with the Appellation of Coward, gives him the smallest concern, his whole Conduct bearing Witness to the Contrary. Lieut. Mason sending for the Powder Horn is a point left wholly to the Court to Determine, whether or not an officer on the Honorable Companys Service on Guard has a right to make any use of or to demand a Powder Horn in order to go a Shooting. The following Charges are such as he can by no means say any thing Concerning except that the good Order of the Artillery Company being censured gives him some share of uneasiness and in respect of the deficiency of Powder at Purlings Battery, however that deficiency may have came about, he knows not, the Corporal mentioned by Name Walter, the Gentlemen of the Court well knows is at this time Discharged the Honble. Companys Service & therefore not likely to be answerable for any defaults from time to time committed by him when a Servant of the Honble. Companys. Thomas Alesworth Matross being duly sworn deposeth, That about eighteen Months ago (to the best of his knowledge) when Corporal Walter was on Guard at Purlings Battery he being on the said Guard he saw Walter | The members of the court were sworn, taking the oaths laid down in the first article of the tenth section and the twentieth article of the twelfth section of the Articles of War. Lieutenant Richard Mason was brought before the court as a prisoner. He was charged with using the Company's powder while officer of the guard at Purling's Battery, and with speaking to several men of the guard in a loose and improper way, unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman. Captain James Tippet was sworn and gave evidence. He said that Mason calling him a coward troubled him very little, since his whole conduct showed the opposite. Whether an officer of the Company on guard had any right to use a powder horn, or to demand one to go shooting, was a question he left entirely to the court. On the further charges he could say almost nothing. He admitted only that criticism of the good order of the artillery company gave him some unease. As to the shortage of powder at Purling's Battery, he did not know how it had come about. The court was well aware that the corporal named, Walter, had since been discharged from the Company's service. Walter could therefore hardly be held to account for any faults he had committed while in its service. Thomas Alesworth, a matross, was sworn and gave evidence. To the best of his knowledge, about 18 months earlier, Corporal Walter was on guard at Purling's Battery while Alesworth was on the same guard, and he saw Walter, as his evidence went on to say. Interpretations Tippet's evidence did little to support the charges built on his own men's statements. He brushed aside the insult, would not say whether shooting with a powder horn was an offence, and could not account for the missing powder. Most damaging to the prosecution was his remark about Corporal Walter. Walter had carried the cartridges to Mason's house, but he had since been discharged and could not be called. The chain linking the missing powder to Mason now rested on a matross's memory of events a year and a half old. Alesworth's own date, about 18 months earlier, also weakened the charge, since the warrant tied the misuse of powder to Mason's recent duty as officer of the guard. The captain's restraint may reflect his awkward position. The statements had been gathered from his company and passed to the Governor by him, and they centred on Mason's contempt for him. Pressing the case hard in court would have looked like a personal quarrel pursued through the garrison's justice. | |
192 | 15 October Walter go into the Magazine and take two Eighteen pound Cartridges as near as he can guess by the size of them and put them into his Palampore and carried them down to the lower Guard and there left them till the Guard was relieved, after the Guard was relieved the said Walter brought the two Cartridges to the Fort, took them out of his Palampore and put them into a Handkerchief, after that he brought them down the Valley and then carried them to Mr. Masons house, which he the said Alesworth saw, and then came out without any thing in his hands, but did not see Walter deliver the Powder to any Person. The said Alesworth further saith that when Lieut. Mason and Walter has been on Guard at Purlings Battery that he has seen them several times take Powder out of the Powder Horn and likewise Signal Cartridges to go a Shooting with, he further saith that Lieut. Mason was not on Guard when Walter brought the two Cartridges to the Fort. The above Evidence being asked by the Court whether he could bring any Witness to prove the above Deposition he answered in the Negative. John Fox Corporal being called Lieut. Mason made an Objection to his taking an Oath, on Account of his being a Deserter, but the Court is of Opinion that as the said Fox has behaved as a Good Soldier whilst in the Honble. Companys Service have therefore thought proper to give him his Oath. John Fox being duly sworn Deposeth that Lieut. Mason went on Guard at Purlings Battery on Sunday the 26 day of September last, and that he the said Fox, was on the said Guard as Corporal of Artillery. Lieut. Mason asked him to go down on the Rocks, who told him he would if he pleased he asked Fox for the Powder horn, who told him it was in the Guard Room, Lieut. Mason then told Corporal Johnson to fetch it out of the Guard Room and to bring it down to him on the Rocks. that he carried down, and Lt. Mason then | Alesworth went on to say that he saw Walter go into the magazine and take out two cartridges, which he judged from their size to be for 18-pounders. Walter put them into his palampore and carried them down to the lower guard, where he left them until the guard was relieved. After the relief, Walter brought the two cartridges to the fort, took them out of the palampore and wrapped them in a handkerchief. He then carried them down the valley to Mr Mason's house. Alesworth saw him go in and come out with nothing in his hands, but did not see him give the powder to anyone. Alesworth added that when Mason and Walter were on guard together at Purling's Battery, he had several times seen them take powder from the powder horn, and signal cartridges as well, to go shooting. He further stated that Mason was not on guard when Walter brought the two cartridges to the fort. The court asked Alesworth whether he could produce any witness to confirm his evidence. He said he could not. Corporal John Fox was then called. Mason objected to his being sworn on the ground that Fox was a deserter. The court decided that, since Fox had behaved as a good soldier while in the Company's service, it was proper to swear him. John Fox was sworn and gave evidence. On Sunday 26 September 1773 Mason went on guard at Purling's Battery, where Fox was serving as corporal of artillery. Mason asked Fox to go down onto the rocks with him, and Fox agreed. Mason asked him for the powder horn, and Fox said it was in the guard room. Mason then told Corporal Johnson to fetch it from the guard room and bring it down to him on the rocks. Johnson carried it down, and Mason then, as the evidence went on to say. Interpretations Alesworth's evidence under oath undid the most serious part of the powder charge. He saw the cartridges go into Mason's house, but not into Mason's hands, and he now admitted that Mason was not even on guard when Walter carried them up. With Walter discharged and no other witness, the court had only an unsupported account of a corporal taking powder to an officer's house while the officer was elsewhere. That fell well short of proof that Mason had used the Company's powder. A palampore was a large printed or painted cotton cloth from India, used as a bedcover or hanging. Soldiers often owned one and used it as a wrap or bundle. Carrying cartridges hidden in it and then in a handkerchief suggests Walter was trying to keep the powder out of sight. Mason's objection to Fox shows him using every procedural point available. Deserters were often barred from giving evidence on oath, since a man who had broken his engagement could not be trusted to keep his oath. The court set the rule aside on the strength of Fox's good conduct since joining the Company. Fox was probably one of the deserters from other armies whom the island regularly took into its garrison. | |
193 | 1773 then made use of some of the Powder which was in it but cannot tell the quantity, in returning to the Guard from the Rocks, Lieut. Mason asked him if Captain Tippet had many Cocks at Ruperts, who told him no that there was very few there, his Servant George Charriott asked Fox if they were all Game who told Charriott that he did not know whether they were or not, Lieut. Mason then made answer that he supposed they were like Captain Tippet, all Cowards, Lieut. Mason then asked Fox if Mr. Robert ever shaved him, he then told him he could not recollect whether he had or not, Lieut. Mason then told Lt. Corporal Johnson that he was like his Master, and asked him whether he would lain his Bitch. The above Evidence being asked whether Mr. Mason spoke the above words in Jest or earnestly replied he could not tell. Peter Fox Drummer in the Artillery Company being duly sworn Deposeth that being on Guard at Purlings Battery with Lieut. Mason the last time he Fox was there, that he heard Lieut. Mason say that Captain Tippet upheld the Artillery Company in all manner of Wickedness, he likewise heard him say that John Parker a Matross was punished wrongfully and that he believed that the said Parker did not steal any Tobacco from Captain Tippet. Thomas Price Corporal in the Artillery Company being duly sworn deposeth, that he being on Guard at Purlings Battery about six Weeks ago, he went upon the Landing Rock to go a fishing, and stayed there some time, when he returned to the Guard he missed the Powder Horn from the usual Place, where it hung in the Guard Room he then enquired of the Men upon Guard where it was, that Dawson and John Anderson Matrosses told him that Lieut. Mason had sent for it, he further says that Lt. Mason who | Fox continued that Mason then used some of the powder in the horn, though Fox could not say how much. On the way back from the rocks to the guard, Mason asked him whether Captain Tippet had many cocks at Rupert's. Fox said there were very few there. Mason's servant, George Chariott, asked Fox whether they were all game birds, and Fox told him he did not know. Mason then said he supposed they were like Captain Tippet, all cowards. Mason next asked Fox whether Mr Robert had ever shaved him, and Fox said he could not remember. Mason then told Corporal Johnson that he was like his master and asked whether he would lend him his bitch. The court asked Fox whether Mason had spoken these words in jest or in earnest. Fox said he could not tell. Peter Fox, a drummer in the artillery company, was sworn and gave evidence. The last time he was on guard at Purling's Battery with Mason, he heard Mason say that Captain Tippet backed the artillery company in every kind of wickedness. He also heard Mason say that John Parker, a matross, had been wrongly punished, and that he believed Parker had never stolen any tobacco from Captain Tippet. Thomas Price, a corporal in the artillery company, was sworn and gave evidence. About six weeks earlier, while on guard at Purling's Battery, he went onto the landing rock to fish and stayed there for some time. When he came back to the guard, the powder horn was missing from its usual place on its hook in the guard room. He asked the men on guard where it was, and Dawson and John Anderson, both matrosses, told him that Mason had sent for it. Price further said that Mason, as his evidence went on to say. Interpretations John Fox's admission that he could not tell whether Mason spoke in jest or in earnest went to the heart of the second charge. Words about a captain's fighting cocks, and coarse remarks to a corporal, might be ugly but harmless banter on a lonely guard post. Spoken in earnest to the men under Tippet's command, the same words undermined his authority over them. By leaving the question open, the witness gave the court room to treat the remarks as loose talk rather than a deliberate attack on discipline. Peter Fox's evidence was harder to explain away. A claim that the captain had a matross punished for a theft he never committed was a direct charge of injustice, made to a drummer of the same company. The powder evidence, by contrast, was now consistent but small. Several men agreed that Mason had sent for the guard's powder horn and fired some of it on the rocks. What was proved was a shooting officer's misuse of a horn of powder, not the carrying off of heavy cartridges to his house. | |
194 | 15th October was gone a shooting with his Servant and taken the Powder horn with them, about an hour after, he saw them return, and then went and asked Lieut. Mason for the Powder Horn, who asked Price what he wanted with it, he then told him he wanted to hanged it up in its proper place, Lieut. Mason then told him he had not done with it, who then answered it is very well Sir, That after dinner the same afternoon Mr. Mason and his Servant went from the Guard with a Gun up the Gut, and stayed about an hour or an hour and a half and then returned to the Guard, that Price then went out and saw the Powder horn laying in the Officers Guard room Window, and took it from thence and hung it up on its proper place. The above Evidence being asked by the Court whether Lieut. Mason used any of the Powder, he answered in the Negative. Alexander Henderson being duly Sworn Deposeth, That Lieut. Mason came to Purlings Battery on Sunday the 3 Instant, and went down on the Landing Rock to go a fishing than desired that the above Henderson should be called to go with him, he then passed from one Rock to a nother and made several pushes to push the said Henderson in to the Water, he then wanted him to carry him over to another Rock, but he answered that they should both fall and get Wet. Lieut. Mason then made several offers with his Cane to push him in, and then desired that he would not push him in as he could not swim, when they came on the other side Lieut. Mason took Hendersons hat and threw it into the Sea, Henderson then told him if he lost his Hat, that he must take his Gold Laced Hat, who then sent his Dog into the Sea and fetched it out again, After which Lieut. Mason pushed Henderson into a small Pond of Water on the Rocks and at the same time | Price went on to say that Mason had gone shooting with his servant and taken the powder horn with them. About an hour later Price saw them come back. He sent to Mason for the powder horn, and Mason asked what he wanted it for. Price said he wanted to hang it up in its proper place. Mason told him he had not finished with it, and Price replied that this was quite all right. After dinner that same afternoon, Mason and his servant left the guard with a gun and went up the gut. They stayed out for an hour or an hour and a half and then came back to the guard. Price then went out and saw the powder horn lying in the window of the officers' guard room. He took it from there and hung it up in its proper place. The court asked Price whether Mason had used any of the powder. He said he had not seen him do so. Alexander Henderson was sworn and gave evidence. On Sunday 3 October 1773 Mason came to Purling's Battery and went down onto the landing rock to fish. He sent for Henderson to go with him. Mason then moved from one rock to another and made several attempts to push Henderson into the water. He wanted Henderson to carry him over to another rock, but Henderson answered that they would both fall in and get wet. Mason then made several feints with his cane as if to push him in. Henderson asked him not to, since he could not swim. When they reached the other side, Mason took Henderson's hat and threw it into the sea. Henderson told him that if he lost his hat, he would have to take Mason's gold-laced hat instead. Mason then sent his dog into the sea, and it brought the hat back. After that, Mason pushed Henderson into a small pool of water on the rocks and at the same time hurt his thigh. Interpretations Price's evidence completed the picture of the powder horn and also showed how little it amounted to. Mason took the guard's horn out shooting twice in one day and kept it from the corporal responsible for it, which showed contempt for the routine of the post. Yet Price, the man in charge of the horn, could not say that any powder had actually been used. The charge of misusing the Company's powder now rested on John Fox's statement that Mason fired some of it on 26 September. Henderson's account of the rocks showed horseplay that became bullying. An officer pushing a man who could not swim towards the sea, throwing his hat into the water and finally shoving him into a pool, hard enough to bruise him, was abuse of a soldier on duty. His quick remark that Mason would owe him a gold-laced hat showed some spirit in a matross facing his officer. None of this appeared in the charge, yet it set the scene for the bribe and the threat that followed when Henderson tried to complain. | |
195 | 1773 time hurt his thigh which was sore for two Days afterwards, Lieut. Mason then went up to the Guard and Henderson went to the Lower Guard room, some time after Henderson was Centry on the upper Battery, and Lieut. Mason told him, that he had brought Wife over for him, who told him he was very glad to hear it, and asked him where she was, Lieut. Mason then called his Bitch and told him he might go and Fuck her, Henderson then walked on one side and made no answer, some time afterwards when he was Centry he called Harper a Drummer of the said Guard and heard Lieut. Mason ask him to Lain his Bitch. The above Evidence being asked by the Court whether he thought the Prisoner was in jest or earnest at the time he spoke the above Words, he replyed in the Negative. Henderson further saith that he came to the Fort and made his complaint to Captain Tippet when he came off Guard and Lieut. Mason saw him as he was coming down and called him and took him thro' the Entry into the Yard of his own House, and asked him if he had been to Captn. Tippet who told him no, Lieut. Mason then told him he was very sorry for what he said at Banks's and that he would make him recompence, if he would not make a Complaint about it; Henderson then told him he would take no bribe, as he came down with an intention to make his complaint; Lieut. Mason then answered and swore By God he would make him repent it when he did not think of it, he desired Lieut. Mason to remember he thirtened him. John Harper Drummer in the fourth Company being duly sworn Deposeth, That on the 30th day of last September he went on Guard at Purlings Battery, and on Sunday the 3 day of October Lieut. Mason came on Guard to the said Place about three quarters of an hour after he came there Lieut. Mason Asked him if he would Lain his Bitch but he made no answer to the Question asked. | Henderson went on to say that this treatment hurt his thigh, which stayed sore for two days. Mason then went up to the guard, and Henderson went to the lower guard room. Some time later, while Henderson was on sentry on the upper battery, Mason told him that he had brought a wife over for him. Henderson said he was very glad to hear it and asked where she was. Mason then called his dog, a bitch, and told Henderson that he might go and have sex with her. Henderson walked aside and made no answer. Later, while still on sentry, he called Harper, a drummer of the same guard, and heard Mason ask Harper to lend him his bitch. The court asked Henderson whether he thought the prisoner had been speaking in jest or in earnest when he used these words. He would not say that it was either. Henderson further stated that when he came off guard, he went to the fort to complain to Captain Tippet. Mason saw him coming down, called to him and took him through the entrance into the yard of his own house. He asked whether Henderson had been to Captain Tippet, and Henderson said he had not. Mason then said he was very sorry for what he had said at Banks's and that he would make it up to him if he did not complain about it. Henderson told him he would take no bribe, since he had come down meaning to make his complaint. Mason answered with an oath that he would make Henderson regret it when he least expected it. Henderson asked Mason to remember that he had threatened him. John Harper, a drummer in the Fourth Company, was sworn and gave evidence. On 30 September 1773 he went on guard at Purling's Battery. On Sunday 3 October 1773 Mason came on guard there, and about three quarters of an hour after arriving he asked Harper whether he would lend him his bitch. Harper gave no answer to the question. Interpretations Henderson's sworn evidence made plain what his written statement had only hinted at as "shocking even to hear". The approach was an obscene taunt rather than a direct proposal, and the witness could not say whether it was meant as a joke. That uncertainty weakened the case on indecent language, as it had with Fox. Harper's evidence matched Henderson's on the remark about lending a bitch, the one detail on which two witnesses now agreed. It showed Mason using the same coarse words to more than one man. The bribe was a different matter. Henderson repeated under oath his account of being drawn into Mason's yard, offered compensation and then threatened. He added the telling detail that he asked Mason to remember he had threatened him, putting the threat on record at the time. Though this charge did not appear on the warrant, it was the most damaging evidence before the court. An officer who tried to buy a soldier's silence and then threatened him confirmed, more than any careless words, that he knew his conduct would not bear scrutiny. | |
196 | 15th October The above Evidence being asked whether Lieut. Mason asked him the above Question more than once that day, he replyed that he asked him twice to the best of his knowledge, but that he spoke the above words only in Joke. Lieut. Mason being called upon to make his Defence, saith, that as to making use of the Honorable Companys Powder at any time, he did not any further than borrowing some from the Non Commissioned Officers of Artillery at Purlings Battery, and returning to them the same quantity again. Corporal Fox being called as a Witness deposeth that he never knew any to be borrowed or returned by Lieut. Mason. Corpl. Price being called as a Witness Deposeth that Lieut. Mason, being on Guard at Purlings Battery about eight or nine Weeks ago he asked Price to give a Charge or two of Powder who gave him a little, but does not know of any being returned. Serg. John Turner being called as a Witness (being duly sworn) Deposeth that being on Guard at Purlings Battery with Lieut. Mason, that Lieut. Mason asked him to lend him a little Powder which he did, and Lieut. Mason returned [...] same quantity to him again. Lieut. Mason further saith, that the reason why he called Sergeant Turner was because he asked him for some and he denyed him the first time, but when he lent him some he called him to see that he returned him the same quantity which he took out of the Powder horn, but as the other two never deny'd him, he did not think it necessary for them to see him return it in. Sergeant Wood being duly sworn deposeth that he has been on Guard at Purlings Battery several times | The court asked Harper whether Mason had put the question to him more than once that day. Harper said that, as far as he knew, Mason asked him twice, but that he spoke the words only in jest. Mason was called on to make his defence. He said that he had never used the Company's powder except by borrowing some from the artillery's non-commissioned officers at Purling's Battery and returning the same amount to them. Corporal Fox was called as a witness. He said he had never known Mason to borrow or return any powder. Corporal Price was called as a witness. He said that about eight or nine weeks earlier, while Mason was on guard at Purling's Battery, Mason asked him for a charge or two of powder. Price gave him a little, but knew of none being returned. Sergeant John Turner was called and sworn as a witness. He said that while he was on guard at Purling's Battery with Mason, Mason asked him to lend him a little powder. Turner did so, and Mason returned the same amount to him. Mason further stated why he had called Sergeant Turner. Turner had refused him the first time he asked for powder. When Turner did lend him some, Mason called him over to watch him put back the same amount he had taken from the powder horn. The two corporals had never refused him, so he had not thought it necessary for them to see him return it. Sergeant Wood was sworn and gave evidence. He said he had been on guard at Purling's Battery several times, as his evidence went on to say. Interpretations Mason's defence turned the powder charge into a matter of borrowing. He did not deny taking powder from the guard. He claimed that he had only borrowed it from the non-commissioned officers and always paid it back. Turner's evidence supported him on one occasion. Fox and Price, however, knew of no powder ever being returned to them. Mason's explanation for the difference was that he had made a point of repaying only the man who had once refused him, which tended to confirm that the corporals' powder was not repaid. Harper's answer, that Mason spoke in jest, helped the defence on the charge of indecent language. Together with John Fox's and Henderson's uncertainty about whether the words were meant seriously, it left the court with coarse talk that the men themselves would not call earnest. | |
197 | 1773 times with Lieut. Mason but that he never saw Corpl. Walter give Lieut. Mason any Powder while he was on Guard. Corporal Johnson being duly sworn deposeth that being on Guard at Purlings Battery with Lieut. Mason, he carried the Powder Horn down to the Rocks with Lieut. Mason, and that he made use of some of the Powder to shoot with but cannot tell the quantity, some time after being on the upper Battery Lieut. Mason asked Corpl. Johnson whether he would Lain his Bitch and that he was like his Master but took him to be in jest when he asked him that Question, and further says that he does not remember any further Circumstances relating to Corporal Fox's Deposition. Thomas Berwick being duly sworn saith that he never heard Lieut. Mason say any thing concerning Parker a Matross relative to not stealing Captain Tippets Tobacco as Deposed by Peter Fox Drummer. George Charriot being duly sworn Deposeth that Lieut. Mason went on Guard at Purlings Battery on the 26 of September last and he Charriott went with him, about an hour and a half after their arrival at the Guard, Lieut. Mason asked Corpl. Fox if he would go to the fishing Rocks, he replyed that he would, Lieut. Mason then asked Fox to lend him the Powder Horn who answered Yes, Charriott being further asked by the Court, whether he asked Corpl. Fox if Captains Cocks were all game, he positively deny's ever hearing any Discourse concerning any Fowls. Lieut. Mason being further on his Defence saith, that he might be joking with the People on Guard at Purlings Battery, but does not remember Speaking any bad words to disgrace any one of the Guard. | Sergeant Wood said that he had been on guard at Purling's Battery several times with Mason, but had never seen Corporal Walter give Mason any powder while he was on guard. Corporal Johnson was sworn and gave evidence. While on guard at Purling's Battery with Mason, he carried the powder horn down to the rocks for him. Mason used some of the powder to shoot with, but Johnson could not say how much. Some time later, on the upper battery, Mason asked Johnson whether he would lend him his bitch and said he was like his master. Johnson took him to be joking when he asked it. He could remember nothing more bearing on Corporal Fox's evidence. Thomas Berwick was sworn and said that he had never heard Mason say anything about Parker, a matross, not having stolen Captain Tippet's tobacco, as Peter Fox the drummer had stated. George Chariott was sworn and gave evidence. On 26 September 1773 Mason went on guard at Purling's Battery, and Chariott went with him. About an hour and a half after they reached the guard, Mason asked Corporal Fox whether he would go to the fishing rocks, and Fox said he would. Mason then asked Fox to lend him the powder horn, and Fox agreed. The court also asked Chariott whether he had asked Fox if the captain's cocks were all game birds. He flatly denied ever hearing any talk about fowls. Mason, continuing his defence, said that he might have joked with the men on guard at Purling's Battery. He did not, however, remember saying anything offensive meant to disgrace any member of the guard. Interpretations The defence witnesses steadily weakened the prosecution. Sergeant Wood undercut Alesworth's account of Walter carrying powder to Mason. Johnson confirmed that Mason fired the guard's powder but thought his coarse remarks were a joke. Berwick contradicted Peter Fox on the claim about Parker and the tobacco. Chariott flatly denied the exchange about Tippet's cocks, though as Mason's own servant his denial carried less weight than the others. Mason's closing words admitted joking with the men and denied any intent to disgrace them. That was the line most witnesses had already given the court. What remained proved was an officer who used the guard's powder for sport and spoke crudely to the men under him. | |
198 | 15th October The Court having Considered the Charge for and as well as against the Prisoner are of Opinion that he does fall under the first Article of the tenth Section of the Articles of War, therefore acquit him of that Charge but finding that he falls under the twentieth Article of the twelfth Section of the Articles of War, do therefore adjudge that he be discharged the Service. (signed) Solomon St. Maurice Captn. Commanding the 3 Company After Perusing and duely Considering the above General Court Martial, we cannot help being of opinion that the President and Members of said Court Martial have been very deficient in the regularity of their proceedings in suffering evidences that appeared for the Crown, to be again calld as Witnesses for the Prisoner and also many other apparent blunders which we are willing to suppose arose from inadvertance and not design. Nevertheless we thought it incumbent upon Us to send for the President and Members of said General Court Martial, pointed out to them the Singularity of their Proceedings and repremanded them for not making themselves better Acquainted with so awful a point of their Duty, which repremand they received with a becoming sence of our tenderness and Instruction, and assured Us that they would be more carefull in future. We then proceeded to take under Consideration the Conduct of Lieut. Richard Mason and it appearing to Us, that tho' he cannot incur the Sentence of the said General Court Martial, as we deem the same Illegal Yet considering his Conduct | The court weighed the evidence for and against the prisoner. On the first charge, it considered his case under the first article of the tenth section of the Articles of War and acquitted him. It found, however, that he came within the twentieth article of the twelfth section, and it therefore sentenced him to be discharged from the service. Captain Solomon St Maurice, commanding the Third Company, signed the sentence as president. The Council read and considered the proceedings with care. It concluded that the president and members of the court had been seriously at fault in the way they conducted the trial. They had allowed witnesses who had already given evidence for the prosecution to be called again for the prisoner, and had made many other evident blunders. The Council was willing to believe these arose from carelessness rather than design. All the same, it thought it right to send for the president and members, point out the irregularities in their proceedings and reprimand them for not knowing so important a part of their duty better. They accepted the reprimand with proper humility, said they were grateful for the Council's forbearance and guidance, and promised to be more careful in future. The Council then turned to the conduct of Lieutenant Richard Mason. It had already ruled the court martial unlawful, so Mason could not be made to suffer its sentence. Yet having regard to his conduct, as the minutes went on to say. Interpretations The verdict split the two charges. Mason was cleared of misusing the Company's powder, which the evidence had shown to be a matter of borrowing a few charges for shooting. He was found guilty under the article dealing with conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and sentenced to be discharged. Dismissal was the gravest penalty such a court could impose on an officer for that offence. It shows that the members took the remarks to the men, and perhaps the episode with Henderson, more seriously than the witnesses' talk of jesting suggested. The Council's reprimand exposed how little legal training the island's officers had. Without a judge advocate to guide them, the members let prosecution witnesses be recalled for the defence and made other errors that a trained officer of the court would have prevented. The lack of a judge advocate was the Governor's mistake. The irregularities in the hearing were the court's own. Both together left a guilty verdict that the Council could not enforce. | |
199 | 1773 Conduct ever since he has been an Officer, as highly irregular and unbecoming, having being severely repremanded by this Board on other Occasions, together with the Depositions of the Soldiers taken in the said Court Martial, as now appear's before Us, of a Nature so highly Irregular as must reflect the greatest disgrace upon the Character of an Officer and Gentleman, We therefore for the above reasons think it highly incumbent upon Us, to exert upon this Occasion that Authority invested in Us, in order to check such indecent freedom of discourse from Officers to the Private Men of this Garrison, as well as such other Irregularity when upon Duty. Do therefore Unanimously agree to dismiss the said Lieut. Richd. Mason the Honorable Companys Service from this day untill their Pleasure is known. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council judged that Mason's conduct ever since he became an officer had been highly irregular and improper. It had severely reprimanded him on other occasions. The soldiers' evidence given at the court martial, now before the Council, showed behaviour so far out of order that it reflected the greatest disgrace on the character of an officer and a gentleman. For these reasons the Council considered it its clear duty to use its own authority on this occasion. It wished to stop officers speaking so improperly to the private soldiers of the garrison, and to check other misconduct on duty. The Council therefore agreed unanimously to dismiss Lieutenant Richard Mason from the Company's service from that day, until the Court's wishes were known. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council found its own way round the void court martial. It had ruled the trial unlawful and refused, under the Mutiny Act, to try Mason a second time. Instead of imposing the court's sentence, it dismissed him on its own authority as governor of the island, pending the Court's decision. The evidence taken at the trial, though it could not support a sentence, could still inform the Council's judgement of Mason's fitness to hold a commission. His record of earlier reprimands strengthened the case. The obvious course was to let a technically unlawful trial free a man the court had found guilty. The Council rejected it because leaving Mason in command would have told the garrison that an officer could abuse and threaten the men without consequence. Making the dismissal subject to the Court's pleasure kept the final decision in London. It also left Mason a route of appeal, since the Council had acted by executive power rather than by a court's sentence. | |
200 | 18th October At a Consultation held on Monday the 18th day of October 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling of Counl. Mr. Mattw. Bazett Absent. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 15th October 1773. Fryday the 15th Arrived the Earl of Sandwich's Boat at Banks's at five oClock in the Afternoon Do. Do. the Honble. Companys Ship Earl of Sandwich from Bencoolen (last from the Cape) Being in want of Pepper for the use of this Settlement we this day sent Captn. Dean the following Order viz. To Captain Charles Dean Commander of Ship Earl of Sandwich. Sir You are hereby Ordered to send on shore four Hundred Weight of the Honorable Companys White Pepper for the Use of this Island. We are Sir Your humble Servants (signed) John Skottowe Daniel Corneille Mattw. Purling The Storekeeper this day brought in his Collections and the Paymaster his Accounts for the Quarter commencing the 1st July and ending the 30th September last which were examined and approved, and are as follows. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 18 October 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and Matthew Purling. Matthew Bazett was absent. The minutes of 15 October 1773 were read, approved and signed. At five o'clock in the afternoon of Friday 15 October 1773, the boat of the Earl of Sandwich reached Banks's. The Company's ship Earl of Sandwich arrived later that day from Bencoolen, after a last call at the Cape. The island had run short of pepper, so the Council sent an order to Captain Charles Dean, commander of the Earl of Sandwich. It told him to send ashore four hundredweight of the Company's white pepper for the island's use. The order was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Purling. The storekeeper presented his collections and the paymaster his accounts for the quarter from 1 July to 30 September 1773. The Council examined and approved them, and they were set out as follows. Interpretations Captain Charles Dean of the Earl of Sandwich was the Bencoolen commander to whom Purling had contracted, in June 1773, to sell 70 chests of tea on his arrival at the island. Bencoolen captains were allowed to carry tea home on their own account, which was the basis on which the Council had cleared Purling's dealing. Dean's arrival meant the tea that Purling had bought from Captain Riddall could now change hands as arranged. The order for pepper repeated the step the Council had tried with the Triton's longcloth in July. Pepper was the main cargo of the Bencoolen ships, bought on the Sumatran coast for the London market. When the island's stores ran out, the Council simply took what it needed from a homeward cargo, giving the commander a written order as his discharge for the goods. Four hundredweight was a trifle in a ship's lading of pepper, but it would supply the island for a long time. White pepper was black pepper with its dark outer skin removed, milder and more costly than black. | |
201 | 1773 Collections of Goods Sold and Delivered out of the Honble. Companys Ware Houses from the 1st of July to the 30 September 1773. Sold at 10 Pr. Cent. Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 60 . 2 . 4 Sugar 104 .. 3 27 . 2 . 11 Candy 53 . 6 . 6 .. 1 . 12 Fine Do. 1 .. 10 157 . 7 . 7 Flour viz. C. qr. lb. 46 . 1 . 12 Flour 43 . 5 . 4 380 . 3 . 10 Do. Baked 355 . 9 .. 398 . 14 . 4 Rice and Paddy viz. C. qr. lb. 66 .. .. Rice 38 . 10 .. 66 . 2 . 5 Paddy 15 . 13 . 4 54 . 3 . 4 Tea viz. 637 lb. Bohea 21 . 17 . 11 435 Singlo 27 . 3 . 9 242 Congo 17 . 2 . 10 1 Catty Hyson 7 . 6 66 . 12 .. Sope C. qr. lb. 9 . 2 . 8 31 . 5 . 5 Salt 20½ Bushels 3 . 16 . 1 Pease 19 Do. 5 . 5 . 11 Candles C. qr. lb. 4 .. 14 54 . 7 . 3 Wheat 62 . 3 . 1 28 . 5 .. Oil viz. 24½ Gallons Train 5 . 14 . 3 8 Do. Linseed 1 . 13 . 10 26 Bottles Florence 3 . 15 . 10 11 . 3 . 11 Starch lb. 62 1 . 17 . 6 Carried Over £ 812 . 18 . 8 | The storekeeper's account of goods sold and issued from the Company's warehouses between 1 July and 30 September 1773 read as follows. All the goods listed were sold at 10 per cent above cost. Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 60 hundredweight 2 quarters 4 pounds, £104 0s 3d Sugar candy, 27 hundredweight 2 quarters 11 pounds, £52 6s 6d Fine sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds, £1 0s 10d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £157 7s 7d Flour: Flour, 46 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds, £43 5s 4d Flour baked into bread, 380 hundredweight 3 quarters 10 pounds, £355 9s 0d Total for flour, £398 14s 4d Rice and paddy: Rice, 66 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £38 10s 0d Paddy, 66 hundredweight 2 quarters 5 pounds, £15 13s 4d Total for rice and paddy, £54 3s 4d Tea: Bohea tea, 637 lb, £21 17s 11d Singlo tea, 435 lb, £27 3s 9d Congou tea, 242 lb, £17 2s 10d Hyson tea, 1 catty, £0 7s 6d Total for tea, £66 12s 0d Soap, 9 hundredweight 2 quarters 8 pounds, £31 5s 5d Salt, 20½ bushels, £3 16s 1d Peas, 19 bushels, £5 5s 11d Candles, 4 hundredweight 0 quarters 14 pounds, £54 7s 3d Wheat, 62 hundredweight 3 quarters 1 pound, £28 5s 0d Oil: Train oil, 29½ gallons, £5 14s 3d Linseed oil, 8 gallons, £1 13s 10d Florence oil, 26 bottles, £3 15s 10d Total for oil, £11 3s 11d Starch, 62 lb, £1 17s 6d Carried forward, £812 18s 8d Interpretations Set against the sales for April to June 1773, the quarter's figures moved in line with the shipping and the season. Bread sold fell from about 490 hundredweight of flour to 380. Sugar fell from 95 hundredweight to 60. Fewer ships meant fewer men in the road to buy, and the garrison drew less in the cooler months. Rice rose sharply, from 12 hundredweight to 66, and paddy from 23 to 66, because the Bengal and Bombay ships of June to August, the Marquis of Rockingham, the Hector and the Devonshire among them, had restocked the warehouses. Tea sales rose too, especially the cheap Bohea and the middling Singlo, after the China ships of the season had passed through. The catty of Hyson was a Chinese weight of about one and a third pounds, the unit in which fine tea was packed at Canton. A single catty sold in a quarter shows how rare the best green tea was in the island's own trade. It was the same tea Purling and the Bazetts dealt in by the chest, bought from China ships and sold on to commanders sailing for England. | |
202 | 18th October Brought Over £ 812 . 18 . 8 Blankets 7 2 . 2 . Twine viz. 23 Sks. Twine 16 . 4 3 lb. Cotton Wick 1 .. .. 1 Sk. Marline .. 4 1 . 16 . 8 Coffee lb. 12 11 .. Pepper 73 lb. 2 . 1 . 1 Lead 73 Small Shott 15 . 2 Leather Viz. 408½ Sole 18 . 14 . 6 6½ Calf Skins 3 . 6 . 1 22 .. 7 Cordage C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 . 1 7 . 14 . 5 Flannel 20½ Yards 2 . 9 . 9 Buckram 24½ Do. White 1 . 3 . 1 Canvas Viz. 8½ Yards English 9 . 7 132 Do. Ticklenburgs 5 . 15 . 6 6 . 5 . 1 Oars Viz. 1 Large 6 . 10 11 Small 2 . 7 . 3 Chelloes 36 Pieces 2 . 14 . 1 Kersey 6 Yards 22 . 11 . 6 Iron Pots viz. 6 Pots wt. 179 lb. 2 . 1 .. 1 Kettle 1 . 6 .. 3 . 9 Iron 25 lb. 3 . 7 .. Arrack 25 Gallons 5 . 2 Hooks and Lines viz. 75 No. 6 325 No. 7 Hooks 6 . 8 1 . 11 . 10 Hooks and Lines Carrd. over £ 1 . 18 . 6 Carried Over £ 895 . 14 . 7 | The account of goods sold continued from the £812 18s 8d brought forward. Blankets, 7, £2 2s 0d Twine and wick: Twine, 23 skeins, £0 16s 4d Cotton wick, 3 lb, £1 0s 0d Marline, 1 skein, £0 0s 4d Total for twine and wick, £1 16s 8d Coffee, 12 lb, £0 11s 0d Pepper, 73 lb, £2 1s 1d Lead shot, 73 lb, £0 15s 2d Leather: Sole leather, 408½ lb, £18 14s 6d Calfskins, 6½, £3 6s 1d Total for leather, £22 0s 7d Cordage, 3 hundredweight 3 quarters 1 pound, £7 14s 5d Flannel, 20½ yards, £2 9s 9d White buckram, 24½ yards, £1 3s 1d Canvas: English canvas, 8½ yards, £0 9s 7d Ticklenburg canvas, 132 yards, £5 15s 6d Total for canvas, £6 5s 1d Oars: Large oar, 1, £0 6s 10d Small oars, 11, £2 7s 3d Total for oars, £2 14s 1d Chelloes, 36 pieces, £22 11s 6d Kersey, 6 yards, £0 3s 9d Iron pots: Iron pots, 6, weighing 179 lb, £2 1s 0d Iron kettle, 1, £1 6s 0d Total for iron pots, £3 7s 0d Iron, 25 lb, £0 5s 2d Arrack, 25 gallons, £6 5s 0d Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 6, 75, and number 7, 325, £0 6s 8d Hooks and lines carried forward, £1 11s 10d Total for hooks and lines, £1 18s 6d Carried forward, £895 14s 7d Interpretations Marline was thin, two-stranded tarred line used at sea for binding the ends of ropes and seizing rigging. Sales of chelloes rose from 23 pieces in the spring quarter to 36. The bale of Surat cloth landed from the Devonshire in August had restocked a warehouse that the Council found empty of longcloth only weeks before. Sole leather sold heavily, more than twice the spring quarter's 190 lb, probably because the island's shoemakers were making and mending shoes for the cooler, wetter months. | |
203 | 1773 Brought Over £ 895 . 14 .. Hooks and Lines Brought Over £ 1 . 18 . 6 775 No. 8 2 . 9 . 10 275 9 8 . 8 25 11 .. 5 225 12 3 . 9 100 13 1 . 1 450 14 3 . 10 100 15 .. 9 3000 16 16 . 10 Hooks 250 2 3 . 16 . 5 208 3 3 . 14 . 5 11 Log 13 . 4 3 Hambro 4 . 4 Lines 14 . 12 . 2 Pitch and Tar 87 lb. Rozin 16 . 4 Nails viz. 55 m. 4 1 . 16 . 8 77½ 6 2 . 6 . 10 22 10 11 . 6 17 20 7 . 5 3 40 1 . 3 1¼ Glaz. Brads 1 . 10 4 lb. Spike Nails 1 . 5 5 . 6 . 11 Thread viz. 7 oz. No. 16 17 . 1 4 17 7 . 4 11 18 13 . 6 3 30 6 . 8 6 lb. Whited Brown 2 . 3 . 6 11½ Coloured 1 . 18 . 4 6 . 6 . 5 Iron Ware viz. 6 Stock Locks 1 .. .. 15 Splinter Do. 7 . 10 Iron Ware Carried Over £ 1 . 7 . 10 Carried Over £ 922 . 15 . 10 | The account of goods sold continued from the £895 14s 7d brought forward. Fish hooks and lines brought forward, £1 18s 6d Fish hooks number 8, 775, £2 9s 10d Fish hooks number 9, 275, £0 8s 8d Fish hooks number 11, 25, £0 0s 5d Fish hooks number 12, 225, £0 3s 9d Fish hooks number 13, 100, £0 1s 1d Fish hooks number 14, 450, £0 3s 10d Fish hooks number 15, 100, £0 0s 9d Fish hooks number 16, 3,000, £0 16s 10d Fishing line number 2, 250, £3 16s 5d Fishing line number 3, 208, £3 14s 5d Log lines, 11, £0 13s 4d Hamburg lines, 3, £0 4s 4d Total for fish hooks and lines, £14 12s 2d Pitch and tar: resin, 87 lb, £0 16s 4d Nails: Fourpenny nails, 55 lb, £1 16s 8d Sixpenny nails, 77½ lb, £2 6s 10d Tenpenny nails, 22 lb, £0 11s 6d Twentypenny nails, 17 lb, £0 7s 5d Fortypenny nails, 3 lb, £0 1s 3d Glaziers' brads, ¼ lb, £0 1s 10d Spike nails, 4 lb, £0 1s 5d Total for nails, £5 6s 11d Thread: Thread number 16, 7 oz, £0 17s 1d Thread number 17, 4 oz, £0 7s 4d Thread number 18, 11 oz, £0 13s 6d Thread number 30, 3 oz, £0 6s 8d Half-bleached thread, 6 lb, £2 3s 6d Coloured thread, 11½ lb, £1 18s 4d Total for thread, £6 6s 5d Iron goods: Stock locks, 6, £1 0s 0d Splinter locks, 15, £0 7s 10d Iron goods carried forward, £1 7s 10d Total carried forward, £922 15s 10d Interpretations Fish hooks sold in far greater numbers than in the spring quarter, more than 5,000 against about 4,000, and lines nearly doubled. The cooler months were the island's best fishing season, and with the Company's flock of sheep halved in the same quarter, fish counted for more in the island's diet. Glaziers' brads were small headless nails used to hold panes of glass in their frames, needed for the many windows broken in transit or by the island's winds. | |
204 | 18th October Brought Over £ 922 . 15 . 10 Iron Ware Brought Over £ 1 . 7 . 10 9 Hand Hatchets 18 .. 4 Iron Shovels 19 . 8 8 Ash Helves 5 . 2 3 Rag Stones 1 . 2 3 Pad Locks 4 . 8 16 Chests Do. 2 . 13 . 8 3 Garden Rakes 7 . 9 3 Large Frying Pans 13 . 10 5 Small Do. 11 . 1 2 Plaistr. Trowels 3 . 10 1 Bricklayers Do. 1 . 6 9 Blank Keys 6 . 2 2 Pr. Large Steel Yards 19 . 8 2 Files 1 . 2 4 Pr. H L Hinges 12 . 9 2 Double Worm'd Gimblets .. 6 1 Curry Comb and Brush 1 . 11 1 Pr. Sheep Sheers 1 . 8 2 Scythes 11 . 6 1 Two Feet Rule 1 . 1 1 Broad Hoe 2 . 5 1 Garden Do. 1 . 6 2 Wire Rat Traps 14 . 11 2 Spring Do. Do. 3 . 5 5 Mouse Do. Do. 3 . 2 1 Iron Rubbish Riddle 8 . 3 3 Cupboard Locks 9 . 3 1 Wood Ax 3 . 2 2 Iron rim'd Locks w. Pullbacks 9 . 1 1 Jack Chain 1 . 10 1 Lathing Hammer 1 . 10 1 Iron rim'd Lock w. Brs. Knobs 6 . 8 1 Chaffing Dish 9 . 2 1 Brass Closet Lock 6 . 1 Iron Ware Carried Over £ 15 . 5 . 4 Carried Over £ 922 . 15 . 10 | The account of goods sold continued from the £922 15s 10d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £1 7s 10d Hand hatchets, 9, £0 18s 0d Iron shovels, 4, £0 19s 8d Ash handles, 8, £0 5s 2d Ragstones, 3, £0 1s 2d Padlocks, 3, £0 4s 8d Chest locks, 16, £2 13s 8d Garden rakes, 3, £0 7s 9d Large frying pans, 3, £0 13s 10d Small frying pans, 5, £0 11s 1d Plasterers' trowels, 2, £0 3s 10d Bricklayer's trowel, 1, £0 1s 6d Blank keys, 9, £0 6s 2d Large steelyards, 2, £0 19s 8d Files, 2, £0 1s 2d HL hinges, 4 pairs, £0 12s 9d Double-worm gimlets, 2, £0 0s 6d Curry comb and brush, 1, £0 1s 11d Sheep shears, 1 pair, £0 1s 8d Scythes, 2, £0 11s 6d Two-foot rule, 1, £0 1s 1d Broad hoe, 1, £0 2s 5d Garden hoe, 1, £0 1s 6d Wire rat traps, 2, £0 14s 11d Spring rat traps, 2, £0 3s 5d Mousetraps, 5, £0 3s 2d Iron riddle for rubbish, 1, £0 8s 3d Cupboard locks, 3, £0 9s 3d Wood axe, 1, £0 3s 2d Iron-rimmed locks with pull-backs, 2, £0 9s 1d Jack chain, 1, £0 1s 10d Lathing hammer, 1, £0 1s 10d Iron-rimmed lock with brass knobs, 1, £0 6s 8d Chafing dish, 1, £0 9s 2d Brass closet lock, 1, £0 6s 1d Iron goods carried forward, £15 5s 4d Total carried forward, £922 15s 10d Interpretations A gimlet was a small hand tool with a screw point for boring holes in wood. The double-worm pattern had a twin spiral that cleared the shavings faster. A jack chain was the light chain that drove a roasting jack, the clockwork spit that turned meat before a kitchen fire. Sixteen chest locks sold in one quarter is a reminder of how much islanders relied on locked sea chests to keep their goods safe, in a community where the garrison, slaves and passing seamen lived close together. | |
205 | 1773 Brought Over £ 922 . 15 . 10 Iron Ware Brought Over £ 15 . 5 . 4 1 Broad Ax 4 . 9 2 Large Box Irons 19 . 6 16 . 9 . 7 Sadlery 2 Saddle Cloths 3 . 6 Tin Ware viz. 8 Quart Sauce Pans 3 . 8 5 Pint Do. 1 . 8 3 Gallon Kettles 4 . 10 14 Tin Lamps 12 .. 2 Driping Pans 4 .. 6 Pudding Do. 5 . 9 30 Patty Do. 3 . 1 1 Horn Lanthorn 4 . 3 2 . 1 . 3 Shirts viz. 1½ ps. Irish Linen 2 . 5 . 2 18 Yards Brown Holland 1 . 16 . 5 143 Soldiers Shirts 35 . 3 . 1 ½ ps. Huckaback for Table Cloths 1 . 7 . 3 ½ Do. Do. for Napkins 18 . 2 41 . 10 . 1 Broad Cloth viz. 7¾ Yards Light Blue 7 . 9 . 2 7½ Do. White 7 . 5 . 7 3½ Do. Mazn. Blue 3 . 4 . 8 2½ Do. Scarlet 3 . 4 .. 16⅝ Do. White Cassimere 7 . 6 . 6 28 . 9 . 11 Paint viz. 6½ lb. Blue Smalts 11 . 11 53 lb. Indico 5 .. 6 454 Whiting 18 . 11 50 lb. White Lead Mixed 1 .. 10 120 lb. Stone Colour 3 . 5 .. Paint Carried Over £ 10 . 17 . 2 Carried Over £ 1011 . 15 . 2 | The account of goods sold continued from the £922 15s 10d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £15 5s 4d Broad axe, 1, £0 4s 9d Large box irons, 2, £0 19s 6d Total for iron goods, £16 9s 7d Saddlery: saddle cloths, 2, £0 8s 6d Tinware: Quart saucepans, 8, £0 3s 8d Pint saucepans, 5, £0 1s 8d Gallon kettles, 3, £0 4s 10d Tin lamps, 14, £0 12s 0d Dripping pans, 2, £0 4s 0d Pudding pans, 6, £0 5s 9d Patty pans, 30, £0 5s 1d Horn lantern, 1, £0 4s 3d Total for tinware, £2 1s 3d Shirts and linen: Irish linen, 1½ pieces, £2 5s 2d Brown holland, 18 yards, £1 16s 5d Soldiers' shirts, 143, £35 3s 1d Huckaback for tablecloths, ½ piece, £1 7s 3d Huckaback for napkins, ½ piece, £0 18s 2d Total for shirts and linen, £41 10s 1d Broadcloth: Light blue broadcloth, 7¾ yards, £7 9s 2d White broadcloth, 7½ yards, £7 5s 7d Mazarine blue broadcloth, 3½ yards, £3 4s 8d Scarlet broadcloth, 2½ yards, £3 4s 0d White cassimere, 16½ yards, £7 6s 6d Total for broadcloth, £28 9s 11d Paint: Blue smalt, 6½ lb, £0 11s 11d Indigo, 53 lb, £5 0s 6d Whiting, 454 lb, £0 18s 11d White lead ground in oil, 50 lb, £1 0s 10d Stone colour, 120 lb, £3 5s 0d Paint carried forward, £10 17s 2d Total carried forward, £1,011 15s 2d Interpretations Huckaback was a strong linen with a raised, rough weave, absorbent and hard-wearing, used for towels, tablecloths and napkins. Patty pans were small tin moulds for baking pies and tarts. Thirty sold in a quarter suggests that pastry-making was common in the island's households, using the Company's flour and sugar. The 454 lb of whiting was a large quantity of chalk for limewashing walls, probably bought by householders to brighten and clean their houses after the winter damp. | |
206 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1011 . 15 . 2 Paint Brought Over £ 10 . 17 . 2 60½ lb. Venitian Red Mixed 1 . 11 . 6 3 White Lead dry 1 .. 3½ Verdegrease 16 . 4 12 Blue Paint 1 . 10 . 9 1 Green Copperas .. 2 1 Venitian Red dry .. 2 1 Red Lead .. 3 14 . 17 . 4 Haberdashery viz. 93 Skanes Silk 1 . 18 . 9 18 Do. Mohair 9 .. 2 Gro. White Waistcoat Buttons 5 . 3 1¾ Do. Shirt Do. 4 . 7 9 Yards Broad Gold Lace 1 . 19 . 9 11½ Do. Narrow Do. Do. 1 . 12 . 10 1 Pr. Gold Garters 7 . 11 17 Ps. Tape 10 . 3 1 Ps. Carnation Tape .. 5 12½ Gro. Horn Moulds 6 .. 12½ doz. Mohair Coat Buttons 8 . 9 14½ Do. Do. Breast Do. 5 . 5 3 Yards Tabby 1 . 8 . 1 2½ Ps. Galloon 14 . 7 ½ lb. Whale Bone 3 . 4 ½ doz. Silver wire Ct. Buttons 2 . 6 2½ Do. Gilt Do. Do. 3 . 9 11 . 1 . 2 Turners Ware viz. 2 Hair Brooms 9 . 2 2 Birch Do. .. 9 1 Scrubg. Brush 3 . 4 4 Shoe Do. 3 . 4 12 Paint Do. 5 . 6 Turners Ware Carried Over £ 1 . 2 . 1 Carried Over £ 1037 . 13 . 8 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,011 15s 2d brought forward. Paint brought forward, £10 17s 2d Venetian red ground in oil, 60½ lb, £1 11s 6d Dry white lead, 3 lb, £0 1s 0d Verdigris, 3½ lb, £0 16s 4d Blue paint, 12 lb, £1 10s 9d Green copperas, 1 lb, £0 0s 2d Dry Venetian red, 1 lb, £0 0s 2d Red lead, 1 lb, £0 0s 3d Total for paint, £14 17s 4d Sewing goods and trimmings: Silk thread, 93 skeins, £1 18s 9d Mohair thread, 18 skeins, £0 9s 0d White waistcoat buttons, 2 gross, £0 5s 3d Shirt buttons, 1¾ gross, £0 4s 7d Broad gold lace, 9 yards, £1 19s 9d Narrow gold lace, 11½ yards, £1 12s 10d Gold garters, 1 pair, £0 7s 11d Tape, 17 pieces, £0 10s 3d Carnation tape, 1 piece, £0 0s 5d Horn button moulds, 12½ gross, £0 6s 0d Mohair coat buttons, 12½ dozen, £0 8s 9d Mohair breast buttons, 14½ dozen, £0 5s 5d Tabby silk, 3 yards, £1 8s 1d Galloon, 2½ pieces, £0 14s 7d Whalebone, ½ lb, £0 3s 4d Silver wire coat buttons, ½ dozen, £0 2s 6d Gilt coat buttons, 2½ dozen, £0 3s 4d Total for sewing goods and trimmings, £11 1s 2d Brushes and brooms: Hair brooms, 2, £0 9s 2d Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 9d Scrubbing brush, 1, £0 3s 4d Shoe brushes, 4, £0 3s 4d Paint brushes, 12, £0 5s 6d Brushes and brooms carried forward, £1 2s 1d Total carried forward, £1,037 13s 8d Interpretations Galloon was a narrow woven braid, often of silk or worsted, used to bind the edges of garments and to trim hats and uniforms. Breast buttons were the smaller buttons used on the front of a waistcoat. Gold lace sold steadily again, nearly 21 yards in the quarter, for officers' coats and hats. That was a reminder that the garrison's officers bought their own finery from the Company's stores. Carnation tape took its name from its pinkish-red colour. | |
207 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1037 . 13 . 8 Turners Ware Brought Over £ 1 . 2 . 1 4 Plaistr. Brushs 6 . 8 1 Mop 1 . 4 6 Laborers Baskets 6 . 6 10 Punch Ladles 6 . 6 2 Wood Do. .. 9 1 Hair Sive 1 . 5 1 Small Plate Basket 6 . 10 2 Wood Bowls 2 . 4 3 Platters 4 . 1 2 Ox Bows 2 . 8 1 Tray 1 . 7 1 Yoke for Oxen 16 .. 3 . 18 . 9 Hats viz. 4 Mens Fine 3 . 17 . 8 4 Boys 1 . 7 . 4 5 . 5 . Long Cloth viz. 4½ Ps. No. 1 22 . 7 .. 5 Do. 5 6 . 8 . 9 1 Do. Baftas 14 . 11 29 . 10 . 8 Beer 3 Hhd. Porter 16 . 5 . 9 Pewter viz. 1 Chamber Pot 3 . 5 5 Basons 15 . 11 2 Pint Pots 4 . 4 1 . 3 . 8 Cutlery Ware viz. 19 Buckg. Combs 11 . 1 24 Horn Do. 8 . 3 14 Ordy. Ivory Do. 17 . 6 6 Fine Do. Do. 18 . 6 72 Pr. Leather Garters 2 . 14 . Cutlery Ware Carried Over £ 5 . 9 . 6 Carried Over £ 1087 . 17 . 6 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,037 13s 8d brought forward. Wooden goods and brushes brought forward, £1 2s 1d Plasterers' brushes, 4, £0 6s 8d Mop, 1, £0 1s 4d Labourers' baskets, 6, £0 6s 6d Punch ladles, 10, £0 6s 6d Wooden ladles, 2, £0 0s 9d Hair sieve, 1, £0 1s 5d Small plate basket, 1, £0 6s 10d Wooden bowls, 2, £0 2s 4d Platters, 3, £0 4s 1d Ox bows, 2, £0 2s 8d Tray, 1, £0 1s 7d Yoke for oxen, 1, £0 16s 0d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £3 18s 9d Hats: Men's fine hats, 4, £3 17s 8d Boys' hats, 4, £1 7s 4d Total for hats, £5 5s 0d Longcloth: Longcloth number 1, 4½ pieces, £22 7s 0d Longcloth number 5, 5 pieces, £6 8s 9d Baftas, 1 piece, £0 14s 11d Total for longcloth, £29 10s 8d Beer: porter, 3 hogsheads, £16 5s 9d Pewter: Chamber pot, 1, £0 3s 5d Basins, 5, £0 15s 11d Pint pots, 2, £0 4s 4d Total for pewter, £1 3s 8d Combs and small hardware: Combs for dressing wigs, 19, £0 11s 1d Horn combs, 24, £0 8s 3d Ordinary ivory combs, 14, £0 17s 6d Fine ivory combs, 6, £0 18s 6d Leather garters, 72 pairs, £2 14s 0d Combs and small hardware carried forward, £5 9s 6d Total carried forward, £1,087 17s 6d Interpretations The quarter's sales show the island's trade restocked by the Indian ships of the season. Longcloth came back on sale after the stores had run dry in July. Baftas were plain cotton cloth from western India, cheaper and coarser than longcloth. Porter, a strong dark beer brewed in London, sold by the hogshead and probably went to the licensed punch houses rather than to private buyers. The ox bows and yoke were the wooden harness for the working oxen that drew carts and ploughs on the island's farms. Their sale reflects the steady demand from landholders like the Bazetts and Bagleys, whose holdings had grown that season. | |
208 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1087 . 17 . 6 Cutlery Ware brought Over £ 5 . 9 . 6 2 Shoe Knives .. 10 13 Butchers Do. 8 . 1 1 doz. Stag Horn Handle Knives and Forks 14 . 6 ½ Do. Ivory Do. Do. & Do. 13 . 2 1 Pruning Knife 1 . 5 1 Pr. Carvers 7 . 5 7 . 19 . 11 Shoes viz. 16 Pr. Mens Fine 4 . 17 . 4 15 Do. Do. Pumps 4 . 2 . 6 184 Do. Do. Ordinary 45 . 12 . 4 5 Do. Womens Calemanco 1 . 1 . 3 15 Do. Do. Calf Leather 2 . 3 . 9 17 Do. Boys 3 . 2 . 4 2 Do. Womens Spanish Leather 8 . 6 8 Do. Girls Calemanco 1 . 6 . 8 8 Do. Calf Leather 17 . 8 63 . 12 . 4 Hosiers Ware viz. 7 Pr. Womens Worsted Stocking 1 . 11 . 3 147 Do. Mens Ordy. Thread Do. 22 . 13 . 3 1 Do. Madrass Do. 3 . 5 1 Do. Mens Black Silk Do. 16 . 2 2 Pr. Black Worsted Breeches 1 . 3 . 8 26 . 4 . 9 Serge viz. 11 Yds. Blue 2 . 11 . 9 ¾ Do. Scarlet 4 . 10 2 Do. Green 9 . 4 2½ Do. Brown Fustain 4 . 10 1½ Ps. White Do. 13 . 4 4 . 4 . 1 Carried Over £ 1189 . 18 . 7 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,087 17s 6d brought forward. Combs and small hardware brought forward, £5 9s 6d Shoemakers' knives, 2, £0 0s 10d Butchers' knives, 13, £0 8s 1d Knives and forks with stag-horn handles, 1 dozen, £0 14s 6d Knives and forks with ivory handles, ½ dozen, £0 13s 2d Pruning knife, 1, £0 1s 5d Carving knife and fork, 1 pair, £0 7s 5d Total for combs, knives and small hardware, £7 19s 11d Shoes: Men's fine shoes, 16 pairs, £4 17s 4d Men's pumps, 13 pairs, £4 2s 6d Men's ordinary shoes, 184 pairs, £45 12s 4d Women's calamanco shoes, 5 pairs, £1 1s 3d Women's calfskin shoes, 15 pairs, £2 3s 9d Boys' shoes, 17 pairs, £3 2s 4d Women's Spanish leather shoes, 2 pairs, £0 8s 6d Girls' calamanco shoes, 8 pairs, £1 6s 8d Girls' calfskin shoes, 8 pairs, £0 17s 8d Total for shoes, £63 12s 4d Stockings and hosiery: Women's worsted stockings, 7 pairs, £1 11s 3d Men's ordinary thread stockings, 147 pairs, £22 13s 3d Madras stockings, 1 pair, £0 3s 5d Men's black silk stockings, 1 pair, £0 16s 2d Black worsted breeches, 2 pairs, £1 3s 8d Total for stockings and hosiery, £26 4s 9d Serge and fustian: Blue serge, 11 yards, £2 11s 9d Scarlet serge, ¾ yard, £0 4s 10d Green serge, 2 yards, £0 9s 4d Brown fustian, 2½ yards, £0 4s 10d White fustian, 1½ pieces, £0 13s 4d Total for serge and fustian, £4 4s 1d Carried forward, £1,189 18s 7d Interpretations Shoe sales fell sharply from the spring quarter, from more than 550 pairs to about 270, and almost all the drop came in women's and children's shoes. Men's ordinary shoes, bought mainly by soldiers, held up at 184 pairs. The spring quarter had been swollen by the season's ships and the families shopping while stocks were fresh. By the winter quarter, most households had what they needed. The garrison's steady wear on its footwear kept up sales of men's shoes regardless of the season. | |
209 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1189 . 18 . 7 Ticking 12 Yards Check Linen 16 .. Deals viz. 8 Double 1 . 10 .. 3 Single 6 . 6 5 Balks 2 . 8 . 1 2 Elm Boards 10 . 10 4 . 15 . 5 Copper Money 200 Irish halfpence 8 . 4 Braziers Ware viz. 1 Pr. Princess Metal Candlesticks 14 . 7 4 Do. Steel Snuffers 13 . 2 1 Hash Pan w. a Cover 1 . 9 . 11 1 Three Quart Tea Kettle 12 . 1 1 Hand Bell 2 . 1 3 . 11 . 10 Bunting viz. 4 Yards Blue 2 . 7 1 Do. White .. 7 3 . 2 Corks 8½ Gross 1 . 1 . 1 Beef and Pork viz. 2191 Ps. Beef 219 . 2 .. 2632 Do. Pork 263 . 4 .. 482 . 6 .. Cart Wheels 1 Axletree for Cart [...] 7 . 4 Wine viz. 107 Gallons Madeira 37 .. 1 212 Do. Do. Damaged 42 . 5 . 79 . 5 . 1 Camblet viz. ½ Yard Dark Brown 1 . 9 ½ Do. Green 1 . 9 3 . 6 China Ware viz. 3 Setts Octagon Dishes & Plates 3 . 6 .. 24 Do. Soop Do. 12 . 10 2 Baking Dishes 2 . 6 4 . 1 . 4 Carried Over £ 1766 . 17 . 8 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,189 18s 7d brought forward. Ticking: checked linen, 12 yards, £0 16s 0d Timber: Double deal boards, 8, £1 10s 0d Single deal boards, 3, £0 6s 6d Balks, 5, £2 8s 1d Elm boards, 2, £0 10s 10d Total for timber, £4 15s 5d Copper money: Irish halfpence, 200, £0 8s 4d Brass goods: Prince's metal candlesticks, 1 pair, £0 14s 7d Steel snuffers, 4 pairs, £0 13s 2d Hash pan with a cover, 1, £1 9s 11d Three-quart tea kettle, 1, £0 12s 1d Hand bell, 1, £0 2s 1d Total for brass goods, £3 11s 10d Bunting: Blue bunting, 4 yards, £0 2s 7d White bunting, 1 yard, £0 0s 7d Total for bunting, £0 3s 2d Corks, 8½ gross, £1 1s 1d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 2,191 pieces, £219 2s 0d Salt pork, 2,632 pieces, £263 4s 0d Total for beef and pork, £482 6s 0d Cart wheels: axletree for a cart, 1, £[...] 7s 4d Wine: Madeira, 107 gallons, £37 0s 1d Damaged Madeira, 212 gallons, £42 5s 0d Total for wine, £79 5s 1d Camlet: Dark brown camlet, ½ yard, £0 1s 9d Green camlet, ½ yard, £0 1s 9d Total for camlet, £0 3s 6d China: Sets of octagonal dishes and plates, 3, £3 6s 0d Soup plates, 24, £0 12s 10d Baking dishes, 2, £0 2s 6d Total for china, £4 1s 4d Carried forward, £1,266 17s 8d Interpretations The 212 gallons of damaged Madeira were almost certainly the two pipes from Bengal that had turned sour. On 16 August 1773 the Council ordered them sold at public auction, and they fetched about 4s 0d a gallon. Sound Madeira sold for nearly twice that. The auction recovered more than half the wine's value rather than writing it off. Salt meat sales fell from the spring quarter. Beef went from 2,528 pieces to 2,191, and pork from 3,586 to 2,632. The garrison was the main buyer, and fewer ships in the road meant less demand from crews and passengers. Even so, salt meat brought in nearly half the quarter's takings. Prince's metal was a brass alloy with a high proportion of copper, coloured to look like gold, and used for cheaper candlesticks and ornaments. Snuffers were scissor-like tools for trimming candle wicks. | |
210 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1766 . 17 . 8 Long Ells viz. ½ Yard Scarlet 1 . 7 7½ Do. Blue 14 . 8 16 . 3 Shalloon viz. 15 Yards Scarlet 2 . 3 . 1 53 Do. Coloured 5 . 10 . 5 7 . 13 . 6 Books viz. 1 Small Bible 4 . 1 1 Testament 1 . 11 3 Small Common Prayer 10 . 11 3 Spelling 3 . 9 7 Horn .. 10 1 . 1 . 6 Glass Ware viz. 46 Squares 6 by 8 14 . 4 112 Do. 8 by 10 3 . 8 . 9 19 Do. 10 by 12 19 . 5 1 Do. 11 by 19 1 . 7 17 Do. 10 by 16 1 . 4 . 5 5 Do. 11 by 17½ 7 . 7 2 Tumblers 1 . 4 4 Beer Glasses 3 . 11 90 Wine Do. 2 . 2 . 10 3 Quart Decanters 7 . 6 1 Lamp .. 9 9 . 12 . 5 £ 1786 . 1 . 4 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,766 17s 8d brought forward. Long ells: Scarlet long ells, ½ yard, £0 1s 7d Blue long ells, 7½ yards, £0 14s 8d Total for long ells, £0 16s 3d Shalloon: Scarlet shalloon, 15 yards, £2 3s 1d Coloured shalloon, 53 yards, £5 10s 5d Total for shalloon, £7 13s 6d Books: Small Bible, 1, £0 4s 1d New Testament, 1, £0 1s 11d Small Books of Common Prayer, 3, £0 10s 11d Spelling books, 3, £0 3s 9d Hornbooks, 7, £0 0s 10d Total for books, £1 1s 6d Glassware: Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 46, £0 14s 4d Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 112, £3 8s 9d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 19, £0 19s 5d Window pane 11 by 19 inches, 1, £0 1s 7d Window panes 10 by 16 inches, 17, £1 4s 5d Window panes 11 by 17½ inches, 5, £0 7s 7d Tumblers, 2, £0 1s 4d Beer glasses, 4, £0 3s 11d Wine glasses, 90, £2 2s 10d Quart decanters, 3, £0 7s 6d Lamp, 1, £0 0s 9d Total for glassware, £9 12s 5d Total of goods sold at 10 per cent above cost, £1,786 1s 4d Interpretations Long ells were a light, cheap woollen cloth, a kind of serge woven in long lengths in the west of England, used for linings and working clothes. Hornbooks were a child's first reading primer: a sheet printed with the alphabet and the Lord's Prayer, mounted on a wooden paddle and covered with a thin, transparent layer of horn to protect it. Seven hornbooks and three spelling books sold in a quarter, against a single spelling book in the spring, point to children starting at the island's school under Congreve. The total of goods sold at the lower mark-up fell from £2,460 1s 3d in the spring quarter to £1,786 1s 4d. Fewer ships called in the winter months, and the main staples, bread, salt meat, sugar and shoes, all sold in smaller quantities. | |
211 | 1773 Sold at 40 Pr. Cent Braziers Ware 1 Pr. Steel Snuffers 4 . 2 Thread 1 lb. Coloured 4 . 2 Twine 12 Skanes 10 .. Turners Ware viz. 12 Birch Brooms 5 . 9 6 Mops 10 . 6 6 Punch Ladles 4 . 6 1 .. 9 Iron Ware viz. 7 Mouse Traps 5 . 3 2 Wire Rat Do. 18 . 10 2 Chest Locks 8 . 6 3 Spinter Do. 2 .. 1 . 14 . 7 Hooks and Lines viz. 2 Log 3 .. 6 No. 3 2 . 9 Lines 5 . 9 Long Ells 8½ Yards Blue 1 .. 8 Blankets 1 7 . 10 Canvas 15 Yds. Ticklenburgs 16 . 3 £ 6 . 4 . 2 Sold at 50 Pr. Cent Flour C. qr. lb. 6 .. 9 8 . 10 . 3 Coals 26 Bushels 2 . 6 . 7 £ 10 . 16 . 10 Sold to the Honble. Companys Ships from the 1st July to the 30th September 1773 Pitch and Tar viz. 4 Barrls. Pitch 6 . 11 . 4 5 Do. Tar 7 . 14 . 7 Pitch and Tar Carrd. Over £ 14 . 5 . 11 | The goods sold at 40 per cent above cost read as follows. Brass goods: steel snuffers, 1 pair, £0 4s 2d Coloured thread, 1 lb, £0 4s 2d Twine, 12 skeins, £0 10s 0d Wooden goods and brushes: Birch brooms, 12, £0 5s 9d Mops, 6, £0 10s 6d Punch ladles, 6, £0 4s 6d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £1 0s 9d Iron goods: Mousetraps, 7, £0 5s 3d Wire rat traps, 2, £0 18s 10d Chest locks, 2, £0 8s 6d Splinter locks, 3, £0 2s 0d Total for iron goods, £1 14s 7d Hooks and lines: Log lines, 2, £0 3s 0d Fishing line number 3, 6, £0 2s 9d Total for hooks and lines, £0 5s 9d Blue long ells, 8½ yards, £1 0s 8d Blanket, 1, £0 7s 10d Ticklenburg canvas, 15 yards, £0 16s 3d Total of goods sold at 40 per cent above cost, £6 4s 2d The goods sold at 50 per cent above cost read as follows. Flour, 6 hundredweight 0 quarters 9 pounds, £8 10s 3d Coal, 26 bushels, £2 6s 7d Total of goods sold at 50 per cent above cost, £10 16s 10d The goods sold to the Company's ships between 1 July and 30 September 1773 began as follows. Pitch and tar: Pitch, 4 barrels, £6 11s 4d Tar, 5 barrels, £7 14s 7d Pitch and tar carried forward, £14 5s 11d Interpretations A third and highest rate of mark-up appeared this quarter, 50 per cent above cost, applied only to flour and coal. Both were scarce on the island and could not be produced there. The quarter's callers included the French ships Sainte Anne and Boyne and the Dutch Ridderkerk. Selling flour and coal to foreign vessels at a steep mark-up would explain both the rate and the small quantities. It also supports the view that the Company's mark-ups varied with the buyer, with the lowest rate kept for its own people and the highest for outsiders. | |
212 | 18th October Pitch and Tar brought Over £ 14 . 5 . 11 1 Barrl. Rosin 3 . 10 .. 1 Do. Turpentine 4 . 16 . 4 22 . 12 . 3 Paint viz. 58 Barrl. Blacking 2 . 3 . 6 42 lb. Red Lead 12 . 3 8 Venitian Red dry 2 . 2 ½ Prussian Blue 8 .. 6 Yellow Oaker dry 1 . 9 2 Vermillion 17 . 8 50 White Lead dry 1 . 3 .. 5 . 8 . 4 Twine 148 Skanes 6 . 3 . 4 Oil viz. 26 Gallons Linseed 5 . 10 .. 6 Do. Train 1 . 9 . 8 6 . 19 . 8 Cordage C. qr. lb. 23 .. 25 60 . 15 . 4 Canvas viz. 3 Ps. English 8 . 7 . 6 70 Yards Ticklenburgs 3 . 18 . 9 12 . 6 . 3 Nails viz. 24 m. 3 18 4 20 6 32 10 5 20 4½ 40 6 lb. Rivets 1½ Glas. Brads 5 . 9 . 9 Beef and Pork viz. 13 Tierces Beef 110 . 12 . 2 6 Do. Pork 55 . 13 .. 166 . 5 . 2 Carried Over £ 286 .. 1 | The goods sold to the Company's ships continued from the £14 5s 11d brought forward. Pitch and tar brought forward, £14 5s 11d Resin, 1 barrel, £3 10s 0d Turpentine, 1 barrel, £4 16s 4d Total for pitch and tar, £22 12s 3d Paint: Blacking, 58 barrels, £2 3s 6d Red lead, 42 lb, £0 12s 3d Dry Venetian red, 8 lb, £0 2s 2d Prussian blue, ½ lb, £0 8s 0d Dry yellow ochre, 6 lb, £0 1s 9d Vermilion, 2 lb, £0 17s 8d Dry white lead, 50 lb, £1 3s 0d Total for paint, £5 8s 4d Twine, 148 skeins, £6 3s 4d Oil: Linseed oil, 26 gallons, £5 10s 0d Train oil, 6 gallons, £1 9s 8d Total for oil, £6 19s 8d Cordage, 23 hundredweight 0 quarters 25 pounds, £60 15s 4d Canvas: English canvas, 3 pieces, £8 7s 6d Ticklenburg canvas, 70 yards, £3 18s 9d Total for canvas, £12 6s 3d Nails: threepenny 24 lb, fourpenny 18 lb, sixpenny 20 lb, tenpenny 32 lb, twentypenny 5 lb, fortypenny 4 lb, rivets 6 lb and glaziers' brads ½ lb, £5 9s 9d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 13 tierces, £110 12s 2d Salt pork, 6 tierces, £55 13s 0d Total for beef and pork, £166 5s 2d Carried forward, £286 0s 1d Interpretations Sales to the Company's ships more than doubled from the spring quarter, from £132 7s 8d to well over £286 0s 0d, and two items account for most of the rise. Cordage rose from under ten hundredweight to more than 23. The Indiamen of July and August had come through the Cape in the southern winter, when gales tore at their rigging, and they needed heavy replacement rope before the long run north. Salt beef and pork, sold by the tierce, a cask of about 300 lb of meat, did not appear at all in the spring. Ships such as the Triton had arrived short of provisions. Supplying them from the island's stores was the lawful alternative to the commanders keeping back the island's own consignments, which the Council had complained of in August. | |
213 | 1773 Brought Over £ 286 .. 1 Flour C. qr. lb. 15 . 1 . 14 22 . 16 . 3 Grindstones 1 3 . 11 Coals Chn. Bushls. 4 . 3 13 . 15 . 9 Hooks and Lines viz. 400 No. 14 Hooks 4 . 6 24 3 12 Log Lines 9 . 7 19 .. 1 . 13 . 1 Glass Ware viz. 5 Sqs. 10 by 12 6 . 8 12 Do. 10½ by 12½ 19 .. 1 . 5 . 8 Anchors 1 Stock 6 . 7 . 8 Turners Ware 2 Pump Boxes 9 . 11 Blocks 6 Single of 8 Inches 14 .. £ 333 . 6 . 4 Charges General Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30 September 1773. Arrack 68 Gallns. Sundry's Doctors Shop and Employ'd in Stores 14 . 18 . 10 Tea 6 lb. Bohea Grooms & Gardeners 3 . 8 Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. .. .. 16 Sugar .. 2 . 6 Candy Lt. Doctors Shop 5 .. 19 . 1 1 . 4 . 1 Coals 30 Bushls. Armr. Shop 5 . 3 . 4 Candles viz. 173 Castle 230 Council 30 Chaplain 25 Doctors Shop C. qr. lb. 4 .. 15 49 . 8 . 7 Twine viz. 6 Sks. Twine 3 . 2 ¼ Cotton Wick Castle & Store Room .. 7 3 . 9 Carried Over £ 71 . 12 . 3 | The goods sold to the Company's ships continued from the £286 0s 1d brought forward. Flour, 15 hundredweight 1 quarter 14 pounds, £22 16s 3d Grindstone, 1, £0 3s 11d Coal, 4 chaldrons 3 bushels, £13 15s 9d Hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 14, 400, £0 4s 6d Fishing line number 3, 24, £0 9s 7d Log lines, 12, £0 19s 0d Total for hooks and lines, £1 13s 1d Glassware: Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 5, £0 6s 8d Window panes 10½ by 12½ inches, 12, £0 19s 0d Total for glassware, £1 5s 8d Anchor stock, 1, £6 7s 8d Pump boxes, 2, £0 9s 11d Single blocks, 8 inches, 6, £0 14s 0d Total sold to the Company's ships, £333 6s 4d The stores issued for the Company's own use between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged to general expenses as follows. Arrack for the workmen in the various workshops and the men employed in the stores, 63 gallons, £14 18s 1½d Bohea tea for the groom and gardeners, 6 lb, £0 3s 8d Sugar and sugar candy for the dispensary: Sugar, 16 lb, £0 5s 0d Sugar candy, 2 quarters 6 pounds, £0 19s 1d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £1 4s 1d Coal for the armourer's workshop, 30 bushels, £5 3s 4d Candles, 4 hundredweight 0 quarters 15 pounds in all, £49 8s 7d For the Castle, 173 lb For the Council, 230 lb For the chaplain, 30 lb For the dispensary, 25 lb Twine and wick: Twine for the Castle, 6 skeins, £0 3s 2d Cotton wick for the stores, ¼ lb, £0 0s 7d Total for twine and wick, £0 3s 9d Carried forward, £71 12s 3d Interpretations The anchor stock and pump boxes show the island acting as a repair yard as well as a store. An anchor stock was the heavy crossbar at the top of an anchor that turned its flukes to bite into the seabed. A ship that lost or broke one could not anchor safely. Pump boxes were the valve fittings of a ship's pumps, vital to a vessel taking water after a hard passage round the Cape. Candles issued to the Castle fell by half from the spring quarter, from 353 lb to 173 lb, while the Council's allowance stayed the same. The Castle's candles went mainly on evening entertainment of officers and passengers from the ships. With fewer Company ships in the road during the winter quarter, the Governor's evenings were quieter. | |
214 | 18th October Brought Over £ 71 . 12 . 3 Lead 9 lb. Sheet, Govr. Fishermen 1 . 11 Sope 56 lb. Linen 1 . 6 . 1 Starch 17½ Do. 9 . 6 Iron & Steel 14 lb. Steel Smiths Shop 5 . 7 Corks 13¼ Gro. Castle 1 . 10 .. Oil viz. 23 Gall. Train 4 . 1 .. ½ Do. Linseed 1 .. Castle Council and Crane 1 Bottle Florence Clean. Small Arms 2 . 8 4 . 4 . 8 Hooks and Lines viz. 125 No. 6 Hooks 10 . 1 175 7 Do. 9 . 8 150 8 Do. 8 . 9 275 16 Do. 1 . 4 200 10 Do. 3 . 4 48 2 Lines 13 . 4 12 3 Do. 3 . 11 3 Log 3 . 3 Govr. and Lieut. Govr. Fishermen 2 . 13 . 8 Haberdashery 5 Sks. Silk 1 . 10 Cutlery Ware 6 Butch. Knives Do. 3 . 5 Paint viz. 3 lb. Indico 5 . 5 2 Blue Smalts Linen 3 . 4 12 lb. Chalk Coopers Shop .. 6 13½ Venitian Red dry, Crane [...] 7 1 Red Lead .. 3 20 Whiting Castle .. 5 13 . 3 Nails viz. 6 m. 3 4 . 6 2 6 1 . 1 12 10 5 . 6 16 Rivets 10 .. 3½ Glaz. Brads 4 . 2 Bake and Lyceum House Pocket Pressers Coopr. Shop 1 . 5 . 3 Carried Over £ 84 . 7 . 5 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £71 12s 3d brought forward. Sheet lead for the Governor's fishermen, 9 lb, £0 1s 11d Soap for the linen, 56 lb, £1 6s 1d Starch for the linen, 17½ lb, £0 9s 6d Steel for the smiths' workshop, 14 lb, £0 5s 7d Corks for the Castle, 13¼ gross, £1 10s 0d Oil: Train oil for the Castle, the Council and the crane, 23 gallons, £4 1s 0d Linseed oil for the same, ½ gallon, £0 1s 0d Florence oil for cleaning small arms, 1 bottle, £0 2s 8d Total for oil, £4 4s 8d Hooks and lines for the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen: Fish hooks number 6, 125, £0 10s 1d Fish hooks number 7, 175, £0 9s 8d Fish hooks number 8, 150, £0 8s 9d Fish hooks number 16, 275, £0 1s 4d Fish hooks number 10, 200, £0 3s 4d Fishing line number 2, 48, £0 13s 4d Fishing line number 3, 12, £0 3s 11d Log lines, 3, £0 3s 3d Total for hooks and lines, £2 13s 8d Silk thread, 5 skeins, £0 1s 10d Butchers' knives, 6, £0 3s 5d Paint: Indigo for the linen, 3 lb, £0 5s 2d Blue smalt for the linen, 2 lb, £0 3s 4d Chalk for the coopers' workshop, 12 lb, £0 0s 6d Dry Venetian red for the crane, 13½ lb, £0 3s 7d Red lead for the Castle, 1 lb, £0 0s 3d Whiting for the Castle, 20 lb, £0 0s 5d Total for paint, £0 13s 3d Nails for the bakehouse and court house, the packet boxes and the coopers' workshop: Threepenny nails, 6 lb, £0 4s 6d Sixpenny nails, 2 lb, £0 1s 1d Tenpenny nails, 12 lb, £0 5s 6d Rivets, 16, £0 0s 10d Glaziers' brads, 3½ lb, £0 4s 2d Total for nails, £1 5s 3d Carried forward, £84 7s 5d Interpretations The Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen drew more than 900 hooks in a single quarter at the Company's expense, besides lines and sheet lead for sinkers. Their catch supplied the Castle's table and the households of the two senior officers. Florence oil, usually bought for cooking, was here used to clean the garrison's small arms. The packet boxes were the chests in which the Council's letters and papers were sealed for dispatch to London, made by the Company's own carpenters. | |
215 | 1773 Brought Over £ 84 . 7 . 5 Canvas 15 Yds. Ticklenburgs Packets 11 . 11 Iron Ware viz. 3 Ash Helves, Castle 1 . 9 14 Claw Hammers 1 .. 8 24 Firmer Chizels 7 . 8 12 Smoothing Planes 1 . 2 .. 20 Plane Irons 7 . 6 6 Jack Planes 14 . 4 72 double Worm'd Gimblets 15 .. 38 Files 1 . 7 . 8 6 Tenant Saws 2 . 19 . 2 24 Black Lead Pencils 8 . 10 12 Two Feet Rules 12 .. 1 Sett Augers 13 . 9 6 Pr. Steel Compasses 4 .. 2 Carpts. Broad Axes 8 . 4 Carpts. Shop 9 Truss Hoops, Coopers Shop 14 . 5 1 Hand Saw Do. 7 . 2 26 File Hafts 2 . 2 ¾ Borax Smiths Shop 10 . 7 6 Blank Keys Store Ware & Lt. Shop 3 . 9 2 Mouse Traps, Lt. Govr. House 1 . 2 1 Spring Rat Do. Lt. Doctors Shop 1 . 7 1 Iron rim'd Lock w. Pullback Kitchen 4 . 2 1 Chaffing Dish Castle 8 . 4 2 Sounder Irons 3 . 9 13 Spike Gimblets Coopr. Shop 4 . 11 2 Stock Locks Store House 6 . 1 1 Chest Do. Castle 3 . 1 ½ Binding Wire .. 9 10 Helves for Hammers 2 . 9 ¾ Flour Emery Smiths Shop 1 . 4 1 Joiners Rubstone 2 . 9 1 Saw Sett Carpt. Shop .. 7 1 Coopr. Round Adz 2 . 9 7 Do. Vices Coopr. Shop 3 . 11 15 . 8 . 8 Carried Over £ 100 . 8 .. | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £84 7s 5d brought forward. Ticklenburg canvas for the packets, 15 yards, £0 11s 11d Iron goods: Ash handles for the Castle, 3, £0 1s 9d Claw hammers for the carpenters' workshop, 14, £1 0s 8d Firmer chisels for the same, 24, £0 7s 8d Smoothing planes for the same, 12, £1 2s 0d Plane irons for the same, 20, £0 7s 6d Jack planes for the same, 6, £0 14s 4d Double-worm gimlets for the same, 72, £0 15s 0d Files for the same, 38, £1 7s 8d Tenon saws for the same, 6, £2 19s 2d Black lead pencils for the same, 24, £0 8s 10d Two-foot rules for the same, 12, £0 12s 0d Augers for the same, 1 set, £0 13s 9d Steel compasses for the same, 6 pairs, £0 4s 0d Carpenters' broad axes for the same, 2, £0 8s 4d Truss hoops for the coopers' workshop, 9, £0 14s 5d Hand saw for the coopers' workshop, 1, £0 7s 2d File handles for the smiths' workshop, 26, £0 2s 2d Borax for the smiths' workshop, ¾ lb, £0 10s 7d Blank keys for the storehouse and the Lieutenant Governor's office, 6, £0 3s 9d Mousetraps for the Lieutenant Governor's house, 2, £0 1s 2d Spring rat trap for the dispensary, 1, £0 1s 7d Iron-rimmed lock with pull-back for the [...], 1, £0 4s 2d Chafing dish for the Castle, 1, £0 8s 4d [...] irons for the carpenters' workshop, 2, £0 3s 9d Spike gimlets for the carpenters' workshop, 13, £0 4s 11d Stock locks for the storehouse, 2, £0 6s 1d Chest lock for the Castle, 1, £0 3s 1d Binding wire for the smiths' workshop, ½ lb, £0 0s 9d Handles for hammers for the smiths' workshop, 10, £0 2s 9d Flour emery for the smiths' workshop, ¾ lb, £0 1s 4d Joiner's rubstone for the carpenters' workshop, 1, £0 2s 9d Saw set for the carpenters' workshop, 1, £0 0s 7d Cooper's round axe, 1, £0 2s 9d Vices for the carpenters' workshop, 7, £0 3s 11d Total for iron goods, £15 8s 8d Carried forward, £100 8s 0d Interpretations The carpenters' workshop was largely re-equipped during the quarter, with 14 claw hammers, a dozen smoothing planes, 72 gimlets, six tenon saws and much else. The work on the new church, the barracks floors and the Plantation House had worn out the tools, and the coming ravelin and glacis meant more building ahead. Borax was used by the smiths as a flux, which allowed iron and steel to be welded cleanly at the forge. Truss hoops were temporary iron hoops a cooper used to draw the staves of a cask together before fitting the permanent hoops. | |
216 | 18th October Brought Over £ 100 . 8 . Deals viz. 14 Single 1 . 7 . 6 4 Double 13 . 7 1 Wainst. Board 6 . 3 Castle Bake House & Packets ½ Ps. Oak Plank, for a Sledge 13 . 9 ½ Ps. Elm New Well 1 . 10 . 1 4 . 12 . 7 Turners Ware viz. 5 Mops, Castle & Lt. Govr. House 6 . 3 4 Punch Ladles 2 . 3 2 Shoe Brushes 1 . 6 1 Wood Bowl 1 . 1 1 Larg Plate Basket 7 . 3 1 Small Do. Do. 6 . 2 Castle 1 . 4 . 6 Pitch and Tar viz. 5 Gallons Tar, Crane 4 . 2 12 Rozin, Castle 2 .. 6 . 2 Braziers Ware viz. ½ lb. Brass Wire, Castle 1 . 6 ¼ Do. for Soldering Smiths Shop 1 . 1 12 Half Hundred Weights Store Room 43 . 13 . 6 43 . 16 . 1 China Ware viz. 6 Octagon Meat Dishes 12 . 6 24 Do. Do. Plates 12 . 6 Castle 1 . 5 .. Glass Ware 3 Tumblers Do. 1 . 9 Tin Ware viz. 2 Double Sheets Tin 1 . 4 7 Single Do. 2 . 4 1 lb. Grain'd Tin 1 .. Smiths Shop 4 . 8 £ 151 . 18 . 9 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £100 8s 0d brought forward. Timber: Single deal boards for the Castle, 14, £1 7s 6d Double deal boards for the bakehouse, 4, £0 13s 7d Wainscot board for the packets, 1, £0 6s 3d Oak plank for a sledge, ⅓ piece, £0 13s 9d Elm for the new well, ½ piece, £1 10s 1d Total for timber, £4 12s 7d Wooden goods and brushes: Mops for the Castle and the Lieutenant Governor's house, 5, £0 6s 3d Punch ladles for the Castle, 4, £0 2s 3d Shoe brushes for the Castle, 2, £0 1s 6d Wooden bowl for the Castle, 1, £0 1s 1d Large plate basket for the Castle, 1, £0 7s 3d Small plate basket for the Castle, 1, £0 6s 2d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £1 4s 6d Pitch and tar: Tar for the crane, 5 gallons, £0 4s 2d Resin for the Castle, 12 lb, £0 2s 0d Total for pitch and tar, £0 6s 2d Brass goods: Brass wire for the Castle, ½ lb, £0 1s 6d Solder for the smiths' workshop, ¼ lb, £0 1s 1d Half-hundredweight weights for the storehouse, 12, £43 13s 6d Total for brass goods, £43 16s 1d China for the Castle: Octagonal meat dishes, 6, £0 12s 6d Octagonal plates, 24, £0 12s 6d Total for china, £1 5s 0d Glassware: tumblers, 3, £0 1s 9d Tinware for the smiths' workshop: Double sheets of tin, 2, £0 1s 4d Single sheets of tin, 7, £0 2s 4d Grained tin, 1 lb, £0 1s 0d Total for tinware, £0 4s 8d Total charged to general expenses, £151 18s 9d The account went on to record the stores issued for repairs. Interpretations The largest single charge of the quarter was £43 13s 6d for a dozen half-hundredweight weights for the storehouse, nearly a third of all general expenses. Brass standard weights of this size were costly, but they let the storekeeper weigh rice, paddy, sugar and flour exactly as they came ashore. Their purchase followed Corneille's demand on 7 August 1773 that shortfalls be measured and reported while ships were still in the road, and that only genuine natural loss be written off. Accurate weights were the means of enforcing that order against commanders who delivered short. Grained tin was tin cast into small granules, used by the smiths for tinning copper and iron vessels. The new well, for which elm was issued, was probably part of the effort to improve the island's water supply alongside the watercourses at Lemon Valley and in James Valley. | |
217 | 1773 Repairs Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st of July to the 30th September 1773. Deals viz. 28 Double 4 . 15 . 1 58 Single 5 . 13 . 7 3½ Balks 1 . 10 . 8 1 Coffer 3 . 4 3 Bundles Fir Laths 2 . 9 1 Elm Board 4 . 11 15 Deals Bought 2 . 3 . 2 Plantation Long Wood House & Stores 14 . 13 . 6 Lead C. qr. lb. 3 . 2 . 1 Do. 4 . 1 . 11 Pitch and Tar 4 Gallns. Tar 3 . 4 Nails viz. 21 m. 3 15 . 9 17 4 10 . 4 65 6 1 . 10 . 4 11 10 5 .. 23 20 9 . 2 8 40 3 .. 15 lb. Dog 9 . 8 16 Barrl. 5 . 4 6 Glaz. Brads 7 . 9 2 Hooping Do. 1 .. Plantation & Long Wood Houses and Stores 4 . 17 . 4 Paint viz. 5 lb. Flake White Lt. Govr. House 8 .. 335 White Lead mix'd Do. and Plantn. House 5 . 17 . 3 559 Whiting 12 .. 20 Barrl. Blacking 10 .. 38 Venitian Red mix'd 17 . 5 2½ Prussian Blue 3 . 9 . 2 4½ Copperas 4 . 2 1 Umber .. 2 3 Vermillion 16 . 8 12 Yellow Oaker mix'd 5 . 9 Plantation House 12 . 13 . 7 Carried Over £ 36 . 9 . 8 | The stores issued for repairs between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Timber for the plantations, the Long Wood house and the stores: Double deal boards, 28, £4 15s 1d Single deal boards, 58, £5 13s 7d Balks, 3½, £1 10s 8d Coffer, 1, £0 3s 4d Bundles of fir laths, 3, £0 2s 9d Elm board, 1, £0 4s 11d Deal boards bought locally, 15, £2 3s 2d Total for timber, £14 13s 6d Lead for the same, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 1 pound, £4 1s 11d Tar for the same, 4 gallons, £0 3s 4d Nails for the plantations, the Long Wood house and the stores: Threepenny nails, 21 lb, £0 15s 9d Fourpenny nails, 17 lb, £0 10s 4d Sixpenny nails, 65 lb, £1 10s 4d Tenpenny nails, 11 lb, £0 5s 0d Twentypenny nails, 23 lb, £0 9s 2d Fortypenny nails, 8 lb, £0 3s 0d Dog nails, 15 lb, £0 9s 8d [...] nails, 16 lb, £0 5s 4d Glaziers' brads, 6 lb, £0 7s 9d [...] brads, 2 lb, £0 1s 0d Total for nails, £4 17s 4d Paint: Flake white for the Lieutenant Governor's house, 5 lb, £0 8s 0d White lead ground in oil for the same and the Plantation House, 335 lb, £5 17s 3d Whiting for the Plantation House, 559 lb, £0 12s 0d Blacking for the same, 20 barrels, £0 10s 0d Venetian red ground in oil for the same, 38 lb, £0 17s 5d Prussian blue for the same, 2½ lb, £3 9s 2d Copperas for the same, 4½ lb, £0 4s 2d Umber for the same, 1 lb, £0 0s 2d Vermilion for the same, 3 lb, £0 16s 8d Yellow ochre ground in oil for the same, 12 lb, £0 5s 9d Total for paint, £12 13s 7d Carried forward, £36 9s 8d Interpretations Most of the quarter's repair stores went to the Plantation House, whose restoration the Council had ordered in July. More than 330 lb of white lead, over 550 lb of whiting and costly Prussian blue and vermilion show that it was being fully redecorated, inside and out, not merely patched. Tippet reported in October that the house had been made fit to live in. Flake white was the purest and most expensive form of white lead, used for the finest finishes, here in the Lieutenant Governor's house. The 15 deal boards bought locally were a sign that the Company's own stock of timber had run short, since every board on the island had come from England. | |
218 | 18th October Brought Over £ 36 . 9 . 8 Oil viz. 22½ Gallns. Linseed Plantn. House 4 . 6 . 3 ⅓ Turpentine Govrs. House 4 . 4 4 . 10 . 7 Iron 158 lb. Stores 1 . 9 . 7 Glass Ware viz. 322 Sqs. 6 by 8 4 . 7 . 3 72 Do. 8 by 10 2 .. 6 21 Do. 10 by 12 19 . 3 1 Do. 10½ by 17½ 1 . 6 17 Do. 10½ by 12½ 18 . 1 1 Do. 11½ by 17½ 1 . 4 1 Do. 11 by 17 1 . 4 1 Do. 12 by 14 1 . 4 Plantation House, Castle & Barracks 8 . 10 . 7 Turners Ware viz. 4 Plaistr. Brushes 6 .. 16 Paint Do. Plantn. House 6 . 8 12 Laborers Baskets, Barracks 11 . 6 1 . 4 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 3 Brass Plate Locks, Plantn. House 2 . 3 . 5 1 Iron rim'd Do. w. Pullback 4 . 2 5 Pr. H L Hinges 16 . 4 2 Stock Locks 6 . 1 6 Blank Keys Stores Plantn. House & Barracks 3 . 9 ½ lb. Tin Tacks 1 .. 1 Cupboard Lock 2 . 10 3 doz. Wood Screws 1 .. 6 Brass Rings Plantation House 1 . 3 2 Pr. H L Hinges w. ris. Joints Do. 6 . 4 5 Pr. Small Dovetail 2 . 11 4 . 9 . 1 Haberdashery 1 Dozn. Tape Do. .. 4 Carried Over £ 56 . 14 .. | The stores issued for repairs continued from the £36 9s 8d brought forward. Oil: Linseed oil for the Plantation House, 22½ gallons, £4 6s 3d Turpentine for the Governor's house, ⅝ gallon, £0 4s 4d Total for oil, £4 10s 7d Iron for the stores, 158 lb, £1 9s 7d Glassware for the Plantation House, the Castle and the barracks: Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 322, £4 7s 3d Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 72, £2 0s 6d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 21, £0 19s 3d Window pane 10½ by 17½ inches, 1, £0 1s 6d Window panes 10½ by 12½ inches, 17, £0 18s 1d Window pane 11½ by 17½ inches, 1, £0 1s 4d Window pane 11 by 17 inches, 1, £0 1s 4d Window pane 12 by 14 inches, 1, £0 1s 4d Total for glassware, £8 10s 7d Wooden goods and brushes: Plasterers' brushes for the Plantation House, 4, £0 6s 0d Paint brushes for the same, 16, £0 6s 8d Labourers' baskets for the barracks, 12, £0 11s 6d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £1 4s 2d Iron goods: Brass plate locks for the Plantation House, 3, £2 3s 5d Iron-rimmed lock with pull-back for the stores, the Plantation House and the barracks, 1, £0 4s 2d HL hinges for the same, 5 pairs, £0 16s 4d Stock locks for the same, 2, £0 6s 1d Blank keys for the same, 6, £0 3s 9d Tin tacks, ½ lb, £0 1s 0d Cupboard lock for the Plantation House, 1, £0 2s 10d Wood screws for the same, 3 dozen, £0 1s 0d Brass rings for the same, 6, £0 1s 3d HL hinges with rising joints for the same, 2 pairs, £0 6s 4d Small dovetail hinges for the same, 5 pairs, £0 2s 11d Total for iron goods, £4 9s 1d Carnation tape, 1 piece, £0 0s 4d Carried forward, £56 14s 0d Interpretations The 322 small panes of glass, together with brass locks and new hinges, show the Plantation House being reglazed and refitted throughout. Small panes of 6 by 8 inches were the cheapest and the easiest to replace, and they suited the old-fashioned sash windows of an older house. Hinges with rising joints lifted a door as it opened, so that it cleared a floor carpet or an uneven threshold, a refinement suited to the Governor's country residence. | |
219 | 1773 Brought Over £ 56 . 14 . Hooks & Lines viz. 6 No. 3 Lines 2 .. 24 4 Do. Barracks 8 . 10 10 . 10 Rice 12 lb. Plant. House to mix with Whiting 1 . Canvas viz. 9½ Yards English 9 . 6 30 Do. Ticklenburgs Plant. House 1 . 3 . 9 1 . 13 . 3 £ 58 . 19 . 1 Diet Expences Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30th of September 1773 Flour C. qr. lb. 11 .. 22 10 . 9 .. Arrack 66 Gallons 14 . 19 . 9 Beef and Pork viz. 24 Ps. Beef 4 . 3 .. 24 Ps. Pork 3 . 14 .. 7 . 17 .. Rice C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 . 2 1 . 13 . 2 Coffee 25 lb. 1 .. 10 Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 2 . 1 . 9 Sugar 4 .. 1 2 . 1 . 12 Candy 4 .. 3 8 .. 4 Tea 3 lb. Singlo 3 . 5 Oil 6 Bottles Florence 15 . 6 Salt 1 Bushel 3 . 4 Pease ½ Do. 1 . 1 £ 45 . 3 . 5 | The stores issued for repairs continued from the £56 14s 0d brought forward. Hooks and lines for the barracks: Fishing line number 3, 6, £0 2s 0d Fishing line number 4, 24, £0 8s 10d Total for hooks and lines, £0 10s 10d Rice for the Plantation House, to mix with the whiting, 12 lb, £0 1s 0d Canvas for the Plantation House: English canvas, 9½ yards, £0 9s 6d Ticklenburg canvas, 30 yards, £1 3s 9d Total for canvas, £1 13s 3d Total charged to repairs, £58 19s 1d The stores issued for the Company's table between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Flour, 11 hundredweight 0 quarters 22 pounds, £10 9s 0d Arrack, 66 gallons, £14 19s 9d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 24 pieces, £4 3s 0d Salt pork, 24 pieces, £3 14s 0d Total for beef and pork, £7 17s 0d Rice, 3 hundredweight 3 quarters 2 pounds, £1 13s 2d Coffee, 25 lb, £1 0s 10d Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 9 pounds, £4 0s 1d Sugar candy, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds, £4 0s 3d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £8 0s 4d Singlo tea, 3 lb, £0 3s 5d Florence oil, 6 bottles, £0 15s 6d Salt, 1 bushel, £0 3s 4d Peas, ½ bushel, £0 1s 1d Total charged to the table, £45 3s 5d Interpretations The rice mixed with whiting for the Plantation House was used to make a binding paste. Boiled rice water added to a chalk wash made it stick to plaster and stopped it rubbing off, a method known in the East and brought to the island through the Company's trade. The stores drawn for the Company's table fell from £73 9s 10d in the spring quarter to £45 3s 5d. Arrack dropped from 113 gallons to 66, and the cinnamon, mace and cloves of the spring disappeared entirely. With fewer Company ships in the road and fewer officers to entertain, the Governor's table drew far less on the stores, matching the fall in candles at the Castle and in the steward's monthly wine. | |
220 | 18th October Garrison Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30 September 1773. Tea 101 lb. Bohea Barrs. & Guards 3 . 1 .. Oil 97 Gallon Train Do. & Do. 17 . 1 . 7 Candles 42 lb. Officers on Guard 4 . 9 . 8 Blankets 2 for Recruits 11 . 2 Twine ½ lb. Cotton Wick Guards 1 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 7 Large Frying Pans 1 . 9 . 4 4 Small Do. 7 . 11 5 Carpt. Bro. Axes 1 . 1 . 6 1 Wood Do. 2 . 10 14 Ash Helves 8 . 2 2 Blank Keys 1 . 2 Barracks and Guards 3 . 10 . 11 Turners Ware viz. 63 Wood Bowls 3 . 10 . 10 62 Platters Do. 3 . 18 . 3 7 . 9 . 1 Tin Ware viz. 32 Lamps 1 . 4 . 8 2 Horn Lanthorns Out Guards 8 . 3 1 . 12 . 11 Thread viz. 3 lb. Coloured 9 .. ¼ Whited Brown Alter Cloaths 5 . 1 14 . 1 Haberdashery viz. 2½ Whale Bone, for Hats 13 . 6 2 Cockades, Recruits .. 8 14 . 2 Deals viz. 9 Single 17 . 8 1½ Balks 13 . 2 ½ Ps. Riga Timber Coffins & Sentry Boxes 1 . 3 . 3 2 . 14 . 1 Carried Over £ 41 . 19 . 10 | The stores issued to the garrison between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Bohea tea for the barracks and guards, 101 lb, £3 1s 0d Train oil for the same, 97 gallons, £17 1s 7d Candles for officers on guard, 42 lb, £4 9s 8d Blankets for recruits, 2, £0 11s 2d Cotton wick for the guards, ½ lb, £0 1s 2d Iron goods for the barracks and guards: Large frying pans, 7, £1 9s 4d Small frying pans, 4, £0 7s 11d Carpenters' broad axes, 3, £1 1s 6d Wood axe, 1, £0 2s 10d Ash handles, 14, £0 8s 2d Blank keys, 2, £0 1s 2d Total for iron goods, £3 10s 11d Wooden goods for the barracks and guards: Wooden bowls, 68, £3 10s 10d Platters, 62, £3 18s 3d Total for wooden goods, £7 9s 1d Tinware for the outlying guards: Lamps, 32, £1 4s 8d Horn lanterns, 2, £0 8s 3d Total for tinware, £1 12s 11d Thread for altering clothing: Coloured thread, 3 lb, £0 9s 0d Half-bleached thread, ¾ lb, £0 5s 1d Total for thread, £0 14s 1d Sewing goods: Whalebone for hats, 2½ lb, £0 13s 6d Cockades for recruits, 2, £0 0s 8d Total for sewing goods, £0 14s 2d Timber for coffins and sentry boxes: Single deal boards, 9, £0 17s 8d Balks, 1½, £0 13s 2d Riga timber, ½ piece, £1 3s 3d Total for timber, £2 14s 1d Carried forward, £41 19s 10d Interpretations The garrison's ordinary running costs for the winter quarter look small beside the spring quarter, when the whole year's clothing was issued and the charge passed £1,700 0s 0d. Train oil rose slightly, to 97 gallons, because the longer winter nights kept the barrack and guard-post lamps burning longer. Candles for officers on guard fell by more than half, from 102 lb to 42. The cheaper train-oil lamps evidently took over more of the lighting. A cockade was the knot of black ribbon worn on a soldier's hat, the mark of service to the British Crown. Whalebone was used to stiffen the brims of the soldiers' cocked hats. | |
221 | 1773 Brought Over £ 41 . 19 . 10 Nails viz. 3 m. 4 1 . 10 6 20 2 . 5 10 10 4 . 7 Coffins & Centry Boxes 8 . 10 Shoes 6 Pr. Ordinary Recruits 1 . 7 .. Hosiers Ware 6 Prs. Thread Stockgs. Do. 16 . 9 Shirts 6 Soldiers, Do. 1 . 6 . 9 Lines viz. 1 Hambro 1 . 4 1 lb. Whip Cord Whips 3 . 6 4 . 10 Glass Ware 2 Hour Glasses Out Guards 1 . 4 Soldiers Cloaths 3 Coats & Breechs. Recrts. 4 . 8 . 6 Beef and Pork viz. 224 Ps. Beef 38 . 14 . 8 264 Ps. Pork Deficiency in weight 40 . 14 .. 79 . 8 . 8 £ 130 . 2 . 6 Blacks Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30 September 1773. Rice C. qr. lb. 127 .. 8 55 . 17 . 2 Wheat 40 . 2 . 24 19 . 13 . 7 Beef and Pork viz. 809 Ps. Beef 139 . 17 . 10 566 Ps. Pork 87 . 5 . 2 227 . 3 .. Arrack 193 Gallons 43 . 16 . 7 Oil 4½ Gallons Train 15 . 10 Sugar 46 lb. 14 . 2 Tea 11 lb. Bohea 6 . 8 Pepper 6 lb. 3 .. Sope 10 lb. 5 . 3 Salt ⅜ Bushel 1 . 3 Carried Over £ 348 . 16 . 6 | The stores issued to the garrison continued from the £41 19s 10d brought forward. Nails for coffins and sentry boxes: Fourpenny nails, 3 lb, £0 1s 10d Twentypenny nails, 6 lb, £0 2s 5d Tenpenny nails, 10 lb, £0 4s 7d Total for nails, £0 8s 10d Men's ordinary shoes for recruits, 6 pairs, £1 7s 0d Thread stockings for recruits, 6 pairs, £0 16s 9d Soldiers' shirts for recruits, 6, £1 6s 9d Lines: Hamburg line, 1, £0 1s 4d Whipcord for whips, 1 lb, £0 3s 6d Total for lines, £0 4s 10d Hourglasses for the outlying guards, 2, £0 1s 4d Soldiers' coats and breeches for recruits, 3 sets, £4 8s 6d Beef and pork to make up short weight: Salt beef, 224 pieces, £38 14s 8d Salt pork, 264 pieces, £40 14s 0d Total for beef and pork, £79 8s 8d Total charged to the garrison, £130 2s 6d The stores issued for the Company's slaves between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Rice, 127 hundredweight 0 quarters 8 pounds, £55 17s 2d Wheat, 40 hundredweight 2 quarters 24 pounds, £19 13s 7d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 809 pieces, £139 17s 10d Salt pork, 566 pieces, £87 5s 2d Total for beef and pork, £227 3s 0d Arrack, 193 gallons, £43 16s 7d Train oil, 4½ gallons, £0 15s 10d Sugar, 46 lb, £0 14s 2d Bohea tea, 11 lb, £0 6s 8d Pepper, 6 lb, £0 3s 0d Soap, 10 lb, £0 5s 3d Salt, ⅜ bushel, £0 1s 3d Carried forward, £348 16s 6d Interpretations The food issued to the Company's slaves changed sharply between the two quarters, following the season's supplies. In the spring quarter they received almost 170 hundredweight of wheat and less than 14 hundredweight of rice. In the winter quarter the proportions reversed, with 127 hundredweight of rice and only about 40 of wheat. The Bengal ships of June to August had filled the warehouses with rice, and the Council switched the slaves' ration to it. Their salt pork fell by more than half and their arrack by over a third, while beef held steady. The garrison's beef and pork charge confirms the Company's practice of making good short weight in the soldiers' meat. Nearly 500 pieces were issued in a single quarter to cover casks that came up light, at a cost of almost £80 0s 0d. Every short cask from the contractors in England fell on the Company in this way. | |
222 | 18 October Brought Over £ 348 . 16 . 6 Shoes 31 Pr. Mens Ordinary 6 . 19 . 6 Iron Ware viz. 5 Small Frying Pans 9 . 11 1 Stock Lock 3 . 1 13 .. Blanket 1 3 . 7 Chelloes 69 Pieces 39 . 4 . 10 Turners Ware viz. 7 Bowls 7 . 4 7 Platters 8 . 7 15 . 11 Cutlery Ware 8 Butch. Knives 4 . 6 Hosiers Ware viz. 6 Pr. Womens Worsted Stockgs. 16 . 6 4 Do. Girls Do. Do. 7 . 10 24 Do. Mens Ordy. Thread Do. 3 . 7 .. 4 . 11 . 4 Haberdashery viz. 12 Ps. Tape 6 . 6 7 Sks. Silk 2 . 7 12 Do. Mohair 4 . 6 ¼ Gro. Narrow Worsted Lace 3 .. 4 doz. Mohair Ct. Buttons 2 . 6 19 . 1 Thread viz. 3½ Whited Brown 1 . 2 . 1 4 Coloured 12 .. 1 . 14 . 1 Canvas viz. 3 Yards English 3 . 129 Do. Ticklenburgs 4 . 10 . 10 4 . 13 . 10 Long Cloth viz. 44 Ps. Baftas 29 . 14 . ⅞ Ps. Cloth No. 5 1 .. 6 30 . 14 . 6 Carried Over £ 439 . 12 . 8 | The stores issued for the Company's slaves continued from the £348 16s 6d brought forward. Men's ordinary shoes, 31 pairs, £6 19s 6d Iron goods: Small frying pans, 5, £0 9s 11d Stock lock, 1, £0 3s 1d Total for iron goods, £0 13s 0d Blanket, 1, £0 3s 7d Chelloes, 69 pieces, £39 4s 10d Wooden goods: Bowls, 7, £0 7s 4d Platters, 7, £0 8s 7d Total for wooden goods, £0 15s 11d Butchers' knives, 8, £0 4s 6d Stockings: Women's worsted stockings, 6 pairs, £0 16s 6d Girls' worsted stockings, 4 pairs, £0 7s 10d Men's ordinary thread stockings, 24 pairs, £3 7s 0d Total for stockings, £4 11s 4d Sewing goods: Tape, 12 pieces, £0 6s 6d Silk thread, 7 skeins, £0 2s 7d Mohair thread, 12 skeins, £0 4s 6d Narrow worsted lace, ¼ gross, £0 3s 0d Mohair coat buttons, 4 dozen, £0 2s 6d Total for sewing goods, £0 19s 1d Thread: Half-bleached thread, 3½ lb, £1 2s 1d Coloured thread, 4 lb, £0 12s 0d Total for thread, £1 14s 1d Canvas: English canvas, 3 yards, £0 3s 0d Ticklenburg canvas, 109 yards, £4 10s 10d Total for canvas, £4 13s 10d Longcloth: Baftas, 44 pieces, £29 14s 0d Longcloth number 5, ⅞ piece, £1 0s 6d Total for longcloth, £30 14s 6d Carried forward, £439 12s 8d Interpretations The quarter's issue of cloth to the Company's slaves was large: 69 pieces of chelloes, 44 pieces of baftas and more than 100 yards of canvas, with thread, tape and buttons for making them up. In the spring quarter the slaves had been clothed largely in seamen's slops sent from England. The Indian cottons landed from the Devonshire and the Bengal ships now allowed the Company to clothe them more cheaply. The women's and girls' stockings and the coat buttons were probably for the household slaves at the Castle, who were dressed better than those in the fields. The coarse Ticklenburg canvas was most likely for working clothes and bedding. | |
223 | 1773 Brought Over £ 439 . 12 . 8 Serge viz. 30 Yards Green 6 . 6 . 11 2 Do. Scarlet Castle Servants 11 . 7 6 . 18 . 6 Shalloon viz. 21½ Yards Scarlet 2 . 14 . 11 7 Do. Colourd Do. 13 .. 3 . 7 . 11 Buckram 5½ Yards 5 . 9 Shirts 24 Soldiers Do. 5 . 7 .. Sailors Cloaths 1 Boys Shirt 2 . 10 £ 455 . 14 . 8 Mallays Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 31 September 1773 Rice C. qr. lb. 2 .. 16 18 . 11 Sugar 2 . 4 18 . 5 Arrack 10½ Gallons 2 . 8 . 10 Beef 10 Pieces 1 . 14 . 7 Sope 6 lb. 3 . 2 Pepper 2 lb. 1 .. Flour 30 lb. 5 .. Coffee 4 lb. 3 . 4 Paint 1 Indico 1 . 9 Hooks and Lines viz. 100 No. 7 Hooks 5 . 6 100 11 Do. 1 . 7 6 No. 3 Lines 1 . 8 1 Hambro 1 . 4 10 . 1 Haberdashery viz. 14 Sks. Silk 5 . 3 12 Do. Mohair 4 .. 6 doz. Do. Coat Buttons 3 . 9 3¼ Do. Do. Bt. Do. 1 . 1 2 Ps. Tape 1 . 1 15 . 2 Carried Over £ 8 .. 3 | The stores issued for the Company's slaves continued from the £439 12s 8d brought forward. Serge for the Castle servants: Green serge, 30 yards, £6 6s 11d Scarlet serge, 2 yards, £0 11s 7d Total for serge, £6 18s 6d Shalloon for the same: Scarlet shalloon, 21½ yards, £2 14s 11d Coloured shalloon, 7 yards, £0 13s 0d Total for shalloon, £3 7s 11d White buckram for the same, 5½ yards, £0 5s 9d Soldiers' shirts for the same, 24, £5 7s 0d Boy's shirt, 1, £0 2s 10d Total charged for the slaves, £455 14s 8d The stores issued for the Malays between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Rice, 2 hundredweight 0 quarters 16 pounds, £0 18s 11d Sugar, 2 quarters 4 pounds, £0 18s 5d Arrack, 10½ gallons, £2 8s 10d Salt beef, 10 pieces, £1 14s 7d Soap, 6 lb, £0 3s 2d Pepper, 2 lb, £0 1s 0d Flour, 30 lb, £0 5s 0d Coffee, 4 lb, £0 3s 4d Indigo, 1 lb, £0 1s 9d Hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 7, 100, £0 5s 6d Fish hooks number 11, 100, £0 1s 7d Fishing line number 3, 6, £0 1s 8d Hamburg line, 1, £0 1s 4d Total for hooks and lines, £0 10s 1d Sewing goods: Silk thread, 14 skeins, £0 5s 3d Mohair thread, 12 skeins, £0 4s 0d Mohair coat buttons, 6 dozen, £0 3s 9d Mohair breast buttons, ¾ dozen, £0 1s 1d Tape, 2 pieces, £0 1s 1d Total for sewing goods, £0 15s 2d Carried forward, £8 0s 3d Interpretations The Castle servants were clothed in livery of green serge trimmed with scarlet and lined with shalloon, and given soldiers' shirts. In the spring quarter they had received only shalloon and shirts. A full livery issue in the winter quarter gave the Governor's household slaves the dress of servants in a gentleman's house, a mark of the Castle's standing before its visitors. The account heading named the Malays in the plural, which confirms that Roquedah Pookollam was held with a companion, Mass Senge. Their allowance stayed on much the same scale as before, with rice, beef, arrack and coffee, and silk and mohair for their clothes. The large supply of fish hooks shows they were allowed to fish for themselves. | |
224 | 18th October Brought Over £ 8 .. 3 Candles 20 lb. 2 . 2 . 11 Tea 4 lb. Bohea 2 . 2 . 5 Salt ½ Bushel 1 . 8 Oil 2 Bottles Florance 5 . 3 Starch 2 lb. 1 . 1 Flannel 4 Yards 8 . 8 Lead 12 lb. Sheet 2 . 6 Cordage 55 18 . 4 Oars 2 Small 7 . 10 Broad Cloth viz. 4 Yards Scarlet 4 .. 10 5 Do. Blue 4 . 10 . 5 8 . 11 . 3 Hosiers Ware viz. 1 Pr. Black Worsted Breeches 10 . 10 1 Pr. Scarlet Do. Do. 13 . 8 4 Pr. Ordy. Thread Stockings 11 . 2 4 Do. Women Do. 11 .. 2 . 6 . 8 Shalloon 7 Yards Coloured 16 . 9 Buckram 3 Do. White 3 . 2 Blankets 2 11 . 2 Thread viz. 1 lb. Whited Brown 6 . 7 2 Coloured 6 .. 2 oz. No. 16 4 . 5 17 .. Tin Ware viz. 2 Quart Sauce Pans 10 1 Gallon Kettle w. a Cover 1 . 6 1 Tin Lamp 10 1 Pudding Pan 10 4 .. Canvas 6 Yard Ticklenburgs 5 .. Glass Ware 6 Wine Glasses 2 . 7 Carried Over £ 26 . 8 . 6 | The stores issued for the Malays continued from the £8 0s 3d brought forward. Candles, 20 lb, £2 2s 11d Bohea tea, 4 lb, £0 2s 5d Salt, ½ bushel, £0 1s 8d Florence oil, 2 bottles, £0 5s 3d Starch, 2 lb, £0 1s 1d Flannel, 4 yards, £0 8s 8d Sheet lead, 12 lb, £0 2s 6d Cordage, 55 lb, £0 18s 4d Small oars, 2, £0 7s 10d Broadcloth: Scarlet broadcloth, 4 yards, £4 0s 10d Blue broadcloth, 5 yards, £4 10s 5d Total for broadcloth, £8 11s 3d Stockings and hosiery: Black worsted breeches, 1 pair, £0 10s 10d Scarlet worsted breeches, 1 pair, £0 13s 8d Men's ordinary thread stockings, 4 pairs, £0 11s 2d Women's thread stockings, 4 pairs, £0 11s 0d Total for stockings and hosiery, £2 6s 8d Coloured shalloon, 9 yards, £0 16s 9d White buckram, 3 yards, £0 3s 2d Blankets, 2, £0 11s 2d Thread: Half-bleached thread, 1 lb, £0 6s 7d Coloured thread, 2 lb, £0 6s 0d Thread number 16, 2 oz, £0 4s 5d Total for thread, £0 17s 0d Tinware: Quart saucepans, 2, £0 0s 10d Gallon kettle with a cover, 1, £0 1s 6d Tin lamp, 1, £0 0s 10d Pudding pan, 1, £0 0s 10d Total for tinware, £0 4s 0d Ticklenburg canvas, 6 yards, £0 5s 0d Wine glasses, 6, £0 2s 7d Carried forward, £26 8s 6d Interpretations The Malays' allowance more than doubled from the spring quarter, from £12 2s 10d to over £26 0s 0d and still rising. Most of the increase was clothing of a gentleman's quality: nine yards of scarlet and blue broadcloth, scarlet breeches and shalloon for linings. The Company was dressing its prisoners as men of rank, consistent with the cabin and captain's table later arranged for Pookollam's voyage home in 1778. The women's stockings show that the household included at least one woman. The cordage, sheet lead and two small oars point to the Malays keeping a boat of their own for fishing. | |
225 | 1773 Brought Over £ 26 . 8 . 6 Cutlery viz. 1 Fine Ivory Comb 2 . 9 1 Ordy. Do. Do. 1 . 2 3 . 11 Braziers Ware 1 Two Qt. Tea Kettle 17 .. China Ware viz. 12 Octagon Meat Plates 6 . 3 4 Do. Do. Dishes 8 . 4 14 . 7 Pewter viz. 1 Bason 2 . 11 1 Chamber Pot 3 . 1 6 .. Iron Ware 1 Pad Lock 1 . 5 Iron Pots 1 wt. 75 15 . 8 Shoes viz. 1 Pr. Mens Fine 5 . 6 1 Do. Pumps 5 .. 10 . 6 £ 29 . 17 . 7 Plantation Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30th September 1773 Wheat C. qr. lb. 27 .. 2 . 24 Poultry & Horses 13 . 8 .. Rice Paddy viz. C. qr. lb. 4 . 1 . 4 Rice Poultry Horses 1 . 17 . 9 42 . 2 .. Paddy Overseers & Steward 8 . 13 . 7 10 . 11 . 4 Beef 9 Pieces Steward 1 . 11 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 16 Scythe Stones 3 .. 3 Sheets Emery Paper .. 4 1 Garden Rake 2 . 4 Iron Ware Carried Over £ 5 . 8 Carried Over £ 25 . 10 . 6 | The stores issued for the Malays continued from the £26 8s 6d brought forward. Combs: Fine ivory comb, 1, £0 2s 9d Ordinary ivory comb, 1, £0 1s 2d Total for combs, £0 3s 11d Two-quart brass tea kettle, 1, £0 17s 0d China: Octagonal meat plates, 12, £0 6s 3d Octagonal dishes, 4, £0 8s 4d Total for china, £0 14s 7d Pewter: Basin, 1, £0 2s 11d Chamber pot, 1, £0 3s 1d Total for pewter, £0 6s 0d Padlock, 1, £0 1s 5d Iron pot, 1, weighing 75 lb, £0 15s 8d Shoes: Men's fine shoes, 1 pair, £0 5s 6d Men's pumps, 1 pair, £0 5s 0d Total for shoes, £0 10s 6d Total charged for the Malays, £29 17s 7d The stores issued for the plantations between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Wheat for the poultry and horses, 27 hundredweight 2 quarters 24 pounds, £13 8s 0d Rice and paddy: Rice for the poultry and horses, 4 hundredweight 1 quarter 4 pounds, £1 17s 9d Paddy for the overseers and the steward, 42 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £8 13s 7d Total for rice and paddy, £10 11s 4d Salt beef for the steward, 9 pieces, £1 11s 2d Iron goods: Scythe stones, 16, £0 3s 0d Emery paper, 3 sheets, £0 0s 4d Garden rake, 1, £0 2s 4d Iron goods carried forward, £0 5s 8d Carried forward, £25 10s 6d Interpretations The Malays' household was furnished with a brass tea kettle, china dinner plates and a large iron cooking pot during the quarter, besides the clothes and food already listed. Their total of nearly £30 0s 0d for three months was more than the yearly pay of a soldier. The Company was maintaining them in the style of a modest gentleman's household. | |
226 | 18th October Brought Over £ 25 . 10 . 6 Iron Ware brought Over £ 5 . 8 15 Ash Helves 8 . 9 1 Stock Lock 3 . 1 5 Spades 18 . 9 1 Pickax 3 . 6 1 Pruning Saw 2 .. 1 Hand Hatchet 1 . 10 2 Pad Locks 2 . 10 1 Garden Hoe 1 . 4 3 Rag Stones 1 . 2 1 Scythe 5 . 2 Stables & Gardens 2 . 14 . 1 Lines 12 No. 3 Garden & Long Wood 3 . 11 Cuttlery viz. 8 Butchers Knives 4 . 6 2 Pruning Do. 2 . 7 2 Budding Do. 2 . 5 1 Case Fleams 2 . 6 Plantation & Gardens 12 .. Oil viz. ½ Gallon Train .. 11 3 Bottles Florance Stables 7 . 11 8 . 10 Cordage 26 lb. Stables & Carts 8 . 8 Deals viz. 1 Single 2 .. 2 Coffers 6 . 8 ½ Balk Long Wood & Carts 4 . 5 13 . 1 Nails viz. 6 lb. 6 3 . 3 6 20 2 . 5 8 10 Pastures 3 . 8 9 . 4 Iron 64 lb. Pasture Gates 12 .. Carried Over £ 31 . 12 . 5 | The stores issued for the plantations continued from the £25 10s 6d brought forward. Iron goods for the stables and gardens: Iron goods brought forward, £0 5s 8d Ash handles, 15, £0 8s 9d Stock lock, 1, £0 3s 1d Spades, 5, £0 18s 9d Pickaxe, 1, £0 3s 6d Pruning saw, 1, £0 2s 0d Hand hatchet, 1, £0 1s 10d Padlocks, 2, £0 2s 10d Garden hoe, 1, £0 1s 4d Ragstones, 3, £0 1s 2d Scythe, 1, £0 5s 2d Total for iron goods, £2 14s 1d Fishing line number 3 for the gardens and the Long Wood, 12, £0 3s 11d Knives for the plantations and gardens: Butchers' knives, 8, £0 4s 6d Pruning knives, 2, £0 2s 7d Budding knives, 2, £0 2s 5d Case of fleams, 1, £0 2s 6d Total for knives, £0 12s 0d Oil for the stables: Train oil, ½ gallon, £0 0s 11d Florence oil, 3 bottles, £0 7s 11d Total for oil, £0 8s 10d Cordage for the stables and carts, 26 lb, £0 8s 3d Timber for the Long Wood and the carts: Single deal board, 1, £0 2s 0d Coffers, 2, £0 6s 8d Balk, ½, £0 4s 5d Total for timber, £0 13s 1d Nails for the pastures: Sixpenny nails, 6 lb, £0 3s 3d Twentypenny nails, 6 lb, £0 2s 5d Tenpenny nails, 8 lb, £0 3s 8d Total for nails, £0 9s 4d Iron for the pasture gates, 64 lb, £0 12s 0d Carried forward, £31 12s 5d Interpretations The pruning knives, budding knives and pruning saw show the gardens being worked in the southern spring, when fruit trees were cut back and grafted. The nails and iron for pasture gates, and the line issued to the Long Wood, belong to the same concern with keeping stock in and out of the Company's land that lay behind Corneille's letters about the Hutts. Fishing line was often used in gardens to set out straight rows for planting, which may explain its issue to the gardens and the wood. | |
227 | 1773 Brought Over £ 31 . 12 . 5 Cart Wheels 1 wheel Barrow Garden 15 . 5 Saddlery 1 Saddle Cloth Stable 3 . 11 Turners Ware viz. 3 Birch Brooms Stables 1 .. 1 Flasket 3 . 4 1 Tray for Carrg. Meat 1 . 6 5 . 10 £ 32 . 17 . 7 Hospital Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30th September 1773. Sugar C. qr. lb. 2 . 2 . 7 4 . 8 .. Flour 2 . 2 . 7 2 . 7 . 10 Rice 2 . 2 . 7 1 . 2 . 7 Tea .. 1 . 1 17 . 7 Oil 10 Gallons Train 1 . 15 . 3 Salt 1½ Bushels 4 . 2 Turners Ware 1 Hair Broom 2 . 9 Corks 1 Gross 2 . 3 Long Cloth 1 Ps. Baftas 13 . 6 £ 11 . 13 . 11 Boats Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30th September 1773. Twine 49 Skanes 1 . 5 . 6 Cordage C. qr. lb. 2 . 1 . 2 4 . 4 . 8 Arrack 5 Gallons 1 . 2 . 9 Turners Ware viz. 2 Bowls 2 . 1 2 Platters 2 . 6 2 Birch Brooms .. 8 2 Mops 2 . 6 7 . 9 Carried Over £ 7 .. 8 | The stores issued for the plantations continued from the £31 12s 5d brought forward. Wheelbarrow for the gardens, 1, £0 15s 5d Saddle cloth for the stables, 1, £0 3s 11d Wooden goods: Birch brooms for the stables, 3, £0 1s 0d Flasket for carrying meat, 1, £0 3s 4d Tray for carrying meat, 1, £0 1s 6d Total for wooden goods, £0 5s 10d Total charged to the plantations, £32 17s 7d The stores issued for the hospital between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Sugar, 2 hundredweight 2 quarters 7 pounds, £4 8s 0d Flour, 2 hundredweight 2 quarters 7 pounds, £2 7s 10d Rice, 2 hundredweight 2 quarters 7 pounds, £1 2s 7d Bohea tea, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 1 pound, £0 17s 7d Train oil, 10 gallons, £1 15s 3d Salt, 1½ bushels, £0 4s 2d Hair broom, 1, £0 2s 9d Corks, 1 gross, £0 2s 3d Baftas, 1 piece, £0 13s 6d Total charged to the hospital, £11 13s 11d The stores issued for the Company's boats between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Twine, 49 skeins, £1 5s 6d Cordage, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 2 pounds, £4 4s 8d Arrack, 5 gallons, £1 2s 9d Wooden goods: Bowls, 2, £0 2s 1d Platters, 2, £0 2s 6d Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 8d Mops, 2, £0 2s 6d Total for wooden goods, £0 7s 9d Carried forward, £7 0s 8d Interpretations The hospital's stores fell from £19 3s 8d in the spring quarter to £11 13s 11d, and the boats' cordage from over nine hundredweight to just over two. Both changes followed the seasons. In the spring the island was crowded with ships, so the Company's boats worked hard ferrying stores and passengers through the surf, wearing out their ropes, and sick seamen were left ashore. In the winter quarter there were fewer callers, less boat work and fewer patients. The plantation charges, by contrast, stayed close to the spring figure, since the farms' needs did not depend on the shipping. | |
228 | 18th October Brought Over £ 7 .. 8 Iron Ware viz. 1 Larg Frying Pan 4 . 3 1 Hand Hatchet 2 .. 18 Sail Needles .. 5 39 Bolt Rope Do. 4 . 1 3 Pad Locks 4 . 3 15 .. Lines 1 Deep Sea 5 .. Canvas viz. 11 Ps. English, six of which omitted in Quarter ending 31 March 1773 21 . 18 . 2 28 Yards Ticklenburgs 1 . 3 . 4 23 . 1 . 6 Pitch and Tar viz. 1 Barrl. Pitch 1 . 3 . 4 2 Do. Tar 2 . 4 . 1 75 lb. Rozin 12 . 6 3 . 19 . 11 Haberdashery ½ Gro. Broad Worsted Lace 4 . 6 Thread 9 oz. Coloured .. 9 Lead 14 lb. Sheet 2 . 11 Oars 2 Small 7 . 10 Iron Pots 1 wt. 19 lb. 4 .. Oil 2½ Gallns. Train 8 .. Deals viz. 4 Double 13 . 7 1 Single 2 .. 1 Elm Board 4 . 11 2 Knees for Long Boats 8 . 2 3 Wainscot Boards 19 . 11 ½ Ps. Ash Plank 1 . 3 . 5 2 Ps. Elm Do. 6 .. 2 9 . 12 . 1 Carried Over £ 46 . 2 . 2 | The stores issued for the Company's boats continued from the £7 0s 8d brought forward. Iron goods: Large frying pan, 1, £0 4s 3d Hand hatchet, 1, £0 2s 0d Sail needles, 18, £0 0s 5d Bolt-rope needles, 39, £0 4s 1d Padlocks, 3, £0 4s 3d Total for iron goods, £0 15s 0d Deep-sea line, 1, £0 5s 0d Canvas: English canvas, 11 pieces, six of them left out of the account for the quarter ending 31 March 1773, £21 18s 2d Ticklenburg canvas, 28 yards, £1 3s 4d Total for canvas, £23 1s 6d Pitch and tar: Pitch, 1 barrel, £1 3s 4d Tar, 2 barrels, £2 4s 1d Resin, 75 lb, £0 12s 6d Total for pitch and tar, £3 19s 11d Broad worsted lace, ½ gross, £0 4s 6d Coloured thread, ¼ lb, £0 0s 9d Sheet lead, 14 lb, £0 2s 11d Small oars, 2, £0 7s 10d Iron pot, 1, weighing 19 lb, £0 4s 0d Train oil, 2½ gallons, £0 8s 0d Timber: Double deal boards, 4, £0 13s 7d Single deal board, 1, £0 2s 0d Elm board, 1, £0 4s 11d Knees for the longboats, 2, £0 8s 2d Wainscot boards, 3, £0 19s 11d Ash plank, ½ piece, £1 3s 5d Elm plank, 2 pieces, £6 0s 2d Total for timber, £9 12s 1d Carried forward, £46 2s 2d Interpretations The canvas entry corrected an error from earlier in the year. Six of the eleven pieces had been issued in the quarter ending 31 March 1773 but left out of that quarter's account. Entering them now, with a note of the omission, kept the storekeeper's records complete and showed the Council that the canvas had been accounted for rather than lost. Most of the timber and canvas went to refitting the Company's boats, including the longboats bought from Captains Mitchell and Rous earlier in the year. Bolt-rope needles were heavy needles used to sew the strengthening rope round the edges of a sail. | |
229 | 1773 Brought Over £ 46 . 2 . 2 Braziers Ware viz. 1 Brass Roler 1 . 2 . 8 1 Boiling Cock 3 . 8 1 . 6 . 4 Nails viz. 1 lb. 3 .. 9 2 4 1 . 3 3 6 1 . 8 5 40 1 . 11 8 20 3 . 2 3 Scupper 1 . 8 10 . 5 Blocks 1 Single of 5 Inches 1 . 3 Paint 13 lb. Ven. Red mixd 8 . 3 Leather 15½ Sole 13 .. £ 49 . 1 . 5 Fortifications Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30 September 1773 Oil viz. 2 Gallons Linseed Gun Carrs. 7 . 8 2 Do. Train Lime Kiln 7 . 1 14 . 9 Paint viz. 42 lb. White Lead mixd 15 . 9 3 Whiting .. 1 4 Barrl. Blacking Gun Carriages 2 .. 17 . 10 Twine 50 Sks. Lime Bags 1 . 6 . 1 Glass Ware viz. 4 Sqs. 8 by 10 2 . 3 4 Do. 10 by 12 Lemon Valley 3 . 8 5 . 11 Carried Over £ 3 . 4 . 7 | The stores issued for the Company's boats continued from the £46 2s 2d brought forward. Brass goods: Brass roller, 1, £1 2s 8d Boiling cock, 1, £0 3s 8d Total for brass goods, £1 6s 4d Nails: Threepenny nails, 1 lb, £0 0s 9d Fourpenny nails, 2 lb, £0 1s 3d Sixpenny nails, 3 lb, £0 1s 8d Fortypenny nails, 5 lb, £0 1s 11d Twentypenny nails, 8 lb, £0 3s 2d Scupper nails, 3 lb, £0 1s 8d Total for nails, £0 10s 5d Single block, 5 inches, 1, £0 1s 3d Venetian red ground in oil, [...] lb, £0 8s 3d Sole leather, 15½ lb, £0 13s 0d Total charged to the boats, £49 1s 5d The stores issued for the fortifications between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Oil: Linseed oil for the gun carriages, 2 gallons, £0 7s 8d Train oil for the lime kiln, 2 gallons, £0 7s 1d Total for oil, £0 14s 9d Paint for the gun carriages: White lead ground in oil, 42 lb, £0 15s 9d Whiting, 3 lb, £0 0s 1d Blacking, 4 barrels, £0 2s 0d Total for paint, £0 17s 10d Twine for the lime bags, 50 skeins, £1 6s 1d Glassware for Lemon Valley: Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 4, £0 2s 3d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 4, £0 3s 8d Total for glassware, £0 5s 11d Carried forward, £3 4s 7d Interpretations The boats' charges rose from £41 14s 4d in the spring quarter to £49 1s 5d, but almost half of that was the six pieces of canvas carried over from the March quarter, so the true running cost fell. Scupper nails were short nails with broad heads, used to fix leather or lead flaps over a boat's drainage holes. The sole leather was probably cut into such flaps and into chafing pieces for the oars. The twine for lime bags shows the bags in which lime from Sandy Bay was carried round by boat to the works being mended rather than replaced. The glass for Lemon Valley went to the guardhouse at the western landing place, where Tippet proposed in October to repair the watercourse. | |
230 | 18th October Brought Over £ 3 . 4 . 7 Canvas viz. 10 Ps. English 19 . 18 . 4 16 Do. Ticklenburgs for Lime bags and Flags 13 . 4 20 . 11 . 8 Candles 2 lb. for waxing twine to mend bags 4 . 4 Iron 273 lb. Ruperts Guard Houses Lime Kiln 2 . 11 . 3 Iron Ware viz. 2 Pickaxes 6 . 11 4 Iron Shovels 17 . 10 1 Maul 9 . 10 1 Ash Helve .. 7 2 Stock Locks Ruperts Guard House and Lime Kiln 6 . 2 8 Rasps 4 . 6 2 Bench Vices Artillery Use 14 . 10 12 Sail Needles Makg. Bags .. 3 2 Pad Locks 2 . 10 1 Iron Rubbish Riddle Lime Kiln 7 . 6 3 . 11 . 3 Bunting viz. 1 Piece Red 1 . 9 . 7 1 . 6½ Yards Blue 1 . 8 . 10 1 .. White Flags 1 . 2 . 3 4 .. 8 Thread 1 lb. Coloured Artilly. Use 3 .. Coals 40 Bushls. for Burng. Lime 93 .. .. Cordage C. qr. lb. 1 . 2 . 11 Cables & Landg. Shears 3 .. .. Deals 7 Double 1 . 3 . 10 3 Single 6 .. 1 Coffer 3 . 4 1½ Ps. Oak Plank 3 . 16 . 11 1 Elm Do. Do. Ruperts Guard House 3 .. 1 8 . 10 . 2 Carried Over £ 138 . 16 . 11 | The stores issued for the fortifications continued from the £3 4s 7d brought forward. Canvas for lime bags and flags: English canvas, 10 pieces, £19 18s 4d Ticklenburg canvas, 16 yards, £0 13s 4d Total for canvas, £20 11s 8d Candles for waxing the twine to sew the bags, 2 lb, £0 4s 4d Iron for Rupert's guardhouse and the lime kiln, 273 lb, £2 11s 3d Iron goods: Pickaxes for Rupert's guardhouse and the lime kiln, 2, £0 6s 11d Iron shovels for the same, 4, £0 17s 10d Maul for the same, 1, £0 9s 10d Ash handle for the same, 1, £0 0s 7d Stock locks for the same, 2, £0 6s 9d Rasps for the artillery's use, 8, £0 4s 6d Bench vices for the artillery's use, 2, £0 14s 10d Sail needles for making bags, 12, £0 0s 3d Padlocks for the lime kiln, 2, £0 2s 10d Iron riddle for rubbish at the lime kiln, 1, £0 7s 6d Total for iron goods, £3 11s 3d Bunting for flags: Red bunting, 1 piece, £1 9s 7d Blue bunting, 1 piece 6½ yards, £1 8s 10d White bunting, 1 piece, £1 2s 3d Total for bunting, £4 0s 8d Coloured thread for the artillery's use, 1 lb, £0 3s 0d Coal for burning lime, 40 chaldrons, £93 0s 0d Cordage for the wells and sheers, 1 hundredweight 2 quarters 11 pounds, £3 0s 0d Timber for Rupert's guardhouse: Double deal boards, 7, £1 3s 10d Single deal boards, 3, £0 6s 0d Coffer, 1, £0 3s 4d Oak plank, 1½ pieces, £3 16s 11d Elm board, 1, £3 0s 1d Total for timber, £8 10s 2d Carried forward, £138 16s 11d Interpretations The fortifications' charges rose far above the spring quarter's £23 1s 6d, mostly because of a single item: £93 0s 0d of coal to burn lime. In the spring the kiln had been fired with wood cut on the island. The switch to coal shipped from England was expensive, but it spared the island's scarce timber. The Long Wood and the other woods were already under pressure, and the Council later blamed cutting for fuel as one cause of their decline. Burning lime with coal also suited the building programme ahead, since the ravelin, the glacis and the new church all needed large quantities of mortar. Sheers were a pair of tall spars lashed together at the top, with tackle hung from the joint, used to lift heavy guns onto their carriages or to haul loads up from wells. Rupert's, a battery and guardhouse in Rupert's Valley east of Jamestown, was being refitted with new timber and ironwork during the quarter. | |
231 | 1773 Brought Over £ 138 . 16 . 11 Nails viz. 6 lb. 4 3 . 8 4 6 2 . 2 21 10 9 . 8 11 20 4 . 4 2 40 .. 9 Ruperts Guard House 1 .. 7 Lines viz. 6 No. 3 2 .. 6 4 2 . 3 1 Hambro Fort Flags 1 . 4 5 . 7 £ 140 . 3 . 1 Church Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st July to the 30th September 1773. Turners Ware viz. 36 Laborers Baskets 1 . 14 . 6 2 Birch Brooms .. 8 2 Bowls 2 . 1 2 Platters 2 . 6 1 . 19 . 9 Iron Ware viz. 10 Mason Beach Mallets 11 . 3 12 Inch & Point Tools 14 . 9 4 Pickaxes 13 . 10 8 Iron Shovels 1 . 15 . 8 12 Two Feet Rules 12 . 1 Broad Ax 4 . 4 24 Ash Helves 14 .. 1 Iron Rubbish Riddle 7 . 6 5 . 13 . 4 Deals viz. 142 Double 24 . 3 . 3 11 Single 1 . 1 . 10 Deals Carried Over £ 25 . 4 . 1 Carried Over £ 7 . 13 . 1 | The stores issued for the fortifications continued from the £138 16s 11d brought forward. Nails for Rupert's guardhouse: Fourpenny nails, 6 lb, £0 3s 8d Sixpenny nails, 4 lb, £0 2s 2d Tenpenny nails, 21 lb, £0 9s 8d Twentypenny nails, 11 lb, £0 4s 4d Fortypenny nails, 2 lb, £0 0s 9d Total for nails, £1 0s 7d Lines for the fort flags: Fishing line number 3, 6, £0 2s 0d Fishing line number 4, 6, £0 2s 3d Hamburg line, 1, £0 1s 4d Total for lines, £0 5s 7d Total charged to the fortifications, £140 3s 1d The stores issued for the new church between 1 July and 30 September 1773 were charged as follows. Wooden goods: Labourers' baskets, 36, £1 14s 6d Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 8d Bowls, 2, £0 2s 1d Platters, 2, £0 2s 6d Total for wooden goods, £1 19s 9d Iron goods: Masons' beech mallets, 10, £0 11s 3d Inch and point chisels, 12, £0 14s 9d Pickaxes, 4, £0 13s 10d Iron shovels, 8, £1 15s 8d Two-foot rules, 12, £0 12s 0d Broad axe, 1, £0 4s 4d Ash handles, 24, £0 14s 0d Iron riddle for rubbish, 1, £0 7s 6d Total for iron goods, £5 13s 4d Timber: Double deal boards, 142, £24 2s 3d Single deal boards, 11, £1 1s 10d Timber carried forward, £25 4s 1d Carried forward, £7 13s 1d Interpretations The church took 142 double deal boards in a single quarter, far more timber than any other work on the island. In the spring quarter its stores had run to under £22 0s 0d, mostly for masons' tools. Now the walls had risen far enough for the carpenters to begin floors, roof timbers and scaffolding, as Tippet reported in October when he called the church well advanced. The 36 labourers' baskets were used to carry stone, lime and rubble, and wore out quickly under that work. | |
232 | 18th October Brought Over £ 7 . 13 . 1 Deals brought Over £ 25 . 4 . 1 8 Balks 3 . 10 .. 12 Coffers 2 .. .. 1 Elm Board 4 . 11 12 Ps. Ash Plank 1 . 3 . 5 3 Ps. Elm Do. 9 .. 3 8⅔ Ps. Riga Timber 18 . 14 . 4 59 . 17 .. Pitch and Tar 42 lb. Rozin 7 .. Iron and Steel viz. C. qr. lb. 3 . 1 . 8 Iron 3 . 9 . 9 .. 2 . 2 Steel 1 . 3 . 4 . 12 . 9 Oil viz. 2 Gallons Train 7 . 1 3½ Do. Linseed 13 . 5 1 .. 6 Nails viz. 1 lb. 3 .. 9 17 4 6 . 1 11 6 5 . 5 15 10 6 . 10 8 20 3 . 2 13 40 6 . 9 6 Dog 3 . 11 6 Spike 1 . 10 1 . 14 . 9 Cordage C. qr. lb. 3 .. 19 5 . 13 . 4 Paint viz. 4 lb. White Lead Mixed 1 . 6 30 Stone Colour 14 . 5 2 White Coppora 2 . ½ Yellow Oaker dry .. 3 6 Chalk .. 3 18 . 5 Carried Over £ 82 . 1 . 10 | The stores issued for the new church continued from the £7 13s 1d brought forward. Timber: Timber brought forward, £25 4s 1d Balks, 8, £3 10s 0d Coffers, 12, £2 0s 0d Elm board, 1, £0 4s 11d Ash plank, ½ piece, £1 3s 5d Elm plank, 3 pieces, £9 0s 3d Riga timber, 8⅔ pieces, £18 14s 4d Total for timber, £59 17s 0d Resin, 42 lb, £0 7s 0d Iron and steel: Iron, 3 hundredweight 1 quarter 8 pounds, £3 9s 9d Steel, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 2 pounds, £1 3s 0d Total for iron and steel, £4 12s 9d Oil: Train oil, 2 gallons, £0 7s 1d Linseed oil, 3½ gallons, £0 13s 5d Total for oil, £1 0s 6d Nails: Threepenny nails, 1 lb, £0 0s 9d Fourpenny nails, 11 lb, £0 6s 1d Sixpenny nails, 11 lb, £0 5s 5d Tenpenny nails, 15 lb, £0 6s 10d Twentypenny nails, 8 lb, £0 3s 2d Fortypenny nails, 18 lb, £0 6s 9d Dog nails, 6 lb, £0 3s 11d Spike nails, 6 lb, £0 1s 10d Total for nails, £1 14s 9d Cordage, 3 hundredweight 0 quarters 19 pounds, £5 18s 4d Paint: White lead ground in oil, 4 lb, £0 1s 6d Stone colour, 30 lb, £0 14s 5d White copperas, 2 lb, £0 2s 0d Dry yellow ochre, ½ lb, £0 0s 3d Chalk, 6 lb, £0 0s 3d Total for paint, £0 18s 5d Carried forward, £82 1s 10d Interpretations The church took nearly £60 0s 0d of timber in the quarter, including more than eight pieces of Riga fir and three of elm plank. These were the heavy beams and boards for the roof and floors. Riga fir, long and straight, suited roof timbers that had to span the full width of the building. The three hundredweight of cordage served the scaffolding and the tackle used to haul beams into place. White copperas was zinc sulphate, used to help paint dry. The stone colour went to doors and woodwork meant to look like stone. In this one quarter, the church's stores ran to more than £80 0s 0d, close to four times the spring figure. | |
233 | 1773 Brought Over £ 82 . 1 . 10 Lead C. qr. lb. 1 . 1 . 10 1 . 11 . 3 Cart Wheels 6 Wheel Barrows 4 . 12 . 6 Lines viz. 6 No. 2 1 . 8 6 3 2 .. 18 4 6 . 7 10 . 3 £ 88 . 15 . 10 Errors Excepted (signed) Jonn. Doveton Store Keeper. St. Helena 30th September 1773. | The stores issued for the new church ended with the following items, continuing from the £82 1s 10d brought forward. Lead, 1 hundredweight 1 quarter 10 pounds, £1 11s 3d Wheelbarrows, 6, £4 12s 6d Lines: Fishing line number 2, 6, £0 1s 8d Fishing line number 3, 6, £0 2s 0d Fishing line number 4, 18, £0 6s 7d Total for lines, £0 10s 3d Total charged to the new church, £88 15s 10d Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 30 September 1773, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The church's stores for the quarter came to £88 15s 10d, against £21 15s 9d in the spring. It was now the largest single call on the Company's warehouses after the garrison and the slaves. Fishing line was again used by the builders, stretched between pegs to keep the courses of stone straight and level. Six new wheelbarrows matched the 36 baskets issued earlier in the account. Between them, they show the scale of carrying needed to move stone and mortar up to the rising walls. This was the building whose cost the Council later named, in 1778, among the reasons the island's expenses had risen. | |
234 | 18th October Inventory of Stores remaining in the Honble. Companys Ware Houses the 30th September 1773. Anchors viz. 3 without weights 40 . 3 . 9 1 Do. C. qr. lb. 33 .. 6 56 . 6 . 7 1 Do. 34 . 2 . 10 59 . 7 . 3 1 Do. 33 . 3 .. 57 . 13 . 1 1 Do. 35 . 2 . 7 1 Do. 36 . 3 . 18 148 . 9 . 9 18 Iron Hoops 2 . 18 .. 3 Anchors Stocks w. Iron Hoops 13 . 13 .. 23 Tree Nails .. 7 . 8 378 . 19 . 1 Blankets viz. 17 Blankets 2 Do. Damaged 5 . 6 . 1 Bunting viz. Ps. Yds. 11 . 20 Red 7½ Do. Damaged 18 . 3 . 1 9 .. Blue 11 . 6 . 6 7 . 40 White 8 . 15 . 8 38 . 5 . 3 Broad Cloth viz. 43⅞ Yards Scarlet 45 . 5 . 10 21¾ Do. Black 18 . 11 . 7 3¼ Do. Lead Colour Damd. 2 . 16 . 1 ¾ Do. Parsons Grey .. 13 . 6 4⅝ Do. Dark Brown 4 . 1 . 2 1½ Do. French Grey 1 . 6 . 3 12⅝ Do. Light Blue 11 . 8 . 2 14½ Do. White 12 . 7 . 8 7 . 9⅞ Do. Maz. Blue 34 . 9 . 5 31½ Do. Black Cassimere 13 . 5 . 7 144 . 5 . 3 Carried Over £ 566 . 15 . 8 | The inventory of stores remaining in the Company's warehouses on 30 September 1773 began as follows. Anchors: Anchors with weights unrecorded, 3, £40 3s 9d Anchor weighing 33 hundredweight 0 quarters 6 pounds, 1, £56 6s 7d Anchor weighing 34 hundredweight 2 quarters 10 pounds, 1, £59 7s 3d Anchor weighing 33 hundredweight 3 quarters 0 pounds, 1, £57 13s 1d Anchors weighing 35 hundredweight 2 quarters 7 pounds and 36 hundredweight 3 quarters 18 pounds, 2, £148 9s 9d Iron hoops, 18, £2 18s 0d Anchor stocks, waterlogged, 3, £13 13s 0d Treenails, 23, £0 7s 8d Total for anchors, £378 19s 1d Blankets, 17 sound and 2 damaged, £5 6s 1d Bunting: Red bunting, 11 pieces 20 yards, with 7½ yards damaged, £18 3s 1d Blue bunting, 9 pieces, £11 6s 6d White bunting, 7 pieces 40 yards, £8 15s 8d Total for bunting, £38 5s 3d Broadcloth: Scarlet broadcloth, 43⅜ yards, £45 5s 10d Black broadcloth, 21¾ yards, £18 11s 7d Lead-coloured broadcloth, damaged, 3¾ yards, £2 16s 1d Parson's grey broadcloth, ¾ yard, £0 13s 6d Dark brown broadcloth, 4⅝ yards, £4 1s 2d French grey broadcloth, 1½ yards, £1 6s 3d Light blue broadcloth, 12⅝ yards, £11 8s 2d White broadcloth, 14½ yards, £12 7s 8d Mazarine blue broadcloth, [...] yards, £34 9s 5d Black cassimere, 31½ yards, £13 5s 7d Total for broadcloth, £144 5s 3d Carried forward, £566 15s 8d Interpretations Anchors were by far the most valuable items in the warehouses, worth more than £370 0s 0d. Each one weighed well over a ton and a half. They were kept for the Company's ships, which often lost anchors in the island's deep, rocky roadstead or arrived having lost them on the voyage. The Council lent or sold them to commanders as needed. In 1778 it asked the Court to replace an anchor lent to the Grenville, under standing instructions of 1766. Treenails were long wooden pegs used to fasten a ship's planks to its frames. | |
235 | 1773 Brought Over £ 566 . 15 . 8 Buckram viz. 43½ Yards Brown 1 . 19 . 10 36 Do. White 1 . 17 . 6 3 . 17 . 4 Braziers Ware viz. 1 Large Skimmer 14 . 4 4 Small Do. 9 . 11 1 Warming Pan 11 . 3 8 Hash Pans w. Covers 11 . 17 . 1 3 Brass Cocks w. Keys 10 . 3 4 Large Do. 2 . 7 .. 8 Boiling Do. 2 .. 4 7 Pr. Steel Snuffers 1 .. 8 2 Copper Bars 1 . 18 . 6 2 Brass Do. 1 . 8 . 3 9 Three Quart Tea Kettles 5 . 6 . 11 5 Two Do. Do. 4 . 5 .. 2 Copper Pumps 2 . 3 . 10 98 lb. Rolld Dutch Brass 8 . 3 . 4 6 Larg Copper Boilg. Kettles 18 . 12 . 1 Sauce Pan of 2 Gallons 1 . 8 . 6 3 Pr. Brass Candle Sticks @ 7/9 1 . 3 . 3 1 Sheet Copper wt. 8 lb. 15 .. 6 lb. Copper Rivets 10 .. 3 Door Bells 12 . 6 1 Hand Do. 1 . 11 63 . 4 . 10 Books viz. 19 Large Bibles 26 . 2 . 6 6 Primmers 1 . 6 5 Large Common Prayer 1 . 4 . 10 21 Small Do. 3 . 9 . 2 15 Spelling 16 . 6 11 Testaments 17 . 6 32 . 12 . Carried Over £ 668 . 9 . 10 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £566 15s 8d brought forward. Buckram: Brown buckram, 43½ yards, £1 19s 10d White buckram, 36 yards, £1 17s 6d Total for buckram, £3 17s 4d Brass and copper goods: Large skimmer, 1, £0 14s 4d Small skimmers, 4, £0 9s 11d Warming pan, 1, £0 11s 3d Hash pans with covers, 8, £11 17s 1d Brass cocks with keys, 3, £0 10s 3d Large brass cocks, 4, £2 7s 0d Bottling cocks, 8, £2 0s 4d Steel snuffers, 7 pairs, £1 0s 8d Copper bars, 2, £1 18s 6d Brass bars, 2, £1 8s 3d Three-quart tea kettles, 9, £5 6s 11d Two-quart tea kettles, 5, £4 5s 0d Copper pumps, 2, £2 3s 10d Rolled Dutch brass, 98 lb, £8 3s 4d Large copper boiling kettles, 6, £18 12s 0d Saucepan holding 2 gallons, 1, £1 8s 6d Brass candlesticks at 7s 9d a pair, 3 pairs, £1 3s 3d Sheet copper weighing 8 lb, 1, £0 15s 0d Copper rivets, 6 lb, £0 11s 0d Door bells, 3, £0 12s 6d Hand bell, 1, £0 1s 11d Total for brass and copper goods, £63 4s 10d Books: Large Bibles, 19, £26 2s 6d Primers, 6, £0 1s 6d Large Books of Common Prayer, 5, £1 4s 10d Small Books of Common Prayer, 21, £3 9s 2d Spelling books, 15, £0 16s 6d New Testaments, 11, £0 17s 6d Total for books, £32 12s 0d Carried forward, £668 9s 9d Interpretations The 19 large Bibles, at nearly 28s 0d each, were far costlier than the single small Bible sold each quarter. They were almost certainly meant for the new church, then rising in Jamestown, as lectern and pew Bibles once it opened. The spelling books and primers in stock bear out the steady small demand from the island's school. Rolled Dutch brass was thin brass sheet made in the Netherlands, prized for its even quality and used for fittings and repairs. | |
236 | 18th October Brought Over £ 668 . 9 . 10 Beef and Pork viz. Puns. Ps. 122 . 12 Beef 1768 . 14 . Tierces 336 Do. 2041 . 4 . Puns. Ps. 107 . 16 Pork 1318 . 15 . 9 Tierces 446 Do. 2954 . 15 8083 . 8 . 9 Blocks viz. 2 Iron Bound Cat 12 . 10 4 Do. Do. Dead Eyes 2 . 13 . 1 1 Double Long Takle 4 . 9 1 Snatch Do. 13 . 7 2 w. Brass Sheaves 10 . 4 3 Single of 8 Inches 6 . 8 23 Do. of 5 Do. 19 . 9 47 Double of 8 Do. 3 . 19 . 7 10 .. 7 Canvas viz. Ps. Yds. 10 . 6½ English 20 . 4 . 11 .. 60 Ticklenburgs 2 . 12 . 6 22 . 17 . 5 Corks viz. 26 Gross 2 . 17 . 3 1½ Sheet .. 5 2 . 17 . 8 Copper Money Half Pence 34928 72 . 15 . 4 Cordage viz. C. qr. lb. 2 Cables Damag'd w. 143 . 1 . 1 1 Do. 70 . 3 . 21 1 Do. of 9 Inches 20 . 2 . 14 2 Coils of 5 Do. 10 .. 3 . 10 6 Do. 4 Do. 31 . 1 . 13 6 Do. 3½ Do. 26 . 3 . 20 12 Do. 3 Do. 35 .. .. 4 29 Do. 2½ Do. 55 . 3 . 15 34 Do. 2 Do. 43 . 1 . 8 7 Do. 1½ Do. 6 . 3 . 12 Cordage Carried Over 445 . 0 . 16 £ 8860 . 9 . 7 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £668 9s 10d brought forward. Beef and pork: Salt beef, 122 puncheons and 12 pieces, £1,768 14s 0d Salt beef, 336 tierces, £2,041 4s 0d Salt pork, 107 puncheons and 16 pieces, £1,318 15s 9d Salt pork, 446 tierces, £2,954 15s 0d Total for beef and pork, £8,083 8s 9d Blocks: Iron-bound cat blocks, 2, £0 12s 10d Iron-bound deadeyes, 4, £2 13s 1d Double long-tackle block, 1, £0 4s 9d Snatch block, 1, £0 13s 7d Blocks with brass sheaves, 2, £0 10s 4d Single blocks, 8 inches, 5, £0 6s 8d Single blocks, 5 inches, 23, £0 19s 9d Double blocks, 8 inches, 47, £3 19s 7d Total for blocks, £10 0s 7d Canvas: English canvas, 10 pieces 6½ yards, £20 4s 11d Ticklenburg canvas, 60 yards, £2 12s 6d Total for canvas, £22 17s 5d Corks: Corks, 26 gross, £2 17s 3d Sheet cork, ½ sheet, £0 0s 5d Total for corks, £2 17s 8d Copper money, Irish halfpence, 34,928, £72 15s 4d Cordage: Damaged cables, 2, 143 hundredweight 1 quarter 1 pound Cable, 1, 70 hundredweight 3 quarters 21 pounds Cable of 9 inches, 1, 20 hundredweight 2 quarters 14 pounds Coils of 5-inch rope, 2, 10 hundredweight 3 quarters 10 pounds Coils of 4-inch rope, 6, 31 hundredweight 1 quarter 13 pounds Coils of 3¾-inch rope, 6, 26 hundredweight 3 quarters 20 pounds Coils of 3-inch rope, 12, 35 hundredweight 0 quarters 4 pounds Coils of 2½-inch rope, 29, 55 hundredweight 3 quarters 15 pounds Coils of 2-inch rope, 34, 43 hundredweight 1 quarter 8 pounds Coils of 1½-inch rope, 7, 6 hundredweight 3 quarters 12 pounds Cordage carried forward, 445 hundredweight 0 quarters 16 pounds Carried forward, £8,860 9s 7d Interpretations The warehouses held more than £8,000 0s 0d of salt beef and pork, far more than everything else in the inventory put together. At the rate the stores were issuing salt meat, roughly 6,000 pieces a quarter, this was enough to feed the garrison and the Company's slaves for well over a year. A reserve on that scale protected the island against a lost or delayed store ship. It also explains why spoilage mattered so much. A cask that went bad sat in a store of this size for months before it was found, as with the puncheon written off in September after being discovered spoiled in January. The two damaged cables, weighing more than seven tons between them, were already in the warehouses in 1773. In 1778 the Court questioned two cables entered as damaged, which the Council said had lain on the island for some years under a shed on the Line before being cut up for wadding and boat rope. These were probably the same pair. The stock of nearly 35,000 Irish halfpence, worth about £73 0s 0d, was the island's reserve of small change, issued a few hundred at a time through the stores as people needed coins for small purchases. | |
237 | 1773 Brought Over £ 8860 . 9 . 7 Cordage Brought Over C. qr. lb. 445 . 0 . 16 9 Coils 12 Thread Ratline 4 . 1 .. 16 Do. 9 Do. Do. 7 .. .. 24 1 Do. White Rope 5 .. .. 14 461 . 2 . 26 790 . 14 . 9 Cutlery Ware viz. 36 Buckling Combs 18 . 6 268 Horn Do. 3 . 3 .. 67 Fine Ivory Do. 9 . 6 . 1 164 Ordy. Do. Do. 9 . 3 . 7 5 doz. Stag Horn Handle Knives & Forks 3 . 6 .. 4 Do. Shoe Knives 17 . 8 22 Butchers Do. 7 . 9 12 Chopping Do. 15 . 6 2 Pallet Do. 1 . 8 9 Stone Do. 13 . 1 13 Pruning Do. 15 . 5 doz. Pr. 79 . 11 Shoe Buckles 24 . 19 . 7 88 Knee Do. 1 . 5 . 8 4 Cases Fleams 9 . 10 354 Pr. Leather Garters 11 . 12 . 5 5½ doz. Green hand. Knives & Forks 10 . 17 . 9 6 Pr. Carvers 2 .. 1 5½ doz. Ivory Handle Do. & Do. 9 . 1 . 6 89 . 15 . 1 Cart Wheels viz. 1 Axletree for a Cart 6 . 8 6 Pr. Cart Wheels 20 . 13 . 5 37 Wheel Barrows 28 . 9 . 7 49 . 9 . 8 Camblet viz. 17½ Yards Dark Brown 2½ Do. Do. Damaged 3 . 1 . 4 7 . 26 Do. Blue 8 . 11 . 11 2 .. Scarlet 11 .. .. .. 24 Do. Green 3 . 13 . 2 26 . 6 . 5 Carried Over £ 9816 . 15 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £8,860 9s 7d brought forward. Cordage brought forward, 445 hundredweight 0 quarters 16 pounds Coils of 12-thread ratline, 9, 4 hundredweight 1 quarter 0 pounds Coils of 9-thread ratline, 16, 7 hundredweight 0 quarters 24 pounds Coil of white rope, 1, 5 hundredweight 0 quarters 14 pounds Total for cordage, 461 hundredweight 2 quarters 26 pounds, £790 14s 9d Knives, combs and small hardware: Combs for dressing wigs, 36, £0 18s 6d Horn combs, 268, £3 3s 0d Fine ivory combs, 67, £9 6s 1d Ordinary ivory combs, 164, £9 3s 7d Knives and forks with stag-horn handles, 5 dozen, £3 6s 0d Shoemakers' knives, 4 dozen, £0 17s 8d Butchers' knives, 22, £0 7s 9d Chopping knives, 12, £0 15s 6d Palette knives, 2, £0 1s 8d Stone knives, 9, £0 13s 1d Pruning knives, 13, £0 15s 5d Shoe buckles, 79 dozen and 11 pairs, £24 19s 7d Knee buckles, 88, £1 5s 8d Cases of fleams, 4, £0 9s 10d Leather garters, 354 pairs, £11 12s 5d Knives and forks with green handles, 5½ dozen, £10 17s 9d Carving knives and forks, 6 pairs, £2 0s 1d Knives and forks with ivory handles, 5½ dozen, £9 1s 6d Total for knives, combs and small hardware, £89 15s 1d Cart wheels: Axletree for a cart, 1, £0 6s 8d Cart wheels, 6 pairs, £20 13s 5d Wheelbarrows, 37, £28 9s 7d Total for cart wheels, £49 9s 8d Camlet: Dark brown camlet, 17½ yards, with 2½ yards damaged, £3 1s 4d Blue camlet, 1 piece 26 yards, £8 11s 11d Scarlet camlet, 2 pieces, £11 0s 0d Green camlet, 24 yards, £3 13s 2d Total for camlet, £26 6s 5d Carried forward, £9,816 15s 6d Interpretations Cordage was the second most valuable item in the warehouses after salt meat, more than 23 tons worth almost £800 0s 0d. Most of it was not for the island's own use but for the Company's ships. Indiamen arriving with rigging torn in the gales off the Cape drew heavily on it, as the summer's sales to the ships showed. Ratline was the light rope tied across the shrouds to form the rungs that sailors climbed. The large stock of shoe buckles and garters, almost a thousand pairs of buckles, reflected how little the island could make for itself, since even such small items had to come by sea in bulk. | |
238 | 18th October Brought Over £ 9816 . 15 . 6 Coals Chald. Bushl. 30 .. 12 169 . 18 . 4 Deals viz. 420 Double 71 . 4 . 6 253 Single 24 . 16 . 2 38½ Balks 16 . 18 . 7 33 Coffers 5 . 9 . 2 15 Timbers for Lg. Boats 6 . 11 . 11 13 Ps. Elm Plank 38 .. 6 2⅓ Ps. Oak Do. 5 . 19 . 7 9 Ps. Ash Do. 21 .. 3 23 Ps. Riga Timber 47 . 12 . 7 19 Wainscot Boards 6 . 5 . 5 6 Elm Do. 1 . 9 . 6 97 Bundles Fir Laths 5 . 6 . 8 100 Do. Oak Do. 10 . 16 . 6 261 . 11 . 4 Earthen Ware viz. 44 Milk Pans 2 . 18 . 1 11 Close Stool Do. 11 . 11 3 . 10 . Flour 484 Casks 1576 . 6 Flannel 68½ Yards 7 . 9 .. Glass Ware viz. 290 Sqs. 8 by 10 8 . 1 . 11 105 Do. 10 by 12 4 . 16 . 7 22 Do. 11 by 19 1 . 11 . 2 10 Do. 10½ by 18½ 14 . 2 21 Do. 12 by 15 1 . 7 . 6 9 Do. 10½ by 17½ 13 . 2 347 Do. 12 by 20 29 . 19 . 3 171 Do. 6 by 8 2 . 3 . 10 94 Do. 10½ by 12½ 2 . 12 . 16 Do. 11 by 17½ 1 . 2 .. 19 Do. 11 by 17 1 . 5 . 4 19 Do. 12 by 14 1 . 4 . 9 Glass Ware Carried Over £ 55 . 11 . 10 Carried Over £ 11835 . 4 . 8 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £9,816 15s 6d brought forward. Coal, 80 chaldrons 12 bushels, £169 18s 4d Timber: Double deal boards, 420, £71 4s 6d Single deal boards, 253, £24 16s 2d Balks, 38½, £16 18s 7d Coffers, 33, £5 9s 2d Timbers for longboats, 15, £6 11s 11d Elm plank, 13 pieces, £38 0s 6d Oak plank, ⅔ piece, £5 19s 7d Ash plank, 9 pieces, £21 0s 3d Riga timber, 23 pieces, £47 12s 7d Wainscot boards, 19, £6 5s 5d Elm boards, 6, £1 9s 6d Bundles of fir laths, 97, £5 6s 8d Bundles of oak laths, 100, £10 16s 6d Total for timber, £261 11s 4d Earthenware: Milk pans, 44, £2 18s 1d Close-stool pans, 11, £0 11s 11d Total for earthenware, £3 10s 0d Flour, 484 casks, £1,576 0s 6d Flannel, 68½ yards, £7 9s 0d Glassware: Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 290, £8 1s 11d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 105, £4 16s 7d Window panes 11 by 19 inches, 22, £1 11s 2d Window panes 10½ by 18½ inches, 10, £0 14s 2d Window panes 12 by 15 inches, 21, £1 7s 6d Window panes 10½ by 17½ inches, 9, £0 13s 2d Window panes 12 by 20 inches, 347, £29 19s 3d Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 171, £2 3s 10d Window panes 10½ by 12½ inches, 94, £2 12s 0d Window panes 11 by 17½ inches, 16, £1 2s 0d Window panes 11 by 17 inches, 19, £1 5s 4d Window panes 12 by 14 inches, 19, £1 4s 9d Glassware carried forward, £55 11s 10d Carried forward, £11,835 4s 8d Interpretations The stock of coal, more than 80 chaldrons worth nearly £170 0s 0d, had been laid in to fire the lime kiln. The fortifications drew 40 chaldrons for that purpose in the same quarter, a sign of the large building programme the Council had embarked on. The 347 large panes of 12 by 20 inches were far bigger than anything sold to inhabitants. They were probably intended for the windows of the new church, whose tall openings would need large glass. The 484 casks of flour, worth more than £1,500 0s 0d, were the island's bread supply, enough at the quarter's rate of use to last more than a year. | |
239 | 1773 Brought Over £ 11835 . 4 . 8 Glass Ware brought Over £ 11835 . 4 . 8 15 Sqs. 11½ by 17½ 1 .. .. 8 Do. 11½ by 18½ 11 .. 2 Tumblers 1 . 2 8 Beer Glass 4 . 4 21 Qt. Decanters 2 . 7 . 4 23 Pt. Do. 1 . 18 .. 81 Wine Glasses 1 . 14 . 7 5 Lamps 3 . 4 4 Candle Shades 1 . 8 .. 3 four Hour Glasses 10 .. 1 Three Do. Glass 3 . 4 25 Hour Glasses 24 Half Do. Do. 1 . 9 . 3 8 Minute Do. 6 . 8 67 . 8 . 8 Grindstones 3 Small 8 . 3 Hats viz. 8 Mens Fine 7 . 1 . 4 9 Do. Gold Laced 17 . 6 . 5 2 Boys 18 . 7 25 . 6 . 4 Hosiers Ware viz. 25 Pr. Womens Worsted Stockings 3 . 8 . 9 8 Pr. Girls Do. Do. 15 . 8 52 Do. Madrass Cotton Do. 14 . 15 . 5 1302 Do. Ordy. Thread Do. 182 . 18 .. 18 Do. Fine Do. Do. 6 . 9 .. 6 Do. Black Worsted Do. 1 . 19 . 6 7 Do. Do. Silk Do. 5 . 15 . 6 22 Pr. Do. Worsted Breeches 11 . 16 . 9 3 Pr. Scarlet Do. Do. 2 . [...] . 11 234 . 19 . 6 Carried Over £ 12163 . 7 . 5 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £11,835 4s 8d brought forward. Glassware brought forward, £55 11s 10d Window panes 11½ by 17½ inches, 15, £1 0s 0d Window panes 11½ by 18½ inches, 8, £0 11s 0d Tumblers, 2, £0 1s 2d Beer glasses, 5, £0 4s 4d Quart decanters, 21, £2 7s 4d Pint decanters, 23, £1 18s 0d Wine glasses, 81, £1 14s 7d Lamps, 5, £0 3s 4d Candle shades, 4, £1 8s 0d Four-hour glasses, 3, £0 10s 0d Three-hour glass, 1, £0 3s 4d Hourglasses, 25, and half-hour glasses, 24, £1 9s 3d Minute glasses, 8, £0 6s 8d Total for glassware, £67 8s 8d Small grindstones, 3, £0 8s 3d Hats: Men's fine hats, 8, £7 1s 4d Men's gold-laced hats, 9, £17 6s 5d Boys' hats, 2, £0 18s 7d Total for hats, £25 6s 4d Stockings and hosiery: Women's worsted stockings, 25 pairs, £3 8s 9d Girls' worsted stockings, 8 pairs, £0 15s 8d Madras cotton stockings, 52 pairs, £14 15s 5d Men's ordinary thread stockings, 1,302 pairs, £182 18s 0d Men's fine thread stockings, 13 pairs, £6 9s 0d Black worsted stockings, 6 pairs, £1 19s 6d Black silk stockings, 7 pairs, £5 15s 6d Worsted breeches, 22 pairs, £11 16s 9d Scarlet worsted breeches, 3 pairs, £2 [...] 11d Total for stockings and hosiery, £234 19s 6d Carried forward, £12,163 7s 5d Interpretations The 1,302 pairs of men's thread stockings were the reserve for the garrison's yearly clothing issue. In the spring quarter 569 pairs went out to the soldiers, so this stock would cover more than two years. Sandglasses in several sizes were kept for different purposes. Hour and half-hour glasses timed the watches at the guard posts. Minute glasses served for measuring a ship's speed with the log line. The long four-hour and three-hour glasses matched the length of the watches kept at sea and on the night guard. The gold-laced hats were for officers, who bought their own from the Company's stores. | |
240 | 18th October Brought Over £ 12163 . 7 . 5 Hooks and Lines viz. 10750 No. 6 43 . 4 . 6 9100 7 25 . 10 . 6 325 8 18 . 11 1350 9 1 . 18 . 9 7800 10 6 . 10 .. 1600 11 1 . 2 . 7 4250 12 3 . 3 . 9 4200 13 1 . 18 . 6 8000 14 3 . 2 .. 9900 15 3 . 5 . 4 4700 16 1 . 3 . 5 Hooks 69½ Large 7 . 19 . 148 doz. No. 2 24 . 11 . 4 138½ Do. 3 26 . 16 . 9 83 Do. 4 18 . 7 . 9 39 Hambro 2 . 11 . 9 35 Log 1 . 7 . 10 4 Deep Sea 1 .. . 12 Knots Sash 15 . 8 4 lb. Whip Cord 14 .. Lines 176 . 11 . 2 Haberdashery viz. 5½ lb. Silk 8 . 8 . 9½ Mohair 16 . 15 . 6 17 Gro. Do. Coat Buttons 6 . 16 . 5 13⅓ Do. Do. Bt. Do. 3 . 6 . 4 65 doz. Silver Wire Ct. Do. 14 . 17 . 11 1¼ Do. Do. Bt. Do. 3 .. 1½ Do. Gilt Coat Do. 2 .. 5 Do. Gold Basket Ct. Do. 19 . 7 ⅓ Do. Do. Breast Do. .. 8 1 Gro. White Waist. Do. 2 . 5 3 Do. Shirt Do. 7 . 2 Haberdashery Carrd. Over £ 51 . 19 . 11 Carried Over £ 12339 . 18 . 7 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,163 7s 5d brought forward. Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 6, 10,750, £43 4s 6d Fish hooks number 7, 9,100, £25 10s 6d Fish hooks number 8, 325, £0 18s 11d Fish hooks number 9, 1,350, £1 18s 9d Fish hooks number 10, 7,800, £6 10s 0d Fish hooks number 11, 1,600, £1 2s 7d Fish hooks number 12, 4,250, £3 3s 9d Fish hooks number 13, 4,200, £1 18s 6d Fish hooks number 14, 8,000, £3 2s 0d Fish hooks number 15, 9,900, £3 5s 4d Fish hooks number 16, 4,700, £1 3s 5d Large fish hooks, 69, £7 19s 0d Fishing line number 2, 148 dozen, £24 11s 4d Fishing line number 3, 138½ dozen, £26 16s 9d Fishing line number 4, 83 dozen, £18 7s 9d Hamburg lines, 39, £2 11s 9d Log lines, 35, £1 7s 10d Deep-sea lines, 4, £1 0s 0d Sash line, 12 knots, £0 15s 8d Whipcord, 4 lb, £0 14s 0d Total for fish hooks and lines, £176 11s 2d Sewing goods and trimmings: Silk thread, 5½ lb, £3 8s 0d Mohair thread, 9½ lb, £16 15s 6d Mohair coat buttons, 17 gross, £6 16s 5d Mohair breast buttons, 12⅔ gross, £3 6s 4d Silver wire coat buttons, 65 dozen, £14 17s 11d Silver wire breast buttons, 1½ dozen, £0 3s 0d Gilt coat buttons, 1½ dozen, £0 2s 0d Gold basket-weave coat buttons, 5 dozen, £0 19s 7d Gold basket-weave breast buttons, ⅓ dozen, £0 0s 8d White waistcoat buttons, 1 gross, £0 2s 5d Shirt buttons, 3 gross, £0 7s 2d Sewing goods and trimmings carried forward, £51 19s 11d Carried forward, £12,339 18s 7d Interpretations The warehouses held about 66,000 fish hooks and more than 4,000 lengths of fishing line, worth over £176 0s 0d. The island used roughly 5,000 to 6,000 hooks a quarter, so this was a supply for several years. Most were small and middling sizes for inshore fish caught from rocks and boats, and the large hooks were for deep-water fish. A stock on this scale shows how central fishing was to the island's food supply, for slaves and poorer inhabitants above all. It also explains why the Council took care in 1779 to send London a sample of exactly the hooks it needed. Sash line was the cord that ran over pulleys to hang the weights of sash windows. | |
241 | 1773 Brought Over £ 12339 . 18 . 7 Haberdashery brought Over £ 51 . 19 .. 5 Ps. Union Cord 11 . 3 6½ Ps. Galloon 1 . 14 .. 4 Ps. Braid 11 .. 10½ Yards Tabby 4 . 12 . 2 9 Gro. Broad Worsted Lace 7 . 16 .. 18¾ Do. Narrow Do. 10 . 16 . 8 16½ lb. Whale Bone 4 . 19 .. 168 Yards Broad Gold Lace 33 . 12 .. 64 Do. Narrow Do. 8 . 5 . 4 17 Pr. Gold Garters 6 . 1 . 10 23 Ps. Tape 12 . 6 17 Ps. Carnation Tape 6 . 5 23 Gro. Horn Moulds 11 . 6 132 . 8 . 8 Iron Pots viz. 5 wt. 177 lb. 1 . 16 . 10 4 Kettles 4 . 14 . 4 6 . 11 . 2 Iron and Steel viz. C. qr. lb. 222 . 3 . 3 Iron 198 . 13 . 4 13 . 3 . 16 Steel 26 . 9 . 9 225 . 3 . 1 Iron Ware viz. 22 Carpenters Adzes 3 . 2 . 9 5 Augers 14 . 2 20 Stone Axes 6 . 11 . 10 17 Broad Do. 3 . 13 . 9 4 Axletrees & Winches 14 .. 4 Coopers Axes 15 . 5 4 Notching Adzes 10 . 3 3 Rounding Do. 8 . 3 33 Taper Bitts 10 . 4 7 Drill Bows 15 . 9 73 Do. Boxes 3 . 13 . Iron Ware Carrd. Over £ 21 . 8 . 5 Carried Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,339 18s 7d brought forward. Sewing goods and trimmings brought forward, £51 19s 0d Union cord, 5 pieces, £0 11s 3d Galloon, 6½ pieces, £1 14s 0d Braid, 4 pieces, £0 11s 0d Tabby silk, 10½ yards, £4 12s 2d Broad worsted lace, 9 gross, £7 16s 0d Narrow worsted lace, 18¾ gross, £10 16s 8d Whalebone, 16½ lb, £4 19s 0d Broad gold lace, 168 yards, £33 12s 0d Narrow gold lace, 64 yards, £8 5s 4d Gold garters, 17 pairs, £6 1s 10d Tape, 23 pieces, £0 12s 6d Carnation tape, 17 pieces, £0 6s 5d Horn button moulds, 23 gross, £0 11s 6d Total for sewing goods and trimmings, £132 8s 8d Iron pots: Iron pots, 5, weighing 177 lb, £1 16s 10d Kettles, 4, £4 14s 4d Total for iron pots, £6 11s 2d Iron and steel: Iron, 222 hundredweight 3 quarters 3 pounds, £198 13s 4d Steel, 13 hundredweight 3 quarters 16 pounds, £26 9s 9d Total for iron and steel, £225 3s 1d Iron goods: Carpenters' adzes, 22, £3 2s 9d Augers, 5, £0 14s 2d Stone axes, 20, £6 11s 10d Broad axes, 17, £3 13s 9d Axletrees and winches, 4, £0 14s 0d Coopers' axes, 4, £0 15s 5d Notching axes, 4, £0 10s 3d Rounding axes, 3, £0 8s 3d Taper bits, 33, £0 10s 4d Drill bows, 7, £0 15s 9d Drill boxes, 73, £3 13s 0d Iron goods carried forward, £21 [...] Carried forward, £12,704 1s 6d Interpretations More than eleven tons of bar iron and nearly fourteen hundredweight of steel lay in the warehouses, worth over £225 0s 0d. They supplied the smiths' workshop with metal for hinges, gate fittings, tools and repairs to gun carriages, as well as the ironwork for Rupert's guardhouse and the new church. Union cord was a cord made of mixed fibres, usually linen and cotton. Union cord, galloon and braid were trimmings for uniforms and livery. The 168 yards of broad gold lace in store were a large reserve for officers' coats and hats, which shows how much of the garrison's finery was supplied through the Company. | |
242 | 18 October Brought Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 Iron Ware brought Over £ 21 . 8 . 8 3½ lb. Borax 2 . 4 . 10 2 Cast Backs for Forges 1 . 17 .. 22 Brass Boxes for Wheel Barrs. 8 . 1 5½ lb. Dragons Blood 5 . 1 2 Bung Borers 11 .. 10 Iron Crows 5 . 2 . 1 33 Scrubg. & Socket Chisels 2 . 6 . 4 13 Pr. Steel Compasses 7 . 3 1 Do. Sliding Do. 3 . 10 5 Pr. Wool Cards 9 . 10 9 Curry Combs & Brushes 15 . 4 7 Coopers Cold Chisels 7 . 11 1 Cock Borer 3 .. 3 Jack Chains 5 . 3 1 Pr. Iron Dividers 2 . 6 26 Bits for Dowling Stocks 8 . 8 8 Steel Drivers 13 . 3 5 Dowling Stocks & Springs 7 . 11 13 Chaffing Dishes 5 . 14 . 8 2 lb. Flour Emery 1 . 1 ½ Wash Do. 1 . 1 20 Course Do. 7 . 4 727 Files 16 . 17 . 9 19 Rubber Files 5 . 4 . 6 9 Bastard Halberts 2 . 9 . 6 22 Gouges 2 .. 4 9 Scrubg. Do. 6 .. 10 Spike Gimblets 3 . 9 22 double Worm'd Do. 4 . 7 49 Pr. Shutter Hinges 5 . 5 . 6 58 Do. H L Do. 9 . 9 .. 23 Broad Hoes 2 . 9 . 10 5 Garden Do. 6 . 5 17 Dutch Do. 2 . 3 . 9 Iron Ware Carried Over £ 91 . 17 . 11 Carried Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,704 1s 6d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £21 8s 8d Borax, 3½ lb, £2 4s 10d Cast backs for forges, 2, £1 17s 0d Brass boxes for wheelbarrows, 22, £0 8s 1d Dragon's blood, 5½ lb, £0 5s 1d Bung borers, 2, £0 11s 0d Iron crowbars, 10, £5 2s 1d Scribing and socket chisels, 33, £2 6s 4d Steel compasses, 13 pairs, £0 7s 3d Sliding compasses, 1 pair, £0 3s 10d Wool cards, 5 pairs, £0 9s 10d Curry combs and brushes, 9, £0 15s 4d Coopers' cold chisels, 7, £0 7s 11d Cock borer, 1, £0 3s 0d Jack chains, 3, £0 5s 3d Iron dividers, 1 pair, £0 2s 6d Bits for dowelling stocks, 26, £0 8s 8d Steel drivers, 8, £0 13s 3d Dowelling stocks with springs, 5, £0 7s 11d Chafing dishes, 15, £5 14s 8d Flour emery, 2 lb, £0 1s 1d Wash emery, ½ lb, £0 1s 1d Coarse emery, 20 lb, £0 7s 4d Files, 727, £16 17s 9d Rubber files, 19, £5 4s 6d Bastard half-round files, 9, £2 9s 6d Gouges, 22, £2 0s 4d Scribing gouges, 9, £0 6s 0d Spike gimlets, 10, £0 3s 9d Double-worm gimlets, 22, £0 4s 7d Shutter hinges, 49 pairs, £5 5s 6d HL hinges, 58 pairs, £9 9s 0d Broad hoes, 23, £2 9s 10d Garden hoes, 5, £0 6s 5d Dutch hoes, 17, £2 3s 9d Iron goods carried forward, £91 17s 11d Carried forward, £12,704 1s 6d Interpretations Dragon's blood was a deep red resin from the fruit of a palm grown in the East Indies, used to colour varnish for woodwork and as a medicine. The Company's ships brought it from Sumatra and the islands nearby. Bung borers were augers for cutting the filling hole in a cask, and a cock borer cut the smaller hole for the tap, both part of the cooper's kit for the island's many casks of meat, wine and arrack. Wool cards were pairs of wire-toothed boards used to comb wool before spinning, a sign that some households spun the fleece from their own sheep. A Dutch hoe was pushed rather than pulled, cutting weeds just below the surface. | |
243 | 1773 Brought Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 Iron Ware Brought Over £ 91 . 17 . 11 17 Ash Helves 2 . 4 . 11 22 Do. for Hammers 5 . 11 33 Masons Hammers 11 . 4 . 6 2 Joiners Hatchets 4 .. 11 Pr. H L Hinges w. Rising Joints 1 . 9 . 10 2 Do. Dovetail Hinges 1 . 2 19 Large Do. Do. 6 . 16 . 11 13 Lething Hammers 4 . 7 . 9 1 Smiths Hand Hammer 1 . 11 6 Uphand Do. 1 . 9 . 9 1 Sledge Do. 9 . 4 2 Nailing Do. 7 . 4 18 Claw Do. 1 . 1 .. 6 Bench Do. 5 . 6 10 Lathing Do. 16 . 6 6 Coopers Hand Do. 13 . 2 31 Truss Hoops 3 . 15 . 7 69 Hand Hatchets 5 . 16 . 4 318 File Hafts 1 . 6 . 6 1 Pr. X Garnet Hinges 5 . 4 5 Helves for Garden Hoes 3 . 3 4 Shovels 7 . 9 C. qr. lb. 5 .. .. Rod Iron 5 . 16 .. 1 .. 21 Plate Do. 2 . 9 . 11 2 . 3 Rolld Do. 4 . 3 . 5 1 Large Jack 7 . 10 . 2 2 Beak Irons 1 . 3 . 5 7 Coopers Jointer Irons 13 . 2 10 Large Box Irons 4 . 7 . 11 8 Small Do. 2 . 12 . 10 2 Flagon Irons 3 . 4 90 Plane Do. 1 . 13 . 5 5 Edging Do. 19 . 6 1 Sitting Knife 9 .. Iron Ware Carried Over £ 167 . 16 . 8 Carried Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,704 1s 6d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £91 17s 11d Ash handles, 77, £2 4s 11d Hammer handles, 22, £0 5s 11d Masons' hammers, 33, £11 4s 6d Joiners' hatchets, 2, £0 4s 0d HL hinges with rising joints, 11 pairs, £1 9s 10d Dovetail hinges, 2 pairs, £0 1s 2d Large dovetail hinges, 19 pairs, £6 16s 11d Setting hammers, 13, £4 7s 9d Smith's hand hammer, 1, £0 1s 11d Uphand hammers, 6, £1 9s 9d Sledgehammer, 1, £0 9s 4d Nailing hammers, 2, £0 7s 4d Claw hammers, 14, £1 1s 0d Bench hammers, 6, £0 5s 6d Lathing hammers, 10, £0 16s 6d Coopers' hand hammers, 6, £0 13s 2d Truss hoops, 31, £3 15s 7d Hand hatchets, 69, £5 16s 4d File handles, 318, £1 6s 6d Cross-garnet hinges, 1 pair, £0 5s 4d Handles for garden hoes, 5, £0 3s 3d Trowels, 4, £0 7s 9d Rod iron, 5 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £5 16s 0d Plate iron, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 21 pounds, £2 9s 11d Rolled iron, 2 hundredweight 3 quarters 0 pounds, £4 3s 5d Large roasting jack, 1, £7 10s 2d Beak irons, 2, £1 3s 5d Coopers' jointer irons, 7, £0 13s 2d Large box irons, 10, £4 7s 11d Small box irons, 8, £2 12s 10d Hagon irons, 2, £0 3s 4d Plane irons, 90, £1 13s 5d Edging irons, 5, £0 19s 6d Setting knife, 1, £0 9s 0d Iron goods carried forward, £167 16s 8d Carried forward, £12,704 1s 6d Interpretations The tools in store show the trades the Company kept on the island. A beak iron was a small anvil with a long tapering horn, used by smiths and tinmen to shape curved work. Uphand hammers were heavy hammers swung with both hands by a smith's striker. A cooper's jointer iron was the blade of the long plane he used to true the edges of staves so that a cask would hold liquid. Cross-garnet hinges, shaped like a T laid on its side, were used on plain board doors and gates. The large roasting jack, costing more than £7 0s 0d, was a clockwork spit for a big kitchen, probably held for the Castle. | |
244 | 18th October Brought Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 Iron Ware brought Over £ 167 . 16 .. 4 Coopers Hollowg. Knives 8 .. 4 Do. Drawing Do. 7 .. 52 Blank Keys 1 . 12 . 6 23 Spinter Locks 10 . 6 30 Pad Locks 2 . 2 . 4 1 Goal Do. 7 . 2 30 Stock Do. 4 . 10 . 1 14 Chest Do. 2 . 2 . 5 12 Iron rim'd L Bitted 13 . 9 .. 5 Pullback Do. for Street Doors 3 . 18 . 9 13 Iron rim'd Do. w. Brass Knobs 3 . 18 . 8 10 Do. Do. w. Pullbacks 2 . 1 . 3 5 Brass Plate Locks 3 . 12 . 4 8 Cupboard Do. 1 . 2 . 2 11 Brass Closet Do. 3 .. 6 6 Melting Ladles 3 . 6 . 6 18 Mauls 8 . 7 . 7 1 Pean Do. 4 . 5 3 Corn Mills 18 . 10 . 10 6 Coffee Do. 2 . 4 .. 46 Masons Beach Mallets 3 . 2 . 2 191 Bolt Rope Needles 16 .. 100 Sail Do. 2 . 1 92 Packing Do. 13 . 15 22 lb. Brass Chair Nails 3 . 5 .. 273 Pickaxes 45 . 2 . 10 20 Coopers Punchees 1 . 7 . 1 1 Jointer Plane 7 . 6 1 lb. Putty 1 . 8 2 Plow Planes 19 . 8 2 Brass Blow Pipes 1 . 10 148 Sheets Emery Paper 13 . 7 22 Do. Sand Do. 1 .. 52 Small Frying Pans 5 . 2 . 2 Iron Ware Carried Over £ 305 . 8 .. Carried Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,704 1s 6d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £167 16s 0d Coopers' hollowing knives, 4, £0 8s 0d Coopers' drawing knives, 4, £0 7s 0d Blank keys, 52, £1 12s 6d Splinter locks, 23, £0 10s 6d Padlocks, 30, £2 2s 4d Gaol lock, 1, £0 7s 2d Stock locks, 30, £4 10s 1d Chest locks, 14, £2 2s 5d Iron-rimmed single-bitted locks, 12, £13 9s 0d Pull-back locks for street doors, 5, £3 18s 9d Iron-rimmed locks with brass knobs, 13, £3 18s 8d Iron-rimmed locks with pull-backs, 10, £2 1s 3d Brass plate locks, 5, £3 12s 4d Cupboard locks, 8, £1 2s 2d Brass closet locks, 11, £3 0s 6d Melting ladles, 6, £3 6s 6d Mauls, 18, £8 7s 7d Pean maul, 1, £0 4s 5d Corn mills, 3, £18 10s 10d Coffee mills, 6, £2 4s 0d Masons' beech mallets, 46, £3 2s 2d Bolt-rope needles, 191, £0 16s 0d Sail needles, 100, £0 2s 1d Packing needles, 92, £0 13s 1½d Brass chair nails, 22 lb, £3 5s 0d Pickaxes, 273, £45 2s 10d Coopers' punches, 20, £1 7s 1d Jointer plane, 1, £0 7s 6d Putty, 1 lb, £0 1s 8d Plough planes, 2, £0 19s 8d Brass blowpipes, 2, £0 1s 10d Emery paper, 148 sheets, £0 13s 7d Sandpaper, 22 sheets, £0 1s 0d Small frying pans, 32, £5 2s 2d Iron goods carried forward, £305 8s 0d Carried forward, £12,704 1s 6d Interpretations The 273 pickaxes in store were far more than the island's ordinary needs, which ran to a handful a quarter. They had probably been sent out for the building programme then beginning, the ravelin and glacis in James Valley, the roads and the defence works that the soldiers and slaves would dig. The three corn mills were hand mills for grinding wheat and maize, a way for the island to grind its own grain if flour from England ran short. Brass chair nails had large domed heads and were used to fix leather or cloth to the frames of chairs. A plough plane cut grooves in boards so that panels could be fitted together. | |
245 | 1773 Brought Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 Iron Ware brought Over £ 305 . 8 .. 11 Large Frying Pans 2 . 6 .. 4 Hash Pan Hammered Iron 3 . 10 . 10 3 lb. Brass Pins 13 . 14 42 Masons Stone Rammers 6 . 4 . 3 11 Iron Rubbish Riddles 3 . 11 . 8 3 Half Round Wood Rasps 1 . 10 35 Joiners Rasps 1 . 13 . 9 11 Garden Rakes 1 . 5 . 6 17 Two Feet Rules 16 . 5 2 Gaging Rods 6 . 7 4 Pr. Small Steel Yards 1 . 3 . 4 27 Do. Sheep Sheers 1 . 19 . 7 3 Slit Saw Files 10 . 4 6 Pr. Garden Sheers 1 . 1 . 9 6 Coopers Spoke Shaves 12 .. 1 Hand Round Shave .. 6 3 Beery Shaves 5 . 10 70 Spades 13 . 2 . 6 96 Iron Shovels 21 . 12 . 11 36 Shod Do. 3 . 3 .. 7 Stone Saws 1 . 8 .. 1 Pr. Screw Stocks 11 . 7 8 Scythes 2 .. 9 3 Joiners Rubstones 8 . 3 31 Rag Stones 10 . 10 48 Scythe Do. 9 .. 2 Whip Saws 4 . 13 . 7 1 Cross Cut Do. 1 . 5 . 9 3 Gun Smiths Do. 2 . 1 . 3 1 Pruning Do. 2 .. 1 Frame Saw 1 . 13 . 2 2 Compass Do. 5 . 6 4 Jack Spits 2 .. 3 3 doz. Wood Screws 1 .. Iron Ware Carried Over £ 387 . 1 . 10 Carried Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,704 1s 6d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £305 8s 0d Large frying pans, 11, £2 6s 0d Hash pans of hammered iron, 4, £3 10s 10d Brass pins, 3 lb, £0 13s 1½d Masons' stone rammers, 42, £6 4s 3d Iron riddles for rubbish, 11, £3 11s 8d Half-round wood rasps, 3, £0 1s 10d Joiners' rasps, 35, £1 15s 9d Garden rakes, 11, £1 5s 6d Two-foot rules, 17, £0 16s 5d Gauging rods, 2, £0 6s 7d Small steelyards, 4 pairs, £1 3s 4d Sheep shears, 27 pairs, £1 19s 7d Slit-saw files, 3, £0 10s 4d Garden shears, 6 pairs, £1 1s 9d Coopers' spokeshaves, 6, £0 12s 0d Hand round shave, 1, £0 0s 6d [...] shaves, 3, £0 5s 10d Spades, 70, £13 2s 6d Iron shovels, 96, £21 12s 11d Shod shovels, 36, £3 3s 0d Stone saws, 7, £1 8s 0d Screw stocks, 1 pair, £0 11s 7d Scythes, 8, £2 0s 9d Joiners' rubstones, 3, £0 8s 3d Ragstones, 31, £0 10s 10d Scythe stones, 48, £0 9s 0d Whipsaws, 2, £4 13s 7d Cross-cut saw, 1, £1 5s 9d Gunsmiths' saws, 3, £2 1s 3d Pruning saw, 1, £0 2s 0d Frame saw, 1, £1 13s 2d Compass saws, 2, £0 5s 6d Jack spits, 4, £2 0s 3d Wood screws, 3 dozen, £0 1s 0d Iron goods carried forward, £387 1s 10d Carried forward, £12,704 1s 6d Interpretations Along with the 273 pickaxes, the store held 70 spades, 96 iron shovels and 42 masons' rammers, enough equipment for a large gang of labourers. Rammers were heavy tools for packing earth and rubble firm, needed for the glacis and other earthworks Tippet proposed in October 1773. A whipsaw was a long two-man saw for cutting logs into planks over a sawpit. Shod shovels were wooden shovels with an iron edge, lighter and cheaper than all-iron ones. Screw stocks were the tool for cutting threads on iron bolts. | |
246 | 18th October Brought Over £ 12704 . 1 . 6 Iron Ware brought Over £ 387 . 1 . 10 38 Drill Strings 19 . 10 15 Saw Setts 8 . 9 3 Croe Stocks 5 . 6 20 Croe Irons 15 . 5 4 Plaistr. Sives 18 . 10 2 lb. Yellow Solder 3 . 8 1½ oz. Silver Do. 9 . 1 2 Brass Wire Flour Sives 16 . 7 3 Jack Weights & Shifters 1 . 7 .. 23 Figured Squares 1 . 5 .. 13½ lb. Spelter 1 . 6 . 8 11 Sickles 9 . 7 2¼ lb. Salarmoniac 6 . 7 12 Scrapers 1 . 2 .. 54 Boasters & Broad Tools 6 . 12 .. 177 Inch and Point Do. 10 . 12 . 1 60 Spring Rat Traps 4 . 11 . 3 24 Wire Do. Do. 8 . 5 . 3 46 Mouse Do. 1 . 5 . 9 73 Plaistr. Trowels 6 . 1 . 10 95 Bricklayers Do. 6 . 3 .. 1 Hand Vice 3 . 6 7 Coopers Do. 3 . 11 7 Setts Jack Wheels 2 . 7 . 2 54 lb. Iron Wire 2 .. 6 7½ lb. Binding Do. 10 . 7 446 . 13 . 2 Kersey 4 Pieces 8 . 7 . 9 Leather viz. C. qr. lb. 3 .. .. Sole 14 .. 10½ Calf Skins 4 . 16 . 7 18 . 16 . 7 Long Ells viz. Ps. Yds. 3 . 20 Scarlet 13 . 1 . 3 6 . 7 Blue 13 . 6 . 3 26 . 7 . 6 Carried Over £ 13204 . 6 . 6 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £12,704 1s 6d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £387 1s 10d Drill strings, 38, £0 19s 10d Saw sets, 15, £0 8s 9d Croze stocks, 3, £0 5s 6d Croze irons, 20, £0 15s 5d Plasterers' sieves, 4, £0 18s 10d Yellow solder, 2 lb, £0 3s 8d Silver solder, ½ oz, £0 9s 1d Brass-wire flour sieves, 2, £0 16s 7d Jack weights and shifters, 3, £1 7s 0d Figured squares, 23, £1 5s 0d Spelter, 13½ lb, £1 6s 8d Sickles, 14, £0 9s 7d Sal ammoniac, 2¼ lb, £0 6s 7d Scrapers, 12, £1 2s 0d Boasters and broad tools, 54, £6 12s 0d Inch and point chisels, 177, £10 12s 1d Spring rat traps, 60, £4 11s 3d Wire rat traps, 24, £8 5s 3d Mousetraps, 46, £1 5s 9d Plasterers' trowels, 73, £6 1s 10d Bricklayers' trowels, 95, £6 3s 0d Hand vice, 1, £0 3s 6d Coopers' vices, 7, £0 3s 11d Jack wheels, 7 sets, £2 7s 2d Iron wire, 54 lb, £2 0s 6d Binding wire, 7½ lb, £0 10s 7d Total for iron goods, £446 13s 2d Kersey, 4 pieces, £8 7s 9d Leather: Sole leather, 3 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £14 0s 0d Calfskins, 10½, £4 16s 7d Total for leather, £18 16s 7d Long ells: Scarlet long ells, 3 pieces 20 yards, £13 1s 3d Blue long ells, 6 pieces 7 yards, £13 6s 3d Total for long ells, £26 7s 6d Carried forward, £13,204 6s 6d Interpretations The stock of masons' and plasterers' tools was very large: 177 inch and point chisels, 54 boasters, 73 plasterers' trowels and 95 bricklayers' trowels. A boaster was a broad mason's chisel used to dress stone to a flat face. Together with the pickaxes, spades and rammers, these tools show that the Company had shipped out equipment for years of stone building, not only for the church then going up. A croze was the cooper's tool for cutting the groove inside the ends of a cask into which the head was fitted. Spelter was zinc, used with copper to make brass solder. Sal ammoniac, ammonium chloride, cleaned metal surfaces so that solder would take. The 130 rat and mouse traps in store reflect a constant battle against the rats that the Council blamed, in 1777, for spoiling rice kept on board ship. | |
247 | 1773 Brought Over £ 13204 . 6 . 6 Lead viz. C. qr. lb. 21 . 2 . 19 Pig 18 . 9 .. 113 . 3 . 26 Sheet 114 . 1 .. 2 . 2 . 1 Small Shott 2 . 8 . 9 10 Yards two Inch Pipe 4 . 15 . 6 139 . 14 . 3 Masts viz. 2 Top Masts 18 . 5 . 5 2 Spears 3 . 16 .. 22 . 1 . 5 Nails viz. C. qr. lb. 8 . 2 . 20 m. 3 33 . 4 . 9 10 . 3 . 17 4 34 . 7 . 9 15 . 1 .. 6 43 . 7 . 8 27 .. 11 10 67 . 11 . 3 7 . 1 . 25 20 15 . 12 . 6 2 . 1 . 25 30 4 . 2 . 5 40 13 . 16 . 10 7 . 2 . 17 Flooring Brads 21 . 3 . 8 .. 1 . 22 Scupper 1 . 7 . 1 .. .. 11 lb. Coopers Rivets 6 . 9 .. 3 . 13 Glazg. Brads 6 . 3 . 6 5 . 3 . 18 Spike Nails 10 . 6 . 9 .. 3 . 4 Dog Do. 2 . 16 . 10 251 .. 4 Oil viz. 335 Gallons Linseed 63 . 11 . 7 630 Do. Train 110 . 5 . 8 97 Bottles Florance 12 . 6 . 5 186 . 3 . 8 Oars viz. 42 Long Boats 12 . 19 . 11 25 Small 5 . 5 . 1 18 . 5 . Carried Over £ 13821 . 11 . 2 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £13,204 6s 6d brought forward. Lead: Pig lead, 21 hundredweight 2 quarters 19 pounds, £18 9s 0d Sheet lead, 113 hundredweight 3 quarters 26 pounds, £114 1s 0d Small shot, 2 hundredweight 2 quarters 1 pound, £2 8s 9d Two-inch lead pipe, 10 yards, £4 15s 6d Total for lead, £139 14s 3d Masts and spars: Topmasts, 2, £18 5s 5d Sheers, 2, £3 16s 0d Total for masts and spars, £22 1s 5d Nails: Threepenny nails, 8 hundredweight 2 quarters 20 pounds, £33 4s 9d Fourpenny nails, 10 hundredweight 3 quarters 17 pounds, £34 7s 9d Sixpenny nails, 15 hundredweight 1 quarter 0 pounds, £43 7s 8d Tenpenny nails, 27 hundredweight 0 quarters 11 pounds, £67 11s 3d Twentypenny nails, 7 hundredweight 1 quarter 25 pounds, £15 12s 6d Thirtypenny nails, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 25 pounds, and fortypenny nails, 4 hundredweight 2 quarters 5 pounds, £13 16s 10d Flooring brads, 7 hundredweight 2 quarters 17 pounds, £21 3s 8d Scupper nails, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 22 pounds, £1 7s 1d Coopers' rivets, 11 lb, £0 6s 9d Glaziers' brads, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 13 pounds, £6 3s 6d Spike nails, 5 hundredweight 3 quarters 18 pounds, £10 6s 9d Dog nails, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 4 pounds, £2 16s 10d Total for nails, £251 0s 4d Oil: Linseed oil, 335 gallons, £63 11s 7d Train oil, 630 gallons, £110 5s 8d Florence oil, 97 bottles, £12 6s 5d Total for oil, £186 3s 8d Oars: Longboat oars, 42, £12 19s 11d Small oars, 25, £5 5s 1d Total for oars, £18 5s 0d Carried forward, £13,821 11s 2d Interpretations More than five and a half tons of sheet lead were held in store, worth over £114 0s 0d. Sheet lead was used to cover flat roofs, line gutters and form the flashings where roofs met walls. A stock this size was probably meant for the new church, whose roof would need lead once its timbers were in place. The ten yards of two-inch lead pipe were a small foretaste of the Chubb's Spring waterworks of 1776 and 1777, when lead pipe brought water to the Crane and the Council later proposed piping water into the Long Wood. The 630 gallons of train oil were the island's lighting for many months, burned in lamps in the barracks, guard posts, hospital and houses. The two topmasts were spare spars for Company ships that had lost theirs in heavy weather, part of the island's role as a refitting station on the voyage home. | |
248 | 18th October Brought Over £ 13821 . 11 . 2 Paint viz. C. qr. lb. 18 . 2 . 25 Whiting 1 . 16 . 5 .. 2 . 26 Umber 13 . 8 .. .. 21 Stone Oaker dry 9 . 7 3 .. 22 Indico 30 . 5 . 7 3 .. .. 20 White Lead dry 5 . 1 . 11 2 . 2 . 25 Stone Colour 7 . 6 . 6 .. 3 . 2 Olive Colour 7 . 12 . 3 1 .. 4 Verdegrease 26 . 6 .. .. 1 . 19 Log Wood 8 . 4 1 .. .. 21 Blue Black 6 .. 10 .. 1 . 17 Black Lead 2 . 10 . 7 1 . 3 . 20 Blue Smalts 18 . 10 . 2 .. 3 . 4 Vermillion 24 . 7 . 8 .. .. 2 Prussian Blue 2 . 5 . 2 .. .. 5 Distilld Verdegrease 2 . 15 . 7 2 . 1 . 13 White Lead mixd 4 . 15 .. 5 .. .. Chalk 1 . 3 .. 9 . 1 . 3 Brimstone 8 . 13 . 2 .. 1 . 21 White Copperas 2 . 8 .. 3 .. .. 24 Red Lead 3 . 10 . 10 4 .. .. 24 Venetian Red dry 4 . 19 . 9 .. 2 . 1 Yellow Oaker mixd 1 . 7 . 4 1 .. .. 23 Blue Paint 15 . 12 . 1 .. .. 27 Green Copperas 3 . 9 13 Barrels Blacking 6 . 6 179 . 9 . 8 Pewter viz. 3 Quart Funnels 7 .. 5 Do. Pots 15 .. 5 Half Gallon Pots 1 . 8 . 6 3 Gallon Do. 1 . 7 . 5 4 Cranes 3 . 9 . 4 9 Basons 1 . 6 . Pewter Carried £ 9 . 13 . 3 Carried Over £ 14001 .. 10 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £13,821 11s 2d brought forward. Paint: Whiting, 18 hundredweight 2 quarters 25 pounds, £1 16s 5d Umber, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 26 pounds, £0 13s 8d Dry stone ochre, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 21 pounds, £0 9s 7d Indigo, 3 hundredweight 0 quarters 22 pounds, £30 5s 7d Dry white lead, 3 hundredweight 0 quarters 20 pounds, £5 1s 11d Stone colour, 2 hundredweight 2 quarters 25 pounds, £7 6s 6d Olive colour, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 2 pounds, £7 12s 3d Verdigris, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 4 pounds, £26 6s 0d Logwood, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 19 pounds, £0 8s 4d Blue-black, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 21 pounds, £6 0s 10d Black lead, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 17 pounds, £2 10s 7d Blue smalt, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 20 pounds, £18 10s 2d Vermilion, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 4 pounds, £24 7s 8d Prussian blue, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 2 pounds, £2 5s 2d Distilled verdigris, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 5 pounds, £2 15s 7d White lead ground in oil, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 13 pounds, £4 15s 0d Chalk, 5 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £1 3s 0d Brimstone, 9 hundredweight 1 quarter 3 pounds, £8 13s 2d White copperas, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 21 pounds, £2 8s 0d Red lead, 3 hundredweight 0 quarters 24 pounds, £3 10s 10d Venetian red, 4 hundredweight 0 quarters 24 pounds, £4 19s 9d Yellow ochre ground in oil, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 1 pound, £1 7s 4d Blue paint, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 23 pounds, £15 12s 1d Green copperas, 2 hundredweight 0 quarters 27 pounds, £0 3s 9d Blacking, 13 barrels, £0 6s 6d Total for paint, £179 9s 8d Pewter: Quart funnels, 3, £0 7s 0d Quart pots, 5, £0 15s 0d Half-gallon pots, 5, £1 8s 6d Gallon pots, 3, £1 7s 5d Cranes, 4, £3 9s 4d Basins, 9, £1 6s 0d Pewter carried forward, £9 13s 3d Carried forward, £14,001 0s 10d Interpretations The paint store reveals the colours of the island's buildings and ships. Stone colour and olive colour were ready-mixed paints for doors, windows and woodwork. The large stocks of verdigris and vermilion, worth more than £50 0s 0d between them, were costly pigments kept for green and red work on gun carriages, boats and fine interiors such as the Plantation House. Logwood was a dye wood from Central America that gave black and purple, used here probably for staining timber. Brimstone, sulphur, was one of the ingredients of gunpowder, with saltpetre and charcoal. Nine hundredweight in store may have been kept so the artillery could make up slow match and priming, or fumigate stores against vermin. A crane in this sense was a pewter siphon, a bent tube used to draw liquor from a cask without disturbing the sediment. | |
249 | 1773 Brought Over £ 14001 .. 10 Pewter Brought Over £ 9 . 13 . 3 16 Water Plates 4 .. 8 1 Pint Pot 2 .. 9 Close Stool Pans 2 . 6 . 3 1 Chamber Pot 3 . 1 15 . 5 . 3 Pease 24 Bushels 10 .. .. Pumps 1 12 . 13 . 5 Pitch and Tar viz. 34 Barrls. Pitch 39 . 14 . 9 13 Do. Tar 14 . 6 . 6 2½ Do. Turpentine 6 . 4 . 8 1½ Do. Rozin 3 . 4 . 9 63 . 10 . 8 Salt 31 Bushels 5 . 2 . 6 Starch C. qr. lb. 2 . 1 . 20 7 . 6 .. Sope 19 . 1 . 18 55 . 11 . 9 Shalloon viz. Ps. Yds. 4 . 19 Scarlet 17 . 19 . 1 9 . 3 Coloured 24 . 10 . 11 42 . 10 .. Serge viz. 26½ Yards Scarlet 7 . 7 . 5 24½ Do. Green 5 . 3 . 3 13¾ Do. Blue 2 . 18 .. 2 Do. Scarlet Duffle 16 . 2 2¼ Ps. Brown Fustain 5 . 19 . 9 1⅔ Ps. White Do. 4 .. 7 26 . 5 . 2 Scales and Weights 2 Beams 14 . 6 .. Saddlery viz. 1 Saddle 3 . 8 . 4 1 Do. Cloth 3 . 11 3 . 12 . 3 Carried Over £ 14257 . 3 . 10 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £14,001 0s 10d brought forward. Pewter brought forward, £9 13s 3d Water plates, 16, £4 0s 8d Pint pot, 1, £0 2s 0d Close-stool pans, 9, £2 6s 3d Chamber pot, 1, £0 3s 1d Total for pewter, £15 5s 3d Peas, 24 bushels, £10 0s 0d Pump, 1, £12 13s 5d Pitch and tar: Pitch, 34 barrels, £39 14s 9d Tar, 13 barrels, £14 6s 6d Turpentine, 2½ barrels, £6 4s 8d Resin, 1½ barrels, £3 4s 9d Total for pitch and tar, £63 10s 8d Salt, 31 bushels, £5 2s 6d Starch, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 20 pounds, £7 6s 0d Soap, 19 hundredweight 1 quarter 18 pounds, £55 11s 9d Shalloon: Scarlet shalloon, 4 pieces 19 yards, £17 19s 1d Coloured shalloon, 9 pieces 5 yards, £24 10s 11d Total for shalloon, £42 10s 0d Serge and fustian: Scarlet serge, 26½ yards, £7 7s 5d Green serge, 24½ yards, £5 3s 3d Blue serge, 13¾ yards, £2 18s 0d Scarlet duffel, 2 yards, £0 16s 2d Brown fustian, 2¼ pieces, £5 19s 9d White fustian, 1⅔ pieces, £4 0s 7d Total for serge and fustian, £26 5s 2d Scales and weights: beams, 2, £14 6s 0d Saddlery: Saddle, 1, £3 8s 4d Saddle cloth, 1, £0 3s 11d Total for saddlery, £3 12s 3d Carried forward, £14,257 3s 10d Interpretations Water plates were double-walled pewter plates with a hollow space that could be filled with hot water, keeping food warm on its way from a distant kitchen to the table. They were probably for the Castle. The two scale beams, worth more than £14 0s 0d, went with the brass half-hundredweight weights bought for the storehouse during the quarter. Together they gave the storekeeper the means to weigh large consignments accurately as they were landed, the check Corneille had called for in August 1773. | |
250 | 18th October Brought Over £ 14257 . 3 . 10 Soldiers Cloath viz. 71 Boys Duffle Jackets 3 Do. Do. Do. Damaged 19 . 16 . 3 109 Prs. Blue Breeches 3 Do. Do. Do. Damaged 16 . 16 . 11 120 Do. Shorts 16 . 15 . 3 53 . 8 . 5 Soldiers Cloaths viz. 5 Soldiers Coats & Breeches 7 . 5 . 9 1 Corporals Do. & Do. 1 . 10 . 9 10 Matross Coats 15 . 10 . 5 Pr. Do. Breeches 2 . 17 . 6 2 Artilly. Corpls. Coats & Breeches 4 . 8 .. 31 . 12 .. Sashes viz. 1 Case Turn'd Newels 2 . 11 .. 1 Do. Carved Brackets cont. 26 6 . 18 .. 1 Do. Bannesters Do. 70 3 . 2 . 2 6 Do. Contg. Sashes &c. 57 . 19 . 4 1 Do. Do. Glass Squares for Do. 1 . 6 . 6 3 Do. Lead Weights for Do. 7 . 18 . 6 79 . 15 . 6 Shirts viz. 721 Soldiers 160 . 13 . 9 1½ Ps. Irish Linen 2 . 5 . 2 12½ Yards Brown Holland 1 . 2 . 8¼ Huckaback for Table Cloths 43 . 6 . 3 6 Ps. Do. for Napkins 9 . 18 . Ps. Yds. 7 . 4½ Russia Diaper 7 . 6 . 8 3 Ps. Irish Do. for Table Cloths 12 . 16 . 9 3 Ps. Do. Do. for Napkins 6 . 18 . 1 244 . 6 . 8 Shoes viz. 4 Pr. Mens Fine 1 . 2 . 10 Do. Do. Pumps 2 . 10 . Shoes Carried Over £ 3 . 12 .. Carried Over £ 14666 . 6 . 5 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £14,257 3s 10d brought forward. Sailors' clothing: Boys' duffel jackets, 71, with 3 damaged, £19 16s 3d Boys' blue breeches, 109 pairs, with 3 damaged, £16 16s 11d Boys' shirts, 120, £16 15s 3d Total for sailors' clothing, £53 8s 5d Soldiers' clothing: Soldiers' coats and breeches, 5 sets, £7 5s 9d Corporal's coat and breeches, 1 set, £1 10s 9d Matrosses' coats, 10, £15 10s 0d Matrosses' breeches, 5 pairs, £2 17s 6d Artillery corporals' coats and breeches, 2 sets, £4 8s 0d Total for soldiers' clothing, £31 12s 0d Sashes and joinery: Turned newels, 1 case, £2 11s 0d Carved brackets, 1 case containing 26, £6 18s 0d Banisters, 1 case containing 70, £3 2s 2d Cases containing sashes and fittings, 6, £57 19s 4d Glass panes for the sashes, 1 case, £1 6s 6d Lead weights for the sashes, 3 cases, £7 18s 6d Total for sashes and joinery, £79 15s 6d Shirts and linen: Soldiers' shirts, 721, £160 13s 9d Irish linen, 1½ pieces, £2 3s 2d Brown holland, 12½ yards, £1 2s 0d Huckaback for tablecloths, 8¼ pieces, £43 6s 3d Huckaback for napkins, 6 pieces, £9 18s 0d Russia diaper, 1 piece 4¾ yards, £7 6s 8d Irish diaper for tablecloths, 3 pieces, £12 16s 9d Irish diaper for napkins, 3 pieces, £6 18s 1d Total for shirts and linen, £244 6s 8d Shoes: Men's fine shoes, 4 pairs, £1 2s 0d Men's pumps, 10 pairs, £2 10s 0d Shoes carried forward, £3 12s 0d Carried forward, £14,666 6s 5d Interpretations The cases of newels, carved brackets and banisters, with six cases of sash windows and their lead weights, were the parts of a staircase and a set of windows made in England and shipped out ready to fit. Nothing so finely worked could be made on the island. They were probably meant for the new church or for refitting the Plantation House, which was being glazed and painted the same year. Shipping joinery already made saved the scarce skilled carpenters' time but meant that every fitting had to wait for a store ship. The 721 soldiers' shirts were the reserve for the coming year's clothing issue. Diaper was a linen woven with a small repeating diamond pattern, used for table linen. Russia diaper came from the Baltic. The large stock of table linen, nearly £80 0s 0d of huckaback and diaper, served the Governor's table and the Company's houses, where officers and passengers from the ships were regularly entertained. | |
251 | 1773 Brought Over £ 14666 . 6 . 5 Shoes brought Over £ 3 . 12 .. 936 Pr. Mens Ordy. Shoes 210 . 4 . 5 14 Do. Boys 2 . 6 . 8 2 Do. Womens Calemanco 2 Do. Do. Do. Damaged 15 . 4 61 Do. Do. Calf Leather 7 . 17 . 7 4 Do. Girls Calemanco 12 .. 5 Do. Do. Calf Leather 10 .. 2 Do. Stretchers 5 . 2 226 . 3 . 2 Twine viz. C. qr. lb. 2 . 2 .. Twine 14 . 2 . 4 .. 1 . 4 Cotton Wick 3 . 12 .. 82 Skanes Marline 1 .. 6 18 . 14 . 10 Thread viz. 77¾ lb. Coloured 11 . 6 . 4 49 Whited Brown 16 . 2 . 7 lb. oz. 1 . 4 Nuns No. 16 3 . 6 . 1 2 . 11 Do. 17 3 . 11 . 2 5 . 13 Do. 18 5 . 2 . 4 39 . 8 . 6 Ticking viz. 2 Ps. Ticking 4 . 7 . 6 Ps. Yds. 4 . 21 Check'd Linen 11 . 4 . 2 15 . 11 . 8 Tin Ware viz. 14 Cantens 19 . 3 1 Gallon Funnel 2 .. 2 Half Do. Do. 2 . 6 9 Quart Do. Do. 3 . 4 32 Lanthorn Leaves 7 . 4 5 Single Sheets Tin 1 . 8 7 Globe Lamps 2 . 15 . 2 13 Horn Lanthorns 2 . 10 .. Tin Ware Carried Over £ 7 . 1 . 3 Carried Over £ 14966 . 4 . 7 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £14,666 6s 5d brought forward. Shoes brought forward, £3 12s 0d Men's ordinary shoes, 936 pairs, £210 4s 5d Boys' shoes, 14 pairs, £2 6s 8d Women's calamanco shoes, 2 pairs sound and 2 pairs damaged, £0 15s 4d Women's calfskin shoes, 61 pairs, £7 17s 7d Girls' calamanco shoes, 4 pairs, £0 12s 0d Girls' calfskin shoes, 5 pairs, £0 10s 0d Shoe stretchers, 2 pairs, £0 5s 2d Total for shoes, £226 3s 2d Twine and wick: Twine, 2 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £14 2s 4d Cotton wick, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 4 pounds, £3 12s 0d Marline, 82 skeins, £1 0s 6d Total for twine and wick, £18 14s 10d Thread: Coloured thread, 77¾ lb, £11 6s 4d Half-bleached thread, 49 lb, £16 2s 7d Nuns' thread number 16, 1 lb 4 oz, £3 6s 1d Nuns' thread number 17, 2 lb 11 oz, £3 11s 2d Nuns' thread number 18, 5 lb 13 oz, £5 2s 4d Total for thread, £39 8s 6d Ticking: Ticking, 2 pieces, £4 7s 6d Checked linen, 4 pieces 21 yards, £11 4s 2d Total for ticking, £15 11s 8d Tinware: Canteens, 14, £0 19s 3d Gallon funnel, 1, £0 2s 0d Half-gallon funnels, 2, £0 2s 6d Quart funnels, 9, £0 3s 4d Lantern leaves, 32, £0 7s 4d Single sheets of tin, 5, £0 1s 3d Globe lamps, 7, £2 15s 2d Horn lanterns, 13, £2 10s 0d Tinware carried forward, £7 1s 3d Carried forward, £14,966 4s 7d Interpretations The 936 pairs of men's ordinary shoes, worth more than £210 0s 0d, were the garrison's reserve. At the rate of one pair per man each year, they would cover more than a year and a half's issue. Nuns' thread was a fine white linen thread, originally made in convents in Flanders, used for good shirts and lace. Canteens here were tin drinking vessels or water flasks carried by soldiers on guard. | |
252 | 18th October Brought Over £ 14966 . 4 . 7 Tin Ware brought Over £ 7 . 1 . 3 43 lb. Grain Tin 2 . 3 . 16 Lamps 12 . 4 2 Quart Sauce Pans .. 10 13 Pint Do. 3 . 10 10 Pudding Pans 8 . 6 6 Dripping Do. 10 . 9 18 Patty Do. 2 . 9 2 Gallon Kettles 2 . 11 11 . 6 . 2 Turners Ware viz. 26 Scrubg. Brushes 3 . 18 . 2 13 Hair Brooms 1 . 15 . 9 5 Ox Bows 5 . 10 17 Skimg. Dishes 5 .. 35 Shoe Brushes 7 Do. Do. Damaged 1 . 11 . 6 8 Pump Boxes 1 . 7 . 8 98 Laborers Baskets 4 . 14 . 5 12 Flaskets 1 . 19 . 1 81 Paint Brushes 1 .. 10 45 Plaistr. Do. 3 . 7 . 6 2 Mops 2 . 6 9 Punch Ladles 5 . 1 4 Yokes for Oxen 2 . 18 . 3 6 Trays 8 . 9 1 Constable Staff 8 . 3 1 Churn 2 .. 61 Wood Bowls 2 Do. Do. Damaged 3 . 5 . 8 68 Platters 1 Do. Damaged 4 . 3 . 5 68 Wood Ladles 1 .. 4 1 Hair Sive 1 . 4 2 Large Plate Baskets 14 . 6 Turners Ware Carried Over £ 35 . 14 . 4 Carried Over £ 14977 . 10 . 9 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £14,966 4s 7d brought forward. Tinware brought forward, £7 1s 3d Grained tin, 43 lb, £2 3s 0d Lamps, 16, £0 12s 4d Quart saucepans, 2, £0 0s 10d Pint saucepans, 13, £0 3s 10d Pudding pans, 10, £0 8s 6d Dripping pans, 6, £0 10s 9d Patty pans, 18, £0 2s 9d Gallon kettles, 2, £0 2s 11d Total for tinware, £11 6s 2d Wooden goods and brushes: Scrubbing brushes, 26, £3 18s 2d Hair brooms, 13, £1 15s 9d Ox bows, 5, £0 5s 10d Skimming dishes, 17, £0 5s 0d Shoe brushes, 35 sound and 7 damaged, £1 11s 6d Pump boxes, 8, £1 7s 8d Labourers' baskets, 98, £4 14s 5d Flaskets, 12, £1 19s 1d Paint brushes, 81, £1 0s 10d Plasterers' brushes, 45, £3 7s 6d Mops, 2, £0 2s 6d Punch ladles, 9, £0 5s 1d Yokes for oxen, 4, £2 18s 3d Trays, 6, £0 8s 9d Constable's staff, 1, £0 8s 3d Churn, 1, £2 0s 0d Wooden bowls, 61 sound and 2 damaged, £3 5s 8d Platters, 68 sound and 1 damaged, £4 3s 5d Wooden ladles, 68, £1 0s 4d Hair sieve, 1, £0 1s 4d Large plate baskets, 2, £0 14s 6d Wooden goods and brushes carried forward, £35 14s 4d Carried forward, £14,977 10s 9d Interpretations The constable's staff was the painted wooden baton carried as a badge of office by the island's constable. Edward Daniels was sworn in as constable in May 1773, and the staff marked his authority to arrest and keep order among the inhabitants. Like everything else on the island, even this small token of civil government came out from England and was held in the Company's stores until it was needed. | |
253 | 1773 Brought Over £ 14977 . 10 . 9 Turners Ware brought Over £ 35 . 14 . 4 1 Small Plate Basket 6 . 2 24 Birch Brooms 7 . 9 36 . 8 . 3 European Goods amounting to 15013 . 19 .. India Goods viz. Pepper C. qr. lb. 2 .. 3 3 . 18 . 6 Coffee 6 . 2 . 13 31 . 1 . 8 Tea viz. C. qr. lb. 25 . 1 . 14 Bohea 86 . 6 .. 6 .. 11 Singlo 37 . 11 . 5 12 . 2 . 18 Congo 81 . 12 . 6 205 . 9 . 11 China Ware viz. 18 Soop Dishes 4 . 8 . 9 24 Enameld Soop Plates 15 .. 218 Octagon Do. Do. 5 . 6 . 110 Do. Meat Dishes 293 Do. Do. Plates 18 . 7 . 11 27 Tureens & Dishes 9 .. .. 95 Sallad Do. 3 . 11 . 3 25 Baking Do. 1 . 7 . 2 2 Guglets 2 . 2 42 . 13 . 3 Chelloes 129 Pieces 71 . 7 . 10 Long Cloth viz. ½ Ps. No. 1 1 . 2 . 7 1 Ps. 5 1 . 3 . 5 4 Ps. Baftas 2 . 14 . 5 .. .. Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 213 . 3 . 26 Sugar 366 . 13 . 8 129 . 2 . 16 Candy 218 . 16 . 11 6 .. 6 Do. Fine 16 . 4 .. 601 . 14 . 7 Carried Over £ 15977 . 4 . 9 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 continued from the £14,977 10s 9d brought forward. Wooden goods and brushes brought forward, £35 14s 4d Small plate basket, 1, £0 6s 2d Birch brooms, 24, £0 7s 9d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £36 8s 3d Total of European goods, £15,013 19s 0d India goods: Pepper, 2 hundredweight 0 quarters 3 pounds, £5 18s 6d Coffee, 6 hundredweight 2 quarters 13 pounds, £31 1s 8d Tea: Bohea tea, 28 hundredweight 1 quarter 14 pounds, £86 6s 0d Singlo tea, 6 hundredweight 0 quarters 11 pounds, £37 11s 5d Congou tea, 12 hundredweight 2 quarters 18 pounds, £81 12s 6d Total for tea, £205 9s 11d China: Soup dishes, 18, £4 8s 9d Enamelled soup plates, 24, £0 15s 0d Octagonal soup plates, 213, £5 6s 0d Octagonal meat dishes, 110, and octagonal plates, 293, £18 7s 11d Tureens and dishes, 27, £9 0s 0d Salad dishes, 95, £3 11s 3d Baking dishes, 25, £1 7s 2d Guglets, 2, £0 2s 2d Total for china, £42 18s 3d Chelloes, 129 pieces, £71 7s 10d Longcloth: Longcloth number 1, ½ piece, £1 2s 7d Longcloth number 5, 1 piece, £1 3s 5d Baftas, 4 pieces, £2 14s 0d Total for longcloth, £5 0s 0d Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 213 hundredweight 3 quarters 26 pounds, £366 13s 8d Sugar candy, 129 hundredweight 2 quarters 16 pounds, £218 16s 11d Fine sugar candy, 6 hundredweight 0 quarters 4 pounds, £16 4s 0d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £601 14s 7d Carried forward, £15,977 4s 9d Interpretations The inventory now split the stores by origin. Goods shipped from Europe, worth more than £15,000 0s 0d, came first, and goods from the East followed. The India goods were bought with rupees or Chinese silver and invoiced in the currencies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay, so they were valued and accounted for separately before being turned into sterling. Sugar was by far the largest of them. More than ten tons of sugar, and over six tons of sugar candy, lay in store, enough for well over a year at the island's rate of use. | |
254 | 18th October Brought Over £ 15977 . 4 . 9 Candles C. qr. lb. 26 . 1 .. 313 . 15 . 11 Rice & Paddy viz. C. qr. 640 . 3 Rice 281 . 13 . 3 291 .. Paddy 59 . 8 . 3 341 . 1 . 6 Wheat C. qr. lb. 68 . 2 .. 33 . 2 . 2 Arrack 1414 Gallons 321 . 1 . 11 European & India Goods Amountg. to £ 16986 . 6 . 3 Errors Excepted (signed) Matthew Bazett St. Helena 30 September 1773 List of the Honble. Companys Officers and Servants upon the Island St. Helena with their Several Salarys, Diet Money &c. for the Quarter ending the 30th September 1773. John Skottowe Esqr. Governor 150 .. .. Do. Allowance for Servants 31 . 14 . 9 181 . 14 . 9 Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. 62 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 25 .. .. 87 . 10 Mattw. Purling Esqr. of Counl. 50 .. .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. .. Do. Gratuity 15 .. .. 80 .. .. Carried Over £ 349 . 4 . 9 | The inventory of stores remaining on 30 September 1773 ended with the following goods, continuing from the £15,977 4s 9d brought forward. Candles, 26 hundredweight 1 quarter 0 pounds, £313 15s 11d Rice and paddy: Rice, 640 hundredweight 3 quarters 0 pounds, £281 13s 3d Paddy, 291 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £59 8s 3d Total for rice and paddy, £341 1s 6d Wheat, 68 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £33 2s 2d Arrack, 1,414 gallons, £321 1s 11d Total of European and India goods, £16,986 6s 3d Matthew Bazett signed the inventory at St Helena on 30 September 1773, subject to correction of any errors. The list of the Company's officers and servants on St Helena, with their salaries, table allowances and other payments for the quarter ending 30 September 1773, began as follows. Governor John Skottowe: Salary, £150 0s 0d Allowance for servants, £31 14s 9d Total, £181 14s 9d Daniel Corneille, Lieutenant Governor: Salary, £62 10s 0d Table allowance, £25 0s 0d Total, £87 10s 0d Matthew Purling, member of Council: Salary, £50 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d Gratuity, £15 0s 0d Total, £80 0s 0d Carried forward, £349 4s 9d Interpretations The completed inventory valued the Company's stores on the island at nearly £17,000 0s 0d. That was more than the treasury's cash balance at the end of August, and roughly equal to a full year's pay for every officer, soldier and pensioner on the island. Almost half was salt meat. Rice, sugar, candles, arrack and flour made up most of the rest. Holding stores on this scale was the price of being an island supplied by a few ships a year. Every staple had to be kept in reserve against a lost or delayed voyage, and that capital lay idle in the warehouses, exposed to rats, damp and decay, as the spoiled puncheon of beef and the sour Madeira that year showed. More than 32 tons of rice lay in store after the Bengal and Bombay ships of the season had landed their consignments. At the summer's rate of issue, mainly to the Company's slaves, it would last about a year. Matthew Bazett, who had been appointed on 30 August to inspect the warehouses, signed the inventory himself. | |
255 | 1773 Brought Over £ 349 . 4 . 9 Mattw. Bazett Esqr. of Council 10 .. Do. Accountant 27 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 55 .. .. William Bearcroft Chaplain 40 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. 55 .. William Wrangham Paymaster 27 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Assistant to the Governor 10 .. .. 55 .. .. Jonathan Doveton Storekeeper 27 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 45 .. .. Britanicus Wright Secretary 27 . 10 Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 45 .. .. James Tippet Engineer 50 .. .. John Goodwin Factor 12 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Collector of the Customs 12 . 10 .. 37 . 10 . James Desfountain Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. Do. Assistant Storekeeper 5 .. 25 .. William Webber Doveton Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 20 .. .. Carried Over £ 736 . 14 . 9 | The list of officers and servants continued from the £349 4s 9d brought forward. Matthew Bazett, member of Council: Salary as councillor, £10 0s 0d Salary as accountant, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d William Bearcroft, chaplain: Salary, £40 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d William Wrangham, paymaster: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as assistant to the Governor, £10 0s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d Jonathan Doveton, storekeeper: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £45 0s 0d Britannicus Wright, secretary: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £45 0s 0d James Tippet, engineer, £50 0s 0d John Goodwin, factor: Salary, £12 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as Collector of Customs, £12 10s 0d Total, £37 10s 0d James Desfountain, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as assistant storekeeper, £5 0s 0d Total, £25 0s 0d William Webber Doveton, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £20 0s 0d Carried forward, £736 14s 9d | |
256 | 18th October Brought Over £ 736 . 14 . 9 Robert Leech Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Clerk of the Works 6 . 16 . 10½ 26 . 16 . 10½ John Doveton Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 20 .. .. Nathaniel Kennedy Writer 7 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 10 17 . 10 .. Thomas Stroud Surgeon 19 . 15 .. Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 32 . 5 . James Farrell Surgeons Mate 13 . 15 . Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 26 . 5 . John Congreve Judge Advt. 12 . 10 . Do. School Master 7 . 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 22 . 10 Philip Mahony Clk. of the Peace 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ John Young Steward 7 . 10 .. Do. Overseeing the Bakg. House 3 .. .. 10 . 10 . Thos. Bazett Superint. of the Works 25 .. Solomon St. Maurice Master of Arms 6 . 5 . Samuel Alexander 7 . 10 .. John Worrall 15 .. .. Overseers Carried Over £ 933 . 1 .. | The list of officers and servants continued from the £736 14s 9d brought forward. Robert Leech, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as Clerk of the Works, £6 16s 10½d Total, £26 16s 10½d John Doveton, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £20 0s 0d Nathaniel Kennedy, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d Total, £17 10s 0d Thomas Stroud, surgeon: Salary, £19 15s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £32 5s 0d James Farrell, surgeon's mate: Salary, £13 15s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £26 5s 0d John Congreve: Salary as Judge Advocate, £12 10s 0d Salary as schoolmaster, £7 10s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £22 10s 0d Philip Mahony, Clerk of the Peace: Salary, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Young, steward: Salary, £7 10s 0d Salary for overseeing the bakehouse, £3 0s 0d Total, £10 10s 0d Thomas Bazett, Superintendent of the Works, £25 0s 0d Solomon St Maurice, Master at Arms, £6 5s 0d Samuel Alexander, overseer, £7 10s 0d John Worrall, overseer, £15 0s 0d Carried forward, £933 1s 0d | |
257 | 1773 Brought Over £ 933 . 1 John Robinson Carpenter 25 .. Simon Whaley Do. Mate 12 . 10 Edward Daniels Mason 30 John Preston Do. Mate 20 .. John Daniels Do. Apprentice 12 . 10 .. Do. Omitted last Quarter 5 .. 17 . 10 Joseph Yeager Armourer 15 .. Joseph Griffiths Cooper 15 .. .. James Carmichel Gardener 10 .. .. John Price Marshall & Goaler 7 . 10 . Isaac Clark Groom 2 .. .. John Joyce Clock & Instrument maker 1 . 5 . John King Patroon 7 . 10 Thomas Yates Clerk of the Parish 5 .. The Drum Major for instructg. the Young Drummers 1 .. .. Hugh Jones Super. of the Blacks 10 .. Do. Register Master to 31st Augt. 6 . 13 . 4 16 . 13 . 4 John Scott Registermaster from 1st Septr. 3 . 6 . 8 First Company viz. Daniel Corneille Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Solomon St. Maurice Lt. to the 13th July 4 . 16 . Charles Ross Stewart Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Adjutant 18 . 5 . 54 . 19 . 4½ William Caldwell Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ William Roberts Town Adjutant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 36 . 14 . 4½ Carried Over £ 1363 . 4 . 4½ | The list of officers and servants continued from the £933 1s 0d brought forward. John Robinson, carpenter, £25 0s 0d Simon Whaley, carpenter's mate, £12 10s 0d Edward Daniels, mason, £30 0s 0d John Preston, mason's mate, £20 0s 0d John Daniels, mason's apprentice: Pay for the quarter, £12 10s 0d Pay left out of the previous quarter's list, £5 0s 0d Total, £17 10s 0d Joseph Seager, armourer, £15 0s 0d Joseph Griffiths, cooper, £15 0s 0d James Carmichael, gardener, £10 0s 0d John Price, marshal and gaoler, £7 10s 0d Isaac Clark, groom, £2 0s 0d John Joyce, clock and instrument maker, £1 5s 0d John King, boat master, £7 10s 0d Thomas Yates, parish clerk, £5 0s 0d Drum major, for teaching the young drummers, £1 0s 0d Hugh Jones: Salary as Superintendent of the Blacks, £10 0s 0d Salary as Register Master to 31 August 1773, £6 13s 4d Total, £16 13s 4d John Scott, Register Master from 1 September 1773, £3 6s 8d First Company: Daniel Corneille, captain, £59 6s 3d Solomon St Maurice, lieutenant, to 12 July 1773, £4 16s 0d Charles Ross Stewart, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Pay as adjutant, £18 5s 0d Total, £54 19s 4½d William Caldwell, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d William Roberts, town adjutant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Carried forward, £1,363 [...] Interpretations Several entries match decisions recorded in the Council's minutes. Solomon St Maurice was paid as a lieutenant of the First Company only to 12 July 1773. That was the day the Council made him acting captain in place of the sick Captain Beale, with the difference in pay coming out of Beale's own salary. Hugh Jones drew pay as Register Master to 31 August and John Scott from 1 September, following Jones's resignation on 30 August 1773. The £5 0s 0d added for John Daniels made up wages left out of the June list. The paymaster corrected the omission openly in the next quarter rather than leave the apprentice short. | |
258 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1362 . 6 . 4½ Watkins Greentree Cadet 7 . 13 . 4 Sergeants viz. Henry Howell 7 . 13 . 4 John Allman 7 . 13 . 4 Thomas Meares 7 . 13 . 4 James Mannaton 7 . 13 . 4 Abraham Jervis 7 . 13 . 4 Andrew Alexander 7 . 13 . 4 46 .. Corporals viz. Timothy Walters 5 . 7 . 4 Thomas Roades 5 . 7 . 4 Christ. Smith 5 . 7 . 4 William Hardie 5 . 7 . 4 John Britt 5 . 7 . 4 John Potts 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 .. Drummers viz. John Twaites 5 . 7 . 4 Richard Flatfoot 5 . 7 . 4 George Watts 5 . 7 . 4 16 . 2 . Private viz. Richard Ashton 3 . 16 . 8 John Atwood 3 . 16 . 8 George Ansell 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Aldridge 3 . 16 . 8 Moses Boffin to 1st August 1 . 6 . 8 Timothy Bryan 3 . 16 . 8 Emanuel Bonner 3 . 16 . 8 William Benson 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Broom 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Berwick 3 . 16 . 8 Mark Balls 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 39 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 1464 . 5 . 8½ | The list of officers and servants continued from the £1,362 6s 4½d brought forward. Watkin Greentree, cadet, £7 13s 4d Sergeants: Henry Howell, £7 13s 4d John Allman, £7 13s 4d Thomas Meares, £7 13s 4d James Mannaton, £7 13s 4d Abraham Jervis, £7 13s 4d Andrew Alexander, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £46 0s 0d Corporals: Timothy Walters, £5 7s 4d Thomas Rhoades, £5 7s 4d Christian Smith, £5 7s 4d William Hardee, £5 7s 4d John Britt, £5 7s 4d John Potts, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: John Twaits, £5 7s 4d Richard Flatfoot, £5 7s 4d George Watts, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £16 2s 0d Privates: Richard Ashton, £3 16s 8d John Atwood, £3 16s 8d George Ansell, £3 16s 8d Edward Allridge, £3 16s 8d Moses Buffen, to 1 August 1773, £1 6s 8d Timothy Bryan, £3 16s 8d Emanuel Bonner, £3 16s 8d William Benson, £3 16s 8d Richard Broom, £3 16s 8d Thomas Berwick, £3 16s 8d Mark Balls, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £39 13s 4d Carried forward, £1,464 5s 8½d Interpretations Every rank drew slightly more than in the June quarter: a sergeant £7 13s 4d against £7 11s 8d, a private £3 16s 8d against £3 15s 10d. The rates had not changed. Soldiers were paid by the day, and the quarter from July to September ran to 92 days against 91 for April to June. Pay that ran to the day also explains the broken sums against men who joined, left or died in the quarter. Moses Buffen was paid to 1 August 1773, the day the minutes recorded his death. James Mannaton, reduced from sergeant to private during the spring, was back on a sergeant's full pay for the whole quarter. Watkin Greentree, made a cadet by the Governor and confirmed on 27 August, drew a cadet's pay, roughly a sergeant's rate, until he took up Lieutenant Powell's vacancy. | |
259 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1464 . 5 . 8½ Private brought Over £ 39 . 13 . 4 Joseph Becham 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Batterham 3 . 16 . 8 James Bennett 3 . 16 . 8 Jonathan Bartlett 3 . 16 . 8 John Baker 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Banks 3 . 16 . 8 Patrick Connor 3 . 16 . 8 John Charlton 3 . 16 . 8 William Coppin 3 . 16 . 8 Anthony Clarke 3 . 16 . 8 Ralph Clavering 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Craigs 3 . 16 . 8 John Cammack 3 . 16 . 8 John Chapman 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Cook 3 . 16 . 8 John Davis 3 . 16 . 8 John Dove 3 . 16 . 8 James Drake 3 . 16 . 8 John Desborough 3 . 16 . 8 Adam Evans 3 . 16 . 8 John Ellis 3 . 16 . 8 William Fisher 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Frost 3 . 16 . 8 John Feake 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Ferris 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Greenwood 3 . 16 . 8 John Grainger 3 . 16 . 8 John Griffiths 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Goatby 3 . 16 . 8 John Houston 3 . 16 . 8 Philip Hayes 3 . 16 . 8 Thomas Hucking 3 . 16 . 8 Thomas Hincock 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Herons 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 170 .. Carried Over £ 1464 . 5 . 8½ | The pay of the First Company's privates continued from the £39 13s 4d brought forward. Joseph Buckham, £3 16s 8d Joseph Batterham, £3 16s 8d James Bennett, £3 16s 8d Jonathan Bartlett, £3 16s 8d John Baker, £3 16s 8d Edward Banks, £3 16s 8d Patrick Connor, £3 16s 8d John Charlton, £3 16s 8d William Coppin, £3 16s 8d Anthony Clarke, £3 16s 8d Ralph Clavering, £3 16s 8d William Craigs, £3 16s 8d John Cammack, £3 16s 8d John Chapman, £3 16s 8d Richard Cook, £3 16s 8d John Davis, £3 16s 8d John Dove, £3 16s 8d James Drake, £3 16s 8d John Desborough, £3 16s 8d Adam Evans, £3 16s 8d John Ellis, £3 16s 8d William Fisher, £3 16s 8d Robert Frost, £3 16s 8d John Feake, £3 16s 8d Stephen Ferris, £3 16s 8d William Greenwood, £3 16s 8d John Grainger, £3 16s 8d John Griffiths, £3 16s 8d William Goatby, £3 16s 8d John Houston, £3 16s 8d Philip Hayes, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hucking, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hincock, £3 16s 8d Robert Herons, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £170 0s 0d Carried forward, £1,464 5s 8½d | |
260 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1464 . 5 . 8½ Private brought Over £ 170 .. .. John Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones Senr. 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Ives 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones Junr. 3 . 16 . 8 William Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Love 3 . 16 . 8 Patrick Lynch 3 . 16 . 8 Michael Lennard 3 . 16 . 8 Duncan Mc. Laren 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Mumford 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Mudge 3 . 16 . 8 John Mc. Allister 3 . 16 . 8 Michl. Mc. Namara 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Morfeth 3 . 16 . 8 Daniel Morgan 3 . 16 . 8 James Mc. Shane 3 . 16 . 8 William Page 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Pellister 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Palmer 3 . 16 . 8 Alexd. Paxton 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Robinson 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Rogers 3 . 16 . 8 Anthy. Reynolds 3 . 16 . 8 George Roe 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Swaby 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Stacy 3 . 16 . 8 James Smell 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Smelt 3 . 16 . 8 Gregory Sutherwood 3 . 16 . 8 Thomas Smith 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Sawer 3 . 16 . 8 John Small 3 . 16 . 8 John Tanton 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 300 . 6 . 8 Carried Over £ 1464 . 5 . 8½ | The pay of the First Company's privates continued from the £170 0s 0d brought forward. John Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Jones senior, £3 16s 8d Francis Ives, £3 16s 8d John Jones junior, £3 16s 8d William Jones, £3 16s 8d Francis Jones, £3 16s 8d Thomas Love, £3 16s 8d Patrick Lynch, £3 16s 8d Michael Leonard, £3 16s 8d Duncan McLaren, £3 16s 8d William Mumford, £3 16s 8d William Mudge, £3 16s 8d John McAlister, £3 16s 8d Michael McNamara, £3 16s 8d Peter Morfett, £3 16s 8d Daniel Morgan, £3 16s 8d James McShane, £3 16s 8d William Page, £3 16s 8d Charles Pettiter, £3 16s 8d Richard Palmer, £3 16s 8d Alexander Paxton, £3 16s 8d William Robinson, £3 16s 8d Thomas Rogers, £3 16s 8d Anthony Reynolds, £3 16s 8d George Roe, £3 16s 8d William Swaby, £3 16s 8d Joseph Stacy, £3 16s 8d James Snell, £3 16s 8d William Smelt, £3 16s 8d Gregory Sutherwood, £3 16s 8d Thomas Smith, £3 16s 8d Henry Sawer, £3 16s 8d John Small, £3 16s 8d John Tanton, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £130 6s 8d Carried forward, £1,464 5s 8½d | |
261 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1464 . 5 . 8½ Private Brought Over £ 130 . 6 . 8 John Taylor 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Taylor 3 . 16 . 8 Arthur Upton 3 . 16 . 8 Benjn. Wise 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Windall 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Townsend 3 . 16 . 8 George Hall 3 . 16 . 8 Bartho. Welch 3 . 16 . 8 John Waters 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Wood 3 . 16 . 8 John White 3 . 16 . 8 John Waterfield 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Wickenden 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Westbury 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Walter 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Wallington 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Wright 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Wilders 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Hayes (Fife) 3 . 16 . 8 373 . 3 . 4 Second Company viz. Henry Bazett Captain 59 . 6 . 3 James Greentree Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 36 . 14 . 4½ John Bazett Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Lachland Leslee Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Carried Over £ 2001 . 18 . 5 | The pay of the First Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £130 6s 8d brought forward, and the Second Company's list followed. John Taylor, £3 16s 8d William Taylor, £3 16s 8d Arthur Upton, £3 16s 8d Benjamin Wise, £3 16s 8d Thomas Windall, £3 16s 8d Thomas Townsend, £3 16s 8d George Wall, £3 16s 8d Bartholomew Welch, £3 16s 8d John Walters, £3 16s 8d Henry Wood, £3 16s 8d John White, £3 16s 8d John Waterfield, £3 16s 8d Edward Wickenden, £3 16s 8d William Westbury, £3 16s 8d William Walker, £3 16s 8d Thomas Wallington, £3 16s 8d Robert Wright, £3 16s 8d William Wildas, £3 16s 8d Edward Hayes, fifer, £3 16s 8d Total for privates of the First Company, £373 3s 4d Second Company: Henry Bazett, captain, £59 6s 3d James Greentree, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Bazett, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Lachland Leslie, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Carried forward, £2,001 18s 5d Interpretations The First Company's privates numbered 144 in the September quarter, as the clerk's running count in the margin shows, and every man drew a full quarter's pay except Moses Buffen. The spring quarter's departures, the discharges, the invalids sent home on the Pigot and William Thomas's desertion on the Spanish ship, had been made good by recruits and re-enlistments, so the company ended the season at full strength. | |
262 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1001 . 18 . 5 Sergeants viz. James Elgin 12 . 5 . 4 Francis Seale 7 . 13 . 4 Willm. Wells 7 . 13 . 4 Joseph Mc. Cartney 7 . 13 . 4 Benjn. Thomas 7 . 13 . 4 John Sheens 7 . 13 . 4 50 . 12 .. Corporals viz. Samuel Warren 5 . 7 . 4 Augustine Hitchcock 5 . 7 . 4 Willm. Carter 5 . 7 . 4 Thos. Hart 5 . 7 . 4 Mark Trueman 5 . 7 . 4 Henry Batchelor 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 .. Drummers viz. Benjn. Seale 5 . 7 . 4 John Wyrell 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Private viz. Timothy Atherton 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Brooks 3 . 16 . 8 Danl. Bye 3 . 16 . 8 James Beard 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Brewer 3 . 16 . 8 John Cunningham 3 . 16 . 8 John Coffee 3 . 16 . 8 Fevering Clamp 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Chankley 3 . 16 . 8 George Clarey 3 . 16 . 8 Georg Chapman 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Daniels 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Dennan 3 . 16 . 8 Daniel Duce 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 53 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 1095 . 9 . 1 | The list of officers and servants continued from the £2,001 18s 5d brought forward, with the rest of the Second Company. Sergeants: James Elgin, £12 5s 4d Francis Seale, £7 13s 4d William Wells, £7 13s 4d Joseph McCartney, £7 13s 4d Benjamin Thomas, £7 13s 4d John Stevens, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £50 12s 0d Corporals: Samuel Warren, £5 7s 4d Augustus Hitchcock, £5 7s 4d William Carter, £5 7s 4d Thomas Hart, £5 7s 4d Mark Trueman, £5 7s 4d Henry Batcheler, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: Benjamin Seale, £5 7s 4d John Wyrell, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Privates: Timothy Atherton, £3 16s 8d William Brooks, £3 16s 8d Daniel Bye, £3 16s 8d James Beard, £3 16s 8d Charles Brewer, £3 16s 8d John Cunningham, £3 16s 8d John Coffee, £3 16s 8d Seeving Clamp, £3 16s 8d Thomas Chankley, £3 16s 8d George Clary, £3 16s 8d George Chapman, £3 16s 8d William Daniels, £3 16s 8d William Dinnan, £3 16s 8d Daniel Duce, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £53 13s 4d Carried forward, £2,095 9s 1d Interpretations The changes made among the Second Company's non-commissioned officers in the spring had settled into place. John Stevens, raised to sergeant on 14 June 1773 when Joseph Whaley was discharged, now drew a sergeant's pay for the full quarter. Mark Trueman and Henry Batcheler, made corporals in April and June, were paid at the corporal's rate throughout. James Elgin's pay stayed well above the other sergeants', in keeping with a senior post such as sergeant major. | |
263 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1095 . 9 . 1 Private brought Over £ 53 . 13 . 4 David Evans 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Ellam 3 . 16 . 8 James Every 3 . 16 . 8 John Eames 3 . 16 . 8 Jonah Edwards 3 . 16 . 8 John Forbes 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Fullwood 3 . 16 . 8 John Fellows 3 . 16 . 8 John Goodsole 3 . 16 . 8 John Grey 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Green 3 . 16 . 8 Philip Gleeson 3 . 16 . 8 David Grant 3 . 16 . 8 Thomas Griffiths 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Richmond Grosvenor 3 . 16 . 8 Josiah Gentleman 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Graysmith 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Hiles 3 . 16 . 8 John Holbrook 3 . 16 . 8 James Hudson 3 . 16 . 8 John Ham 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Hardie 3 . 16 . 8 John Hayne 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Harrison 3 . 16 . 8 George Hatch 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Hughes 3 . 16 . 8 John Hargate 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Hendon 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Hiram 3 . 16 . 8 John Hughes 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Holloway 3 . 16 . 8 Saml. Instone 3 . 16 . 8 John James 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 180 . 3 . 4 Carried Over £ 1095 . 9 . 1 | The pay of the Second Company's privates continued from the £53 13s 4d brought forward. David Evans, £3 16s 8d Peter Ellam, £3 16s 8d James Every, £3 16s 8d John Eames, £3 16s 8d Jonah Edwards, £3 16s 8d John Forbes, £3 16s 8d William Fullwood, £3 16s 8d John Fellows, £3 16s 8d John Goodsole, £3 16s 8d John Grey, £3 16s 8d Robert Green, £3 16s 8d Philip Gleeson, £3 16s 8d David Grant, £3 16s 8d Thomas Griffiths, £3 16s 8d Robert Richmond Grosvenor, £3 16s 8d Josiah Gentleman, £3 16s 8d William Graywich, £3 16s 8d Samuel Hiles, £3 16s 8d John Holbrook, £3 16s 8d James Hudson, £3 16s 8d John Ham, £3 16s 8d Robert Hardie, £3 16s 8d John Hayne, £3 16s 8d Thomas Harrison, £3 16s 8d George Hatch, £3 16s 8d Edward Hughes, £3 16s 8d John Hargate, £3 16s 8d William Hendon, £3 16s 8d Jacob Hiram, £3 16s 8d John Hughes, £3 16s 8d Charles Holloway, £3 16s 8d Samuel Instone, £3 16s 8d John James, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £180 3s 4d Carried forward, £2,095 9s 1d | |
264 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1095 . 9 . 1 Private brought Over £ 180 . 3 . 4 Willm. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Jacobs 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Jevram 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Andw. Jocaleon 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Jacobs 3 . 16 . 8 Saml. Kilson 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Kirkham 3 . 16 . 8 John King 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Little 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Lee 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Lambley 3 . 16 . 8 James Laddy 3 . 16 . 8 John Morris 3 . 16 . 8 John Mc. Cullen 3 . 16 . 8 Francis Meares 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Mahan 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Minth 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Miller 3 . 16 . 8 James Malloney 3 . 16 . 8 Isaac Muskett 3 . 16 . 8 Reeves Osborne 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Peters 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Palmer 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Poncee 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Page 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Paddom 3 . 16 . 8 John Phillips 3 . 16 . 8 Hans Peter 3 . 16 . 8 Simon Peck 3 . 16 . 8 John Roberts 3 . 16 . 8 Quin Raccoon 3 . 16 . 8 John Richards 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 310 . 10 .. Carried Over £ 1095 . 9 . 1 | The pay of the Second Company's privates continued from the £180 3s 4d brought forward. William Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Jacobs, £3 16s 8d John Jones, £3 16s 8d Richard Jevram, £3 16s 8d William Jones, £3 16s 8d Andrew Jocalcomb, £3 16s 8d Thomas Jacobs, £3 16s 8d Samuel Kilson, £3 16s 8d Henry Kirkham, £3 16s 8d John King, £3 16s 8d Thomas Little, £3 16s 8d Thomas Lee, £3 16s 8d Thomas Lambly, £3 16s 8d James Laddy, £3 16s 8d John Morris, £3 16s 8d John McCullen, £3 16s 8d Francis Meares, £3 16s 8d Peter Mahan, £3 16s 8d Thomas Mintell, £3 16s 8d Joseph Miller, £3 16s 8d James Malloney, £3 16s 8d Isaac Muskett, £3 16s 8d Reeves Osborne, £3 16s 8d Jacob Peters, £3 16s 8d Thomas Palmer, £3 16s 8d Thomas Pearce, £3 16s 8d Richard Page, £3 16s 8d William Paddom, £3 16s 8d John Phillips, £3 16s 8d Hans Peter, £3 16s 8d Simon Peck, £3 16s 8d John Roberts, £3 16s 8d Quin Raccoon, £3 16s 8d John Richards, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £310 10s 0d Carried forward, £2,095 9s 1d | |
265 | 1773 Brought Over £ 1095 . 9 . 1 Private brought Over £ 310 . 10 John Christn. Strife 3 . 16 . 8 Fredk. Sheffer 3 . 16 . 8 John Sallisbury 3 . 16 . 8 James Stone 3 . 16 . 8 Baptisa Tibbet 3 . 16 . 8 John Vaughan 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Vennable 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. White 3 . 16 . 8 John Walters 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Warren 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Withers 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Weaver 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Wingfield 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Yates 3 . 16 . 8 Andw. Boswell from 18 Augt. 1 . 16 . 8 Peter Roberts from Do. 1 . 16 . 8 367 . 16 . 8 Third Company viz. Richard Beale Captain to 12 July 7 . 16 .. Do. Lieut. Pay from 13th Do. 29 . 8 . 4½ 37 . 4 . 4½ Solomon St. Maurice Capt. from 13 July 51 . 10 . 3 Thomas Bazett Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ Thomas Statham Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Richard Mason Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Carried Over £ 1657 . 3 . 6 | The pay of the Second Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £310 10s 0d brought forward, and the Third Company's list followed. John Christian Strife, £3 16s 8d Frederick Shefford, £3 16s 8d John Salisbury, £3 16s 8d James Stone, £3 16s 8d Baptista Tibbet, £3 16s 8d John Vaughan, £3 16s 8d Francis Vennable, £3 16s 8d Richard White, £3 16s 8d John Walters, £3 16s 8d William Warren, £3 16s 8d Robert Withers, £3 16s 8d William Weaver, £3 16s 8d Henry Wingfield, £3 16s 8d Henry Yates, £3 16s 8d Andrew Boswell, from 18 August 1773, £1 16s 8d Peter Roberts, from 18 August 1773, £1 16s 8d Total for privates of the Second Company, £367 16s 8d Third Company: Richard Beale: Pay as captain to 12 July 1773, £7 16s 0d Pay as lieutenant from 13 July 1773, £29 8s 4½d Total, £37 4s 4½d Solomon St Maurice, captain from 13 July 1773, £51 10s 3d Thomas Bazett, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Thomas Statham, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Richard Mason, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Carried forward, £2,657 3s 6d Interpretations The Third Company's entries show how the Council's arrangement for the sick Captain Beale was carried out in the books. On 12 July 1773 the Council decided that St Maurice should act as captain, with the extra pay coming out of Beale's own salary so that the Company bore no added cost. The paymaster did this by moving Beale onto a lieutenant's pay and table allowance from 13 July and paying St Maurice a full captain's rate from the same day. The Company still paid one captain and one lieutenant, exactly as before, while Beale kept a lieutenant's income for his support until his family could arrange his passage to England. Andrew Boswell and Peter Roberts, the two deserters from Bombay landed by Captain Morgan of the Devonshire and given £2 0s 0d each on 23 August, appear here as privates of the Second Company paid from 18 August. Richard Mason drew his full lieutenant's pay for the quarter, since his court martial and dismissal came only in October. | |
266 | 18th October Brought Over £ 1657 . 3 . 6 Sergeants viz. William Clifton 7 . 13 . 4 David Scott 7 . 13 . 4 Thomas Hughes 7 . 13 . 4 Thomas Blake 7 . 13 . 4 John Power 7 . 13 . 4 James Goudy to 6th Septr. 5 . 13 . 4 James York 2 .. .. 46 .. .. Corporals viz. James York to 6th September 3 . 19 . 4 John Merrill 5 . 7 . 4 James White 5 . 7 . 4 Thomas Ford 5 . 7 . 4 George Short 5 . 7 . 4 Joseph Dayley 5 . 7 . 4 Willm. Bridgford 1 . 8 .. 32 . 4 . Drummers viz. John Martin 5 . 7 . 4 William Venn 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Private viz. James Anderson 3 . 16 . 8 John Arden 3 . 16 . 8 Jeremiah Abbott 3 . 16 . 8 John Allen 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Brill 3 . 16 . 8 John Blinkhorn 3 . 16 . 8 Fredk. Wm. Beard 3 . 16 . 8 James Brown 3 . 16 . 8 Robert Barff 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Barber 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Bailey 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 42 . 3 . 4 Carried Over £ 1746 . 2 . 2 | The pay of the Third Company continued from the £2,657 3s 6d brought forward. Sergeants: William Clifton, £7 13s 4d David Scott, £7 13s 4d Thomas Hughes, £7 13s 4d Thomas Blake, £7 13s 4d John Power, £7 13s 4d James Goudy, to 6 September 1773, £5 13s 4d James York, from 6 September 1773, £2 0s 0d Total for sergeants, £46 0s 0d Corporals: James York, to 6 September 1773, £3 19s 4d John Merrill, £5 7s 4d James White, £5 7s 4d Thomas Ford, £5 7s 4d George Short, £5 7s 4d Joseph Dayley, £5 7s 4d William Bridgford, from 6 September 1773, £1 8s 0d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: John Martin, £5 7s 4d William Venn, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Privates: James Anderson, £3 16s 8d John Arden, £3 16s 8d Jeremiah Ulbert, £3 16s 8d John Allen, £3 16s 8d Jacob Brill, £3 16s 8d John Blinkhorn, £3 16s 8d Frederick William Beard, £3 16s 8d James Brown, £3 16s 8d Robert Barff, £3 16s 8d Joseph Barber, £3 16s 8d William Bailey, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £42 3s 4d Carried forward, £2,746 2s 2d Interpretations When Sergeant James Goudy left the Third Company on 6 September 1773, the vacancy passed down a step on the same day. Corporal James York became sergeant, and William Bridgford, probably a private, took York's place as corporal. The company's totals for sergeants and corporals stayed exactly as before, since the pay simply moved with the men. The minutes do not record why Goudy's service ended. | |
267 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2746 . 2 . 2 Private Brought Over £ 42 . 3 . 4 Thos. Beale 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Bridgford to 6th September 2 . 16 . 8 John Barber 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Barnes 3 . 16 . 8 John Brown 3 . 16 . 8 Jeffery Bond 3 . 16 . 8 John Cork 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Courts 3 . 16 . 8 Benjn. Courtney 3 . 16 . 8 George Charriott 3 . 16 . 8 James Curtis 3 . 16 . 8 James Creasey 3 . 16 . 8 Maurice Downey 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Downs 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Dorey 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Ditty 3 . 16 . 8 George Dadd 3 . 16 . 8 John Dean 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Davis 3 . 16 . 8 William Edwards 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Edgles 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Elliott 3 . 16 . 8 John Ferguson 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Frazier 3 . 16 . 8 Owen Griffiths 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Green 3 . 16 . 8 John Gray 3 . 16 . 8 John Gorring 3 . 16 . 8 James Goudy from 7th Septr. 1 .. .. Felix Hyder 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Hopkins 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Holloway 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Higgins 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Hazell 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 165 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 2746 . 2 . 2 | The pay of the Third Company's privates continued from the £42 3s 4d brought forward. Thomas Beale, £3 16s 8d William Bridgford, to 6 September 1773, £2 16s 8d John Barber, £3 16s 8d Thomas Barnes, £3 16s 8d John Brown, £3 16s 8d Jeffery Bond, £3 16s 8d John Cork, £3 16s 8d Robert Courts, £3 16s 8d Benjamin Courtney, £3 16s 8d George Chariott, £3 16s 8d James Curtis, £3 16s 8d James Creasey, £3 16s 8d Maurice Downey, £3 16s 8d Robert Downs, £3 16s 8d Thomas Dorry, £3 16s 8d Peter Ditty, £3 16s 8d George Dadd, £3 16s 8d John Dean, £3 16s 8d Jacob Davis, £3 16s 8d William Edwards, £3 16s 8d Charles Edgles, £3 16s 8d Thomas Elliott, £3 16s 8d John Ferguson, £3 16s 8d Charles Frazier, £3 16s 8d Owen Griffiths, £3 16s 8d Robert Green, £3 16s 8d John Gray, £3 16s 8d John Goring, £3 16s 8d James Goudy, from 7 September 1773, £1 0s 0d Felix Hyder, £3 16s 8d William Hopkins, £3 16s 8d Joseph Holloway, £3 16s 8d Peter Higgins, £3 16s 8d Edward Hazell, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £165 13s 4d Carried forward, £2,746 2s 2d Interpretations The privates' list explains the change among the Third Company's sergeants. James Goudy did not leave the company on 6 September 1773. He was reduced to the ranks and paid as a private from 7 September. The demotion was probably the sentence of a court martial, which set off the chain of promotions from private to corporal and corporal to sergeant recorded on the previous page. William Bridgford's private's pay stopped on 6 September, the day he was raised to corporal. George Chariott, Lieutenant Mason's servant who gave evidence at the court martial in October, was a private of this company, the same company in which Mason served as lieutenant. | |
268 | 18th October Brought Over £ 2746 . 2 . 2 Private Carried Over £ 168 . 13 . 4 Samuel Harsant 3 . 16 . 8 John Howe 3 . 16 . 8 William Hambleton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Hayes 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Jacks 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Jamison 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 James Kemp 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Lamburn 3 . 16 . 8 John Lane 3 . 16 . 8 John Lemmon 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Moyce 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Morris 3 . 16 . 8 Abraham Major 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Martin 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Morris 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Matthews 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Mannisees 3 . 16 . 8 Andrew Nedling 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Owens 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Perry 3 . 16 . 8 William Pickiss 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Penny 3 . 16 . 8 William Powell 3 . 16 . 8 David Patton 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Richardson 3 . 16 . 8 Adam Scott 3 . 16 . 8 Arthur Shell 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Slaughter 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Spite 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Seymour 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 293 . 3 . 4 Carried Over £ 2746 . 2 . 2 | The pay of the Third Company's privates continued from the £168 13s 4d brought forward. Samuel Harsant, £3 16s 8d John Howe, £3 16s 8d William Hambleton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hayes, £3 16s 8d Samuel Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Jacks, £3 16s 8d William Jamison, £3 16s 8d Joseph Jones, £3 16s 8d William Johnson, £3 16s 8d James Kemp, £3 16s 8d William Lambum, £3 16s 8d John Lane, £3 16s 8d John Lemmon, £3 16s 8d Richard Moyce, £3 16s 8d Thomas Morris, £3 16s 8d Abraham Major, £3 16s 8d Joseph Martin, £3 16s 8d Charles Morris, £3 16s 8d Thomas Matthews, £3 16s 8d Charles Mannisees, £3 16s 8d Andrew Nedling, £3 16s 8d Thomas Owens, £3 16s 8d Thomas Perry, £3 16s 8d William Pickiss, £3 16s 8d Richard Penny, £3 16s 8d William Powell, £3 16s 8d David Patton, £3 16s 8d Henry Richardson, £3 16s 8d Adam Scott, £3 16s 8d Arthur Shell, £3 16s 8d Richard Slaughter, £3 16s 8d Richard Speight, £3 16s 8d Stephen Seymore, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £293 3s 4d Carried forward, £2,746 2s 2d | |
269 | 1773 Brought Over £ 2746 . 2 . 2 Private Brought Over 295 . 3 . 4 Thos. Smith 3 . 16 . 8 David Stores 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Shambier 3 . 16 . 8 Andw. Steeman 3 . 16 . 8 John Thompson Senr. 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Taylor 3 . 16 . 8 George Towns 3 . 16 . 8 John Thompson Junr. 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Thompson 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Trueman 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Vincent 3 . 16 . 8 George Varney 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Ward 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Walter 3 . 16 . 8 Hatton Walker 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Williams 3 . 16 . 8 James Woods 3 . 16 . 8 James Willson 3 . 16 . 8 John Walter 3 . 16 . 8 368 .. .. Fourth Company viz. John Howard Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Samuel Desfountain Lieutent. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ Robert Gurling Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. House Rent 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Sergeants viz. John Deale 7 . 13 . 4 John Terry 7 . 13 . 4 Thos. Williams 7 . 13 . 4 Geo. Wood 7 . 13 . 4 Sergeants Carried Over £ 30 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 3244 . 7 . 2 | The pay of the Third Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £295 3s 4d brought forward, and the Fourth Company's list followed. Thomas Smith, £3 16s 8d David Stores, £3 16s 8d Francis Shambers, £3 16s 8d Andrew Strenman, £3 16s 8d John Thompson senior, £3 16s 8d Thomas Taylor, £3 16s 8d George Towers, £3 16s 8d John Thompson junior, £3 16s 8d Jacob Thompson, £3 16s 8d Stephen Trueman, £3 16s 8d Richard Vincent, £3 16s 8d George Varney, £3 16s 8d Thomas Ward, £3 16s 8d William Walter, £3 16s 8d Hatton Walker, £3 16s 8d Henry Williams, £3 16s 8d James Woods, £3 16s 8d James Willson, £3 16s 8d John Walter, £3 16s 8d Total for privates of the Third Company, £368 0s 0d Fourth Company: John Howard, captain, £59 6s 3d Samuel Desfountain, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Robert Gurling, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Sergeants: John Deale, £7 13s 4d John Jerry, £7 13s 4d Thomas Williams, £7 13s 4d George Wood, £7 13s 4d Sergeants carried forward, £30 13s 4d Carried forward, £3,244 7s 2d | |
270 | 18 October Brought Over £ 3244 . 7 . 2 Sergeants brought Over £ 30 . 13 . 4 William Sharp 7 . 13 . 4 Thos. Hilock 7 . 13 . 4 46 .. .. Corporals viz. George Smith 5 . 7 . 4 William Taylor 5 . 7 . 4 James Youd 5 . 7 . 4 George Jarman 5 . 7 . 4 John Anderson 5 . 7 . 4 Thos. Ferris 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 .. Drummers viz. James Moyce 5 . 7 . 4 John Harper 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Private viz. John Allen 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Blackmell 3 . 16 . 8 John Bowler 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Blackman 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Bailey 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Bickerstaff 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Caleb Balding 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Benz 3 . 16 . 8 Jeremiah Butcher 3 . 16 . 8 John Bates 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Buckles 3 . 16 . 8 John Broad 3 . 16 . 8 Caleb Broadway 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Bicknel 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Blake 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Cooksey 3 . 16 . 8 Josiah Cummings 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Close 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 99 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 3333 . 5 . 10 | The pay of the Fourth Company continued from the £3,244 7s 2d brought forward. Sergeants brought forward, £30 13s 4d William Sharp, £7 13s 4d Thomas Hilock, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £46 0s 0d Corporals: George Smith, £5 7s 4d William Taylor, £5 7s 4d James Youd, £5 7s 4d George Jarman, £5 7s 4d John Anderson, £5 7s 4d Thomas Ferris, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: James Moyce, £5 7s 4d John Harper, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Privates: John Allen, £3 16s 8d Joseph Blackwell, £3 16s 8d John Bowler, £3 16s 8d William Blackman, £3 16s 8d Thomas Bailey, £3 16s 8d Richard Bickerstaff, £3 16s 8d William Caleb Baldwin, £3 16s 8d Jacob Benz, £3 16s 8d Jeremiah Butcher, £3 16s 8d John Bates, £3 16s 8d Robert Buckles, £3 16s 8d John Broad, £3 16s 8d Caleb Broadway, £3 16s 8d William Bicknell, £3 16s 8d William Blake, £3 16s 8d William Cooksey, £3 16s 8d Josiah Cummings, £3 16s 8d Richard Close, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £99 13s 4d Carried forward, £3,333 5s 10d Interpretations The drummer John Harper on this list was the witness who told the court martial in October 1773 that Lieutenant Mason had twice asked to borrow his bitch while he was on guard at Purling's Battery, and that Mason had spoken in jest. He belonged to the Fourth Company and was serving on the guard there when the episode took place. | |
271 | 1773 Brought Over £ 3333 . 5 . 10 Private brought Over John Clemans 3 . 16 . 8 John Campen 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Clare 3 . 16 . 8 John Collins 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Dawson 3 . 16 . 8 James Dennis 3 . 16 . 8 John Dean 3 . 16 . 8 James Deighton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Denman 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Field 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Flinn 3 . 16 . 8 David Fowler 3 . 16 . 8 George Green 3 . 16 . 8 John Gilmore 3 . 16 . 8 Edward German 3 . 16 . 8 Fredk. Galluce 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Goulding 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Groves 3 . 16 . 8 Benjn. Gevaird 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Gross 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Herenburgh 3 . 16 . 8 Roger Hayden 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Hambleton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Hilliard 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Hales 3 . 16 . 8 James Hawkins 3 . 16 . 8 Christr. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Joyce 3 . 16 . 8 James Jordan 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Jackson 3 . 16 . 8 Michael Kerry 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 199 . 6 . 8 Carried Over £ 3333 . 5 . 10 | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates continued from the £99 13s 4d brought forward. John Clemans, £3 16s 8d John Campen, £3 16s 8d Samuel Clare, £3 16s 8d John Collins, £3 16s 8d Thomas Dawson, £3 16s 8d James Dennis, £3 16s 8d John Dean, £3 16s 8d James Deighton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Denman, £3 16s 8d Charles Field, £3 16s 8d Francis Flinn, £3 16s 8d David Fowler, £3 16s 8d George Green, £3 16s 8d John Gilmore, £3 16s 8d Edward Germain, £3 16s 8d Frederick Galluse, £3 16s 8d William Goulding, £3 16s 8d Richard Groves, £3 16s 8d Benjamin Gerrard, £3 16s 8d Joseph Gross, £3 16s 8d Henry Herenburg, £3 16s 8d Roger Hayden, £3 16s 8d Henry Hambleton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hilliard, £3 16s 8d William Hales, £3 16s 8d James Hawkins, £3 16s 8d Christian Johnson, £3 16s 8d Thomas Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Joyce, £3 16s 8d James Jordan, £3 16s 8d John Jones, £3 16s 8d Richard Jackson, £3 16s 8d Michael Kerry, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £199 6s 8d Carried forward, £3,333 5s 10d | |
272 | 18 October Brought Over £ 3333 . 5 . 10 Private brought Over £ 199 . 6 . 8 Thos. Lyne 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Lewellen 3 . 16 . 8 John Latham 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Lissett 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Mc. Dearman 3 . 16 . 8 Robert May 3 . 16 . 8 John Moyce 3 . 16 . 8 Mattw. Mould 3 . 16 . 8 Danl. Patrick 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Parker 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Prichard 3 . 16 . 8 John Pink 3 . 16 . 8 John Phere 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Powell 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Parkinson 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Pearce 3 . 16 . 8 James Richardson 3 . 16 . 8 James Roberts 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Scottman 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Stedman 3 . 16 . 8 James Sex 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Smith 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Smith 3 . 16 . 8 John Smith 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Stevens 3 . 16 . 8 John Stockdell 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Shores 3 . 16 . 8 James Savory 3 . 16 . 8 John Turner 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Turner 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Tucker 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Vanderhorst 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Waite 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Watts 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 331 . 3 . 4 Carried Over £ 3333 . 5 . 10 | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates continued from the £199 6s 8d brought forward. Thomas Lyne, £3 16s 8d Charles Lewellin, £3 16s 8d John Latham, £3 16s 8d Stephen Lifset, £3 16s 8d Thomas McDearman, £3 16s 8d Robert May, £3 16s 8d John Moyce, £3 16s 8d Matthew Mould, £3 16s 8d Daniel Patrick, £3 16s 8d William Parker, £3 16s 8d Thomas Prichard, £3 16s 8d John Pink, £3 16s 8d John Phere, £3 16s 8d William Powell, £3 16s 8d Robert Parkinson, £3 16s 8d Richard Pearce, £3 16s 8d James Richardson, £3 16s 8d James Roberts, £3 16s 8d William Scottman, £3 16s 8d William Stedman, £3 16s 8d James Sex, £3 16s 8d Charles Smith, £3 16s 8d Thomas Smith, £3 16s 8d John Smith, £3 16s 8d Thomas Stevens, £3 16s 8d John Stockdell, £3 16s 8d Peter Shores, £3 16s 8d James Savery, £3 16s 8d John Turner, £3 16s 8d Richard Turner, £3 16s 8d William Tucker, £3 16s 8d Stephen Vanderhorst, £3 16s 8d William Waite, £3 16s 8d Thomas Watts, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £331 3s 4d Carried forward, £3,333 5s 10d | |
273 | 1773. Brought Over £ 3333 . 5 . 10 Private brought Over £ 331 . 5 . 10 Saml. Wilson 3 . 16 . 8 John Wood 3 . 16 . 8 Peter White 3 . 16 . 8 John Windall 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Woody 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Wade 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. West 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Webb 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Wickens 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Walton 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Willson 3 . 16 . 8 Hugh Wagg to 7th Augt. 1 . 11 . 8 373 . 8 . 4 Artillery Company viz. James Tippet Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Thos. Leech Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ John Shirtley Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . 36 . 14 . 4½ Robert Gillson Lieut. to 2 Augt. 12 . 11 . 1 Sergeants viz. John Whitchurch 9 . 4 .. John Turner 9 . 4 .. James Pafett 9 . 4 .. Thos. Jones 9 . 4 .. Benjn. Holmes 9 . 4 .. Samuel Kingrow 9 . 4 . 55 . 4 Carried Over £ 3407 . 4 . 3 | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £331 5s 10d brought forward, and the artillery company's list followed. Samuel Wilson, £3 16s 8d John Wood, £3 16s 8d Peter White, £3 16s 8d John Windall, £3 16s 8d Robert Woody, £3 16s 8d Joseph Waite, £3 16s 8d William West, £3 16s 8d William Webb, £3 16s 8d William Wickens, £3 16s 8d Robert Walton, £3 16s 8d William Willson, £3 16s 8d Hugh Wagg, to 7 August 1773, £1 11s 8d Total for privates of the Fourth Company, £373 8s 4d Artillery company: James Tippet, captain, £59 6s 3d Thomas Leech, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Shirtley, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Robert Gillson, lieutenant, to 2 August 1773, £12 11s 1d Sergeants: John Whitchurch, £9 4s 0d John Turner, £9 4s 0d James Parfett, £9 4s 0d Thomas Jones, £9 4s 0d Benjamin Holmes, £9 4s 0d Samuel Kingrow, £9 4s 0d Total for sergeants, £55 4s 0d Carried forward, £3,907 4s 3d Interpretations Robert Gillson's pay as lieutenant of artillery stopped on 2 August 1773, the day he wrote to tell the Council that he had arranged a passage home with Captain Williams of the Hector. In June the Council had refused him leave and warned that if he left the island it would treat him as having quit the Company's service. The paymaster applied that warning to the day. Gillson was paid up to the date of his letter and nothing for the week until the Hector sailed. Artillery sergeants drew £9 4s 0d for the quarter, a fifth more than infantry sergeants at £7 13s 4d. The higher rate followed the pattern seen throughout the artillery. Gunners and matrosses were paid more than infantrymen of equal rank for the skill of working the guns. | |
274 | 18th October Brought Over £ 3907 . 4 . 3 Corporals viz. Willm. Pink 6 . 18 .. John Fox 6 . 18 .. Willm. Stapleford 6 . 18 . John Smith 6 . 18 . Thos. Yates 6 . 18 . Thos. Price 6 . 18 .. 41 . 8 . Bombardiers viz. John Wright 6 . 18 .. Mattw. Charlton to 2d. Augt. 2 . 9 . 6 Thos. Wade 6 . 18 .. Thos. Farr 6 . 18 .. John Love from 3rd August 4 . 8 . 6 27 . 12 .. Gunners viz. John Love to 2d. August 2 . 4 .. Thos. Bowen to 2d. Do. 2 . 4 .. Willm. Rankin 6 . 2 . 8 George Street 6 . 2 . 8 James Munnings 6 . 2 . 8 Nichs. Godfrey 6 . 2 . 8 James Campbell 6 . 2 . 8 Willm. Crabb 6 . 2 . 8 John Mc. Nabb 6 . 2 . 8 John Sheel from 3d. August 3 . 18 . 8 Charles Grierson Do. Do. 3 . 18 . 8 55 . 4 . Drummers Alexander Branson 5 . 7 . 4 Peter Fox 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Matrosses viz. Willm. Gibson 4 . 12 .. Willm. Allen 4 . 12 .. Matrosses Carried Over £ 9 . 4 .. Carried Over £ 4042 . 2 . 11 | The pay of the artillery company continued from the £3,907 4s 3d brought forward. Corporals: William Pink, £6 18s 0d John Fox, £6 18s 0d William Stapleford, £6 18s 0d John Smith, £6 18s 0d Thomas Yates, £6 18s 0d Thomas Price, £6 18s 0d Total for corporals, £41 8s 0d Bombardiers: John Wright, £6 18s 0d Matthew Charlton, to 2 August 1773, £2 9s 6d Thomas Wade, £6 18s 0d Thomas Farr, £6 18s 0d John Love, from 3 August 1773, £4 8s 6d Total for bombardiers, £27 12s 0d Gunners: John Love, to 2 August 1773, £2 4s 0d Thomas Bowen, to 2 August 1773, £2 4s 0d William Rankin, £6 2s 8d George Street, £6 2s 8d James Munnings, £6 2s 8d Nicholas Godfrey, £6 2s 8d James Campbell, £6 2s 8d William Crabb, £6 2s 8d John McNabb, £6 2s 8d John Sheel, from 3 August 1773, £3 18s 8d Charles Grierson, from 3 August 1773, £3 18s 8d Total for gunners, £55 4s 0d Drummers: Alexander Branson, £5 7s 4d Peter Fox, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Matrosses: William Gibson, £4 12s 0d William Allen, £4 12s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £9 4s 0d Carried forward, £4,042 2s 11d Interpretations The artillery's corporals and drummers included three of the witnesses at Lieutenant Mason's court martial in October 1773: Corporal John Fox, Corporal Thomas Price and the drummer Peter Fox. All served in Captain Tippet's company, which explains why Mason's taunts about Tippet were made to them and why Tippet collected their statements. The changes of 2 and 3 August 1773 coincided with Lieutenant Gillson's departure from the company. Matthew Charlton's pay as bombardier stopped on 2 August, though the Council did not grant his discharge until 30 August, so he was probably taken off the bombardiers' strength before formally leaving. John Love moved up from gunner to bombardier to replace him, and two matrosses, John Sheel and Charles Grierson, were raised to gunner in Love's and Thomas Bowen's places. John McNabb, the seaman enlisted from the Nassau in May, now drew a gunner's pay for the full quarter. | |
275 | 1773 Brought Over £ 4042 . 2 . 11 Matrosses brought Over Thomas Alesworth 4 . 12 . John Anderson 4 . 12 . Charles Abraham 4 . 12 . Richd. Akers 4 . 12 .. James Anderson 4 . 12 Benjn. Burton 4 . 12 . Joseph Bowman 4 . 12 . John Barchard 4 . 12 .. Stephen Barrett 4 . 12 . Thos. Bowen from 2d. Augt. 2 . 19 . John Cope 4 . 12 . Robt. Cunningham 4 . 12 . John Coleman 4 . 12 . Mattw. Craven 4 . 12 . John Corbett 4 . 12 . Thos. Connell 4 . 12 . John Clark 4 . 12 . Isaac Clark 4 . 12 . Mattw. Charlton from 2d. Aug. to 30 Aug. 1 . 8 James Dunn 4 . 12 James Dawson 4 . 12 . John Dowse 4 . 12 . Robt. Davidson 4 . 12 John Custone 4 . 12 . Joseph Fellows 4 . 12 . Joseph Finlinson 4 . 12 . Willm. Faircliff 4 . 12 Christian Greenwald 4 . 12 . Thos. Gorrold 4 . 12 .. Thos. Green 4 . 12 .. Richd. Gibbs 4 . 12 .. Charles Grierson to 2d. Aug. 1 . 13 . Owen Howard 4 . 12 Alexander Henderson 4 . 12 .. Matrosses Carried Over £ 157 . 16 . Carried Over £ 4042 . 2 . 11 | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses continued from the £9 4s 0d brought forward. Thomas Alesworth, £4 12s 0d John Anderson, £4 12s 0d Charles Abraham, £4 12s 0d Richard Akers, £4 12s 0d James Anderson, £4 12s 0d Benjamin Burton, £4 12s 0d Joseph Bowman, £4 12s 0d John Barchant, £4 12s 0d Stephen Barrett, £4 12s 0d Thomas Bowen, from 3 August 1773, £2 19s 0d John Cope, £4 12s 0d Robert Cunningham, £4 12s 0d John Coleman, £4 12s 0d Matthew Craven, £4 12s 0d John Corbett, £4 12s 0d Thomas Connell, £4 12s 0d John Clark, £4 12s 0d Isaac Clark, £4 12s 0d Matthew Charlton, from 3 August to 30 August 1773, £1 8s 0d James Dunn, £4 12s 0d James Dawson, £4 12s 0d John Douse, £4 12s 0d Robert Davidson, £4 12s 0d John Euston, £4 12s 0d Joseph Fellows, £4 12s 0d Joseph Finlinson, £4 12s 0d William Faircliff, £4 12s 0d Christian Greenawald, £4 12s 0d Thomas Gorrett, £4 12s 0d Thomas Green, £4 12s 0d Richard Gibbs, £4 12s 0d Charles Grierson, to 2 August 1773, £1 13s 0d Owen Howard, £4 12s 0d Alexander Henderson, £4 12s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £157 16s 0d Carried forward, £4,042 2s 11d Interpretations This page completes the picture of the artillery changes of early August 1773. Thomas Bowen and Matthew Charlton were not promoted but reduced. Bowen dropped from gunner to matross on 3 August, and Charlton from bombardier to matross on the same day. Charlton then served as a matross until 30 August, when the Council granted his discharge at the end of his term. Two reductions on one day point to a single punishment, probably by court martial, though the minutes record no reason. Charles Grierson's matross pay stopped on 2 August because he was raised to gunner the next day. Thomas Alesworth and Alexander Henderson, both matrosses here, were the witnesses whose statements against Lieutenant Mason led to his court martial in October. James Dawson was one of the two matrosses who told Corporal Price that Mason had sent for the guard's powder horn. | |
276 | 18th October Brought Over £ 4042 . 2 . 11 Matrosses brought Over £ 157 . 16 .. Francis Harding 4 . 12 Mullis Hooper 4 . 12 . Willm. Harrison 4 . 12 Maynard Hayes 4 . 12 .. Robt. Harmer 4 . 12 . Willm. Hurst 4 . 12 . Willm. Holloway 4 . 12 . James Judge 4 . 12 . Mattw. Harnan 4 . 12 .. John Leedham 4 . 12 .. George Marshall 4 . 12 John Moore 4 . 12 . Richard Morgan 4 . 12 . John Mann 4 . 12 . Cris Martin 4 . 12 .. Jonathan Mallet 4 . 12 Wm. Mc. Beth 4 . 12 Patrick Mc. Donald 4 . 12 Patrick Murphy 4 . 12 Thos. Nimble 4 . 12 James Peacock 4 . 12 . Richd. Pearce 4 . 12 .. John Parker 4 . 12 .. Samuel Packer 4 . 12 . Joseph Peel 4 . 12 . Wm. Robinson 4 . 12 Robt. Ryley 4 . 12 Charles Russell 4 . 12 .. Abraham Reners 4 . 12 .. Thos. Richardson 4 . 12 .. Richd. Rowlands 4 . 12 . Andw. Schooner 4 . 12 .. Godfrey Smith 4 . 12 . John Smith 4 . 12 . Private Carried Over £ 314 . 4 . Carried Over £ 4042 . 2 . 11 | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses continued from the £157 16s 0d brought forward. Francis Harding, £4 12s 0d Mullis Hooper, £4 12s 0d William Harrison, £4 12s 0d Maynard Hayes, £4 12s 0d Robert Harmer, £4 12s 0d William Hurst, £4 12s 0d William Holloway, £4 12s 0d James Judge, £4 12s 0d Matthew Laman, £4 12s 0d John Leedham, £4 12s 0d George Marshall, £4 12s 0d John Moore, £4 12s 0d Richard Morgan, £4 12s 0d John Mann, £4 12s 0d Caris Martin, £4 12s 0d Jonathan Mallet, £4 12s 0d William McBeth, £4 12s 0d Patrick McDonald, £4 12s 0d Patrick Murphy, £4 12s 0d Thomas Nimble, £4 12s 0d James Peacock, £4 12s 0d Richard Pearce, £4 12s 0d John Parker, £4 12s 0d Samuel Packer, £4 12s 0d Joseph Peel, £4 12s 0d William Robinson, £4 12s 0d Robert Ryley, £4 12s 0d Charles Russell, £4 12s 0d Abraham Renew, £4 12s 0d Thomas Richardson, £4 12s 0d Richard Rowlands, £4 12s 0d Andrew Schooner, £4 12s 0d Godfrey Smith, £4 12s 0d John Smith, £4 12s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £314 4s 0d Carried forward, £4,042 2s 11d Interpretations John Parker, a matross listed here, was almost certainly the "poor fellow Parker" whom Lieutenant Mason claimed Captain Tippet had wrongly had punished for stealing his tobacco. Mason made the remark to the drummer Peter Fox, and it formed part of the charge of improper language at his court martial. Parker was still serving in Tippet's company, on full pay, throughout the quarter. | |
277 | 1773 Brought Over £ 4042 . 2 . 11 Matrosses brought Over £ 314 . 4 . William Smith Senr. 4 . 12 Wm. Smith Junr. 4 . 12 Willm. Shore 4 . 12 . John Shoell to 2d. August 1 . 13 .. Thos. Sabrey 4 . 12 . Mich. Scullley 4 . 12 . Richard Smith 4 . 12 . John Towers to 3d. July .. 3 .. John Thompson 4 . 12 .. Richard Waterhouse 4 . 12 . John Willson 4 . 12 . Samuel Wood 4 . 12 . Robert Wood 4 . 12 . John White 4 . 12 . Willm. Weedon 4 . 12 .. John Wilkinson Senr. 4 . 12 .. John Wilkinson Junr. 4 . 12 . Edward Ware 4 . 12 . 389 . 12 . Pensioners viz. Nathan Sample 13 . 15 . 11 Michael Frost 13 . 15 . 11 Mary Beale 7 . 10 .. Elizabeth Kennedy 7 . 10 . 42 . 11 . 10 £ 4474 . 6 . 9 | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses ended with the following men, continuing from the £314 4s 0d brought forward, and the list of pensioners followed. William Smith senior, £4 12s 0d William Smith junior, £4 12s 0d William Shore, £4 12s 0d John Sheel, to 2 August 1773, £1 13s 0d Thomas Sabrey, £4 12s 0d Michael Scully, £4 12s 0d Richard Smith, £4 12s 0d John Towers, to 3 July 1773, £0 3s 0d John Thompson, £4 12s 0d Richard Waterhouse, £4 12s 0d John Willson, £4 12s 0d Samuel Wood, £4 12s 0d Robert Wood, £4 12s 0d John White, £4 12s 0d William Weden, £4 12s 0d John Wilkinson senior, £4 12s 0d John Wilkinson junior, £4 12s 0d Edward Ware, £4 12s 0d Total for matrosses, £389 12s 0d Pensioners: Nathan Sample, £13 15s 11d Michael Frost, £13 15s 11d Mary Beale, £7 10s 0d Elizabeth Kennedy, £7 10s 0d Total for pensioners, £42 11s 10d Total of officers, servants, garrison and pensioners for the quarter, £4,474 6s 9d Interpretations The pay list for the September quarter came to £4,474 6s 9d, about £70 0s 0d more than the June quarter's £4,403 5s 2½d. The extra day in the quarter accounts for much of the rise, since every soldier was paid by the day. The rest came from a garrison kept close to full strength by recruits, re-enlistments and the deserters taken in from passing ships, which made up for the men lost through discharge, death and desertion. The clerk's running count in the margin put the rank and file at 478. John Towers was paid as a matross for three days only, to 3 July 1773. That was the day the Council let him leave on finding James Jordan to serve the rest of his term. Jordan had already been listed as a private of the Fourth Company in the June quarter. The exchange cost the Company nothing and kept the garrison's numbers whole. | |
278 | 18th October Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Septr. 30 To Cash from the Chest £ 5277 . 16 .. ½ Carried Over £ 5277 . 16 .. ½ | As paymaster, William Wrangham entered a single receipt for the quarter, the cash he drew from the treasury chest on 30 September 1773. The rest of the page was ruled through, and the sum was carried forward. 30 September 1773, cash from the treasury chest, £5,277 16s 0½d Carried forward, £5,277 16s 0½d Interpretations The sum drawn for the September quarter, £5,277 16s 0½d, was smaller than the £5,830 12s 0d drawn in June, although the pay list itself had risen to £4,474 6s 9d. The difference, about £800 0s 0d against nearly £1,430 0s 0d in the spring, was what Wrangham paid out besides wages: recruits' bounties, purchases from commanders and wages for the public works. The spring quarter had carried the season's heavy buying from the ships and the bounties of 33 re-enlisted soldiers. With fewer ships in the winter months and few men due to re-enlist, those charges fell by almost half. | |
279 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 July 1st By Cash Paid Thos. Nimble for Informing of Alley a Slave belonging to the Company having sold Arrack .. 5 By Do. Paid for work done in the Stores 11 . 3 By Do. Paid for bringing Stores from the Crane &c. from Ships Speaker, Marquis of Rockingham Triton and Hector 3 . 9 . 6 By Do. Pd. for attending 3 Horses belonging to the Honble. Company 1 . 7 .. By Do. Pd. Captain Morgan of Ship Devonshire for 126 Pieces of Beef 12 . 12 By Do. Pd. for Enlisting 2 Deserters from Ship Devonshire 4 .. .. By Do. Pd. for makg. a Flagg for Mitchels Line 15 . By Do. Pd. for mending Accoutrements for the Garrison 2 .. By Do. Pd. for 3 Gall. Spirits of Turpentine 12/ 1 . 16 . By Do. Pd. for Laborers Work in bringing Stores from the Crane, recd. from Ship Devonshire and taking an Inventory 6 . 6 . 6 By Do. Pd. Lieut. Stewart his Expences in repairg. the Company's House he lived in 40 . 6 . 5 By Do. Pd. Thos. Hendcock for assisting in the Hospital 2 . 10 . By Do. Pd. James Rector for Serving 92 days 6 . 18 .. By Do. Pd. the Fife Major for teaching the Young Fifers 2 . 6 . By Do. Pd. Rent for a Shop for the Surgeon 5 .. By Do. Pd. Hugh Jones for 50 Pieces of Baftas 33 . 15 . By Do. Pd. Noqueda Poccolum & Mass Sargo their allowance of Salt Provisions and House Rent 6 . 10 By Do. Pd. Thos. Jordan for workg. in the Lg. Wood 3 . 17 . By Do. Pd. Edward Daniels Mason his House Rent 5 .. By Do. Pd. the Lieut. Governor for Mutton 3 .. By Do. Pd. Fred. Gallues for baking 195 Batches of Bread for the Garrison @ 21/ Pr. Batch 17 . 1 . 3 Carried Over £ 159 . 5 . 11 | The paymaster's account of money paid out from 1 July 1773 began as follows. 1 July 1773, to Thomas Nimble, for reporting that Alley, a slave belonging to the Company, had sold arrack, £0 5s 0d For work done in the stores, £0 11s 3d For bringing stores up from the crane from the ships Speaker, Marquis of Rockingham, Triton and Hector, £3 9s 6d. For attending three of the Company's horses, £1 7s 0d To Captain Morgan of the Devonshire, for 126 pieces of beef, £12 12s 0d. For making a flag for Mitchell's Line, £0 15s 0d For mending the garrison's accoutrements, £2 0s 0d For spirits of turpentine, 3 gallons at 12s 0d a gallon, £1 16s 0d For labourers bringing up from the crane the stores received from the Devonshire, and taking an inventory, £6 6s 6d. To Lieutenant Stewart, for his expenses in repairing the Company's house he lived in, £40 6s 3d To Thomas Hindcock, for helping in the hospital, £2 10s 0d To James Rector, for 92 days' service, £6 18s 0d To the fife major, for teaching the young fifers, £2 6s 0d Rent for a shop for the surgeon, £5 0s 0d To Hugh Jones, for 50 pieces of baftas, £33 15s 0d To Roquedah Pookollam and Mass Senge, their allowance for salt provisions and house rent, £6 10s 0d To Thomas Jordan, for work in the Long Wood, £3 17s 0d To Edward Daniels, mason, for house rent, £5 0s 0d To the Lieutenant Governor, for mutton, £3 0s 0d To Frederick Galluse, for baking 195 batches of bread for the garrison at 1s 9d a batch, £17 1s 3d Carried forward, £159 5s 11d Interpretations The reward to Thomas Nimble shows the island's control of spirits reaching down to the slaves. Selling arrack was licensed and limited, and a slave who sold it was undercutting the publicans and supplying drink outside any control. As with the fine on John Price the month before, enforcement depended on informers, and Nimble, a matross, was paid 5s 0d for his report. The reward was small, but it gave soldiers a reason to watch the island's illicit drink trade. Hugh Jones, the Superintendent of the Blacks, sold the Company 50 pieces of baftas for £33 15s 0d. In the same quarter the storekeeper issued 44 pieces of baftas to clothe the Company's slaves. Jones was thus selling cloth to the Company that went to the slaves under his own supervision. The Council recorded the purchase openly. Arrangements of this kind may help explain why the Court later abolished his post, as the Council reported in 1778. Frederick Galluse, the garrison's baker, was a private of the Fourth Company. The Company paid him by the batch to bake the soldiers' bread from its own flour, so a soldier with a trade could earn well above his pay. | |
280 | 18th October Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Septr. 30th To Cash brought Over £ 5277 . 16 . ½ Carried Over £ 5277 . 16 . ½ | William Wrangham's receipts on this page consisted only of the cash brought over from the treasury chest. The page was otherwise left empty and ruled through, and the same sum was carried on. 30 September 1773, cash brought forward, £5,277 16s 0½d Carried forward, £5,277 16s 0½d | |
281 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Septr. 30 Brought Over £ 159 . 5 . 11 By Cash Paid John Price for Rent for a House to hold the Quarterly Sessions four Quarters 12 .. .. By Do. Pd. Do. for Punishments and Imprisonments 16 . 3 By Do. Pd. for eight Expresses upon Alarms 2 .. By Do. Pd. the Governor for 18 Ewe Sheep 8 Weathers & 11 Lambs 33 . 6 .. By Do. Pd. for 11 Yards Hair Bottoms for Chairs 1 . 18 . 6 By Do. Pd. for the following for the Govrs. Table viz. 50 dozen of Eggs £ 3 . 18 119 Fowls 8 . 18 . 6 11 Pigs 2 . 15 . 59½ lb. Fresh Pork 1 . 9 . 9 3 Tongues 12 .. 6 lb. Onions 3 .. 413 lb. Fresh Beef 9 . 8 . 9 3 dozn. Custard Cups 15 .. 69 Do. Bottles 7 . 5 . 9 4 Geese 1 .. .. 100 lb. Biscuit 2 . 5 .. 3 Gallns. Rum 16 . 6 13 Ducks 19 . 6 1 Bottle Olives 7 . 6 40 . 14 . 3 By Cash Paid the following Discharged Men for relisting to serve the Honble. Compy. five Years longer as Soldiers Subject to the Articles of War their respective times to Commence as Follows. John Tanton from 10th Augt. £ 10 .. .. Thos. Palmer from 26th Septr. 10 .. .. George Towns from Do. 10 .. .. 30 .. Carried Over £ 280 .. 11 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £159 5s 11d brought forward. To John Price, for four quarters' rent of a house used for the quarterly court, £12 0s 0d To the same, for punishments and imprisonments, £0 16s 3d For express messengers sent out on alarms, £2 0s 0d To the Governor, for 18 ewes, 8 wethers and 11 lambs, £33 6s 0d For horsehair seating for chairs, 11 yards, £1 18s 6d For the following provisions for the Governor's table: Eggs, 50 dozen, £3 18s 0d Fowls, 119, £8 18s 6d Pigs, 11, £2 15s 0d Fresh pork, 59½ lb, £1 9s 9d Tongues, 3, £0 12s 0d Onions, 6 lb, £0 3s 0d Fresh beef, 413 lb, £9 8s 9d Custard cups, 3 dozen, £0 15s 0d Bottles, 6 dozen, £7 5s 9d Geese, 4, £1 0s 0d Biscuit, 100 lb, £2 5s 0d Rum, 3 gallons, £0 16s 6d Ducks, 13, £0 19s 6d Olives, 1 bottle, £0 7s 6d Total for the Governor's table, £40 14s 3d To discharged soldiers who re-enlisted for a further five years, under the Articles of War, from the dates shown: John Tanton, from 10 August 1773, £10 0s 0d Thomas Palmer, from 26 September 1773, £10 0s 0d George Towers, from the same date, £10 0s 0d Total for re-enlistment bounties, £30 0s 0d Carried forward, £280 0s 11d Interpretations The rent paid to John Price shows that in 1773 the island's quarterly court sat in a house hired from a private owner, and that the owner was the publican fined in August for selling the garrison too much drink. Price also served as marshal and gaoler and was paid for carrying out punishments and imprisonments. One man thus provided the courtroom, kept the gaol and inflicted the court's sentences, while running a licensed punch house under the court's oversight. The arrangement had not changed by 1778, when the Council told the Court that it still had to rent a house for the quarterly court at the owner's pleasure and asked leave to build two rooms instead. The Governor sold the Company 37 of his own sheep for £33 6s 0d, at about 18s 0d a head, while commanders were selling Cape sheep at 14s 0d to 15s 0d. The Company's flock had just been halved by winter deaths, and the island's own sheep, already used to its pastures, were likelier to survive than animals newly landed from the Cape. The purchase was nonetheless a sale by the head of government to the Company he governed, at a price above the going rate for Cape stock, approved by his own Council. | |
282 | 18th October Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Septr. 30 To Cash brought Over £ 5277 . 16 . ½ Carried Over £ 5277 . 16 . ½ | Once more the receipts side of William Wrangham's account recorded nothing but the balance from the treasury chest. That sum was carried to the next page, and the rest of this one was ruled through. 30 September 1773, cash brought forward, £5,277 16s 0½d Carried forward, £5,277 16s 0½d | |
283 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Septr. 30th Brought Over £ 280 .. 11 By Cash Paid for the following Work done at the New Church 423 days Masons @ 1/6 £ 31 . 14 . 6 7 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 2 . 15 . 6 160 Do. Stone Sawyers @ 1/6 12 .. .. 54½ Do. Overseers @ 2/ 5 . 9 .. 35½ Do. Do. @ 1/6 2 . 12 . 10½ 1501½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 75 . 1 . 3 125½ Do. Carpenters @ 1/6 9 . 8 . 7½ 53 Do. Do. @ 1/3 3 . 6 . 3 37½ Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 2 . 16 . 7½ 8½ Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 .. 12 . 9 55 Do. Stone Blowers @ 1/6 4 . 2 . 6 3½ Do. Painters @ 1/6 .. 4 . 10½ 10 Do. Lath Makers @ 1/6 .. 15 .. 150 . 19 . 9 By Cash Paid for the following done at the Stores 39½ days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 2 . 19 . 3 13 Do. Do. @ 1/3 .. 16 . 3 7 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 10 . 6 1 Do. Overseer @ 2/ .. 2 .. 22 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 1 . 2 .. 2½ Do. Masons @ 1/6 .. 3 . 9 2 Do. Painters @ 1/6 .. 3 .. 5 . 16 . 9 By Cash Paid for the following done repairg. the Sea Gate Wall 1 day Masons £ 0 . 1 . 6 1 Do. Overseer 0 . 2 . 0 4 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 0 . 4 . 0 .. 7 . 6 Carried Over £ 437 . 4 . 11 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £280 0s 11d brought forward. Wages for work on the new church: Masons, 423 days at 1s 6d a day, £31 14s 6d Smiths, 37 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 15s 6d Stone sawyers, 160 days at 1s 6d a day, £12 0s 0d Overseers, 54½ days at 2s 0d a day, £5 9s 0d Overseers, 35½ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 12s 10½d Labourers, 1,501½ days at 1s 0d a day, £75 1s 3d Carpenters, 125¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £9 8s 7½d Carpenters, 53 days at 1s 3d a day, £3 6s 3d Sawyers, 37½ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 16s 7½d Coxswains, 8½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 9d Stone blasters, 55 days at 1s 6d a day, £4 2s 6d Painters, 3¼ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 10½d Lath makers, 10 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 15s 0d Total for the new church, £150 19s 9d Wages for work at the stores: Carpenters, 39½ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 19s 3d Carpenters, 13 days at 1s 3d a day, £0 16s 3d Smiths, 7 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 10s 6d Overseer, 1 day at 2s 0d, £0 2s 0d Labourers, 22 days at 1s 0d a day, £1 2s 0d Masons, 2½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 9d Painters, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Total for the stores, £5 16s 9d Wages for repairing the sea gate: Masons, 1 day, £0 1s 6d Overseer, 1 day, £0 2s 0d Labourers, 4 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 4s 0d Total for the sea gate, £0 7s 6d Carried forward, £437 4s 11d Interpretations Labour on the new church rose from £104 11s 6d in the spring quarter to £150 19s 9d, matching the fourfold rise in the stores issued for it. Masons' days more than doubled and labourers' days rose by nearly half. Lath makers appeared for the first time, cutting the thin strips of wood on which plaster was laid, a sign that the inside of the building was being prepared for finishing. This was the work Tippet reported on 4 October 1773, when he told the Council the church was well advanced and asked to press on with it as fast as possible. | |
284 | 18 October Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Septr. 30 To Cash brought Over £ 5277 . 16 .. ½ Carried Over £ 5277 . 16 . ½ | No new receipts were entered on this page of William Wrangham's account. The cash brought over from the treasury chest was written in, the empty column was struck through, and the figure passed unchanged to the following page. 30 September 1773, cash brought forward, £5,277 16s 0½d Carried forward, £5,277 16s 0½d | |
285 | 1773 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Septr. 30 Brought Over £ 437 . 4 . 11 By Cash Paid for the following Work done at the Lieut. Governors House at the Long Wood 2 days Smiths @ 1/6 £ 0 . 3 . 0 34 Do. Painters @ 1/6 2 . 11 .. 6 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 0 . 6 .. 12½ Do. Carpenters @ 1/3 0 . 15 . 9 3 Do. Do. @ 1/6 0 . 3 . 9 4 . 2 . 6 By Cash Paid for the following Work done repairing the Long Boats 24½ days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 16 . 9 7 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 0 . 10 . 6 7½ Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 0 . 11 . 3 32 Do. Sailmakers @ 1/6 2 . 8 . 0 78 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 3 . 18 . 0 9 . 4 . 6 By Cash Paid for the following Work done Pitching the Soldiers Barracks 65 days Masons @ 1/6 £ 4 . 17 . 6 6 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 .. 9 .. 23½ Do. Do. @ 2/ 2 . 7 .. 666½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 33 . 6 . 3 4 Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 .. 6 .. 2 Do. Painters @ 1/6 .. 3 .. 41 . 8 . 9 By Cash Paid for the following Work done burning Lime 83 days Overseers @ 1/6 £ 6 . 4 . 6 98 Do. Lime burners @ 1/6 7 . 7 .. 122 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 6 . 2 .. 2 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 3 . 0 19 . 16 . 6 Carried Over £ 511 . 17 . 2 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £437 4s 11d brought forward. Wages for work at the Lieutenant Governor's house at the Long Wood: Smiths, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Painters, 34 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 11s 0d Labourers, 6 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 6s 0d Carpenters, 12½ days at 1s 3d a day, £0 15s 9d Carpenters, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 9d Total for the Lieutenant Governor's house, £4 2s 6d Wages for repairing the longboats: Carpenters, 24½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 16s 9d Smiths, 7 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 10s 6d Coxswains, 7½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 11s 3d Sailmakers, 32 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 8s 0d Labourers, 78 days at 1s 0d a day, £3 18s 0d Total for the longboats, £9 4s 6d Wages for paving the soldiers' barracks: Masons, 65 days at 1s 6d a day, £4 17s 6d Overseers, 6 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 9s 0d Overseers, 23½ days at 2s 0d a day, £2 7s 0d Labourers, 666½ days at 1s 0d a day, £33 6s 3d Coxswains, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Painters, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Total for the barracks, £41 8s 9d Wages for burning lime: Overseers, 83 days at 1s 6d a day, £6 4s 6d Lime burners, 98 days at 1s 6d a day, £7 7s 0d Labourers, 122 days at 1s 0d a day, £6 2s 0d Smiths, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Total for lime burning, £19 16s 6d Carried forward, £511 17s 2d Interpretations Paving the soldiers' barracks took more than 660 days of labour in the quarter. This was the floor of beach stones Captain Tippet proposed in July 1773, when the Council ordered the earth floors replaced because they were constantly breaking up. Labourers gathered smooth stones from the shore, carried them up to the barracks and bedded them tightly together, which was slow and heavy work even though the stone itself cost nothing. Tippet reported the floors finished in October. The Lieutenant Governor had a house at the Long Wood as well as in town. Corneille managed the Company's cattle and the wood itself, so a house on the spot let him oversee the herds and plantations directly. This was also where the repair stores of the quarter, the timber and nails for the Long Wood house, were sent. | |
286 | 18 October 1773 Septr. 30 Dr. William Wrangham To Cash brought Over £ 5277 . 16 .. ½ Carried Over £ 5277 . 16 .. ½ | The treasury chest sum stood alone again on William Wrangham's receipts page. It was copied in at the head, the unused lines were ruled off with a diagonal stroke, and the total moved forward without change. 30 September 1773, cash brought forward, £5,277 16s 0½d Carried forward, £5,277 16s 0½d | |
287 | 1773 1773 Septr. 30 Paymaster Cr. Brought Over £ 511 . 17 . 2 By Cash Paid for the following Work done bringing Lime from Sandy Bay 83½ Days Coxswains @ 1/6 £ 6 . 4 . 10½ 854½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 42 . 14 . 6 48 . 19 . 4½ By Cash Paid for the following Work done cleaning and Repairing side Path 84 days Overseers @ 1/6 £ 6 . 6 .. 16 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 1 . 4 . 83½ Do. Stone Blowers @ 1/6 6 . 5 . 7½ 335½ Do. Masons @ 3/ 50 . 6 . 6 1408 Do. Laborers @ 1/6 105 . 12 . 0 169 . 14 . 1½ By Cash Paid for the following Work done to the Plantation Wall at Sandy Bay 35 days Stone Blowers @ 1/6 £ 2 . 12 . 6 8 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 12 .. 3 . 4 . 6 By Cash Paid for the following Work done repairing the Plantation House 140 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 10 . 10 . 0 6 Do. Do. @ 1/3 .. 7 . 6 44 Do. Masons @ 1/6 3 . 6 . 0 18 do. Smiths @ 1/6 1 . 7 . 0 42½ Do. Overseers @ 1/6 3 . 3 . 9 12½ Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 0 . 18 . 9 481½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 24 . 1 . 6 75¾ Do. Painters @ 1/6 5 . 13 . 7½ 49 . 8 . 1½ By Cash Paid for the following Work repairg. Banks's Path ¾ days Overseers @ 1/6 £ 0 . 1 . 1½ 9 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 0 . 9 . 0 10 . 1½ Carried Over £ 783 . 13 . 5 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £511 17s 2d brought forward. Wages for bringing lime from Sandy Bay: Coxswains, 83½ days at 1s 6d a day, £6 4s 10½d Labourers, 854½ days at 1s 0d a day, £42 14s 6d Total for bringing lime, £48 19s 4½d Wages for clearing and repairing the side path: Overseers, 84 days at 1s 6d a day, £6 6s 0d Smiths, 16 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 4s 0d Stone blasters, 83¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £6 5s 7½d Masons, 335½ days at 3s 0d a day, £50 6s 6d Labourers, 1,408 days at 1s 6d a day, £105 12s 0d Total for the side path, £169 14s 1½d Wages for work on the plantation well at Sandy Bay: Stone blasters, 35 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 12s 6d Smiths, 8 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 0d Total for the well, £3 4s 6d Wages for repairing the Plantation House: Carpenters, 140 days at 1s 6d a day, £10 10s 0d Carpenters, 6 days at 1s 3d a day, £0 7s 6d Masons, 44 days at 1s 6d a day, £3 6s 0d Smiths, 18 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 7s 0d Overseers, 42½ days at 1s 6d a day, £3 3s 9d Sawyers, 12½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 18s 9d Labourers, 481½ days at 1s 0d a day, £24 1s 6d Painters, 75¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £5 13s 7½d Total for the Plantation House, £49 8s 1½d Wages for repairing the path to Banks's: Overseers, ¾ day at 1s 6d a day, £0 1s 1½d Labourers, 9 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 9s 0d Total for the path to Banks's, £0 10s 1½d Carried forward, £783 13s 5d Interpretations The side path was the costliest single work of the quarter, at nearly £170 0s 0d in wages, more than the new church. It climbed the steep eastern flank of James Valley out of Jamestown, the companion to the Ladder Hill path on the western side repaired in the spring. As on Ladder Hill, masons were paid 3s 0d a day, twice the ordinary rate, and labourers 1s 6d instead of 1s 0d. The higher pay reflected the danger and skill of building retaining walls and steps on a cliff face above the town, where blasting was needed to cut the path into the rock. Bringing lime round from Sandy Bay took more than 850 days of labour and 83 days of coxswains' time in the quarter, against about 300 days in the spring. The building programme, the church, the barracks floors and the paths, was consuming mortar far faster than before. That explains the 40 chaldrons of coal issued to fire the kilns in the same quarter. | |
288 | 18 October 1773 Septr. 30 Dr. William Wrangham To Cash Brought Over £ 5277 . 16 . ½ £ 5277 . 16 . ½ | The receipts side of William Wrangham's account closed with the cash brought over from the treasury chest, which was the only money he received in the quarter. The unused space was ruled off and the sum entered as his total. 30 September 1773, cash brought forward, £5,277 16s 0½d Total received, £5,277 16s 0½d | |
289 | 1773 1773 Septr. 30 Paymaster Cr. Brought Over £ 783 . 13 . 5 By Cash paid for the followg. Work done repairg. Ruperts Guard House 12 days Masons @ 1/6 £ 0 . 18 . 0 7 Do. Carpenters @ 1/6 0 . 10 . 6 3½ Do. Overseers @ 1/6 0 . 4 . 10½ 50 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 2 . 10 . 0 1 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 1 . 6 4 . 4 . 10½ By Cash Pd. for the followg. Work makg. a Gd. Bed at Turks Cap. 9 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 0 . 13 . 6 2 Do. Do. @ 1/3 0 . 2 . 6 6 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 0 . 6 . 0 1 . 2 .. By Cash Pd. for the followg. Work repairg. the Peak House 14 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 1 . 0 8 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 0 . 8 . 0 2 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 0 . 3 . 0 1 . 12 .. By Cash Pd. for the followg. Work repairg. the Castle 5 days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 0 . 7 . 6 7 Do. Do. @ 1/3 0 . 8 . 9 16 . 3 By Cash Pd. 4 days Carpentr. Work repairg. the Carts @ 1/6 .. 6 . 0 By Do. Pd. 81 Do. Smiths work cleang. small arms @ 1/6 6 . 1 . 6 By Do. Pd. 8 Do. Painters work paintg. Gun Carriages @ 1/6 .. 12 .. By Do. Pd. 8½ Do. Carpentr. work makg. Sentry Boxes @ 1/6 12 . 9 By Do. Pd. 5 Do. Painters work painting the Crane @ 1/6 7 . 6 By Do. Pd. 2 Do. Carpentr. work filling the Sessions Room 3 .. By Do. Pd. 24 Do. Laborers making Lime Bags @ 1/6 1 . 16 . By Do. Pd. 42 Do. Do. repairing the Stews at Sandy Bay 2 . 2 . 803 . 9 . 5½ By Amount of the Pay Account 4474 . 6 . 9 £ 5277 . 16 . ½ Island St. Helena 30 September 1773 Errors Excepted (signed) Willm. Wrangham Paymaster Counted and Examined the Honble. Companys Cash for the Month of September last, which is as follows Viz. | The paymaster's account of money paid out ended with the following entries, continuing from the £783 13s 5d brought forward. Wages for repairing Rupert's guardhouse: Masons, 12 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 18s 0d Carpenters, 7 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 10s 6d Overseers, 3½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 10½d Labourers, 50 days at 1s 0d a day, £2 10s 0d Smiths, 1 day at 1s 6d, £0 1s 6d Total for Rupert's guardhouse, £4 4s 10½d Wages for making a gun bed at Turk's Cap: Carpenters, 9 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 13s 6d Carpenters, 2 days at 1s 3d a day, £0 2s 6d Labourers, 6 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 6s 0d Total for the gun bed, £1 2s 0d Wages for repairing the Peak house: Carpenters, 14 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 1s 0d Labourers, 8 days at 1s 0d a day, £0 8s 0d Smiths, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Total for the Peak house, £1 12s 0d Wages for repairing the Castle: Carpenters, 5 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 7s 6d Carpenters, 7 days at 1s 3d a day, £0 8s 9d Total for the Castle, £0 16s 3d Carpenters repairing the carts, 4 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 6s 0d Smiths cleaning small arms, 81 days at 1s 6d a day, £6 1s 6d Painters painting gun carriages, 8 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 0d Carpenters making sentry boxes, 8½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 9d Painters painting the crane, 5 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 7s 6d Carpenters filling the [...], 2 days, £0 3s 0d Labourers making lime bags, 24 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 16s 0d Labourers repairing the [...] at Sandy Bay, 42 days, £2 2s 0d Total of payments, £803 9s 5½d Amount of the pay list, £4,474 6s 9d Total paid out, £5,277 16s 0½d William Wrangham, the paymaster, signed the account at St Helena on 30 September 1773, subject to correction of any errors. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for September 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations The paymaster's general payments came to £803 9s 5½d for the quarter, against £1,427 6s 9½d in the spring. More than three-quarters of the September total went on wages for public works, the side path, the new church, the barracks floors and the Plantation House above all. In the spring the largest items had been bounties for re-enlisted soldiers and purchases for the Governor's table and from the ships' commanders. As the shipping season ended, the Company's spending moved from buying and recruiting to building. The smiths spent 81 days cleaning the garrison's small arms, the largest single maintenance task of the quarter. Muskets kept in the island's damp sea air rusted quickly and had to be stripped and cleaned regularly to stay serviceable. The Peak house was the lookout station on the high ground above the island's interior, and Turk's Cap the post on the eastern coast where an alarm gun stood. Both belonged to the signal system that warned of approaching ships. | |
290 | 18th October Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 Septr. 1st To Balance remaining £ 15113 . 7 . 2 30 To Jonn. Doveton received of him for Stores Sold in the Quarter ending this day 1803 . 2 . 4 To Plantation for Provisions Sold 63 . 15 . 7 To Licences 11 . 10 .. To Customs received on 4623 Gallons Arrack 57 . 15 . 9 To Rents 628 . 6 . 2 To Fortification for Lime Sold 4 . 2 . 6 To Purbec Stone 49 Feet Sold 4 . 15 . 11½ £ 17686 . 15 . 5½ 1773 Septr. 30 By Sundry Accounts Advanced the Paymaster to Pay Salarys &c. in the Quarter Ending this Day 5277 . 16 .. ½ By Balance remaining viz. In Specie 11869 . 4 . 5 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 12408 . 19 . 5 £ 17686 . 15 . 5½ John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling | The Company's cash account for September 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 September 1773, balance in hand, £15,113 7s 2d 30 September 1773, received from Jonathan Doveton, for stores sold in the quarter to this day, £1,803 2s 4d From the plantations, for provisions sold, £63 15s 7d For licences, £11 10s 0d Customs duty received on 4,623 gallons of arrack, £57 15s 9d Rents, £628 6s 2d From the fortifications, for lime sold, £4 2s 6d For Purbeck stone sold, 49 feet, £4 15s 11½d Total, £17,686 15s 5½d Money paid out and balance: 30 September 1773, advanced to the paymaster to pay salaries and other charges for the quarter, £5,277 16s 0½d Balance in hand, in coin, £11,869 4s 5d Balance in hand, in cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total balance in hand, £12,408 19s 5d Total, £17,686 15s 5½d The account was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Purling. Interpretations Set against the June quarter's account, the customs on arrack fell sharply although more spirit passed through. In June the duty on 3,253½ gallons brought in £406 12s 10½d, about 2s 6d a gallon. In September the duty on 4,623 gallons came to only £57 15s 9d, about 3d a gallon. The account gives no reason. The June figure probably covered arrack sold retail to the inhabitants at the full duty, while the September quantity was mostly arrack landed or passed on to ships at a much lower rate. The difference shows that the island's revenue from drink depended on who bought it, not merely how much came ashore. The quarter's income came mainly from three sources. Sales from the warehouses brought in £1,803 2s 4d, the yearly rents collected on 30 September brought in £628 6s 2d, and licences, customs and small sales made up the rest. The rents, collected once a year, were the only reason the September total stood comparable with June's, when the stores sold far more in the busy shipping season. Purbeck stone was a fine, hard limestone from Dorset, shipped out for paving and steps. A small quantity was sold from the Company's stock to private builders. | |
291 | 25th October At a Consultation held on Monday the 25th day of October 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated 18th October 1773. The Storekeeper this day brought in his Account of Waste upon Store Goods for the Year ending the 30 September last, he declaring the same real, and unavoidable, We Ordered it to be entered which is as follows. Profit and Loss Dr. £ 92 . 12 . 7 Lost by Leakage Wastage Short Weight and Measure, drawing by the Gallon and weighing by the Pound &c. in Year ending the 30th September 1773. Cordage C. qr. lb. 2 . 3 . 17 5 . 8 . 4 Leather 1 .. 23 Sole 5 . 15 . 4 Oil 1 Gallon Turpentine 5 . 10 Paint viz. 3½ lb. Indico 5 . 7 5½ Verdegrease 1 . 5 . 1 2½ Log Wood .. 7 4 Vermillion 1 . 2 . 2 2 . 13 . 3 Sope C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 . 21 11 . 9 . 8 Pease 1⅞ Bushel 16 . 1 Salt 2 Bushels 6 . 8 Arrack 47½ Gallons 10 . 15 . 9 Pepper 8½ lb. 4 . 3 Candles C. qr. lb. .. 3 . 5 9 . 9 . 6 Carried Over £ 47 . 4 . 10 | The storekeeper presented his account of waste on the Company's stores for the year ending 30 September 1773. He declared the losses genuine and unavoidable, and the Council ordered the account to be entered. It was charged to profit and loss and came to £92 12s 7d in all. It covered leakage, wastage, short weight and short measure arising from drawing goods out by the gallon and weighing them out by the pound over the year. It began as follows. Cordage, 2 hundredweight 3 quarters 17 pounds, £5 8s 4d Sole leather, 1 hundredweight 0 quarters 23 pounds, £5 15s 4d Turpentine, 1 gallon, £0 5s 10d Paint: Indigo, 3½ lb, £0 5s 7d Verdigris, 5½ lb, £1 5s 1d Logwood, 2½ lb, £0 0s 7d Vermilion, 4 lb, £1 2s 2d Total for paint, £2 13s 5d Soap, 3 hundredweight 3 quarters 21 pounds, £11 9s 8d Peas, 1⅛ bushels, £0 16s 1d Salt, 2 bushels, £0 6s 8d Arrack, 47½ gallons, £10 15s 9d Pepper, 8½ lb, £0 4s 3d Candles, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 5 pounds, £9 9s 6d Carried forward, £47 4s 10d The Council met at the Castle on Monday 25 October 1773, with Governor Skottowe presiding and Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett present. The minutes of 18 October 1773 were read, approved and signed before this account was taken. Interpretations The waste account recorded the losses that came from selling and issuing goods in small amounts. Goods arrived by the cask, bale or hundredweight and went out by the gallon or the pound. Every time a cask was broached or a cake of soap cut, a little was lost to spillage, drying out and the slight overweight given on each sale. A year's small losses added up. The storekeeper's declaration that the waste was genuine and unavoidable was his protection. Without it the shortfall would have been charged to him personally as goods missing from his charge. Arrack, candles and soap made up most of the loss, all goods that evaporated, melted or shrank in the island's warm, damp storehouses. | |
292 | 25th October Brought Over £ 47 . 4 . 10 Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 7 . 2 . 11 Sugar 13 .. 11 5 .. .. Candy 8 . 12 . 1 21 . 13 .. Rice and Paddy viz. C. qr. lb. 24 . 2 . 16 Rice 10 . 16 . 8 8 . 2 . 0 Paddy 1 . 14 . 8 12 . 11 . 4 Wheat C. qr. lb. 20 .. 20 9 . 15 . 1 China Ware viz. 1 Bowl .. 9 6 Sneakers 1 . 3 2 Sallad Dishes 1 . 6 3 . 6 Turners Ware 2 Punch Ladles 1 . 1 Earthen Ware 1 Small Red Tea Pot 1 . 7 Glass Ware viz. 6 Wine Glasses 2 . 8 2 Water Do. 1 . 4 4 .. Iron Ware 1 Pr. Sheep Sheers &c. 1 . 6 Nails 30 lb. 16 . 8 £ 92 . 12 . 7 Errors Excepted (signed) Jonathan Doveton Store Keeper. St. Helena 30th Septemr. 1773 | The waste account continued from the £47 4s 10d brought forward. Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 7 hundredweight 2 quarters 11 pounds, £13 0s 11d Sugar candy, 5 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds, £8 12s 1d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £21 13s 0d Rice and paddy: Rice, 24 hundredweight 2 quarters 16 pounds, £10 16s 8d Paddy, 8 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £1 14s 8d Total for rice and paddy, £12 11s 4d Wheat, 20 hundredweight 0 quarters 20 pounds, £9 15s 1d China: Bowl, 1, £0 0s 9d Sneakers, 6, £0 1s 3d Salad dishes, 2, £0 1s 6d Total for china, £0 3s 6d Punch ladles, 2, £0 1s 1d Small red earthenware teapot, 1, £0 1s 7d Glassware: Wine glasses, 6, £0 2s 8d Water glasses, 2, £0 1s 4d Total for glassware, £0 4s 0d Sheep shears, 1 pair, £0 1s 6d Nails, 30 lb, £0 16s 3d Total waste for the year, £92 12s 7d Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 30 September 1773, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The largest losses in the year's waste came from the grains and sugar: more than 24 hundredweight of rice, 20 hundredweight of wheat and nearly 12 hundredweight of sugar and sugar candy. These were the island's bulk staples, kept for months in storehouses where rats, weevils and damp took a steady toll, and weighed out a few pounds at a time to soldiers and slaves. The spoiled puncheon of beef and the two pipes of sour Madeira did not appear here, because they had already been written off or auctioned separately. Set against the stores worth nearly £17,000 0s 0d held at the year's end, a total waste of £92 12s 7d was well under one per cent. That was a modest figure for an island where every commodity had made a voyage of several months to reach it. | |
293 | 1773 Mr. Mathew Bazett Reports he has been onboard the Ship Earl of Sandwich to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows. Muster Roll of Ship Earl of Sandwich. Charles Deane Command. William Isley 3 Mate Thomas Allen 4 Do. Carlton Collingwood 5 Do. Richard Kilsick 6 Do. Thos. White Surgeon Danl. Smith Ship Steward Robt. Thompson Boatn. Edward Cobham Caulker Franc. Marshall Sailmaker James Foster Capt. Cook James Eades Carpt. 1 Mate John Brinden Do. 2 Do. John Cock Butcher John Tanner Quart. Mast. Thomas Collins Do. John Foster Midshipman Simon Bridgmon Do. John Bruce Caulkers Mt. George Shepherd Seaman James Hoy David Mitchel George Baker Carlisle Spedding John Wordsworth Edward Whitway James Calmore Seaman Thos. Grub Aneleus Dupa John Mears Joseph James Thos. Jones John Tuge William Fee George Duncan Peter Fox John Callathan Peter Ammon James Wilson Richard Hiss James Dennis John Callahan Isaac Ashton William Cook Thos. Delaney Richard Hughes Robt. Matson John White John Bowen John Sher James Barragan Gustavus Mc. Gusty John Jones Seaman Joseph Pinto Hugh Tanner Willm. Forbes Thos. Taylor George Bengall Charles Jones Nevell Bennett William Owen William Barnes Alexander Mc. Elane Christ. Hastings Owen Braddy James Warwick Richd. Davenport Joseph Atter Thos. Hales Lavis Lovatt James Goodwin Christ. Barnwell Joseph Lowby John Calcutta John Jones James Casson William Bland Passengers Mr. Deane and Child Mrs. Forrest & Child Miss Ashburners Servant | Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Earl of Sandwich to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. Charles Dean, commander William Foley, third mate Thomas Allen, fourth mate Carlton Collingwood, fifth mate Richard Kilsick, sixth mate Thomas White, surgeon Daniel Smith, ship's steward Robert Thompson, boatswain Edward Cobham, caulker Francis Marshall, sailmaker James Foster, captain's cook James Eades, carpenter's first mate John Braindon, carpenter's second mate John Cock, butcher John Tanner, boatswain's mate Thomas Collins, boatswain's mate John Foster, midshipman Simon Bridgman, midshipman John Bruce, caulker's mate Seamen: George Shepherd James Hay David Mitchell George Baker Carlisle Spedding John Wordsworth Edward Whitney James Eatmore Thomas Grub Aeneas Dupa John Mears Joseph James Thomas Jones John Teigo William Fee George Duncan Peter Fox John Callathan Peter Ammon James Wilson Richard Hoss James Dennis John Callahan Isaac Ashton William Cock Thomas Delaney Richard Hughes Robert Matson John White John Bowen John Sher James Barragan Gustavus McGusty John Jones Joseph Pinto Hugh Fannon William Forbes Thomas Taylor George Bengall Charles Jones Nevell Bennett William Owen William Barnes Alexander McElvane Christopher Hastings Owen Braddy James Varnek Richard Davenport Joseph Atter Thomas Hales Savio Toratt James Goodwin Christopher Barnwell Joseph Lowby John Calcutta John Jones James Eason William Bland Passengers: Mrs Dean and child Mrs Forrest and child Mrs Ashburner's servant Interpretations The Earl of Sandwich, from Bencoolen, carried a smaller crew than the China and Bengal ships mustered earlier in the year, and the roll names no first or second mate. Ships on the Sumatra run were often short of officers and men, since fever on the pepper coast killed many. Several names show how commanders filled the gaps in the East. George Bengall and John Calcutta were Indian seamen given names from their home ports, and Joseph Pinto and Savio Toratt were probably Portuguese or Luso-Indian sailors from the west coast of India. Recruiting them in India was the usual way to replace Europeans lost to disease. Mrs Dean, travelling with a child, was probably the commander's wife. Captain Dean was the Bencoolen commander to whom Purling had contracted, in June 1773, to sell 70 chests of tea when his ship called at the island. | |
294 | 25th October Mr. Jonathan Doveton this day applied to us to pay two hundred and eighty five Pounds twelve Shillings into the Honble. Companys Cash which Sum we have received and given him Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors, payable to Captain John Johnstone (or order) at Ninety Days Sight. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | Jonathan Doveton asked to pay £285 12s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, payable to Captain John Johnstone or to his order 90 days after sight. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. | |
295 | 1st November At a Consultation held on Monday the 1st day of November 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 25th October 1773. Thursday the 28th October Sailed the Honble. Companys Ship Earl of Sandwich for England. Yesterday Died Henry Richardson Private. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that the Honorable Companys General Books of Accounts are Balanced to the 30th September last. We Ordered them to be Copied as fast as Possible. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 1 November 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 25 October 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Earl of Sandwich had sailed for England on Thursday 28 October 1773. Henry Richardson, a private, died on 31 October 1773. Matthew Bazett reported that the Company's general account books were balanced to 30 September 1773. The Council ordered them to be copied as quickly as possible. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The haste to copy the general books served the Court's control from London. A fair copy of the balanced books went home with the next packet, so the directors could check every figure the island reported, from stores sold to rents collected. In later years the Council listed these books among the papers in its packets. Copying ledgers of this size by hand took weeks, and the Council wanted them ready before the next homeward ship called. | |
296 | 8th November At a Consultation held on Monday the 8th day of November 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 1st November 1773. The Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of October last, where this day laid before Us, which where Examined approved, and are as follow. Artillery Stores Expended in October 1773. Guns fired, 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder Expended lb, Powder Expended oz 3 Departed a French Ship: Guns fired 7, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 3, Powder Expended lb 11, Powder Expended oz 0 13 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Sandwich: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. [5], 6 lbs. 4, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 25 To Celebrate his Majesties Accession to the Throne: Guns fired 21, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 17, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 42, Powder Expended oz 8 28 Departed the Sandwich: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 16, Powder Expended oz 0 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 132, Powder Expended oz 6 Total: Guns fired 52, 9 lbs. 13, 6 lbs. 26, 4 lbs. 8, 3 lbs. 5, Powder Expended lb 249, Powder Expended oz 14 Tallow lb. 18 Lead Ball 3 .. 10 oz. Match 18 .. Junk 180 .. Paper 3 Quire Vinegar 3 Quarts Hand Spikes 2 No. Tompions 2 (signed) James Tippet Captn. of Artillery. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 8 November 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 1 November 1773 were read, approved and signed. The artillery stores and the steward's accounts for October 1773 were laid before the Council, examined and approved. The account of artillery stores used in October 1773 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. 3 October, departure of a French ship: 7 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 3 three-pounders), 11 lb 0 oz of powder 15 October, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 15 October, arrival of the Earl of Sandwich: 9 guns fired (5 nine-pounders and 4 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 25 October, celebration of the King's accession to the throne: 21 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 17 six-pounders), 42 lb 8 oz of powder 28 October, departure of the Earl of Sandwich: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 16 lb 0 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 152 lb 6 oz Totals: 52 guns fired, 13 nine-pounders, 26 six-pounders, 8 four-pounders, 5 three-pounders, 249 lb 14 oz of powder Small stores used: Tallow, 18 lb Lead ball, 3 lb 10 oz Slow match, 18 lb Trunk nails, 180 Paper, 3 quires Vinegar, 3 quarts Handspikes, 2 Tampions, 2 James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. Interpretations The 21-gun salute on 25 October 1773 marked the anniversary of George III's accession to the throne in 1760, the royal salute fired at every British garrison on that day. It used more powder than any salute of the year except the 19 guns for Governor Cartier. Powder for other duties also jumped to 152 lb 6 oz, against 62 lb 12 oz in August and 147 lb 10 oz in September. Much of October's share probably went on the soldiers' volleys of musketry that accompanied the royal salute, a celebration the Company paid for in powder as a mark of loyalty to the Crown. The French ship that sailed on 3 October was the Boyne, which had come in on 22 September without saluting. She was answered on departure only with the small guns of the alarm posts, not with the battery's heavier pieces. | |
297 | 1773 Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Companys Table in October 1773. 47 Bottles Madeira 3 . 1 . 8½ 22 Do. Port 1 . 14 . 10 11 Do. Lisbon 17 . 5 10 Do. Mountain 15 . 10 51 Do. Beer 17 .. 19½ Gallns. Arrack 2 . 19 . 3 33 lb. Beef 8 . 3 152 Mutton 3 . 3 . 4 5 Turkeys 1 . 5 .. 12 Fowls 18 .. 6 Ducks 9 .. 24 lb. Butter 1 . 4 .. 93 lb. Candy 2 . 6 . 6 570 Flour 4 . 15 .. 1 Lamb 10 .. 4 Kids 1 .. 4 Goats 2 .. .. 28 . 3 . 1½ Bought for the Table 202¾ Beef 4 . 4 . 5¾ 22 Fowls 1 . 13 . 4 Ducks 6 .. 1 Goose 5 .. 5 Pigs 1 . 5 . 14 lb. Veal 7 .. £ 8 .. 5¾ Ordered the following Advertisement to be Published Viz. | The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in October 1773 read as follows. 47 bottles of Madeira, £3 1s 8½d 22 bottles of port, £1 14s 10d 11 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 17s 5d 10 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 15s 10d 51 bottles of beer, £0 17s 0d 19½ gallons of arrack, £2 19s 3d 33 lb of beef, £0 8s 3d 152 lb of mutton, £3 3s 4d 5 turkeys, £1 5s 0d 12 fowls, £0 18s 0d 6 ducks, £0 9s 0d 24 lb of butter, £1 4s 0d 93 lb of sugar candy, £2 6s 6d 570 lb of flour, £4 15s 0d 1 lamb, £0 10s 0d 4 kids, £1 0s 0d 4 goats, £2 0s 0d Total from the stores, £28 3s 1½d Bought in for the table: 202½ lb of beef, £4 4s 3¾d 22 fowls, £1 13s 0d 4 ducks, £0 6s 0d 1 goose, £0 5s 0d 5 pigs, £1 5s 0d 14 lb of veal, £0 7s 0d Total bought in, £8 0s 5¾d The Council then ordered the following notice to be published. Interpretations Madeira on the Company's table was now charged at about 1s 4d a bottle, against 2s 0d through the spring and summer. The table had been drinking from the single pipe bought on the island in June at 7s 2d a gallon. It was now drawing on the eleven pipes landed from Bengal in July and August, which came far cheaper even after the cost of shipping. The price of wine to the table followed the source of supply. Mutton fell again, to 152 lb against 309 lb in June and July. Four goats and four kids were served instead. This followed the collapse of the Company's flock during the winter, when nearly 300 sheep died between July and September. The table turned to goat, which survived the cold months on the island far better than the newly landed Cape sheep. | |
298 | 8th November Island St. Helena 8th Novemr. 1773 This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants upon the said Island that on Monday next the 15th Instant in the forenoon will be sold at Public Auction in this Valley Sundry Damaged Goods belonging to the Honorable Company for ready Money. Per Order of Council. (Signed) B. Wright Secy. Mr. Matthew Bazett Requests to have a Bill of Sale Registered. Granted. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The notice, dated at St Helena on 8 November 1773, told all the inhabitants that various damaged goods belonging to the Company would be sold at public auction in James Valley on the morning of Monday 15 November 1773, for cash only. Britannicus Wright, the Secretary, signed it on the Council's order. Matthew Bazett asked for a bill of sale to be entered in the register. The Council granted his request. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The auction cleared from the warehouses the damaged goods counted in the September inventory, such as broken cloth, spoiled blankets and cracked china, which could no longer be sold at the usual mark-up. Selling for cash only was deliberate. Inhabitants normally ran accounts at the stores or paid in the island's cash notes, and a debt for damaged goods bought cheaply at auction might never be collected. Insisting on coin turned spoiled stock straight into money in the treasury. This was Matthew Bazett's third request in the year to register a bill of sale, after those of June and September. Each time he was a member of the Council that granted it, adding to the record of his steadily growing holdings on the island. | |
299 | 15th November At a Consultation held on Monday the 15th day of November 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved and signed dated the 8th November 1773. Friday the 12th John Shovel Gunner was Killed by a fall from the Rocks at Mundens Point. Mr. Richard Bagley this day Presented the following Petition. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. The humble Petition of Richard Bagley Sheweth That there is a small piece of the Honorable Company's Waste Land adjoining your Petitioners Land in Sandy Bay which he is very desirous of having for the Conveniency of Fencing. Request your Worship and Council will be pleased to grant him a Lease for the Same. And your Petitioner will ever pray. 15th November 1773. Ordered the said Land to be Viewed. Counted and Examined the Honble. Companys Cash for the Month of October last which is as follows viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 15 November 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 8 November 1773 were read, approved and signed. On Friday 12 November 1773 John Shorvel, a gunner, was killed by a fall from the rocks at Munden's Point. Richard Bagley petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. A small piece of the Company's waste land adjoined his own land in Sandy Bay, and he wished to lease it so that he could fence his ground more conveniently. He asked the Council to grant him a lease. The petition was dated 15 November 1773. The Council ordered the land to be inspected. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for October 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations Bagley's request shows how the island's landholders pushed out into the Company's unused ground. Waste land, too poor or steep to farm, lay between private holdings, and a neighbour fencing his own land found it simpler to take in the awkward strip beside it. Leasing it brought the Company a little rent for land that earned nothing. The Council did not grant the lease at once, unlike the routine transfers of existing leases. It ordered the ground inspected first, since a new grant took Company land out of common use and might shut off a path or a water source. Bagley already held more than 300 acres, the largest holding on the September rent roll, so the request also added to one of the island's biggest estates. John Shorvel was probably the matross John Sheel raised to gunner on 3 August 1773. Munden's Point, with its battery on the rocks above the sea at the mouth of James Bay, was the same exposed post where Lieutenant Mason had pushed Henderson towards the water only weeks before. | |
300 | 15th November Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 Octobr. 1st To Balance remaining £ 12408 . 19 . 5 25th To Exchange for one Sett of Bills drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors payable to Captain John Johnson 285 . 12 .. 27th To Ship Earl of Sandwich 12 . [...] . 5 £ 12706 . 11 . 10 1773 Octobr. 27 By Balance remaining Viz. In Specie 12166 . 16 . 10 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 12706 . 11 . 10 £ 12706 . 11 . 10 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Company's cash account for October 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 October 1773, balance in hand, £12,408 19s 5d 25 October 1773, cash received for a set of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Captain John Johnson, £285 12s 0d 27 October 1773, from the ship Earl of Sandwich, £12 0s 5d Total, £12,706 11s 10d Balance in hand at the end of October 1773: In coin, £12,166 16s 10d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £12,706 11s 10d The account was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations October brought almost nothing into the treasury. With only the Earl of Sandwich calling, the month's receipts came to under £300 0s 0d, nearly all of it Jonathan Doveton's payment for a bill of exchange. The contrast with May, when bills alone brought in more than £5,700 0s 0d, shows how completely the island's cash depended on the passing ships. In the quiet months between fleets the balance simply held steady, waiting for the next season's commanders and passengers to bring in fresh silver. | |
301 | 22nd November At a Consultation held on Monday the 22nd day of November 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 15th November 1773. We this day met as Usual and no business Offering, We adjourned. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 22 November 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 15 November 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Council met at its usual time, but no business came before it, so it adjourned. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. | |
302 | 29th November At a Consultation held on Monday the 29th day of November 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 22nd November 1773. Yesterday Arrived a Portuguese Vessel, from Rio Janeiro. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 29 November 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 22 November 1773 were read, approved and signed. A Portuguese vessel from Rio de Janeiro had arrived the day before. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations A Portuguese ship from Rio de Janeiro was an unusual caller. Most foreign vessels at the island were French, Dutch, Danish or Swedish ships homeward bound from the East. Rio lay on the far side of the South Atlantic, and Portuguese shipping between Brazil and Lisbon or Portugal's Asian settlements seldom needed St Helena. The minute records only the arrival, with none of the usual detail of tonnage, guns, crew and cargo. | |
303 | 6th December At a Consultation held on Monday the 6th day of December 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 29th November 1773. Tuesday the 30 November Sailed the Portuguese Vessel for Angola. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 6 December 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 29 November 1773 were read, approved and signed. The Portuguese vessel had sailed for Angola on Tuesday 30 November 1773. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Portuguese vessel's course, from Rio de Janeiro to Angola, placed her in the South Atlantic slave trade. Ships left Brazil with tobacco, spirits and other goods, exchanged them in Luanda and the other Angolan ports for slaves and carried the slaves back to Brazil to work the plantations and mines. That traffic ran directly between the two coasts and seldom touched St Helena. The vessel probably called for water or fresh food after a slow passage, or because the winds had carried her too far north. The island lay close to the track of this trade, though only its occasional visitors brought it to the Council's notice. | |
304 | 13th December At a Consultation held on Monday the 13th day of December 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 6th December 1773. The Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of November last, were this day laid before Us, which were examined, approved, and are as follow Viz. Artillery Stores Expended in November 1773 Guns fired, 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder lb, Powder oz 28 An Alarm for a Portuguese Vessel no Salute: Guns fired 6, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 90, Powder oz 0 Total: Guns fired 6, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 104, Powder oz 8 Tallow lb. 36 . oz. .. Lead Ball 1 . 6 Bees Wax 6 . 0 Match 9 .. Paper Qrs. 1 . 17 Sheep Skins No. 2 Trunk Nails 60 Tompions 9 Worms 1 Spunge Staves 6 Vinegar 3 Quarts (signed) James Tippet Captn. of Artillery | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 13 December 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 6 December 1773 were read, approved and signed. The artillery stores and the steward's accounts for November 1773 were laid before the Council, examined and approved. The account of artillery stores used in November 1773 read as follows. The column headings were left blank on this page, so the identity of each figure has been taken from the same account in earlier months, which recorded the guns fired, the four-pounders, the three-pounders and the gunpowder used. 28 November, alarm for a Portuguese vessel, which gave no salute: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 90 lb 0 oz Totals: 6 guns fired, 4 four-pounders, 2 three-pounders, 104 lb 8 oz of powder Small stores used: Tallow, 36 lb Lead ball, 1 lb 6 oz Beeswax, 6 lb Slow match, 9 lb Paper, [...] Sheepskins, 2 Trunk nails, 60 Tampions, 9 Worms, 1 Sponge staves, 6 Vinegar, 3 quarts James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. Interpretations November 1773 was the quietest month of the year for the guns. Only six were fired, all of them alarm guns for the Portuguese slaver from Rio. She gave no salute, so the battery fired none in return, as with the French ships earlier in the year. Against the 299 guns fired in May, the figure shows how completely the work of the artillery followed the seasons of the shipping. The month's small stores, sponge staves, tampions and a new worm, went on overhauling the guns while the road was empty. | |
305 | 1773 Sundry's Expended at the Honorable Companys Table in November 1773. 41 Bottles Madeira 2 . 13 . 9½ 30 Do. Port 3 .. 2 12 Do. Lisbon 19 .. 3 Do. Mountain 4 . 9 84 Do. Beer 1 . 8 .. 16 Gallons Arrack 2 . 8 .. 165 Mutton 3 . 12 . 11 2 Turkeys 10 .. 2 Ducks 3 .. 28 lb. Butter 1 . 8 .. 71 lb. Candy 1 . 15 . 6 584 lb. Flour 4 . 17 . 4 1 Kid 5 .. 1 Goat 10 .. 23 . 15 . 5½ Bought for the Table 185¼ lb. Beef 3 . 17 . 4½ 1 Turkey 5 .. 27 Fowls 2 .. 6 1 Goose 5 .. 1 Pig 5 .. £ 6 . 12 . 10½ Ordered the following Advertisement to be Published Viz. | The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in November 1773 read as follows. 41 bottles of Madeira, £2 13s 9½d 30 bottles of port, £3 0s 2d 12 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 19s 0d 3 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 4s 9d 84 bottles of beer, £1 8s 0d 16 gallons of arrack, £2 8s 0d 165 lb of mutton, £3 12s 11d 2 turkeys, £0 10s 0d 2 ducks, £0 3s 0d 28 lb of butter, £1 8s 0d 71 lb of sugar candy, £1 15s 6d 584 lb of flour, £4 17s 4d 1 kid, £0 5s 0d 1 goat, £0 10s 0d Total from the stores, £23 15s 5½d Bought in for the table: 185¾ lb of beef, £3 17s 4½d 1 turkey, £0 5s 0d 27 fowls, £2 0s 6d 1 goose, £0 5s 0d 1 pig, £0 5s 0d Total bought in, £6 12s 10½d The Council then ordered the following notice to be published. | |
306 | 13th December Island St. Helena 13th December 1773 This is to give Notice to all the Planters upon the said Island that they are hereby required to send into the Secretary's Office on, or before the 28th Instant, an exact signed Account of their Number of Cattle, each of them have for Slaughter, for the Year 1774, which they will be expected punctually to supply, unless an accident should happen to any of them, in that case they are to send a Return in writing within three days after such Accident to the Secretary's Office aforesaid in neglect of which no excuse will be admitted but on failure thereof the Owner obledged to furnish another Beast. Whereas the liberty hitherto allowed for disposing of Bulls to the Ships has been made an abuse of, therefore for the future no Planter will be permitted to sell more than one or two Bulls during the course of the Year and the application for such permission, will be considered according to the circumstance of the Person applying for the same. Notice is hereby further given that they are likewise to transmit an account on or before the time abovementioned of their Number of Horses and to distinguish them by their several denominations also of their respective Stocks of Sheep and Goats and what sheep they intend for sale. Per Order of Council (signed) B. Wright Secy. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille Purling M. Bazett | The notice, dated at St Helena on 13 December 1773, required every planter to send to the Secretary's office, by 28 December 1773, an exact signed account of the cattle he would have for slaughter in 1774. Each planter would be expected to supply those cattle on time. If any of them suffered an accident, the owner was to report it in writing to the Secretary's office within three days. No excuse would be accepted for failing to do so, and an owner who did not report would have to supply another animal in its place. The notice also dealt with the sale of bulls. Planters had so far been allowed to sell bulls to the ships, and this freedom had been abused. In future no planter would be allowed to sell more than one or two bulls a year, and each request for permission would be judged on the circumstances of the person applying. Planters were further required to send in, by the same date, an account of their horses, listed by kind, and of their sheep and goats, stating how many sheep they meant to offer for sale. Britannicus Wright, the Secretary, signed the notice on the Council's order. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The notice set up the yearly list of cattle for slaughter, the system that fed the Company's ships. The Company's own herds, as Governor Skottowe admitted in August, supplied only a fraction of the beef the ships were owed under the charter parties. The rest came from the planters' herds. Each planter now had to commit in writing to a number of beasts for the coming year and to replace any that died. That turned the island's private herds into a planned supply the Council could count on when the fleets arrived. The limit on selling bulls closed a gap in that system. A planter could get a better price by selling directly to a commander than by supplying the Company's list at a fixed rate. Bulls were also the breeding stock, and every bull sold away to a ship meant fewer calves in later years. By allowing only one or two sales a year, each by permission, the Council protected both its supply of beef and the island's breeding herds. The same concern ran through the later letters. In 1779, after the drought had killed hundreds of cattle, the Council warned the Court that the list of cattle for slaughter would fall far short of the ships' needs for years to come. | |
307 | 20th December At a Consultation held on Monday the 20th day of December 1773 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed, dated the 13th December 1773. Mr. Samuel Alexander this day Presented the following Petition. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. The humble Petition of Samuel Alexander. Sheweth. That your Petitioner is desirous of disposing of his right to an Acre and a half of Lease Land lying in Sandy Bay Request your Worship and Council will give him leave so to do, and accept of Captain Henry Bazett, Tenant for the same. And your Petitioner will ever pray. 20th Decemr. 1773. Granted Counted and Examined the Honorable Companys Cash for the Month of November last which is as follow Viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 20 December 1773. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 13 December 1773 were read, approved and signed. Samuel Alexander petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. He wished to give up his right to an acre and a half of leased land in Sandy Bay. He asked the Council to allow him to do so and to accept Captain Henry Bazett as tenant in his place. The petition was dated 20 December 1773, and the Council granted it. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for November 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations This was the fourth lease Captain Henry Bazett had taken over since August 1773, after Orlando Bagley's seven acres at the Writing Stones, Richard Bagley's three acres in Sandy Bay and the ground near Thomas Burnham's. Two of the four lay in Sandy Bay. Bazett was gathering a block of land in the south of the island piece by piece, each step approved as routine by a Council on which his brother Matthew sat. In 1778 Bazett himself joined the Council and was appointed, with William Wrangham, to survey the Company's plantations. Sandy Bay was where that survey found the Company's own grounds still productive. | |
308 | 20th December Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 Novr. 1st To Balance remaining £ 12706 . 11 . 10 £ 12706 . 11 . 10 1773 Novr. 30th By Balance remaining Viz. In Specie 12166 . 16 . 10 In Cash Notes 539 . 15 . 10 £ 12706 . 11 . 10 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Company's cash account for November 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 November 1773, balance in hand, £12,706 11s 10d Total, £12,706 11s 10d Balance in hand on 30 November 1773: In coin, £12,166 16s 10d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £12,706 11s 10d The account was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations No money at all passed through the treasury in November 1773. The only caller was the Portuguese slaver from Rio, which bought no bills and paid nothing in, and no Company ship arrived. The balance was carried from the first of the month to the last unchanged, to the penny. It was the clearest sign of the island's dependence on the shipping seasons: between fleets its public finances simply stood still. | |
309 | 3rd January At a Consultation held on Monday the 3rd day of January 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved and signed, dated the 20th December 1773. Thursday the 23rd December Died Martha Merchant Widow. The Executors to the last Will and Testament of Mrs. Martha Merchant Deceased this day presented the said Will desiring the same might be proved which was accordingly done, upon the Oaths of the Witnesses thereto, the Will is as follows Viz. In the Name of God Amen I Martha Merchant of the Island of St. Helena Widow, being weak in Body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God therefore) do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form following (that is to say). First I give and bequeath unto Margaret Merchant Daughter of the late Rodk. Merchant the sum of twenty Pounds. Item I give unto Elizabeth Merchant Daughter of the said Rodk. Merchant Deceased the Sum of Forty Pounds. Item I give unto my Sister Margt. Young the sum of ten Pounds. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 3 January 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 20 December 1773 were read, approved and signed. Martha Merchant, a widow, had died on Thursday 23 December 1773. Her executors brought her will before the Council and asked for it to be proved. The Council proved it on the oaths of the witnesses, and the will was entered as follows. Martha Merchant, a widow of St Helena, made her will while weak in body but, by her own account, of sound mind and memory. She left £20 0s 0d to Margaret Merchant, daughter of the late Roderick Merchant. She left £40 0s 0d to Elizabeth Merchant, another daughter of Roderick Merchant. She left £10 0s 0d to her sister, Margaret Young. The will went on to list further bequests. Interpretations Proving the will made the Council the island's court of probate. In England a will was proved before a church court, which checked that it was genuine and gave the executors legal authority to act. On St Helena the Council did the same by hearing the witnesses on oath that they had seen Martha Merchant sign it. Once proved and entered in the consultations, the will could not easily be challenged, and the executors could collect debts and pay out the legacies. The two girls she provided for were the orphans of Roderick Merchant, whose estate appeared on the September rent roll paying ground rent of £1 2s 6d. The legacies of £20 0s 0d and £40 0s 0d were substantial sums on the island, worth more than a private soldier's pay for a year. | |
310 | 3rd January Item I give unto my Brother Nathaniel Kennedy a Gold Ring, as a Token. And as to the Rest, residue, and remainder of all my Estate of what kind soever, not herein before disposed of, I give and bequeath the same unto my Daughter Ann Merchant. And as Mr. Roderick Merchant of Helove in North Britain, father of my Husband the sd. late Rodk. Merchant is (as I believe) yet living and Well, And as by his friendly & paternal correspondence of late Years, I have reason to believe he will leave, or has already left, some Bequest or Legacy to, and for the use of my sd. Husband or to his Children. In such case, I will that the same (if any) be equally divided between the said Margaret, Elizabeth, and Ann Merchant or the survivor or survivors of them, any or either of them share and share alike. The Governor and other Gentlemen of Council having been pleased in their Goodness to appropriate one half of the Profits arising from the Licence for keeping a Punch House & to the maintenance of the different Orphans thereon dependant, I have that confidence in their wanting Clemency as to undertake most humbly to supplicate their Worships for a Continuance of their Charity and Benevolence to the sd. Orphans. Lastly I hereby nominate, Constitute and appoint my good and trusty Friends Messrs. John Whitchurch and George Bird Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me heretofore made, declaring and publishing this to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty second Day of August | Martha Merchant also left a gold ring to her brother, Nathaniel Kennedy, as a keepsake. Everything else she owned, of whatever kind, she left to her daughter, Ann Merchant. She noted that Roderick Merchant of Helmsdale in Scotland, the father of her late husband, Roderick Merchant, was still alive and well, as far as she knew. From his kind and fatherly letters in recent years, she had reason to think he would leave, or had already left, some bequest for the use of her husband or his children. If so, she directed that it should be shared equally among Margaret, Elizabeth and Ann Merchant, or among whichever of them survived. She recorded that the Governor and Council had kindly set aside half the profits of her licence to keep a punch house for the support of the orphans who depended on it. She expressed confidence in their customary kindness and asked them to continue this charity to the orphans. She appointed her trusted friends John Whitchurch and George Bird as her executors and cancelled all earlier wills. She signed and sealed the will on 22 August, as the record went on to give the year. Interpretations The punch-house licence shows how the Council used the island's drink trade to support its poor. Licences to sell spirits were valuable, and the Council could grant them on whatever terms it chose. Here it let a widow keep a punch house and directed half the profits to bringing up her late husband's orphaned children. This was poor relief paid for out of the licensed trade rather than from the Company's treasury. A widow with dependants received a living, and the children were provided for. Martha Merchant's plea that the arrangement continue after her death shows how much the family depended on it, and that she knew the licence was a favour the Council could withdraw. Her brother, Nathaniel Kennedy, was probably the young writer of that name who joined the Company's service in May 1773. Elizabeth Kennedy, who drew a pension of £30 0s 0d a year from the island's establishment, may have been a relative of the same family. | |
311 | 1774 In the thirteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord the King, and the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three. (Signed) Martha Merchant Signed, seal'd and Declared by the above Martha Merchant to be her last Will and Testament, in the presence of Us. (Signed) James Parfett James Pritchard Whereas I Martha Merchant of the Island of St. Helena Widow have, by my last Will and Testament dated the twenty second day of August last, in the present Year, given and bequeathed unto my Daughter Ann Merchant all the rest and residue of my Estate not otherwise disposed of. Now I do by this my Writing (which I declare to be a Codecil to my said Will and direct to be taken as part thereof) confirm and ratifie unto my Daughter the said Ann Merchant the rest and residue of my Estate. But in case she the said Ann Merchant should die before she attain the age of twenty one Years or Marriage then and in such case, I hereby Will and direct that, out of the said rest and remainder, thirty Pounds be paid unto my Sister Margaret Young, and twenty Pounds to be paid to Margaret Merchant. And all the rest, residue, and Surplusage to be and be paid unto Elizabeth Merchant. And I do hereby ratifie and Confirm my said Will and all the Gifts, Bequests and other Matters therein contained | Martha Merchant's will was dated 22 August 1773, in the 13th year of the reign of King George III. She signed and sealed it, and declared it to be her will, in the presence of James Parfett and James Pritchard, who signed as witnesses. She later added a codicil to the will. It noted that her will of 22 August 1773 had left the rest of her estate to her daughter, Ann Merchant, and she confirmed that gift. She added a condition, however. If Ann died before she came of age at 21 or married, £30 0s 0d of that residue was to go to her sister, Margaret Young, and £20 0s 0d to Margaret Merchant. Everything else was to go to Elizabeth Merchant. She confirmed all the other gifts and bequests in her will, as the codicil went on to say. Interpretations The codicil guarded against a risk the will had left open. Ann Merchant was a child, and a child who died before coming of age or marrying could not make a will of her own. Her inheritance would then have passed under the general law, perhaps to distant relatives in Scotland. By naming who should take the estate in that case, Martha Merchant kept it within the household she knew: her sister and her late husband's two other daughters. On an island where children often died young, such provisions were a sensible part of any will that left property to a minor. James Parfett, one of the witnesses, was a sergeant of the artillery company listed in the September pay roll. | |
312 | 3rd January contained. In Witness whereof I have to this my Codicil set my Hand and Seal, the fourth day of December, in the fourteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord the King, and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three. The Mark of × Martha Merchant Signed Sealed and Declared by the above named Martha Merchant to be her Codicil and part of the last Will and Testament in the presence of Us (Signed) James Parfett James Pritchard We this day received the following Letter from the Engineer viz. The Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council St. Helena. Gentlemen I have the Honour to Acquaint you, that the workmen were Employed during the Quarter last past in bringing onwards the new Church, taking down ye. Revetement of the Ravelin on the Line, repairing the Water Course at Lemon Valley, and Painting the Castle. I do intend with your Permission Gentlemen during the Quarter, Prosecuting the Church | Martha Merchant set her hand and seal to the codicil on 4 December 1773, in the 14th year of the reign of King George III. She made her mark rather than signing her name. She declared it to be a codicil forming part of her will in the presence of James Parfett and James Pritchard, who signed as witnesses. The Council received a letter from the engineer, addressed to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He reported that during the past quarter the workmen had been employed on four tasks. They had pushed on with the new church, taken down the stone facing of the ravelin on the Line, repaired the watercourse at Lemon Valley and painted the Castle. With the Council's permission, he meant to spend the coming quarter pressing on with the church, as the letter went on to explain. Interpretations Martha Merchant signed her will with her full name in August 1773 but could only make her mark on the codicil in December. Her strength had evidently failed in the months between, and she died less than three weeks after the codicil was made. The change shows why the codicil mattered to her. Knowing she was dying and that her daughter Ann was still a child, she settled who would inherit if Ann died young. The engineer's work on the ravelin followed the Council's order of 4 October 1773, which allowed him to begin but required a plan first. A revetment was the stone facing that held up the earth bank of a fortification. Taking it down was the first step in rebuilding the ravelin to its new design. | |
313 | 1774 Church with the greatest deligence, and to finish intirely the Raveling, and the Glacis in this Valley. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servant (signed) James Tippet. As the Church and Ravelin are the two Works now in hand, We gave the Engineer Orders to Expedite the finishing of the same in the ensuing Quarter. We this day received the following Letter from Captain James Tippet viz. The Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council St. Helena. Gentlemen My Predecessor Captain Mitchel having been indulged with the service of a slave Boy, I also at my arrival on this Island made application for a grant of the like privilege, and which, has been allowed me by favour of the Governor & Council. The slave boy above mentioned having been ordered by the Overseer, Mr. Jones, to quit my service, and to attend upon the Governor this day, I beg leave to offer unto your mature deliberation, the many inconveniency's unto which I, and my Family in General, will be unavoidably Incident. since | The engineer, James Tippet, went on to say that in the coming quarter he meant to press on with the church as fast as he could and to finish the ravelin and the glacis in James Valley completely. He signed the letter. The church and the ravelin were the two works then under way, so the Council ordered the engineer to finish both as quickly as possible during the quarter. The Council received a second letter from Captain James Tippet, addressed to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He wrote that his predecessor, Captain Mitchell, had been allowed the service of a slave boy. When Tippet arrived on the island he had asked for the same privilege, and the Governor and Council had granted it as a favour. Mr Jones, the overseer, had now ordered the boy to leave Tippet's service and report to the Governor that day. Tippet asked the Council to consider the many difficulties this would cause him and his family, as his letter went on to explain. Interpretations Tippet's complaint shows the custom by which Company officials had the use of the Company's slaves as a private benefit. The boy belonged to the Company, not to Tippet, and was lent to him as a favour, as he had been to the previous engineer. Such a favour could be withdrawn at any time, and Hugh Jones, the Superintendent of the Blacks, had now done so on the Governor's order. In 1778 the Council told the Court that Company slaves were used by no one outside the service except its own officials, who had long enjoyed this privilege by custom. Tippet's letter shows how much the officials had come to count it as their own. The timing is telling. Only weeks earlier Lieutenant Mason had been tried for insulting Tippet before his men, and the Council had reprimanded the court that heard the case. Withdrawing Tippet's slave boy, on the Governor's direct order, may have reflected some cooling of the Governor's favour towards him. | |
314 | 3rd January since he is the only servant, on whom I can with any reliance depend to Cook for the support of the House. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servant (Signed) James Tippet In consequence of Captain Tippets Letter respecting a slave of the Honble. Companys which he had for some time, the Governor mentions to the Gentlemen of Council, that he wants servants very much at the Castle, on account of one of his having lost the use of his Arm, another Old Man very Deaf, and as the shipping season draws nigh he judged it proper to take one that knew a little of waiting at Table, therefore directed the Company's Superintendant, to acquaint Captain Tippet that he would be necessiated to take the slave of the Company's that he had as a servant, as the said Servant was considered but as a tempory Indulgence. As Captain Tippet in the above Letter has represented to Us as a hardship, the entire loss of one of the Company's Slaves which he has been indulged with ever since he has been upon the Island We agreed to continue him a Boy in Lieu of the one the Governor takes, Untill the Company determines whether this shall be Established as a precedent or not. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | Tippet explained that the boy was the only servant he could rely on to cook for his household. He signed the letter. In answer, the Governor told the Council that the Castle was badly short of servants. One had lost the use of his arm, and another, an old man, was very deaf. With the shipping season approaching, the Governor had thought it right to take a servant who knew something of waiting at table. He had therefore told the Company's superintendent to inform Tippet that he needed the Company's slave whom Tippet had been using. That servant had only ever been lent to Tippet as a temporary favour. Tippet had described losing the slave as a real hardship, since he had had the boy's service ever since he came to the island. The Council therefore agreed to give him another boy in place of the one the Governor was taking, until the Company decided whether the practice should stand as a precedent. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council settled the quarrel without deciding the question behind it. The Governor kept the boy, who was trained to wait at table and needed at the Castle when the officers and passengers of the coming fleets were entertained. Tippet received another slave in his place, so he lost no service. The real issue was whether officials had any right to the Company's slaves at all, or only enjoyed them as a favour that could be withdrawn. The Governor's position was that it was a favour. The Council avoided ruling on it by referring the matter to the Court, under its standing practice of not creating precedents the Company had not approved. The arrangement was still in place in 1778, when the Council told the Court that officials had long used Company slaves by custom. | |
315 | 10th January At a Consultation held on Monday the 10th January 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 3rd January 1774. Wednesday the 5th Arrived the Mercury Packet from Madrass (last from the Cape). Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain John Sharpe, eleven hundred, three quarters and fourteen Pounds of Flour at twenty Shillings Pr. hundred Weight, Amounting to eleven pounds, seventeen Shillings and sixpence. We this day granted the following Setts of Bills of Exchange, drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors Viz. One sett to Matthew Purling Esqr. for one thousand and two hundred Pounds payable to John Purling Esqr. (or Order) And One Sett to Captain Henry Bazett for fifty Pounds payable to Miss Mary Bazett (or Order) both drawn at Ninety days sight. The Plantation Account for the Quarter, and the Expence of Artillery Stores, and Stewards Accounts for the Month of December last where this day laid before Us which were Examined approved of and are as follows viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 10 January 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 3 January 1774 were read, approved and signed. The Mercury packet had arrived from Madras on Wednesday 5 January 1774, after a last call at the Cape. The Council bought 11 hundredweight 3 quarters 14 pounds of flour for the Company from Captain John Sharpe, at 20s 0d a hundredweight, for £11 17s 6d. The Council issued the following sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court, both payable 90 days after sight. One set to Matthew Purling for £1,200 0s 0d, payable to John Purling or to his order One set to Captain Henry Bazett for £50 0s 0d, payable to Miss Mary Bazett or to her order The plantation account for the quarter, together with the accounts for artillery stores and the steward's spending in December 1773, were laid before the Council, examined and approved. They were set out as follows. Interpretations Purling's bill of £1,200 0s 0d, payable to John Purling, probably a relative in England, was part of moving his savings home before he retired. He had told the Council in June 1773 that he meant to leave the island in 1774 after 38 years' service, once he had sold his land and settled his affairs. Remitting a large sum through the treasury ahead of his own departure meant the money would be waiting for him in London, safe from the risks of the voyage. The flour bought from Captain Sharpe cost 20s 0d a hundredweight, more than the 16s 0d Captain Scott charged in July 1773. That higher price was probably what the stores' 50 per cent mark-up on flour sold to outsiders was meant to recover. | |
316 | 10th January Account of the Honble. Company's Stock of Neat Cattle &c. from the of October to the 31st Decemr. 1773 Neat Cattle Bulls, Neat Cattle Cows, Neat Cattle Calves, Neat Cattle Yearlings, Neat Cattle Heifers, Neat Cattle Steers, Neat Cattle Oxen, Neat Cattle Total, Sheep Ewes, Sheep Weathers, Sheep Lambs, Sheep Rams, Sheep Total, Goats Ewes, Goats Weathers, Goats Kids, Goats Rams, Goats Total, Hogs Sows, Hogs Shoats, Hogs Pigs, Hogs Boars, Hogs Total, Horses Horses, Horses Mares, Horses Total, Poultry Fowls, Poultry Ducks, Poultry Turkeys, Poultry Geese Remaining: Neat Cattle Bulls 7, Neat Cattle Cows 91, Neat Cattle Calves 37, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 10, Neat Cattle Steers 20, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 204, Sheep Ewes 199, Sheep Weathers 39, Sheep Lambs 91, Sheep Rams 8, Sheep Total 337, Goats Ewes 97, Goats Weathers 26, Goats Kids 24, Goats Rams 5, Goats Total 152, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 12, Hogs Pigs 17, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 35, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 139, Poultry Ducks 56, Poultry Turkeys 34, Poultry Geese 5 Encreased: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 1, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 1, Sheep Ewes 0, Sheep Weathers 0, Sheep Lambs 2, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 2, Goats Ewes 0, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 15, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 15, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 7, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 7, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 40, Poultry Ducks 26, Poultry Turkeys 14, Poultry Geese 7 Bought: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 2, Neat Cattle Steers 2, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 4, Sheep Ewes 56, Sheep Weathers 30, Sheep Lambs 21, Sheep Rams 3, Sheep Total 110, Goats Ewes 12, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 5, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 17, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 0, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 0, Poultry Ducks 0, Poultry Turkeys 0, Poultry Geese 0 Total: Neat Cattle Bulls 7, Neat Cattle Cows 91, Neat Cattle Calves 38, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 12, Neat Cattle Steers 22, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 209, Sheep Ewes 255, Sheep Weathers 69, Sheep Lambs 114, Sheep Rams 11, Sheep Total 449, Goats Ewes 109, Goats Weathers 26, Goats Kids 44, Goats Rams 5, Goats Total 184, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 12, Hogs Pigs 24, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 42, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 179, Poultry Ducks 82, Poultry Turkeys 48, Poultry Geese 12 Killed: Neat Cattle Bulls 2, Neat Cattle Cows 3, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 1, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 6, Sheep Ewes 28, Sheep Weathers 30, Sheep Lambs 4, Sheep Rams 1, Sheep Total 63, Goats Ewes 16, Goats Weathers 16, Goats Kids 6, Goats Rams 1, Goats Total 39, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 2, Hogs Pigs 3, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 5, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 26, Poultry Ducks 16, Poultry Turkeys 11, Poultry Geese 0 Dead: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 1, Neat Cattle Steers 1, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 2, Sheep Ewes 13, Sheep Weathers 6, Sheep Lambs 7, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 26, Goats Ewes 5, Goats Weathers 1, Goats Kids 9, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 15, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 1, Hogs Pigs 5, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 6, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 17, Poultry Ducks 0, Poultry Turkeys 6, Poultry Geese 2 Remaining: Neat Cattle Bulls 5, Neat Cattle Cows 88, Neat Cattle Calves 38, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 11, Neat Cattle Steers 20, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 201, Sheep Ewes 214, Sheep Weathers 33, Sheep Lambs 103, Sheep Rams 10, Sheep Total 360, Goats Ewes 88, Goats Weathers 9, Goats Kids 29, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 130, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 9, Hogs Pigs 16, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 31, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 136, Poultry Ducks 66, Poultry Turkeys 30, Poultry Geese 10 Slaves Born 1 Boy named Emanuel 1 Girl Do. Peg Alley Slaves Deceased 1 Man Named Garden Toby 1 Woman Do. Susanah Yams Expended for the Slaves 18215 Do. for the Stock 12680 Total 30895 Errors Excepted (signed) Danl. Corneille | The account of the Company's cattle and other stock from 1 October to 31 December 1773 read as follows. For each kind of animal it gave the number at the start of the quarter, the number born, the number bought, the total, the number killed, the number that died and the number remaining at the end. Cattle: Bulls: at start 7, born 0, bought 0, total 7, killed 2, died 0, remaining 5 Cows: at start 91, born 0, bought 0, total 91, killed 3, died 0, remaining 88 Calves: at start 37, born 1, bought 0, total 38, killed 0, died 0, remaining 38 Yearlings: at start 25, born 0, bought 0, total 25, killed 0, died 0, remaining 25 Heifers: at start 10, born 0, bought 2, total 12, killed 0, died 1, remaining 11 Steers: at start 20, born 0, bought 2, total 22, killed 1, died 1, remaining 20 Oxen: at start 14, born 0, bought 0, total 14, killed 0, died 0, remaining 14 All cattle: at start 204, born 1, bought 4, total 209, killed 6, died 2, remaining 201 Sheep: Ewes: at start 199, born 0, bought 56, total 255, killed 28, died 13, remaining 214 Wethers: at start 39, born 0, bought 30, total 69, killed 30, died 6, remaining 33 Lambs: at start 91, born 2, bought 21, total 114, killed 4, died 7, remaining 103 Rams: at start 8, born 0, bought 3, total 11, killed 1, died 0, remaining 10 All sheep: at start 337, born 2, bought 110, total 449, killed 63, died 26, remaining 360 Goats: Nanny goats: at start 97, born 0, bought 12, total 109, killed 16, died 5, remaining 88 Wether goats: at start 26, born 0, bought 0, total 26, killed 16, died 1, remaining 9 Kids: at start 24, born 15, bought 5, total 44, killed 6, died 9, remaining 29 Billy goats: at start 5, born 0, bought 0, total 5, killed 1, died 0, remaining 4 All goats: at start 152, born 15, bought 17, total 184, killed 39, died 15, remaining 130 Pigs: Sows: at start 4, born 0, bought 0, total 4, killed 0, died 0, remaining 4 Young pigs past weaning: at start 12, born 0, bought 0, total 12, killed 2, died 1, remaining 9 Piglets: at start 17, born 7, bought 0, total 24, killed 3, died 5, remaining 16 Boars: at start 2, born 0, bought 0, total 2, killed 0, died 0, remaining 2 All pigs: at start 35, born 7, bought 0, total 42, killed 5, died 6, remaining 31 Horses: Stallions and geldings: at start 8, born 0, bought 0, total 8, killed 0, died 0, remaining 8 Mares: at start 7, born 0, bought 0, total 7, killed 0, died 0, remaining 7 All horses: at start 15, born 0, bought 0, total 15, killed 0, died 0, remaining 15 Poultry: Fowls: at start 139, hatched 40, total 179, killed 26, died 17, remaining 136 Ducks: at start 56, hatched 26, total 82, killed 16, died 0, remaining 66 Turkeys: at start 34, hatched 14, total 48, killed 11, died 6, remaining 30 Geese: at start 5, hatched 7, total 12, killed 0, died 2, remaining 10 Slaves born: 1 boy, named Emanuel 1 girl, named Peg Alley Slaves who died: 1 man, named Garden Toby 1 woman, named Susanah Yams used to feed the slaves, 18,215 Yams used to feed the stock, 12,680 Total yams used, 30,895 Daniel Corneille signed the account, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The deaths among the sheep dropped sharply once the winter was over. In the quarter from July to September 1773, 293 sheep died. From October to December only 26 died, though the flock was larger. The 110 sheep bought during the quarter included the 37 the Governor sold to the Company, animals already used to the island's pastures. Many of the rest were ewes and lambs rather than the wethers that had died in such numbers after landing from the Cape. With spring grass on the uplands and hardier stock, the flock grew again, from 337 to 360. The yams issued to the Company's slaves fell by more than half, from 41,860 in the winter quarter to 18,215. The September inventory showed more than 32 tons of rice in store after the season's ships from Bengal and Bombay. The Company was feeding its slaves largely on rice instead, which spared the yam grounds before the new crop came in. | |
317 | 1774 Artillery Stores Expended in December 1773. Powder for Sundry Services lb. 89 . oz. 6 Lead Ball 1 . 6 Bees Wax 8 .. Tallow 17 .. Match 6 .. Spunge Staves No. 4 Vinegar ½ Gallon Shot Broke at Purlings Battery No. 1 . 18 lbs. (signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery. Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Company's Table in December 1773. 53 Bottles Madeira 3 . 9 . 6½ 39 Do. Port 2 . 15 . 3 5 Do. Lisbon 7 . 1 3 Do. Mountain 4 . 5 49 Do. Beer 16 . 4 16¼ Gallns. Arrack 2 . 3 . 9 236 Mutton 4 . 16 . 8 3 Turkeys 15 .. 8 Fowls 12 .. 4 Ducks 6 .. 62 lb. Candy 1 . 11 .. 589 Flour 4 . 19 . 8 1 Lamb 10 .. £ 23 . 11 . 8½ | The account of artillery stores used in December 1773 read as follows. No guns were fired during the month. Powder for various other duties, 39 lb 6 oz Lead ball, 1 lb 6 oz Beeswax, 8 lb Tallow, 17 lb Slow match, 6 lb Sponge staves, 4 Vinegar, ½ gallon Shot broken at Purling's Battery, 1 eighteen-pound shot James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in December 1773 read as follows. 53 bottles of Madeira, £3 9s 6½d 39 bottles of port, £2 15s 3d 5 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 7s 1d 3 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 4s 5d 49 bottles of beer, £0 16s 4d 16¼ gallons of arrack, £2 3s 9d 236 lb of mutton, £4 16s 8d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d 8 fowls, £0 12s 0d 4 ducks, £0 6s 0d 62 lb of sugar candy, £1 11s 0d 589 lb of flour, £4 19s 8d 1 lamb, £0 10s 0d Total from the stores, £23 11s 8½d The account went on to list the provisions bought in for the table. Interpretations December 1773 was the first month of the year in which the island fired no guns at all. No ship called, so there were no arrivals to salute and no sails to raise an alarm. The only powder used went on ordinary duties such as priming and exercise. The month marked the low point between the departure of the last homeward ships in October and the arrival of the next season's fleet. Mutton came back to the Company's table in December, 236 lb against 152 lb in October and 165 lb in November. With the flock recovering and fewer deaths in the spring grass, the Company could again kill its own sheep for the Governor's table rather than turning to goats. | |
318 | 10th January Bought for the Table 212¾ lb. Beef 4 . 8 . 7¾ 16 Fowls 1 . 4 .. 2 Ducks 3 .. 2 Geese 10 .. 6 Pigs 1 . 10 .. £ 7 . 15 . 7¾ John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The steward's account for December 1773 ended with the provisions bought in for the Company's table. 212¾ lb of beef, £4 8s 7¾d 16 fowls, £1 4s 0d 2 ducks, £0 3s 0d 2 geese, £0 10s 0d 6 pigs, £1 10s 0d Total bought in, £7 15s 7¾d The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. | |
319 | 17th January At a Consultation held on Monday the 17th day of January 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 10th January 1774. Tuesday the 11th Sailed the Honble. Companys Ship Mercury Packet, for England. Messrs. George Bird and John Whitchurch this day presented the following Petition viz. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. The humble Petition of George Bird, and John Whitchurch, Executors to the last Will and Testament of Martha Merchant (Deceased.) Sheweth That your Petitioners being desirous of disposing of a small Piece of Ground lying in this Valley, containing twenty Feet in Front, and sixty Feet in Depth belonging to Martha Merchant deceased, humbly request your Worship and Council will give them leave so to do. And your Petitioners will ever pray. 17th January 1774 Granted The Storekeeper this day brought in his Collections and the Paymaster his Accounts for the Quarter commencing from 1st October and ending 31 December last which were examined, and approved, and are as follows Viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 17 January 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 10 January 1774 were read, approved and signed. The Company's Mercury packet had sailed for England on Tuesday 11 January 1774. George Bird and John Whitchurch, the executors of Martha Merchant, petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. They wished to sell a small plot of ground in James Valley belonging to her estate, 20 feet wide at the front and 60 feet deep, and asked the Council's leave to do so. The petition was dated 17 January 1774, and the Council granted it. The storekeeper then presented his collections and the paymaster his accounts for the quarter from 1 October to 31 December 1773. The Council examined and approved them, and they were set out as follows. Interpretations The plot was a town lot in Jamestown, probably the site of Martha Merchant's punch house or dwelling, on which her estate paid ground rent to the Company. Even executors with full authority under a proved will needed the Council's leave to sell, since the ground was held from the Company. Selling it turned the property into money that could be shared out under the will, to Ann Merchant and, failing her, to the other girls named in the codicil. Without a home or a licence of their own, the orphans would now depend on that money and on whatever the Council allowed from the punch-house licence that had supported them. | |
320 | 17th January Collection of Goods Sold and Delivered out of the Honble. Company's Ware Houses from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Sold at 10 Pr. Cent Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 76 .. 14 Sugar 126 . 8 . 6 39 . 1 . 24 Candy 74 . 6 . 8 .. .. 20 Do. Fine 10 . 10 201 . 6 Flour viz. C. qr. lb. 100 . 3 . 4 Flour 94 . 8 635 .. 26 Baked 592 . 17 . 8 686 . 18 . 4 Rice and Paddy viz. C. qr. lb. 111 .. 3 Rice 54 . 11 . 10 131 . 1 . 22 Paddy 29 . 11 . 8 84 . 3 . 6 Salt 10½ Bushels 1 . 18 . 6 Sope C. qr. lb. 8 . 1 . 19 26 . 9 . 1 Tea viz. 188 lb. Singlo 12 . 10 . 8 462 Congo 30 . 16 .. 861 Bohea 29 . 11 . 11 72 . 18 . 7 Pease 7¼ Bushels 3 . 6 . 6 Pepper 79 lb. 2 . 4 . 5 Coffee 37 lb. 1 . 13 . 11 Chelloes 32 Pieces 19 . 10 . 8 Starch 92 lb. 2 . 15 . 7 Candles C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 . 7 50 . 2 . 9 Cordage 7 . 3 . 24 15 . 2 . 7 Leather viz. 296 Sole 13 . 11 . 4 9½ Calf Skins 4 . 6 . 4 17 . 17 . 8 Carried Over £ 1186 . 18 . 1 | The storekeeper's account of goods sold and issued from the Company's warehouses between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. These goods were sold at 10 per cent above cost. Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 76 hundredweight 0 quarters 14 pounds, £126 8s 6d Sugar candy, 39 hundredweight 1 quarter 24 pounds, £74 6s 8d Fine sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 20 pounds, £0 10s 10d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £201 6s 0d Flour: Flour, 100 hundredweight 3 quarters [...] pounds, £94 0s 8d Flour baked into bread, 635 hundredweight 0 quarters 26 pounds, £592 17s 8d Total for flour, £686 18s 4d Rice and paddy: Rice, 111 hundredweight 0 quarters 3 pounds, £54 11s 10d Paddy, 131 hundredweight 1 quarter 22 pounds, £29 11s 8d Total for rice and paddy, £84 3s 6d Salt, 10½ bushels, £1 18s 6d Soap, 8 hundredweight 1 quarter 19 pounds, £26 9s 1d Tea: Singlo tea, 188 lb, £12 10s 8d Congou tea, 462 lb, £30 16s 0d Bohea tea, 861 lb, £29 11s 11d Total for tea, £72 18s 7d Peas, 7¼ bushels, £3 6s 6d Pepper, 79 lb, £2 4s 5d Coffee, 37 lb, £1 13s 11d Chelloes, 32 pieces, £19 10s 8d Starch, 92 lb, £2 15s 7d Candles, 3 hundredweight 3 quarters 7 pounds, £50 2s 9d Cordage, 7 hundredweight 3 quarters 24 pounds, £15 2s 7d Leather: Sole leather, 296 lb, £13 11s 4d Calfskins, 9½, £4 6s 4d Total for leather, £17 17s 8d Carried forward, £1,186 8s 1d Interpretations Sales of bread rose sharply in the last quarter of 1773, from about 380 hundredweight of flour in the July to September quarter to 635 hundredweight, although almost no ships called. The warehouses had been shut from 4 September to 4 October 1773 for the yearly count of stock. Inhabitants and soldiers who could not buy during that month came back in October to make up what they had gone without, and most of the quarter's extra demand probably came from them. Rice and paddy sales also nearly doubled. The warehouses held more than 32 tons of rice after the Bengal and Bombay ships, and the Company was moving it out to the island's households as well as to its own slaves. | |
321 | 1774 Brought Over £ 1186 . 18 . 1 Oil viz. 53½ Gallons Linseed 11 . 4 . 1 92½ Do. Train 17 . 18 . 5 33 Do. Florance 4 . 13 . 6 33 . 16 .. Twine viz. 76 Skanes Twine 2 . 4 . 4 9 lb. Cotton Wick 1 . 4 .. 3 . 8 . 4 Lead viz. C. qr. lb. .. 3 . 26 Sheet 1 . 2 . .. 3 . 19 Shott 1 . 1 . 5 2 . 3 . 5 Wheat C. qr. lb. 27 . 1 . 10 13 . 4 . 5 Canvas viz. 12½ Yards English 14 . 4 50½ Do. Ticklenburgs 2 . 9 . 5 3 . 3 . 9 Corks viz. 18 Gro. Corks 2 . 3 . 11 1½ Sheet .. 6 2 . 4 . 5 Blankets 8 2 . 9 . 4 Oars 12 Small 2 . 11 . 6 Flannel 24 Yards 2 . 18 . 6 Broad Cloth viz. 21⅝ Yards Mazarine Blue 21 . 13 . 10 12⅜ Do. Light Blue 12 . 11 . 4⅜ Do. Dark Brown 4 . 9 . 6 11¾ Do. Black 11 .. 9 1⅞ Do. White 1 . 15 . 3 10⅝ Do. Black Cassimere 4 . 18 . 1 56 . 8 . 5 Buckram viz. 16½ Yards White 18 . 7 3 Do. Brown 3 . 1 1 . 1 . 8 Carried Over £ 1310 . 7 . 10 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,186 18s 1d brought forward. Oil: Linseed oil, 53½ gallons, £11 4s 1d Train oil, 92½ gallons, £17 18s 5d Florence oil, 33 bottles, £4 13s 6d Total for oil, £33 16s 0d Twine and wick: Twine, 76 skeins, £2 4s 4d Cotton wick, 9 lb, £1 4s 0d Total for twine and wick, £3 8s 4d Lead: Sheet lead, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 26 pounds, £1 2s 0d Lead shot, 0 hundredweight 3 quarters 19 pounds, £1 1s 5d Total for lead, £2 3s 5d Wheat, 27 hundredweight 1 quarter 10 pounds, £13 4s 5d Canvas: English canvas, 12½ yards, £0 14s 4d Ticklenburg canvas, 50½ yards, £2 9s 5d Total for canvas, £3 3s 9d Corks: Corks, 18 gross, £2 3s 11d Sheet cork, ½ sheet, £0 0s 6d Total for corks, £2 4s 5d Blankets, 8, £2 9s 4d Small oars, 12, £2 11s 6d Flannel, 24 yards, £2 18s 6d Broadcloth: Mazarine blue broadcloth, 21⅞ yards, £21 13s 10d Light blue broadcloth, 12⅝ yards, £12 11s 0d Dark brown broadcloth, 4⅜ yards, £4 9s 6d Black broadcloth, 11¾ yards, £11 0s 9d White broadcloth, 1⅞ yards, £1 15s 3d Black cassimere, 10⅞ yards, £4 18s 1d Total for broadcloth, £56 8s 5d Buckram: White buckram, 16½ yards, £0 18s 7d Brown buckram, 3 yards, £0 3s 1d Total for buckram, £1 1s 8d Carried forward, £1,310 7s 10d Interpretations Broadcloth sales doubled from the previous quarter, to more than £56 0s 0d, most of it the fine mazarine blue and light blue cloth used for gentlemen's coats. The months before the shipping season were when officers and officials had new clothes made, so that they would be properly dressed when the fleets arrived with passengers to entertain. Train oil sales also rose, to more than 92 gallons, as households burned their lamps longer in the closing months of the year. | |
322 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1310 . 7 . 10 Braziers Ware viz. 1 Three Quart Tea Kettle 13 . 1 1 Two Gallon Copper Saucepan 1 . 11 . 5 1 Small Skimmer 2 . 9 1 Large Copper Boiling Kettle 3 . 8 . 2 2 Large Brass Cocks w. Keys 1 . 5 . 10 1 Pr. Steel Snuffers 3 . 4 7 . 4 . 7 Books viz. 1 Large Common Prayer 5 . 6 6 Small Do. Do. 1 . 2 . 1 Large Bible Do. 1 . 10 . 3 1 Testament 1 . 11 2 . 19 . 8 Cutlery Ware viz. 64 Horn Combs 18 . 8 5 Fine Ivory Do. 15 . 5 3 Ordinary Do. Do. 3 . 9 31 Buckling Do. 12 . 3 17 Pr. Leather Garters 12 . 9 12 Shoe Knives 5 .. 10 Butchers Do. 4 . 2 2 Pruning Do. 2 . 8 2 doz. Stag Horn Hand. Knives and Forks 1 . 9 . 1 5 . 3 . 9 Deals viz. 8 Double 1 . 10 . 2 Single 4 . 4 3 Balks 1 . 9 . 3 ⅔ Ps. Elm Plank 2 . 3 .. 1 Do. Board 5 . 5 2 Wainscot Do. 14 . 7 6 . 6 . 7 Carried Over £ 1332 . 2 . 5 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,310 7s 10d brought forward. Brass and copper goods: Three-quart tea kettle, 1, £0 13s 1d Two-gallon copper saucepan, 1, £1 11s 5d Small skimmer, 1, £0 2s 9d Large copper boiling kettle, 1, £3 8s 2d Brass cocks with keys, 2, £1 5s 10d Steel snuffers, 1 pair, £0 3s 4d Total for brass and copper goods, £7 4s 7d Books: Large Book of Common Prayer, 1, £0 5s 6d Small Books of Common Prayer, 6, £1 2s 0d Large Bible, 1, £1 10s 3d New Testament, 1, £0 1s 11d Total for books, £2 19s 8d Knives, combs and small hardware: Horn combs, 64, £0 18s 8d Fine ivory combs, 5, £0 15s 5d Ordinary ivory combs, 3, £0 3s 9d Combs for dressing wigs, 21, £0 12s 3d Leather garters, 17 pairs, £0 12s 9d Shoemakers' knives, 12, £0 5s 0d Butchers' knives, 10, £0 4s 2d Pruning knives, 2, £0 2s 8d Knives and forks with stag-horn handles, 2 dozen, £1 9s 1d Total for knives, combs and small hardware, £5 3s 9d Timber: Double deal boards, 8, £1 10s 0d Single deal boards, 2, £0 4s 4d Balks, 3, £1 9s 3d Elm plank, ⅔ piece, £2 3s 0d Elm board, 1, £0 5s 5d Wainscot boards, 2, £0 14s 7d Total for timber, £6 6s 7d Carried forward, £1,332 2s 5d Interpretations One of the 19 large Bibles counted in the September inventory was sold during the quarter, at £1 10s 3d. Those Bibles had probably been sent out for the new church, but with the building not yet finished the storekeeper was willing to sell one to a private buyer. Six small Prayer Books also sold, far more than in earlier quarters, perhaps bought by families in readiness for the new church opening. | |
323 | 1774 Brought Over £ 1332 . 2 . 5 Iron Pots viz. 1 Pot wt. 17 lb. 3 . 11 4 Kettles 5 . 3 . 10 5 . 7 . 9 Hooks and Lines viz. 425 No. 6 1 . 17 . 11 475 7 1 . 9 . 6 50 8 3 . 2 175 9 5 . 7 175 10 3 . 2 50 11 .. 10 350 12 5 . 10 1550 14 13 . 7 850 15 6 . 3 1650 16 9 . 3 Hooks 4 Large 1 . 2 221 2 3 . 7 . 7 144 3 2 . 12 . 2 4 .. 10 11 Hambro 16 . 3 12 Log 14 . 6 Lines 13 . 7 . 7 Haberdashery viz. 103 Skanes Silk 2 . 2 . 11 34 Do. Mohair 17 .. 12½ doz. Do. Ct. Buttons 9 . 4 21 Do. Do. Breast Do. 8 . 9 16 Gro. Horn Moulds 9 .. 4½ lb. Whale Bone 1 . 8 . 1 20 Ps. Tape 12 . 6 1 Gro. Shirt Buttons 2 . 8 1 Do. White Waistcoat Do. 2 . 8 2 Ps. Carnation Tape .. 11 18 Yards Broad Gold Lace 3 . 6 . 3 7 Do. Narrow Do. 1 .. 1½ doz. Gold Basket Ct. Buttons 6 . 6 11 . 6 . 7 Carried Over £ 1362 . 4 . 4 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,332 2s 5d brought forward. Iron pots: Iron pot, 1, weighing 17 lb, £0 3s 11d Kettles, 4, £5 3s 10d Total for iron pots, £5 7s 9d Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 6, 425, £1 17s 11d Fish hooks number 7, 475, £1 9s 6d Fish hooks number 8, 50, £0 3s 2d Fish hooks number 9, 175, £0 5s 7d Fish hooks number 10, 175, £0 3s 2d Fish hooks number 11, 50, £0 0s 10d Fish hooks number 12, 350, £0 5s 10d Fish hooks number 14, 1,550, £0 13s 7d Fish hooks number 15, 850, £0 6s 3d Fish hooks number 16, 1,650, £0 9s 3d Large fish hooks, 4, £0 1s 2d Fishing line number 2, 221, £3 7s 7d Fishing line number 3, 144, £2 12s 0d Fishing line number 4, 2, £0 0s 10d Hamburg lines, 11, £0 16s 3d Log lines, 12, £0 14s 6d Total for fish hooks and lines, £13 7s 7d Sewing goods and trimmings: Silk thread, 103 skeins, £2 2s 11d Mohair thread, 34 skeins, £0 17s 0d Mohair coat buttons, 12½ dozen, £0 9s 4d Mohair breast buttons, 21 dozen, £0 8s 9d Horn button moulds, 16 gross, £0 9s 0d Whalebone, 4½ lb, £1 8s 1d Tape, 20 pieces, £0 12s 6d Shirt buttons, 1 gross, £0 2s 8d White waistcoat buttons, 1 gross, £0 2s 8d Carnation tape, 2 pieces, £0 0s 11d Broad gold lace, 18 yards, £3 6s 3d Narrow gold lace, 7 yards, £1 0s 0d Gold basket-weave coat buttons, 1½ dozen, £0 6s 6d Total for sewing goods and trimmings, £11 6s 7d Carried forward, £1,362 4s 4d Interpretations Fish hooks and lines sold in large numbers again, nearly 6,000 hooks and more than 370 lengths of line in the quarter. Fishing kept up from the island's winter into the spring and early summer, when the pastures were recovering and the Company's own meat was short. The sales of gold lace, whalebone and buttons went with the broadcloth sold in the same quarter. Officers and officials were having new coats made before the next fleets arrived. | |
324 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1362 . 4 . 4 Iron Ware C. qr. lb. 1 . 3 . 19 1 . 17 . 10 Iron Ware viz. 12 Chest Locks 2 .. .. 14 Stock Do. 2 . 6 . 8 31 Scythe Stones 6 . 5 4 Ash Helves 2 . 8 3 Wire Rat Traps 1 . 2 . 6 5 Spring Do. 8 . 5 9 Iron Shovels 2 . 5 . 11 Blank Keys 8 . 1 Spike Gimblet .. 5 11 Pr. H L Hinges 1 . 19 . 5 16 Pr. Sheep Sheers 1 . 6 . 8 2 Small Frying Pans 4 . 5 20 lb. Plate Iron 8 . 9 9 Splinter Locks 4 . 8 5 Iron rim'd Do. w. Pullbacks 1 . 2 . 6 1 Rag Stone .. 5 1 Drill String .. 7 3 Large Frying Pans 14 . 10 1 Do. Box Iron 9 . 9 6 Mouse Traps 4 . 4 5 Files 2 . 9 1 Doz. Wood Screws .. 5 4 Sheets Emery Paper .. 4 6 Pad Locks 9 . 4 3 Coffee Mills 1 . 4 . 3 6 Hand Hatchets 11 . 3 4 Bricklayers Trowels 5 . 10 2 Iron rim'd Locks w. Bs. Knobs 13 . 5 3 Scythes 16 . 10 4 Hammer Helves 1 . 3 5 Bolt Rope Needles .. 3 4 Sheets Sand Paper .. 4 2 Plaistr. Trowels 3 . 10 Iron Ware Carrd. Over £ 20 . 6 . 11 Carried Over £ 1364 . 2 . 2 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,362 4s 4d brought forward. Bar iron, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 19 pounds, £1 17s 10d Iron goods: Chest locks, 12, £2 0s 0d Stock locks, 14, £2 6s 8d Scythe stones, 31, £0 6s 5d Ash handles, 4, £0 2s 8d Wire rat traps, 3, £1 2s 6d Spring rat traps, 5, £0 8s 5d Iron shovels, 9, £2 5s 0d Blank keys, 11, £0 8s 0d Spike gimlet, 1, £0 0s 5d HL hinges, 11 pairs, £1 19s 5d Sheep shears, 16 pairs, £1 6s 8d Small frying pans, 2, £0 4s 5d Plate iron, 20 lb, £0 8s 9d Splinter locks, 9, £0 4s 8d Iron-rimmed locks with pull-backs, 5, £1 2s 6d Ragstone, 1, £0 0s 5d Drill string, 1, £0 0s 7d Large frying pans, 3, £0 14s 10d Large box iron, 1, £0 9s 9d Mousetraps, 6, £0 4s 4d Files, 5, £0 2s 9d Wood screws, 1 dozen, £0 0s 5d Emery paper, 4 sheets, £0 0s 4d Padlocks, 6, £0 7s 4d Coffee mills, 3, £1 4s 3d Hand hatchets, 6, £0 11s 3d Bricklayers' trowels, 4, £0 5s 10d Iron-rimmed locks with brass knobs, 2, £0 13s 5d Scythes, 3, £0 16s 10d Hammer handles, 4, £0 1s 3d Bolt-rope needles, 5, £0 0s 8d Sandpaper, 4 sheets, £0 0s 4d Plasterers' trowels, 2, £0 3s 10d Iron goods carried forward, £20 6s 11d Carried forward, £1,364 2s 2d Interpretations Sixteen pairs of sheep shears sold in the quarter, against one or two in earlier months. October to December was shearing time on the island, the southern spring. The flock had recovered after the winter deaths, and the landholders with sheep were preparing to clip them. The Company itself had bought 110 sheep in the same quarter. | |
325 | Brought Over £ 1364 . 2 . 2 Iron Ware brought Over £ 20 . 6 . 11 2 Pickaxes 7 . 4 1 Curry Comb and Brush 1 . 11 1 Pr. Garden Sheers 4 .. 3 Garden Rakes 7 . 9 1 Spade 4 . 2 2 Pr. Small Steel Yards 12 . 10 5 Sail Needles .. 2 1 Chaffing dish 8 . 5 22 . 13 . 6 Long Ells viz. 3½ Yards Scarlet 17 . 4 53 Do. Blue 5 . 3 . 10 6 . 1 . 2 Kersey 55 Yards 3 . 17 . 11 Nails viz. 40½ lb. 3 1 . 11 . 3 155 4 5 .. 1 146 6 4 . 5 . 2 18 10 9 . 4 28 20 11 . 8 35 40 13 . 10 3½ Glaz. Brads 5 .. 12 . 16 . 4 Paint viz. 542 lb. Whiting 1 . 2 .. 38 Stone Colour 1 . 1 . 4 102 White Lead Mixd 2 . 2 . 6 46 Do. Do. dry 15 . 4 42½ Indico 4 .. 7 lb. oz. 5 . 10 Vermillion 1 . 14 . 8 55½ Venitian Red dry 15 . 1 3 Chalk .. 1 13 Blue Paint 1 . 13 . 7 8 Blue Smalts 15 . 4 Paint Carried Over £ 14 . 0 . 6 Carried Over £ 1409 . 11 . 1 | Brought Over £ 1364 . 2 . 2 Iron Ware brought Over £ 20 . 6 . 11 2 Pickaxes 7 . 4 1 Curry Comb and Brush 1 . 11 1 Pr. Garden Sheers 4 .. 3 Garden Rakes 7 . 9 1 Spade 4 . 2 2 Pr. Small Steel Yards 12 . 10 5 Sail Needles .. 2 1 Chaffing dish 8 . 5 22 . 13 . 6 Long Ells viz. 3½ Yards Scarlet 17 . 4 53 Do. Blue 5 . 3 . 10 6 . 1 . 2 Kersey 55 Yards 3 . 17 . 11 Nails viz. 40½ lb. 3 1 . 11 . 3 155 4 5 .. 1 146 6 4 . 5 . 2 18 10 9 . 4 28 20 11 . 8 35 40 13 . 10 3½ Glaz. Brads 5 .. 12 . 16 . 4 Paint viz. 542 lb. Whiting 1 . 2 .. 38 Stone Colour 1 . 1 . 4 102 White Lead Mixd 2 . 2 . 6 46 Do. Do. dry 15 . 4 42½ Indico 4 .. 7 lb. oz. 5 . 10 Vermillion 1 . 14 . 8 55½ Venitian Red dry 15 . 1 3 Chalk .. 1 13 Blue Paint 1 . 13 . 7 8 Blue Smalts 15 . 4 Paint Carried Over £ 14 . 0 . 6 Carried Over £ 1409 . 11 . 1 | |
326 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1409 . 11 . 1 Paint Brought Over £ 14 . 0 . 6 6 Prussian Blue 9 . 4 8 Barrels Blacking 4 . 6 4½ White Copperas 5 . 3 21½ Red Lead 4 . 11 6 Log Wood .. 7 ½ Verdegrease 2 . 6 1 Yellow Oaker mixd .. 7 8 Brimstone 1 . 8 15 . 9 . 10 Glass Ware viz. 130 Squares 8 by 10 4 . 1 . 3 7 Do. 10 by 12 7 . 3 75 Do. 6 by 8 1 . 3 . 5 1 Do. 10½ by 12½ 1 . 2 1 Tumbler .. 8 12 Wine Glasses 5 . 8 6 Quart Decanters 15 7 Pint Do. 12 . 10 3 Glass Lamps 2 . 3 7 . 9 . 6 Hats viz. 2 Boys 13 . 8 2 Mans Fine 1 . 18 . 11 1 Do. Gold Lac'd 2 . 2 . 4 4 . 14 . 11 Hosiers Ware viz. 10 Pr. Madrass Stockings 4 . 4 1 Do. Womens Worst. Do. 3 . 1 125 Do. Mens Ordy. Thread Do. 16 . 5 . 11 5 Do. Girls Do. 10 . 10 1 Do. Black Silk Do. 18 . 2 3 Do. Do. Worsted Do. 1 .. 9 3 Do. Fine Thread 3 . 3 . 4 8 Pr. Black Worsted Breeches 4 . 14 . 8 31 . 1 . 9 Carried Over £ 1468 . 7 . 1 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,409 11s 1d brought forward. Paint brought forward, £14 0s 6d Prussian blue, 6 oz, £0 9s 4d Blacking, 8 barrels, £0 4s 6d White copperas, 4½ lb, £0 5s 3d Red lead, 21½ lb, £0 4s 11d Logwood, 6 lb, £0 0s 7d Verdigris, ½ lb, £0 2s 6d Yellow ochre ground in oil, 1 lb, £0 0s 7d Brimstone, 8 lb, £0 1s 8d Total for paint, £15 9s 10d Glassware: Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 130, £4 1s 3d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 7, £0 7s 3d Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 75, £1 3s 5d Window pane 10½ by 12½ inches, 1, £0 1s 2d Tumbler, 1, £0 0s 8d Wine glasses, 12, £0 5s 8d Quart decanters, 6, £0 15s 0d Pint decanters, 7, £0 12s 10d Glass lamps, 3, £0 2s 3d Total for glassware, £7 9s 6d Hats: Boys' hats, 2, £0 13s 8d Men's fine hats, 2, £1 18s 11d Men's gold-laced hat, 1, £2 2s 4d Total for hats, £4 14s 11d Stockings and hosiery: Madras stockings, 10 pairs, £4 4s 0d Women's worsted stockings, 1 pair, £0 3s 1d Men's ordinary thread stockings, 125 pairs, £16 5s 11d Girls' stockings, 5 pairs, £0 10s 10d Black silk stockings, 1 pair, £0 18s 2d Black worsted stockings, 3 pairs, £1 0s 9d Fine thread stockings, 8 pairs, £3 3s 4d Black worsted breeches, 8 pairs, £4 14s 8d Total for stockings and hosiery, £31 1s 9d Carried forward, £1,468 7s 1d Interpretations More than 200 panes of window glass sold during the quarter, mostly the small 8 by 10 and 6 by 8 inch sizes used in ordinary houses. Along with the nails, whiting and paint sold at the same time, they show inhabitants refitting their homes before the shipping season. Those were also the months when the island's landholders and townspeople took in passengers as lodgers and sold food and goods to the ships. | |
327 | 1774 Brought Over £ 1468 . 7 . 1 Pitch and Tar viz. 14 lb. Pitch 2 . 1 10½ Gallons Tar 9 . 8 128 lb. Rozin 1 . 4 . 11 Turpentine 3 .. 1 . 18 . 9 Shalloon viz. 30½ Yards Scarlet 4 . 7 . 1 40½ Do. Colour'd 4 .. 2 8 . 7 . 3 Shoes viz. 324 Pr. Mens Ordinary 80 . 6 . 6 6 Do. Do. Pumps 1 . 13 .. 21 Do. Womens Calf Leather 2 . 19 . 11 5 Do. Girls Do. 11 . 2 Do. Womens Calemanco 8 . 6 4 Do. Boys 14 . 8 3 Do. Girls Do. 10 . 87 . 3 . 7 Serge viz. 8½ Yards Scarlet 1 . 13 . 10 4 Do. Green 18 . 9 11⅔ Do. Blue 2 . 14 . 6 ⅔ Ps. White Fustain 1 . 15 . 5 26 Yards Brown Do. 2 . 8 . 9 9 . 11 . 3 Shirts viz. 191 Soldiers 46 . 19 . 1 56¾ Yds. Russia Diaper 2 . 17 . 11 9 Do. Irish Linen 11 . 5 4½ Ps. Huckaback for Table Cloths 24 . 10 . 1 1 Ps. Do. for Napkins 1 . 16 . 4 5 Yards Brown Holland 10 . 1 ½ Ps. Irish Diaper for Napkins 1 . 5 . 4 78 . 10 . 3 Carried Over £ 1653 . 18 . 2 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,468 7s 1d brought forward. Pitch and tar: Pitch, 14 lb, £0 2s 1d Tar, 10½ gallons, £0 9s 8d Resin, 128 lb, £1 4s 0d Turpentine, 11 oz, £0 3s 0d Total for pitch and tar, £1 18s 9d Shalloon: Scarlet shalloon, 30½ yards, £4 7s 1d Coloured shalloon, 40½ yards, £4 0s 2d Total for shalloon, £8 7s 3d Shoes: Men's ordinary shoes, 324 pairs, £80 6s 6d Men's pumps, 6 pairs, £1 13s 0d Women's calfskin shoes, 21 pairs, £2 19s 11d Girls' calfskin shoes, 5 pairs, £0 11s 0d Women's calamanco shoes, 2 pairs, £0 8s 6d Boys' shoes, 4 pairs, £0 14s 8d Girls' calamanco shoes, 3 pairs, £0 10s 0d Total for shoes, £87 3s 7d Serge and fustian: Scarlet serge, 6½ yards, £1 13s 10d Green serge, 4 yards, £0 18s 9d Blue serge, 11⅔ yards, £2 14s 6d White fustian, ⅔ piece, £1 15s 5d Brown fustian, 26 yards, £2 8s 9d Total for serge and fustian, £9 11s 3d Shirts and linen: Soldiers' shirts, 191, £46 19s 1d Russia diaper, 56¼ yards, £2 17s 11d Irish linen, 9 yards, £0 11s 5d Huckaback for tablecloths, 4½ pieces, £24 10s 1d Huckaback for napkins, 1 piece, £1 16s 4d Brown holland, 5 yards, £0 10s 1d Irish diaper for napkins, ½ piece, £1 5s 4d Total for shirts and linen, £78 10s 3d Carried forward, £1,633 18s 2d Interpretations More than 320 pairs of men's ordinary shoes sold during the quarter, along with 191 soldiers' shirts. Most of the buyers were soldiers. The garrison's yearly issue of clothing had come in the spring quarter, and by the end of the year many men were buying replacements out of their own pay, especially shoes worn out on the island's rough paths. Huckaback for tablecloths sold heavily as well, more than £24 0s 0d worth, probably for the households of officials preparing to entertain the next fleet's officers and passengers. | |
328 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1653 . 18 . 2 Thread viz. 6½ lb. Whited Brown 2 . 7 . 1 17½ Coloured 2 . 16 . 2 5 oz. No. 16 12 . 2 4 18 4 . 11 6 .. 4 Turners Ware viz. 8 Hair Brooms 1 . 4 . 4 2 Birch Do. .. 9 6 Flaskets 1 . 2 . 4 Scrubing Brushes 13 . 4 14 Paint Do. 6 . 5 12 Plaistr. Do. 1 .. .. 8 Shoe Do. 6 . 8 17 Labrs. Baskets 18 . 5 8 Platters 10 . 10 2 Trays 3 . 2 1 Large Plate Basket 3 . 8 3 Punch Ladles 2 . 2 Wood Bowls 2 . 5 1 Do. Ladle .. 4 6 . 14 . 4 Tin Ware 10 Lamps 8 . 4 18 Patty Pans 3 . 5 1 Quart Saucepan .. 5 3 Pint Do. 1 . 1 7 Pudding Pans 6 . 8 1 Globe Lamp 8 . 9 2 Quart Funnels .. 10 2 Dripping Pans 4 . 1 Single Sheet Tin .. 5 1 . 13 . 11 Ticking 46½ Yds. Check'd Linen 3 . 2 . 4 China Ware viz. 9 Setts Octagon Dishes & Plates 12 . 14 . 7 1 Tureen & Dish 7 . 4 13 . 1 . 11 Carried Over £ 1684 . 11 .. | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,653 18s 2d brought forward. Thread: Half-bleached thread, 6½ lb, £2 7s 1d Coloured thread, 17½ lb, £2 16s 2d Thread number 16, 5 oz, £0 12s 2d Thread number 18, 4 oz, £0 4s 11d Total for thread, £6 0s 4d Wooden goods and brushes: Hair brooms, 8, £1 4s 4d Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 9d Flaskets, 6, £1 2s 0d Scrubbing brushes, 4, £0 13s 4d Paint brushes, 14, £0 6s 5d Plasterers' brushes, 12, £1 0s 0d Shoe brushes, 8, £0 6s 8d Labourers' baskets, 17, £0 18s 5d Platters, 8, £0 10s 10d Trays, 2, £0 3s 2d Large plate basket, 1, £0 3s 8d Punch ladles, 3, £0 2s 0d Wooden bowls, 2, £0 2s 5d Wooden ladle, 1, £0 0s 4d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £6 14s 4d Tinware: Lamps, 10, £0 8s 4d Patty pans, 18, £0 3s 3d Quart saucepan, 1, £0 0s 5d Pint saucepans, 3, £0 1s 1d Pudding pans, 7, £0 6s 8d Globe lamp, 1, £0 8s 9d Quart funnels, 2, £0 0s 10d Dripping pans, 2, £0 4s 0d Single sheet of tin, 1, £0 0s 5d Total for tinware, £1 13s 11d Ticking: checked linen, 46½ yards, £3 2s 4d China: Sets of octagonal dishes and plates, 9, £12 14s 7d Tureen and dish, 1, £0 7s 4d Total for china, £13 1s 11d Carried forward, £1,684 11s 0d Interpretations Nine sets of octagonal china dishes and plates sold during the quarter, worth more than £12 0s 0d. These were Chinese export dinner services, the kind of table china households wanted for receiving guests. Like the table linen, decanters and glassware sold in the same months, they show the island's better households fitting themselves out before the shipping season, when officers and passengers came ashore and lodged or dined with the inhabitants. | |
329 | 1774 Brought Over £ 1684 . 11 .. Sailors Cloaths viz. 10 Boys Jackets 2 . 19 . 6 Pr. Do. Breeches 1 .. 6 4 Do. Shirts 12 . 5 4 . 11 . 11 Blocks 2 Single of 5 Inches 1 . 7 Cart Wheels 1 Wheel Barrow 17 . Saddlery 1 Saddle Cloth 4 . 4 Bunting 1 Yard Blue .. 8 Pewter 2 Basons 6 . 4 Camblet 4½ Yards Scarlet 17 . 2 Earthen Ware viz. 5 Milk Pans 7 . 5 4 Close Stool Do. 4 . 10 12 . 3 Coals 1 Bushel 1 . 4 Grind Stones 1 3 . 1 Beef and Pork viz. 3929 Beef 392 . 18 4259 Pork 425 . 18 818 . 16 . Wine 638 Gallons Madeira 220 . 12 . 10 £ 2731 . 15 . 6 Sold at 50 Pr. Cent Pitch and Tar viz. 2 Barrels Pitch 3 . 10 . 2 1 Do. Tar 1 . 13 . 1 5 . 3 . 3 Iron C. qr. lb. 1 . 3 . 25 2 . 13 . 1 Lead 3 . 2 . 4 Sheet 5 . 7 . 4 Carried Over £ 13 . 3 . 8 | The account of goods sold continued from the £1,684 11s 0d brought forward. Sailors' clothing: Boys' jackets, 10, £2 19s 0d Boys' breeches, 6 pairs, £1 0s 6d Boys' shirts, 4, £0 12s 5d Total for sailors' clothing, £4 11s 11d Single blocks, 5 inches, 2, £0 1s 7d Wheelbarrow, 1, £0 17s 0d Saddle cloth, 1, £0 4s 4d Blue bunting, 1 yard, £0 0s 8d Pewter basins, 2, £0 6s 4d Scarlet camlet, 4½ yards, £0 17s 2d Earthenware: Milk pans, 5, £0 7s 5d Close-stool pans, 4, £0 4s 10d Total for earthenware, £0 12s 3d Coal, 1 bushel, £0 1s 4d Grindstone, 1, £0 3s 1d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 3,929 pieces, £392 18s 0d Salt pork, 4,259 pieces, £425 18s 0d Total for beef and pork, £818 16s 0d Madeira wine, 638 gallons, £220 12s 10d Total of goods sold at 10 per cent above cost, £2,731 15s 6d The goods sold at 50 per cent above cost began as follows. Pitch and tar: Pitch, 2 barrels, £3 10s 2d Tar, 1 barrel, £1 13s 1d Total for pitch and tar, £5 3s 3d Iron, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 25 pounds, £2 13s 1d Sheet lead, 3 hundredweight 2 quarters 4 pounds, £5 7s 4d Carried forward, £13 3s 8d Interpretations The quarter's sales at the lower mark-up reached £2,731 15s 6d, the highest of the year and far above the £1,786 1s 4d of the July to September quarter. Two items made the difference. Salt meat sales rose to more than 8,000 pieces, against fewer than 5,000. No ships called in November and December to sell fresh beef on the island, and the planters' cattle were held for the coming fleets, so the garrison and the townspeople bought far more of the Company's salt meat instead. The Company also sold 638 gallons of Madeira, about six pipes, against 107 gallons in the previous quarter. These were from the eleven pipes landed from Bengal in July and August. Having stocked its own table, the Company released the rest for sale to the inhabitants at the cheaper Bengal price. | |
330 | 17th January Brought Over £ 13 . 3 . 8 Nails viz. 15 lb. 3 15 30 10 19 . 5 20 20 11 . 3 20 40 10 .. 1 Coopers Rivets .. 11 2 . 16 . 7 Coals 4 Bushels 7 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 3 Spike Gimblets 1 . 8 5 Double Worm'd Do. 1 . 7 3 . 3 £ 16 . 10 . 8 Damaged Goods Sold at Auction Viz. Blankets 2 6 . Bunting 7½ Yds. Red 1 . 3 Broad Cloth 3¼ Yds. Lead Colour 1 . 12 . Camblet 2½ Yds. Dark Brown 6 . 6 Sailors Cloaths 3 Boys Jackets & Breeches 16 . Shoes 2 Pr. Womens Calemanco 2 . 6 Turners Ware viz. 7 Shoe Brushes 2 Wood Bowls 1 Do. Platters 2 . £ 3 . 6 . 3 | The goods sold at 50 per cent above cost continued from the £13 3s 8d brought forward. Nails: Threepenny nails, 15 lb, £0 15s 0d Tenpenny nails, 30 lb, £0 19s 5d Twentypenny nails, 20 lb, £0 11s 3d Fortypenny nails, 20 lb, £0 10s 0d Coopers' rivets, 1 lb, £0 0s 11d Total for nails, £2 16s 7d Coal, 4 bushels, £0 7s 2d Iron goods: Spike gimlets, 3, £0 1s 8d Double-worm gimlets, 5, £0 1s 7d Total for iron goods, £0 3s 3d Total of goods sold at 50 per cent above cost, £16 10s 8d The damaged goods sold at auction read as follows. Blankets, 2, £0 6s 0d Red bunting, 7½ yards, £0 1s 3d Lead-coloured broadcloth, 3¾ yards, £1 12s 0d Dark brown camlet, 2½ yards, £0 6s 6d Sailors' clothing: boys' jackets and breeches, 3, £0 16s 0d Women's calamanco shoes, 2 pairs, £0 2s 6d Wooden goods: Shoe brushes, 7, wooden bowls, 2, and platter, 1, £0 2s 0d Total for damaged goods sold at auction, £3 6s 3d Interpretations The auction of 15 November 1773 cleared the damaged stock recorded in the September inventory. The two blankets, the damaged red bunting, the lead-coloured broadcloth and the damaged camlet all appear there, and so do the damaged shoes, sailors' clothing and wooden goods. Together they fetched only £3 6s 3d. The broadcloth alone had been valued at £2 16s 1d in the inventory and sold for £1 12s 0d. The rest went for very little. The sale emptied the warehouses of goods that could not be sold at the usual mark-up and brought in cash for them, as the Council had required. | |
331 | 1774 Madagascar Stores Sold at Auction &c. 66 Knives 1 . 2 . 9 9 Looking Glasses 4 . 6 24 Razors 11 . 9 400 Needles 4 . 9 21 Pr. Scissors 15 . 9 1 Stove 1 . 10 .. £ 4 . 9 . 6 Sold to the Honble. Company's Ships from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Pitch and Tar viz. 1 Barrel Pitch 1 . 12 . 10 1 Do. Tar 1 . 10 . 11 3 . 3 . 9 Canvas 1 Ps. English 2 . 15 . 10 Oil 3 Gallons Linseed 16 . 6 Paint ½ Copperas .. 5 Twine 50 Skanes 2 . 1 . 8 Lines 3 Log 4 . 9 £ 9 . 2 . 11 Charges General Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Arrack 50 Gallns. Sundrys Doctors Shop &c. 11 . 7 . 1 Tea 6 lb. Bohea Groom and Gardener 3 . 9 Sugar and Candy viz. 6 Sugar 1 . 11 72 Candy Do. and Doctors Shop 1 . 3 . 10 1 . 5 . 9 Coals 150 Bushels Smiths Shop 8 . 18 . 2 Carried Over £ 21 . 14 . 9 | The Madagascar stores were sold at auction as follows. Knives, 66, £1 2s 9d Looking glasses, 9, £0 4s 6d Razors, 24, £0 11s 9d Needles, 400, £0 4s 9d Scissors, 21 pairs, £0 15s 9d Stove, 1, £1 10s 0d Total for Madagascar stores, £4 9s 6d The goods sold to the Company's ships between 1 October and 31 December 1773 read as follows. Pitch and tar: Pitch, 1 barrel, £1 12s 10d Tar, 1 barrel, £1 10s 11d Total for pitch and tar, £3 3s 9d English canvas, 1 piece, £2 15s 10d Linseed oil, 3 gallons, £0 16s 6d Copperas, ½ lb, £0 0s 5d Twine, 50 skeins, £2 1s 8d Log lines, 3, £0 4s 9d Total sold to the Company's ships, £9 2s 11d The stores issued for the Company's own use between 1 October and 31 December 1773 were charged to general expenses as follows. Arrack for the workmen in the various workshops, the dispensary and others, 50 gallons, £11 7s 1d Bohea tea for the groom and gardener, 6 lb, £0 3s 9d Sugar and sugar candy for the same and the dispensary: Sugar, 6 lb, £0 1s 11d Sugar candy, 72 lb, £1 3s 10d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £1 5s 9d Coal for the smiths' workshop, 152 bushels, £8 18s 2d Carried forward, £21 14s 9d Interpretations The Madagascar stores were trade goods: cheap knives, looking glasses, razors, needles and scissors of the kind used to barter with the people of Madagascar. The Company had at times sent ships from St Helena to Madagascar to buy slaves and cattle for the island, and such goods were the currency of that trade. Selling the remainder at auction for £4 9s 6d suggests that no voyage was planned and that the Company was clearing goods it no longer expected to use. The Company's slaves on St Helena bore names such as Bencoolen Jack that recorded where they came from. The trade goods are a reminder that many of them had been bought in exchange for goods like these. Sales to the Company's ships fell to only £9 2s 11d in the quarter, against £333 6s 4d in the summer. Only the Earl of Sandwich and the Mercury packet called between October and December, and neither needed much from the island's stores. | |
332 | 17th January Brought Over £ 21 . 14 . 9 Candles viz. 350 lb. Castle 230 Council 31 Chaplain 25 Doctors Shop C. qr. lb. 5 . 2 . 19 67 . 15 . 9 Twine viz. 7 Sks. Twine Govr. & Lt. Govrs. Fishermen 3 . 8 ½ lb. Cotton Wick Castle .. 7 4 . 3 Lead viz. 23 lb. Sheet 4 . 4 1 Shott Do. Do. .. 2 4 . 6 Sope 100 lb. Linen 2 . 11 . 9 Starch 22 lb. Do. 11 . 11 Blankets 4 Castle 1 . 2 . 4 Flannel 1 Yard Do. 2 . 3 Corks 2 Gro. Castle 4 . 5 Cordage 11 lb. Old Church 3 . 6 Oil viz. 24 Gallns. Train, Castle & Council 4 . 4 . 6 4 Bottls. Florance, Doctors Shop 10 . 2 4 . 14 . 8 Hooks & Lines viz. 50 No. 6 Hooks 4 . 1 125 7 Do. 7 . 1 25 8 Do. 2 . 11 150 16 Do. .. 9 72 2 Lines 1 .. 12 3 3 . 11 2 Log 2 . 2 3 Hambro Govr. and Lt. Govrs. Fishermen 2 . 8 2 . 3 . 7 Haberdashery 5 Sks. Silk Do. 1 . 11 £ 101 . 15 . 7 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £21 14s 9d brought forward. Candles, 5 hundredweight 2 quarters 19 pounds in all, £67 15s 9d For the Castle, 350 lb For the Council, 230 lb For the chaplain, 30 lb For the dispensary, 25 lb Twine and wick: Twine for the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen, 7 skeins, £0 3s 8d Cotton wick for the Castle, ½ lb, £0 0s 7d Total for twine and wick, £0 4s 3d Lead for the same fishermen: Sheet lead, 23 lb, £0 4s 4d Lead shot, 1 lb, £0 0s 2d Total for lead, £0 4s 6d Soap for the linen, 100 lb, £2 11s 9d Starch for the linen, 22 lb, £0 11s 11d Blankets for the Castle, 4, £1 2s 4d Flannel for the Castle, 1 yard, £0 2s 3d Corks for the Castle, 2 gross, £0 4s 5d Cordage for the old church, 11 lb, £0 3s 6d Oil: Train oil for the Castle and the Council, 24 gallons, £4 4s 6d Florence oil for the dispensary, 4 bottles, £0 10s 2d Total for oil, £4 14s 8d Fish hooks and lines for the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen: Fish hooks number 6, 50, £0 4s 1d Fish hooks number 7, 125, £0 7s 1d Fish hooks number 8, 25, £0 2s 11d Fish hooks number 16, 150, £0 0s 9d Fishing line number 2, 72, £1 0s 0d Fishing line number 3, 12, £0 3s 11d Log lines, 2, £0 2s 2d Hamburg lines, 3, £0 2s 8d Total for hooks and lines, £2 3s 7d Silk thread, 5 skeins, £0 1s 11d Carried forward, £101 15s 7d Interpretations The Castle's candles doubled from the previous quarter, from 173 lb to 350 lb, back to the level of the busy spring. Few ships called in the last months of 1773, so the rise did not come from entertaining fleets. The southern summer was approaching, and the reason is more likely the season of preparations and the King's accession day, celebrated with a royal salute in October and probably an evening reception at the Castle. The Council's own allowance of 230 lb, by contrast, stayed the same every quarter. | |
333 | 1774 Brought Over £ 101 . 15 . 7 Cuttlery ware viz. 2 Butchers Knives Govr. & Lt. Govr. Fish. .. 9 1 doz. Green Hand. Knives & Forks, Castle 1 . 19 . 7 2 .. 4 Paint viz. 5 Indico 8 . 7 6 Blue Smalts Linen 10 . 5 44 Chalk .. 11 1 Red Lead Carpt. and Coopr. Shop .. 2 1 .. 1 Iron Pots 1 wt. 38 lb. Castle 7 . 11 Nails viz. 18 lb. 3 12 . 9 12 Rivets Coopers Shop 7 . 6 1 .. 3 Glass Ware viz. 48 Wine Glasses 1 .. 8 5 Beer Do. 4 . 5 1 Tumbler .. 7 2 Quart Decanters 4 . 7 1 Glass Lamp Castle .. 8 1 . 10 . 11 Thread ½ lb. Whited Brown Do. Turners Ware viz. 1 Large Plate Basket 7 . 3 1 Small Do. 6 . 2 4 Punch Ladles 2 . 4 2 Mopps 2 . 6 1 Shoe Brush Castle .. 9 2 Laborers Baskets. Side Path 2 .. 1 . 1 . Braziers Ware 1 Two Qt. Tea Kettle Castle 17 . Deals 1 Wainscot Board Do. 6 . 8 Carried Over £ 110 . 3 . 1 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £101 15s 7d brought forward. Knives and cutlery: Butchers' knives for the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's fishermen, 2, £0 0s 9d Knives and forks with green handles for the Castle, 1 dozen, £1 19s 7d Total for knives and cutlery, £2 0s 4d Paint: Indigo for the linen, 5 lb, £0 8s 7d Blue smalt for the linen, 6 lb, £0 10s 5d Chalk for the carpenters' and coopers' workshops, 44 lb, £0 0s 11d Red lead for the same, 1 lb, £0 0s 2d Total for paint, £1 0s 1d Iron pot for the Castle, 1, weighing 38 lb, £0 7s 11d Nails for the coopers' workshop: Threepenny nails, 13 lb, £0 12s 9d Rivets, 12 lb, £0 7s 6d Total for nails, £1 0s 3d Glassware for the Castle: Wine glasses, 48, £1 0s 8d Beer glasses, 5, £0 4s 5d Tumbler, 1, £0 0s 7d Quart decanters, 2, £0 4s 7d Glass lamp, 1, £0 0s 8d Total for glassware, £1 10s 11d Half-bleached thread for the Castle, ½ lb, £[...] Wooden goods: Large plate basket for the Castle, 1, £0 7s 3d Small plate basket for the Castle, 1, £0 6s 2d Punch ladles for the Castle, 4, £0 2s 4d Mops for the Castle, 2, £0 2s 6d Shoe brush for the Castle, 1, £0 0s 9d Labourers' baskets for the side path, 2, £0 2s 0d Total for wooden goods, £1 1s 0d Two-quart brass tea kettle for the Castle, 1, £0 17s 0d Wainscot board for the Castle, 1, £0 6s 8d Carried forward, £110 3s 1d Interpretations The Castle took 48 new wine glasses during the quarter, along with decanters, punch ladles and plate baskets. Breakages at the Governor's table were constant, and the household was restocked before the next shipping season. When the fleets arrived, the Castle would be entertaining officers and passengers night after night. | |
334 | 17th January Brought Over £ 110 . 3 . 1 China Ware viz. 36 Octagon Meat Plates 15 . 9 24 Do. Do. Dishes 2 . 10 . 4 Baking Do. Castle 4 . 4 3 . 10 . 1 Chelloe 1 Piece Do. 11 . 1 Iron Ware viz. 1 Larg. Fryg. Pan Castle 4 . 3 12 Ash Helves Do. Carpt. & Coopr. Shop 7 . 3 3 Spring Rat Traps 4 . 7 4 Wire Do. 1 . 7 . 4 6 Mouse Do. Castle 3 . 11 1 lb. Salarmoniac 2 . 11 48 File Hafts 4 . 1 Sledge Hammer 9 . 4 1 Hand Do. 1 . 11 1 Pr. Screw Stocks 11 . 7 25 Files Smiths Shop 12 . 2 Notching Adzes 5 . 2 1 Dowling Stock 1 . 7 1 Bung Borer 5 . 6 1 Taper Bitt Coopr. Shop 4 . 6 Carptrs. Adzes 17 . 3 3 Joiners Rubstones 8 . 3 24 Plane Irons 9 . 2 Hand Hatchets Carpenr. Shop 3 . 5 1 Pad Lock Smiths Shop 1 . 5 7 . 1 . Pewter 1 Chamber Pot Castle 3 . 1 Canvas 8 Yds. Ticklenburgs Do. 7 . Ticking 8 Yds. Check'd Linen Do. 9 . 8 Tin Ware viz. 1 Globe Lamp 7 . 11 1 Tin Do. .. 9 1 Horn Lanthorn Castle 3 . 11 12 . 7 Carried Over £ 122 . 17 . 7 | The stores charged to general expenses continued from the £110 3s 1d brought forward. China for the Castle: Octagonal meat plates, 36, £0 15s 9d Octagonal meat dishes, 24, £2 10s 0d Baking dishes, 4, £0 4s 4d Total for china, £3 10s 1d Chelloes for the Castle, 1 piece, £0 11s 1d Iron goods: Large frying pan for the Castle, 1, £0 4s 3d Ash handles for the carpenters' and coopers' workshops, 12, £0 7s 3d Spring rat traps for the Castle, 3, £0 4s 7d Wire rat traps for the Castle, 4, £1 7s 4d Mousetraps for the Castle, 6, £0 3s 11d Sal ammoniac for the smiths' workshop, 1 lb, £0 2s 11d File handles for the same, 48, £0 4s 0d Sledgehammer for the same, 1, £0 9s 4d Hand hammer for the same, 1, £0 1s 11d Screw stocks for the same, 1 pair, £0 11s 7d Files for the same, 25, £0 12s 0d Notching adzes for the coopers' workshop, 2, £0 5s 2d Dowelling stock for the same, 1, £0 1s 7d Bung borer for the same, 1, £0 5s 6d Taper bit for the same, 1, £0 0s 4d Carpenters' adzes for the carpenters' workshop, 6, £0 17s 3d Joiners' rubstones for the same, 3, £0 8s 3d Plane irons for the same, 24, £0 9s 0d Hand hatchets for the same, 2, £0 3s 5d Padlock for the smiths' workshop, 1, £0 1s 5d Total for iron goods, £7 1s 0d Pewter chamber pot for the Castle, 1, £0 3s 1d Ticklenburg canvas for the Castle, 8 yards, £0 7s 0d Checked linen for the Castle, 8 yards, £0 9s 8d Tinware for the Castle: Globe lamp, 1, £0 7s 11d Tin lamp, 1, £0 0s 9d Horn lantern, 1, £0 3s 11d Total for tinware, £0 12s 7d Carried forward, £122 17s 7d Interpretations The Castle drew 13 rat and mouse traps in a single quarter, at more than £1 15s 0d. Rats were a constant plague on the island, coming ashore from every ship and breeding freely in the warm months. In a building that stored the Governor's provisions and wine, and where the Council kept its papers, they were a serious nuisance. | |
335 | 1774 Brought Over £ 122 . 17 . 7 Pitch and Tar 6 lb. Rozin .. 11 Serge 1½ Yards Green, Castle 6 . 5 £ 123 . 4 . 11 Repairs Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Deals viz. 5 Double 17 . 18 Single 1 . 15 . 3 2 Balk Castle Lt. Govrs. House Secrety. Office and Smiths Shop 17 . 8 3 . 9 . 11 Nails viz. 5 lb. 3 3 . 7 25 4 14 . 7 11 6 5 . 9 8 20 2 . 10 20 40 7 . 1 1 Glazg. Brads 1 . 4 1 Dog Nails Do. .. 8 1 . 15 . 10 Oil 12 Gallons Linseed Castle & Lt. Govrs. House 2 . 5 . 9 Canvas 3 Yards English Do. 3 . 2 Lead C. qr. lb. 2 . 3 .. Sheet Do. 2 . 15 . 8 Iron 355 lb. Smiths Shop & Do. 2 . 16 . 8 Turners Ware 4 Paint Brushes Castle 1 . 8 Paint viz. 220 Whiting 4 . 7 63 White Lead mixd 1 . 4 . 5 15 Venitian Red dry 3 . 5 1 Vermillion 5 . 7 1 Yellow Oaker mixd .. 6 36 Blue Paint 4 . 4 1 White Copperas Castle & Lt. Govrs. House in Lg. Wood 1 .. Paint Carried Over £ 2 . 3 . 10 Carried Over £ 13 . 8 . 8 | The stores charged to general expenses ended with the following items, continuing from the £122 17s 7d brought forward. Resin, 6 lb, £0 0s 11d Green serge for the Castle, 1½ yards, £0 6s 5d Total charged to general expenses, £123 4s 11d The stores issued for repairs between 1 October and 31 December 1773 were charged as follows. Timber for the Castle, the Lieutenant Governor's house, the Secretary's office and the smiths' workshop: Double deal boards, 5, £0 17s 0d Single deal boards, 18, £1 15s 3d Balks, 2, £0 17s 8d Total for timber, £3 9s 11d Nails for the same: Threepenny nails, 5 lb, £0 3s 7d Fourpenny nails, 25 lb, £0 14s 7d Sixpenny nails, 11 lb, £0 5s 9d Twentypenny nails, 8 lb, £0 2s 10d Fortypenny nails, 20 lb, £0 7s 1d Glaziers' brads, 1 lb, £0 1s 4d Dog nails, 1 lb, £0 0s 8d Total for nails, £1 15s 10d Linseed oil for the Castle and the Lieutenant Governor's house, 12 gallons, £2 5s 9d English canvas for the same, 3 yards, £0 3s 2d Sheet lead for the same, 2 hundredweight 3 quarters 0 pounds, £2 15s 8d Iron for the smiths' workshop and the same, 353 lb, £2 16s 8d Paint brushes for the Castle, 4, £0 1s 8d Paint for the Castle and the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood: Whiting, 220 lb, £0 4s 7d White lead ground in oil, 63 lb, £1 4s 5d Dry Venetian red, 15 lb, £0 3s 5d Vermilion, 1 lb, £0 5s 7d Yellow ochre ground in oil, 1 lb, £0 0s 6d Blue paint, 36 lb, £0 4s 4d White copperas, 1 lb, £0 1s 0d Paint carried forward, £2 3s 10d Carried forward, £13 8s 8d Interpretations Most of the quarter's repair stores went to the Castle and to the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood, along with smaller work on the Secretary's office and the smiths' workshop. These were the buildings most used in entertaining and in the island's government. The Castle's repainting and the sheet lead for its roofs and gutters were probably finished before the fleets arrived in the new year. | |
336 | 17th January Brought Over £ 13 . 8 . 8 Paint brought over £ 2 . 3 . 10 1 Prussian Blue 1 . 2 . 7 4 Barrl. Blacking 2 .. 60 lb. Stone Colour 1 . 10 . 16 White Lead dry 4 . 3 5 Verdegrease 1 . 2 . 9 1 Distilld Do. Castle and Lt. Govrs. House in Long Wood 11 . 2 10 . 16 . 8 Glass Ware viz. 2 Sqs. 6 by 8 .. 7 11 Do. 8 by 10 6 . 2 2 Do. 10 by 12 1 . 11 1 Do. 11 by 17 1 . 4 5 Do. 11 by 19 Castle & Lt. Govrs. House 7 . 1 17 . 1 Cordage 22 lb. 6 . 10 Iron Ware viz. ½ lb. Brass Pins 1 . 1 1 Pr. H L Hinges w. ris. Joints Castle 3 . 8 1 Stock Lock Do. 3 . 1 3 doz. Wood screws, Lt. Govrs. House Lg. Wood 1 .. 2 Blank Keys Smiths Shop 1 . 4 1 Iron rim'd Lock w. Brs. Knobs. Castle 6 . 1 16 . 3 £ 26 . 5 . 6 Diet Expences Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December. Flour C. qr. lb. 18 . 3 . 13 17 . 12 . 2 Arrack 101 Gallons 22 . 18 . 9 Beef and Pork viz. 57 Beef 10 . 12 . 7 57 Pork 9 . 10 . 20 . 2 . 7 Rice C. qr. lb. 7 .. 3 3 . 2 . 9 Carried Over £ 63 . 16 . 3 | The stores issued for repairs continued from the £13 8s 8d brought forward. Paint for the Castle and the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood: Paint brought forward, £2 3s 10d Prussian blue, 1 lb, £1 2s 7d Blacking, 4 barrels, £0 2s 0d Stone colour, 60 lb, £1 10s 0d Dry white lead, 16 lb, £0 4s 3d Verdigris, 5 lb, £1 2s 9d Distilled verdigris, 1 lb, £0 11s 2d Total for paint, £10 16s 8d Glassware for the Castle and the Lieutenant Governor's house: Window panes 6 by 8 inches, 12, £0 7s 7d Window panes 8 by 10 inches, 11, £0 6s 2d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 2, £0 1s 11d Window pane 11 by 17 inches, 1, £0 1s 4d Window panes 11 by 19 inches, 5, £0 7s 1d Total for glassware, £0 17s 1d Cordage, 22 lb, £0 6s 10d Iron goods: Brass pins, ¼ lb, £0 1s 1d HL hinges with rising joints for the Castle, 1 pair, £0 3s 8d Stock lock for the Castle, 1, £0 3s 1d Wood screws for the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood, 3 dozen, £0 1s 0d Blank keys for the smiths' workshop, 2, £0 1s 4d Iron-rimmed lock with brass knobs for the Castle, 1, £0 6s 1d Total for iron goods, £0 16s 3d Total charged to repairs, £26 5s 6d The stores issued for the Company's table between 1 October and 31 December 1773 were charged as follows. Flour, 18 hundredweight 3 quarters 13 pounds, £17 12s 2d Arrack, 101 gallons, £22 18s 9d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 57 pieces, £10 12s 7d Salt pork, 57 pieces, £9 10s 0d Total for beef and pork, £20 2s 7d Rice, 7 hundredweight 0 quarters 3 pounds, £3 2s 9d Carried forward, £63 16s 3d Interpretations The table's stores rose again in the last quarter of 1773, after the quiet winter. Arrack climbed from 66 gallons to 101, and salt meat more than doubled. With no ships calling in November and December, the Castle could not buy fresh meat from the fleets, and it drew instead on the Company's salt provisions. The arrack went largely into punch for the occasions of the season, the King's accession day in October among them. | |
337 | 1774 Brought Over £ 63 . 16 . 3 Sugar and Candy viz. C. qr. lb. 2 . 1 . 5 Sugar 4 . 6 . 4 4 . 2 . 6 Candy 8 . 11 . 5 12 . 17 . 9 Tea viz. 2 lb. Bohea 1 . 3 11 Singlo 13 . 4 14 . 7 Oil 13 Bottles Florance 1 . 13 . 1 Salt 1½ Bushels 5 .. Pease ½ Do. 2 . 1 Pepper 10 lb. 5 .. £ 79 . 13 . 9 Garrison Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1774. Tea 189 lb. Bohea Barracks and Guards 5 . 18 . 2 Oil 170 Gallons Train Do. Do. 30 . 2 . 1 Candles 88 lb. Officers on Guard 9 . 7 . 11 Blankets 3 Recruits 16 . 9 Twine ½ lb. Cotton Wick, Main Guard 1 . 3 Iron Ware viz. 10 Ash Helves 6 . 1 1 Broad Ax Guards 4 . 4 10 . 5 Tin Ware viz. 2 Lanthorn Leaves .. 6 1 Lamp Do. .. 9 1 . 3 Deals viz. 2 Double 6 . 10 12 Single Cots and Coffins 1 . 3 . 6 1 . 10 . 4 Nails viz. 6 lb. 3 4 . 3 6 4 3 . 6 7 . 9 Carried Over £ 48 . 15 . 11 | The stores issued for the Company's table continued from the £63 16s 3d brought forward. Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 5 pounds, £4 6s 4d Sugar candy, 4 hundredweight 2 quarters 6 pounds, £8 11s 5d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £12 17s 9d Tea: Bohea tea, 2 lb, £0 1s 3d Singlo tea, 11 lb, £0 13s 4d Total for tea, £0 14s 7d Florence oil, 13 bottles, £1 13s 1d Salt, 1½ bushels, £0 5s 0d Peas, ½ bushel, £0 2s 1d Pepper, 10 lb, £0 5s 0d Total charged to the table, £79 13s 9d The stores issued to the garrison between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Bohea tea for the barracks and guards, 189 lb, £5 18s 2d Train oil for the same, 170 gallons, £30 2s 1d Candles for officers on guard, 88 lb, £9 7s 11d Blankets for recruits, 3, £0 16s 9d Cotton wick for the main guard, ½ lb, £0 1s 3d Iron goods for the guards: Ash handles, 10, £0 6s 1d Broad axe, 1, £0 4s 4d Total for iron goods, £0 10s 5d Tinware for the same: Lantern leaves, 2, £0 0s 6d Lamp, 1, £0 0s 9d Total for tinware, £0 1s 3d Timber for cots and coffins: Double deal boards, 2, £0 6s 10d Single deal boards, 12, £1 3s 6d Total for timber, £1 10s 4d Nails: Threepenny nails, 6 lb, £0 4s 3d Fourpenny nails, 6 lb, £0 3s 6d Total for nails, £0 7s 9d Carried forward, £48 15s 11d Interpretations The garrison's tea and lamp oil nearly doubled from the previous quarter. Bohea tea rose from 101 lb to 189 lb and train oil from 97 gallons to 170. The garrison seems to have been given a larger allowance of tea at the barracks and guard posts. More oil also went to the lamps at the outlying guards, where lookouts had to watch through the night for ships approaching before the next season. Candles for officers on guard doubled as well. | |
338 | 17th January Brought Over £ 48 . 15 . 11 Canvas 28 Yards Engl. Cots 1 . 9 . 2 Flour 24 lb. 4 .. Arrack 33 Gallons Mustering 7 . 9 . 11 Glass Ware 4 Hour Glasses Out Guards 2 . 5 Haberdashery 1 Gro. Bd. Worst. Lace 17 . 4 Soldiers Cloaths viz. 1 Mattrosses Coat 1 . 11 2 Pr. Do. Breeches 1 . 3 3 Soldiers Coats Recruits 4 . 7 . 6 7 . 1 . 6 Shirts 6 Soldiers 1 . 6 . 9 Shoes 4 Pr. Mens Ordinary 18 . Hosiers Ware 6 Pr. Ordy. Thread Stockings Recruits 16 . 11 Lines 1 lb. Whip Cord for Whips 3 . 6 Beef and Pork viz. 298 Ps. Beef 53 . 17 . 6 637 Ps. Pork Deficiency in weight 106 . 3 . 4 160 . 0 . 10 £ 229 . 6 . 3 Blacks Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Rice C. qr. lb. 268 . 2 .. 119 . 14 . 2 Beef and Pork viz. 2319 Ps. Beef 432 . 7 . 11 1496 Ps. Pork 249 . 6 . 8 681 . 14 . 7 Arrack 214 Gallons 48 . 11 . 11 Oil 7¾ Gallons Train 1 . 7 . 4 Flour 8 lb. 1 . 4 Sugar C. qr. lb. 4 . 2 . 14 8 . 14 . 3 Tea 239 Bohea 7 . 9 . 5 Carried Over £ 867 . 13 .. | The stores issued to the garrison continued from the £48 15s 11d brought forward. English canvas for cots, 28 yards, £1 9s 2d Flour, 24 lb, £0 4s 0d Arrack for muster days, 33 gallons, £7 9s 11d Oil glasses for the outlying guard, 4, £0 2s 5d Broad worsted lace, 1 gross, £0 17s 4d Soldiers' clothing for recruits: Matross's coat, 1, £1 11s 0d Matrosses' breeches, 2 pairs, £1 3s 0d Soldiers' coats, 3, £4 7s 6d Total for soldiers' clothing, £7 1s 6d Soldiers' shirts, 6, £1 6s 9d Men's ordinary shoes, 4 pairs, £0 18s 0d Thread stockings for recruits, 6 pairs, £0 16s 11d Whipcord for whips, 1 lb, £0 3s 6d Beef and pork to make up short weight: Salt beef, 298 pieces, £53 17s 6d Salt pork, 637 pieces, £106 3s 4d Total for beef and pork, £160 0s 10d Total charged to the garrison, £229 6s 3d The stores issued for the Company's slaves between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Rice, 268 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds, £119 14s 2d Beef and pork: Salt beef, 2,319 pieces, £432 7s 11d Salt pork, 1,496 pieces, £249 6s 8d Total for beef and pork, £681 14s 7d Arrack, 214 gallons, £48 11s 11d Train oil, 7¾ gallons, £1 7s 4d Flour, 8 lb, £0 1s 4d Sugar, 4 hundredweight 2 quarters 14 pounds, £8 14s 3d Bohea tea, 239 lb, £7 9s 5d Carried forward, £867 13s 0d Interpretations The meat issued to make up short weight in the garrison's rations doubled from the previous quarter, to 935 pieces costing £160 0s 10d. The casks broached in these months were coming up far lighter than their marked weight. The Company bore the whole loss, since soldiers paid only for what they actually received. The scale of it helps explain the Council's complaints to the Court in later years about the contractors who packed the island's salt provisions. The food issued to the Company's slaves more than doubled at the same time. Rice rose from 127 hundredweight to 268, and salt beef from 809 pieces to 2,319. That was the other side of the fall in yams recorded in the cattle account, from 41,860 to 18,215. The yam grounds were being spared before the new crop came in, and the slaves were fed instead from the warehouses, which had been stocked with rice by the Bengal and Bombay ships and held a large reserve of salt meat. | |
339 | 1774 Brought Over £ 867 . 13 .. Pepper 6 lb. 3 .. Sope 11 lb. 5 . 9 Salt 1¼ Bushels 4 . 2 Shoes viz. 96 Pr. Mens Ordinary 21 . 12 . 35 Pr. Womens Calf Leather 4 . 5 . 3 25 . 17 . 3 Iron Ware viz. 2 Small Frying Pans .. 4 2 Stock Locks 6 . 1 10 . 1 Long Cloth 1 Ps. Baftas 13 . 6 Blankets 1 5 . 7 Turners Ware viz. 1 Birch Broom .. 4 1 Wood Bowl 1 . 1 5 Platters 6 . 2 7 . 7 £ 895 . 19 . 11 Mallays Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31 December 1773. Rice C. qr. lb. 3 . 3 .. 1 . 13 . 6 Arrack 17 Gallons 3 . 17 . 3 Beef 23 Pieces 4 . 5 . 9 Sugar and Candy viz. 80 lb. Sugar 1 . 7 . 31 Candy .. 11 . 1 . 18 .. Flour 50 lb. 8 . 4 Sope 6 lb. 3 . 2 Pepper 2 1 .. Coffee 4 3 . 4 Carried Over £ 12 . 10 . 4 | The stores issued for the Company's slaves continued from the £867 13s 0d brought forward. Pepper, 6 lb, £0 3s 0d Soap, 11 lb, £0 5s 9d Salt, 1¼ bushels, £0 4s 2d Shoes: Men's ordinary shoes, 96 pairs, £21 12s 0d Women's calfskin shoes, 35 pairs, £4 5s 3d Total for shoes, £25 17s 3d Iron goods: Small frying pans, 2, £0 4s 0d Stock locks, 2, £0 6s 1d Total for iron goods, £0 10s 1d Baftas, 1 piece, £0 13s 6d Blanket, 1, £0 5s 7d Wooden goods: Birch broom, 1, £0 0s 4d Wooden bowl, 1, £0 1s 1d Platters, 5, £0 6s 2d Total for wooden goods, £0 7s 7d Total charged for the slaves, £895 19s 11d The stores issued for the Malays between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Rice, 3 hundredweight 3 quarters 0 pounds, £1 13s 6d Arrack, 17 gallons, £3 17s 3d Salt beef, 23 pieces, £4 5s 9d Sugar and sugar candy: Sugar, 80 lb, £1 7s 0d Sugar candy, 31 lb, £0 11s 0d Total for sugar and sugar candy, £1 18s 0d Flour, 50 lb, £0 8s 4d Soap, 6 lb, £0 3s 2d Pepper, 2 lb, £0 1s 0d Coffee, 4 lb, £0 3s 4d Carried forward, £12 10s 4d Interpretations The Company's slaves cost it nearly £896 0s 0d in stores during the quarter, about twice the £455 14s 8d of the July to September quarter. Almost all the increase came from rice and salt meat issued in place of yams. In the spring and summer the plantations' own crop had fed the slaves at no cost to the stores. Between crops the Company paid for their food from its warehouses at full value, which showed clearly how much the island's yam grounds saved it in a normal year. The 96 pairs of men's shoes and 35 of women's were the slaves' yearly issue of footwear. | |
340 | 17th January Brought Over £ 12 . 10 . 4 Tea viz. 4 lb. Bohea 2 . 6 2 Congo 2 . 5 4 . 11 Salt ½ Bushel 1 . 8 Oil 3 Bottles Florance 7 . 8 Candles 20 lb. 2 . 2 . 11 Paint 1 lb. Indico 1 . 9 Shoes 2 Pr. Mens Fine 11 .. Haberdashery 2 Sks. Silk .. 9 Hook and Lines viz. 100 No. 16 Hooks .. 6 6 2 Lines 1 . 8 2 . 2 £ 16 . 3 . 2 Plantation Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Wheat C. qr. lb. 34 . 3 . 16 Poultry 16 . 17 . 3 Rice and Paddy viz. C. qr. lb. 8 . 1 . 16 Rice Overseers, Steward 3 . 14 . 11 83 . 2 . 4 Paddy Horses & Poultry 17 . 1 . 1 20 . 16 .. Beef 17 Pieces, Overseers, &c. 3 . 3 . 5 Iron Ware viz. 5 Iron Shovels 1 . 2 . 7 9 Spades 1 . 13 . 9 5 Pickaxes 16 . 7 6 Ash Helves Gardens & Pastures 3 . 8 4 Sheets Emery Paper Stables .. 3 4 Spring Rat Traps 6 . 1 4 Garden Hoes 5 . 2 20 Scythe Stones 3 . 9 1 Plaistr. Sive Gardens & Pastures 4 . 9 Iron Ware Carrd. Over £ 4 . 16 . 7 Carried Over £ 40 . 16 . 8 | The stores issued for the Malays continued from the £12 10s 4d brought forward. Tea: Bohea tea, 4 lb, £0 2s 6d Congou tea, 2 lb, £0 2s 5d Total for tea, £0 4s 11d Salt, ½ bushel, £0 1s 8d Florence oil, 3 bottles, £0 7s 8d Candles, 20 lb, £2 2s 11d Indigo, 1 lb, £0 1s 9d Men's fine shoes, 2 pairs, £0 11s 0d Silk thread, 2 skeins, £0 0s 9d Fish hooks and lines: Fish hooks number 16, 100, £0 0s 6d Fishing line number 2, 6, £0 1s 8d Total for hooks and lines, £0 2s 2d Total charged for the Malays, £16 3s 2d The stores issued for the plantations between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Wheat for the poultry, 34 hundredweight 3 quarters 16 pounds, £16 17s 3d Rice and paddy: Rice for the overseers and the steward, 8 hundredweight 1 quarter 16 pounds, £3 14s 11d Paddy for the horses and poultry, 83 hundredweight 2 quarters 4 pounds, £17 1s 1d Total for rice and paddy, £20 16s 0d Salt beef for the overseers and others, 17 pieces, £3 3s 5d Iron goods: Iron shovels for the gardens and pastures, 5, £1 2s 7d Spades for the same, 9, £1 13s 9d Pickaxes for the same, 5, £0 16s 7d Ash handles for the same, 6, £0 3s 8d Emery paper for the stables, 4 sheets, £0 0s 3d Spring rat traps for the gardens and pastures, 4, £0 6s 1d Garden hoes for the same, 4, £0 5s 2d Scythe stones for the same, 20, £0 3s 9d Plasterer's sieve for the same, 1, £0 4s 9d Iron goods carried forward, £4 16s 7d Carried forward, £40 16s 8d Interpretations The Malays' allowance for the quarter fell to £16 3s 2d, against nearly £30 0s 0d in the previous one. The difference lay almost entirely in clothing and household goods. The broadcloth, breeches, china, kettle and iron pot issued between July and September equipped their household, and these did not need replacing. Their food, candles and small comforts stayed at much the same level throughout the year. Paddy for the Company's horses and poultry rose to more than 83 hundredweight, about ten times the amount used in the summer. With 32 tons of rice and paddy in store after the Indian ships, and the yam grounds being spared, the cheaper paddy took the place of yams as animal feed as well as part of the slaves' rations. | |
341 | 1774 Brought Over £ 40 . 16 . 8 Iron Ware brought Over £ 4 . 16 . 7 2 Curry Combs & Brushes, Stables 3 . 5 2 Pr. Sheep Sheers 3 . 2 Rag Stones Gardens .. 9 58 lb. Rod Iron, for Horses Shoes 12 . 1 4 Scythes, Cutting Hay 1 .. 5 2 Sheets Sand Paper, Stables .. 2 6 . 16 . 5 Deals ½ Balk. Carts 4 . 5 Tin Ware 1 Horn Lanthorn Stables 3 . 10 Hooks and Lines viz. 6 No. 3 Lines 2 . 1 Hambro Do. Pastures and Tying Hay 1 . 4 3 . 4 Cart Wheels 6 Wheel Barrows Pastures 4 . 12 . 6 Cutlery Ware viz. 2 Shoe Knives .. 9 6 Butchers Do. Plantation 2 . 3 3 . Oil 1 Gallon Train, Stables 3 . 7 Turners Ware viz. 6 Laborers Baskets 5 . 11 10 Birch Brooms 3 . 4 1 Platter Long Wood Stables and Gardens 1 . 3 2 Yokes for Oxen 1 . 9 . 2 4 Ox Bows 4 . 8 2 . 4 . 4 Pitch and Tar 3 Gallns. Tar Carts 2 . 6 £ 55 . 10 . 7 Hospital Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Sugar C. qr. lb. 4 . 3 . 16 9 . 4 . 3 Flour 4 . 3 . 16 4 . 11 . 4 Rice 4 . 3 . 16 1 . 13 . 7 Carried Over £ 14 . 19 . 2 | The stores issued for the plantations continued from the £40 16s 8d brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £4 16s 7d Curry combs and brushes for the stables, 2, £0 3s 5d Sheep shears, 2 pairs, £0 3s 0d Ragstones for the gardens, 2, £0 0s 9d Rod iron for horseshoes, 58 lb, £0 12s 1d Scythes for cutting hay, 4, £1 0s 5d Sandpaper for the stables, 2 sheets, £0 0s 2d Total for iron goods, £6 16s 5d Balk for carts, ½, £0 4s 5d Horn lantern for the stables, 1, £0 3s 10d Lines for the pastures and for tying hay: Fishing line number 3, 6, £0 2s 0d Hamburg line, 1, £0 1s 4d Total for lines, £0 3s 4d Wheelbarrows for the pastures, 6, £4 12s 6d Knives for the plantations: Shoemakers' knives, 2, £0 0s 9d Butchers' knives, 6, £0 2s 3d Total for knives, £0 3s 0d Train oil for the stables, 1 gallon, £0 3s 7d Wooden goods: Labourers' baskets for the Long Wood, 6, £0 5s 11d Birch brooms for the stables and gardens, 10, £0 3s 4d Platter, 1, £0 1s 3d Yokes for oxen, 2, £1 9s 2d Ox bows, 4, £0 4s 8d Total for wooden goods, £2 4s 4d Tar for the carts, 3 gallons, £0 2s 6d Total charged to the plantations, £55 10s 7d The stores issued for the hospital between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Sugar, 4 hundredweight 3 quarters 16 pounds, £9 4s 3d Flour, 4 hundredweight 3 quarters 16 pounds, £4 11s 4d Rice, 4 hundredweight 3 quarters 16 pounds, £1 3s 7d Carried forward, £14 19s 2d Interpretations Haymaking was under way on the Company's pastures in the southern spring. Four scythes were issued for cutting hay, with line for tying it into bundles and six wheelbarrows to move it. Hay cut in the green months could be stored against the dry season and the following winter, when the cattle and horses went short of grass. The Council had seen the cost of that shortage in the deaths among the cattle on the slope to the water and among the sheep in the cold months. | |
342 | 17th January Brought Over £ 14 . 19 . 2 Tea 50 lb. Bohea 1 . 11 . 3 Oil 17 Gallons Train 2 . 19 . 10 Salt 2 Bushels 6 . 8 Wine 28 Gallons Port 8 . 16 . 9 Iron Ware 2 Spring Rat Traps 3 . 1 £ 28 . 16 . 9 Boats Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Twine 14 Skanes 7 . 4 Cordage C. qr. lb. 7 . 3 . 23 13 . 14 . 11 Arrack 7½ Gallons 1 . 14 . 1 Deals viz. 2 Single 3 . 11 3 Elm Boards 14 . 9 3 Wainsct. Do. 19 . 11 1 . 18 . 7 Nails viz. 2 lb. 3 1 . 5 3 4 1 . 9 5 6 2 . 7 10 10 4 . 5 10 . 2 Iron Ware viz. 12 Bolt Rope Needles 1 . 3 6 Sail Do. .. 2 2 Pad Locks 2 . 10 1 Pr. Dovetail Hinges .. 7 6 Scrapers 11 .. 1 Hand Hatchet 1 . 8 3 Files 1 . 6 19 .. Oil viz. 3 Gallons Train 10 . 7 1 Do. Linseed 3 . 10 14 . 5 Carried Over £ 19 . 18 . 6 | The stores issued for the hospital continued from the £14 19s 2d brought forward. Bohea tea, 50 lb, £1 11s 3d Train oil, 17 gallons, £2 19s 10d Salt, 2 bushels, £0 6s 8d Port wine, 28 gallons, £8 16s 9d Spring rat traps, 2, £0 3s 1d Total charged to the hospital, £28 16s 9d The stores issued for the Company's boats between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Twine, 14 skeins, £0 7s 4d Cordage, 7 hundredweight 3 quarters 25 pounds, £13 14s 11d Arrack, 7½ gallons, £1 14s 1d Timber: Single deal boards, 2, £0 3s 11d Elm boards, 3, £0 14s 9d Wainscot boards, 3, £0 19s 11d Total for timber, £1 18s 7d Nails: Threepenny nails, 2 lb, £0 1s 5d Fourpenny nails, 3 lb, £0 1s 9d Sixpenny nails, 5 lb, £0 2s 7d Tenpenny nails, 10 lb, £0 4s 5d Total for nails, £0 10s 2d Iron goods: Bolt-rope needles, 12, £0 1s 3d Sail needles, 6, £0 0s 2d Padlocks, 2, £0 2s 10d Dovetail hinges, 1 pair, £0 0s 7d Scrapers, 6, £0 11s 0d Hand hatchet, 1, £0 1s 8d Files, 3, £0 1s 6d Total for iron goods, £0 19s 0d Oil: Train oil, 3 gallons, £0 10s 7d Linseed oil, 1 gallon, £0 3s 10d Total for oil, £0 14s 5d Carried forward, £19 18s 6d Interpretations The hospital's stores more than doubled from the previous quarter, to £28 16s 9d. Nearly a third went on 28 gallons of port, which the hospital had not drawn before. Port was a standard medicine for the sick and convalescent, given to restore strength after fevers and fluxes. Issuing it in quantity suggests that more men than usual were lying sick in the closing months of 1773, as the deaths of several soldiers recorded in the minutes also hint. The tea and train oil for the wards rose for the same reason. | |
343 | 1774 Brought Over £ 19 . 18 . 6 Canvas 5 Ps. English 10 . 3 . 2 Leather 5 lb. Sole 4 . 2 Pitch and Tar viz. 1 Barrl. Pitch 1 . 3 . 5 1 Do. Tar 1 . 2 . 1 40 lb. Rozin 5 . 10 4 Turpentine .. 11 2 . 12 . 3 Turners Ware 2 Birch Brooms .. 8 Paint viz. 8 lb. Ven. Red dry 1 . 10 12 White Lead mixd 4 . 6 8 Whiting .. 2 1 Barrel Blacking .. 6 7 . Hooks and Lines viz. 4 Log 4 . 4 2 Hambro Lines 2 . 8 7 . Oars viz. 6 Small 1 . 11 . 5 6 Long Boats 1 . 17 . 3 3 . 8 . 8 Braziers Ware 8 lb. Sheet Copper 15 . 4 £ 37 . 16 . 9 Fortifications Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Oil 2 Gallons Train, Lime Kiln 7 . 1 Iron Ware viz. 39 Ash Helves 1 . 3 . 7 2 Mauls 18 . 8 3 Iron Shovels Do. Artillery and the Saliant Angle 13 . 7 1 Iron Rubbh. Riddle 6 . 5 1 Stock Lock. Alarm House 3 . 1 1 Blank Key Mundens Point .. 8 2 Pickaxes. Lime Kiln 6 . 8 3 . 12 . 8 Carried Over £ 3 . 19 . 9 | The stores issued for the Company's boats continued from the £19 18s 6d brought forward. English canvas, 5 pieces, £10 3s 2d Sole leather, 5 lb, £0 4s 2d Pitch and tar: Pitch, 1 barrel, £1 3s 5d Tar, 1 barrel, £1 2s 1d Resin, 40 lb, £0 5s 10d Turpentine, 4 oz, £0 0s 11d Total for pitch and tar, £2 12s 3d Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 8d Paint: Dry Venetian red, 8 lb, £0 1s 10d White lead ground in oil, 12 lb, £0 4s 6d Whiting, 8 lb, £0 0s 2d Blacking, 1 barrel, £0 0s 6d Total for paint, £0 7s 0d Lines: Log lines, 4, £0 4s 4d Hamburg lines, 2, £0 2s 8d Total for lines, £0 7s 0d Oars: Small oars, 6, £1 11s 5d Longboat oars, 6, £1 17s 3d Total for oars, £3 8s 8d Sheet copper, 8 lb, £0 15s 4d Total charged to the boats, £37 16s 9d The stores issued for the fortifications between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Train oil for the lime kiln, 2 gallons, £0 7s 1d Iron goods: Ash handles for the artillery and the salient angle, 39, £1 3s 7d Mauls for the same, 2, £0 18s 8d Iron shovels for the same, 3, £0 13s 7d Iron riddle for rubbish, 1, £0 6s 5d Stock lock for the alarm house, 1, £0 3s 1d Blank key for Munden's Point, 1, £0 0s 8d Pickaxes for the lime kiln, 2, £0 6s 8d Total for iron goods, £3 12s 8d Carried forward, £3 19s 9d Interpretations The salient angle was the projecting point of the ravelin in James Valley, the part of the outwork that faced an attacker. Tools issued for it show the rebuilding of the ravelin under way, after the engineer took down its stone facing during the quarter as he reported in January 1774. The boats' charges rose from £49 1s 5d to £37 16s 9d of new canvas, oars and copper. The Company's longboats were being refitted in the quiet months, ready for the heavy work of landing stores and passengers when the next fleet arrived. | |
344 | 17th January Brought Over £ 3 . 19 . 9 Nails viz. 2 lb. 3 1 . 5 2 6 Saliant Angle in James's Valley 1 . 1 6 Dog 3 . 8 6 . 2 Turners Ware viz. 6 Birch Brooms, Artilly. Use 2 .. 1 Hair Do. Do. 2 . 9 16 Laborers Baskets, L. Kiln & Salt. Angle 15 . 8 1 .. 5 Twine 38 Skanes, Artilly. & mendg. Lime Bags 19 . 10 Canvas 2 Ps. English, Lime Bags 4 . 8 . 7 Cordage 10 lb. Alarm House 3 . 2 Cart Wheels 18 Wheel Barrows Salt. Angle 13 . 17 . 6 Cutlery Ware 6 Shoe Knives, Artillery 2 . 3 Candles 3 lb. Lime Bags 6 . 6 Hooks and Lines viz. 12 No. 2 Lines 3 . 4 12 3 Do. Saliant Angle 3 . 11 7 . 3 Thread 3 lb. Coloured Artillery 8 . 9 Iron 43 lb. Lime Kiln 7 . 2 £ 26 . 7 . 4 Church Dr. for the following Stores Issued from the 1st October to the 31st December 1773. Iron Ware viz. 8 Stone Saws 1 . 12 .. 4 Hand Hatchets 6 . 9 2 Mauls 18 . 8 6 Bricklayers Trowels 7 . 10 12 Plaistr. Do. 1 .. 6 30 Boastr. & Broad Tools 3 . 13 . 9 Iron Ware Carrd. Over £ 7 . 19 . 6 | The stores issued for the fortifications continued from the £3 19s 9d brought forward. Nails for the salient angle in James Valley: Threepenny nails, 2 lb, £0 1s 5d Sixpenny nails, 2 lb, £0 1s 1d Dog nails, 6 lb, £0 3s 8d Total for nails, £0 6s 2d Wooden goods: Birch brooms for the artillery's use, 6, £0 2s 0d Hair broom for the same, 1, £0 2s 9d Labourers' baskets for the lime kiln and the salient angle, 16, £0 15s 8d Total for wooden goods, £1 0s 5d Twine for the artillery's use and for mending lime bags, 38 skeins, £0 19s 10d English canvas for lime bags, 2 pieces 7 yards, £4 8s 7d Cordage for the alarm house, 10 lb, £0 3s 2d Wheelbarrows for the salient angle, 18, £13 17s 6d Shoemakers' knives for the artillery, 6, £0 2s 3d Candles for the lime bags, 3 lb, £0 6s 6d Lines for the salient angle: Fishing line number 2, 12, £0 3s 4d Fishing line number 3, 12, £0 3s 11d Total for lines, £0 7s 3d Coloured thread for the artillery, 3 lb, £0 8s 9d Iron for the lime kiln, 43 lb, £0 7s 2d Total charged to the fortifications, £26 7s 4d The stores issued for the new church between 1 October and 31 December 1773 began as follows. Iron goods: Stone saws, 8, £1 12s 0d Hand hatchets, 4, £0 6s 9d Mauls, 2, £0 18s 8d Bricklayers' trowels, 6, £0 7s 10d Plasterers' trowels, 12, £1 0s 6d Boasters and broad tools, 30, £3 13s 9d Iron goods carried forward, £7 19s 6d Interpretations Eighteen wheelbarrows were issued for the salient angle of the ravelin alone, more than half the fortifications' charges for the quarter. Rebuilding the outwork meant moving a great deal of earth and rubble. The stone facing had been taken down, and the bank behind it had to be cut back, reshaped and rammed before new masonry went up. The lines issued with them were stretched to set out the angles of the new work. | |
345 | 1774 Iron Ware Brought Over £ 7 . 19 . 6 6 Inch and Point Tools 7 . 3 2 Double Worm'd Gimblets .. 5 6 Masons Beach Mallets 8 . 2 3 Lathing Hammers 5 . 1 Stock Lock 3 . 1 Splinter Do. .. 5 9 . 3 . 9 Cordage C. qr. lb. 4 .. 24 7 . 5 . 4 Iron 5 . 1 . 6 4 . 14 . 8 Lead viz. C. qr. lb. 69 .. 18 Sheet 70 .. 7 1 . 1 . 25 Pig 1 . 5 . 2 71 . 5 . 9 Deals viz. 200 Double 33 . 19 . 2 220 Single 21 . 10 . 10 22 Balks 9 . 14 . 4 100 Bundles Oak Laths 10 . 16 . 6 10 Ps. Riga Timber 20 . 14 . 2 2½ Ps. Oak Plank 5 . 19 . 7 7 Ps. Elm Do. 20 . 9 . 6 123 . 4 . 1 Paint viz. 68 lb. White Lead mixed 1 . 5 . 6 46 Stone Colour 1 . 3 .. 112 Whiting 2 . 4 1 Distill'd Verdegrease 11 . 2 3 Yellow Oaker mix'd 1 . 6 1 Verdegrease 4 . 7 3 . 8 . 1 Oil viz. 8 Gallons Linseed 1 . 10 . 6 3 Do. Train 10 . 8 2 . 1 . 2 Braziers Ware 58 lb. Roll'd Dutch Brass 4 . 16 . 8 Carried Over £ 225 . 19 . 6 | The stores issued for the new church continued from the £7 19s 6d of iron goods brought forward. Iron goods brought forward, £7 19s 6d Inch and point chisels, 6, £0 7s 3d Double-worm gimlets, 2, £0 0s 5d Masons' beech mallets, 6, £0 8s 2d Lathing hammers, 3, £0 5s 0d Stock lock, 1, £0 3s 0d Splinter lock, 1, £0 0s 5d Total for iron goods, £9 3s 9d Cordage, 4 hundredweight 0 quarters 24 pounds, £7 5s 4d Iron, 5 hundredweight 1 quarter 6 pounds, £4 14s 8d Lead: Sheet lead, 69 hundredweight 0 quarters 18 pounds, £70 0s 7d Pig lead, 1 hundredweight 1 quarter 25 pounds, £1 5s 2d Total for lead, £71 5s 9d Timber: Double deal boards, 200, £33 19s 2d Single deal boards, 220, £21 10s 10d Balks, 22, £9 14s 4d Bundles of oak laths, 100, £10 16s 6d Riga timber, 10 pieces, £20 14s 2d Oak plank, 2¼ pieces, £5 19s 7d Elm plank, 7 pieces, £20 19s 6d Total for timber, £123 4s 1d Paint: White lead ground in oil, 68 lb, £1 5s 6d Stone colour, 46 lb, £1 3s 0d Whiting, 112 lb, £0 2s 4d Distilled verdigris, 1 lb, £0 11s 2d Yellow ochre ground in oil, 3 lb, £0 1s 6d Verdigris, 1 lb, £0 4s 7d Total for paint, £3 8s 1d Oil: Linseed oil, 8 gallons, £1 10s 6d Train oil, 3 gallons, £0 10s 8d Total for oil, £2 1s 2d Rolled Dutch brass, 58 lb, £4 16s 8d Carried forward, £225 19s 6d Interpretations The new church took more than £225 0s 0d of stores in the last quarter of 1773, against £88 15s 10d in the summer. Its roof was going on. Nearly three and a half tons of sheet lead, almost two-thirds of the stock counted in September, went to cover it and form its gutters and flashings. More than 400 deal boards and ten pieces of Riga fir framed the roof and floors, and a hundred bundles of oak laths were issued to carry the plaster of the ceilings. This was the church whose cost the Council later named, in 1778, among the reasons the island's spending had risen. | |
346 | 17th January Brought Over £ 225 . 19 . 6 Pitch and Tar viz. 12 lb. Pitch 1 . 6 11 Gallons Tar 9 . 2 55 Rozin 8 . 18 . 8 Nails viz. 117 lb. 3 4 . 2 . 11 164 4 4 . 15 . 8 90 6 2 . 6 . 11 62 10 1 . 8 . 5 66 20 1 . 4 . 9 66 40 1 . 3 . 5 8 Dog 5 . 2 14 Spike 4 . 5 8 Glazg. Brads 10 . 4 16 . 2 .. Turners Ware viz. 14 Paint Brushes 5 . 10 15 Plaistr. Do. 1 . 2 . 6 12 Laborers Baskets 11 . 9 2 Birch Brooms .. 8 2 Shoe Brushes 1 . 6 2 . 2 . 3 Glass Ware viz. 10 Sqs. 10½ by 13½ 14 . 2 7 Do. 11 by 19 9 . 11 86 Do. 10 by 12 4 .. 8 6 Do. 10½ by 12½ 6 . 5 5 . 11 . 2 Carried Over £ 250 . 13 . 7 | The stores issued for the new church continued from the £225 19s 6d brought forward. Pitch and tar: Pitch, 12 lb, £0 1s 6d Tar, 11 gallons, £0 9s 2d Resin, 55 lb, £0 8s 0d Total for pitch and tar, £0 18s 8d Nails: Threepenny nails, 117 lb, £4 2s 11d Fourpenny nails, 164 lb, £4 15s 8d Sixpenny nails, 90 lb, £2 6s 11d Tenpenny nails, 62 lb, £1 8s 5d Twentypenny nails, 66 lb, £1 4s 9d Fortypenny nails, 66 lb, £1 3s 5d Dog nails, 8 lb, £0 5s 2d Spike nails, 14 lb, £0 4s 5d Glaziers' brads, 8 lb, £0 10s 4d Total for nails, £16 2s 0d Wooden goods and brushes: Paint brushes, 14, £0 5s 10d Plasterers' brushes, 15, £1 2s 6d Labourers' baskets, 12, £0 11s 9d Birch brooms, 2, £0 0s 8d Shoe brushes, 2, £0 1s 6d Total for wooden goods and brushes, £2 2s 3d Glassware: Window panes 10½ by 18½ inches, 10, £0 14s 2d Window panes 11 by 19 inches, 7, £0 9s 11d Window panes 10 by 12 inches, 86, £4 0s 8d Window panes 10½ by 12½ inches, 6, £0 6s 5d Total for glassware, £5 11s 2d Carried forward, £250 13s 7d Interpretations More than 600 lb of nails went into the church during the quarter, with over a hundred panes of glass. The roof, floors and window frames were all being fitted at once. Glaziers' brads and the glass show that windows were already being glazed, and the plasterers' brushes that the interior was being prepared for plastering on the oak laths issued in the same quarter. The church was nearing the end of its building after years of work. | |
347 | 1774 Brought Over £ 250 . 13 . 7 Iron Pots 1 wt. 20 lb. 4 . 2 Tin Ware 43 lb. Grain Tin 2 . 3 . Lines 12 No. 3 3 . 11 £ 253 . 4 . 8 Errors Excepted (Signed) Jonn. Doveton Store Keeper St. Helena 31st December 1773 List of the Honble. Companys Officers and Servants upon the Island St. Helena with their several Salary's, Diet Money &c. for the Quarter Ending the 31st day of December 1773. John Skottowe Esqr. Governor 150 .. .. Do. Allowance for Servants 31 . 14 . 9 181 . 14 . 9 Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Governor 62 . 10 .. Do. Diet Money 25 .. 87 . 10 .. Matthew Purling Esqr. of Council 50 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. Gratuity 15 .. .. 80 .. Matthew Bazett Esqr. of Council 10 .. .. Do. Accountant 27 . 10 . Do. Diet Money 15 Do. House Rent 2 . 10 55 .. .. Carried Over £ 404 . 4 . 9 | The stores issued for the new church ended with the following items, continuing from the £250 13s 7d brought forward. Iron pot, 1, weighing 20 lb, £0 4s 2d Grained tin, 43 lb, £2 3s 0d Fishing line number 3, 12, £0 3s 11d Total charged to the new church, £253 4s 8d Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 31 December 1773, subject to correction of any errors. The list of the Company's officers and servants on St Helena, with their salaries, table allowances and other payments for the quarter ending 31 December 1773, began as follows. Governor John Skottowe: Salary, £150 0s 0d Allowance for servants, £31 14s 9d Total, £181 14s 9d Daniel Corneille, Lieutenant Governor: Salary, £62 10s 0d Table allowance, £25 0s 0d Total, £87 10s 0d Matthew Purling, member of Council: Salary, £50 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d Gratuity, £15 0s 0d Total, £80 0s 0d Matthew Bazett, member of Council: Salary as councillor, £10 0s 0d Salary as accountant, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d Carried forward, £404 4s 9d Interpretations The church's stores for the last quarter of 1773 came to £253 4s 8d, nearly three times the £88 15s 10d of the summer quarter and more than ten times the spring figure. Across the whole year it drew close to £385 0s 0d in materials alone, before any wages. Grained tin, the last item, was probably used to solder the lead of the roof and gutters. The year's accounts thus show the church's main fabric going up from bare walls to a roofed and glazed building, the largest single work on the island in 1773. | |
348 | 17th January Brought Over £ 404 . 4 . 9 William Bearcroft Chaplain 40 .. Do. Diet Money 15 .. 55 .. William Wrangham Paymaster 27 . 10 Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Assistant to the Govr. 10 55 . Jonathan Doveton Storekeeper 27 . 10 Do. Diet Money 15 Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 45 .. Brit. Alexander Wright Secy. 27 . 10 Do. Diet Money 15 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . 45 James Tippet Engineer 50 . John Goodwin Factor 12 . 10 Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Collector of the Customs 12 . 10 37 . 10 .. James Desfountain Writer 7 . 10 Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . Do. Assistant Storekeeper 5 .. 25 .. Willm. Webber Doveton Writer 7 . 10 Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 20 . Robert Leech Writer 7 . 10 . Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 Do. Clerk of the Works 6 . 16 . 10½ 26 . 16 . 10½ Carried Over £ 763 . 11 . 7½ | The list of officers and servants continued from the £404 4s 9d brought forward. William Bearcroft, chaplain: Salary, £40 0s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d William Wrangham, paymaster: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as assistant to the Governor, £10 0s 0d Total, £55 0s 0d Jonathan Doveton, storekeeper: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £45 0s 0d Britannicus Alexander Wright, secretary: Salary, £27 10s 0d Table allowance, £15 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £45 0s 0d James Tippet, engineer, £50 0s 0d John Goodwin, factor: Salary, £12 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as Collector of Customs, £12 10s 0d Total, £37 10s 0d James Desfountain, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as assistant storekeeper, £5 0s 0d Total, £25 0s 0d William Webber Doveton, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £20 0s 0d Robert Leech, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Salary as Clerk of the Works, £6 16s 10½d Total, £26 16s 10½d Carried forward, £763 11s 7½d | |
349 | 1774 Brought Over £ 763 . 11 . 7½ John Doveton Writer 7 . 10 . Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . 20 . Nathaniel Kennedy Writer 7 . 10 . Do. Diet Money 10 . 17 . 10 . Thomas Stroud Surgeon 19 . 15 Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 32 . 5 James Farrell Surgeons Mate 13 . 15 Do. Diet Money 10 .. Do. House Rent 2 . 10 26 . 5 . John Congreve Judge Advocate 12 . 10 Do. Schoolmaster 7 . 10 Do. House Rent 2 . 10 22 . 10 Philip Mahony Clerk of the Peace 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . 36 . 14 . 4½ John Young Steward 7 . 10 . Do. Overseeing the Bakg. House 3 . 10 . 10 Thos. Bazett Superintendt. of the Works 25 . Solomon St. Maurice Mast. at Arms 6 . 5 . Samuel Alexander 7 . 10 .. John Worrall 15 .. Overseers John Robinson Carpenter 25 .. Simon Whaley Carpenters Mate 12 . 10 .. Edward Daniels Mason 30 .. John Preston Do. Mate 20 .. John Daniels Do. Apprentice 12 . 10 Carried Over £ 1083 . 1 .. | The list of officers and servants continued from the £763 11s 7½d brought forward. John Doveton, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £20 0s 0d Nathaniel Kennedy, writer: Salary, £7 10s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d Total, £17 10s 0d Thomas Stroud, surgeon: Salary, £19 15s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £32 5s 0d James Farrell, surgeon's mate: Salary, £13 15s 0d Table allowance, £10 0s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £26 5s 0d John Congreve: Salary as Judge Advocate, £12 10s 0d Salary as schoolmaster, £7 10s 0d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £22 10s 0d Philip Mahony, Clerk of the Peace: Salary, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Young, steward: Salary, £7 10s 0d Salary for overseeing the bakehouse, £3 0s 0d Total, £10 10s 0d Thomas Bazett, Superintendent of the Works, £25 0s 0d Solomon St Maurice, Master at Arms, £6 5s 0d Samuel Alexander, overseer, £7 10s 0d John Worrall, overseer, £15 0s 0d John Robinson, carpenter, £25 0s 0d Simon Whaley, carpenter's mate, £12 10s 0d Edward Daniels, mason, £30 0s 0d John Preston, mason's mate, £20 0s 0d John Daniels, mason's apprentice, £12 10s 0d Carried forward, £1,083 1s 0d | |
350 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1083 . 1 Joseph Yeager Armourer 15 .. Joseph Griffiths Cooper 15 .. James Carmitchell Gardener 10 .. .. John Price Marshal & Goaler 7 . 10 Isaac Clark Groom 2 .. John Joyce Clock & Inst. Cleaner 1 . 5 John King Patroon 7 . 10 . Thos. Yates Clerk of the Parish 5 .. The Drum Major instructing the Young Drumrs. 1 .. .. Hugh Jones Superintendr. of the Blacks 10 .. .. John Scott Registermaster 10 .. .. First Company viz. Danl. Corneille Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Charles Ross Stewart Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. Adjutant 18 . 5 52 . 9 . 4½ William Caldwell Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ William Roberts Town Adjt. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ Watkin Greentree Cadet 7 . 13 . 4 Sergeants viz. Henry Howell 7 . 13 . 4 John Allman 7 . 13 . 4 Thos. Mears 7 . 13 . 4 James Mannaton 7 . 13 . 4 Abraham Jarvis 7 . 13 . 4 Andrew Alexander 7 . 13 . 4 46 .. .. Carried Over £ 1403 . 13 . 8½ | The list of officers and servants continued from the £1,083 1s 0d brought forward. Joseph Seager, armourer, £15 0s 0d Joseph Griffiths, cooper, £15 0s 0d James Carmichael, gardener, £10 0s 0d John Price, marshal and gaoler, £7 10s 0d Isaac Clark, groom, £2 0s 0d John Joyce, cleaner of clocks and instruments, £1 5s 0d John King, boat master, £7 10s 0d Thomas Yates, parish clerk, £5 0s 0d Drum major, for teaching the young drummers, £1 0s 0d Hugh Jones, Superintendent of the Blacks, £10 0s 0d John Scott, Register Master, £10 0s 0d First Company: Daniel Corneille, captain, £59 6s 3d Charles Ross Stewart, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Pay as adjutant, £18 5s 0d Total, £52 9s 4½d William Caldwell, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d William Roberts, town adjutant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Watkin Greentree, cadet, £7 13s 4d Sergeants: Henry Howell, £7 13s 4d John Allman, £7 13s 4d Thomas Meares, £7 13s 4d James Mannaton, £7 13s 4d Abraham Jervis, £7 13s 4d Andrew Alexander, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £46 0s 0d Carried forward, £1,403 13s 8½d Interpretations Lieutenant Charles Ross Stewart no longer drew house rent in this quarter. His house had been pulled down to make room for the new church, and in September the Council repaid him £40 6s 3d for the money he had spent repairing it. Without a house he lost the allowance tied to it. | |
351 | 1774 Brought Over £ 1403 . 13 . 8½ Corporals viz. Timothy Walters 5 . 7 . 4 Christr. Smith 5 . 7 . 4 Thos. Roades 5 . 7 . 4 Willm. Hardie 5 . 7 . 4 John Britt 5 . 7 . 4 John Potts 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 . Drummers viz. John Twaits 5 . 7 . 4 Richard Flatfoot 5 . 7 . 4 George Watts 5 . 7 . 4 16 . 2 . Private viz. John Atwood 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Ashton 3 . 16 . 8 George Ansell 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Aldridge 3 . 16 . 8 Timothy Bryan 3 . 16 . 8 Emanuel Bonner 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Benson 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Broom 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Barwick 3 . 16 . 8 Mark Balls 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Beecham 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Batterham 3 . 16 . 8 James Bennet 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Bartlett 3 . 16 . 8 John Baker 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Banks 3 . 16 . 8 Patk. Conner 3 . 16 . 8 John Charlton 3 . 16 . 8 William Coppin 3 . 16 . 8 Ralph Clavering 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 76 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 1451 . 19 . 8½ | The pay of the First Company continued from the £1,403 13s 8½d brought forward. Corporals: Timothy Walters, £5 7s 4d Christian Smith, £5 7s 4d Thomas Rhoades, £5 7s 4d William Hardee, £5 7s 4d John Britt, £5 7s 4d John Potts, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: John Twaits, £5 7s 4d Richard Flatfoot, £5 7s 4d George Watts, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £16 2s 0d Privates: John Atwood, £3 16s 8d Richard Ashton, £3 16s 8d George Ansell, £3 16s 8d Edward Allridge, £3 16s 8d Timothy Bryan, £3 16s 8d Emanuel Bonner, £3 16s 8d William Benson, £3 16s 8d Richard Broom, £3 16s 8d Thomas Berwick, £3 16s 8d Mark Balls, £3 16s 8d Joseph Buckham, £3 16s 8d Joseph Batterham, £3 16s 8d James Bennett, £3 16s 8d Thomas Bartlett, £3 16s 8d John Baker, £3 16s 8d Edward Banks, £3 16s 8d Patrick Connor, £3 16s 8d John Charlton, £3 16s 8d William Coppin, £3 16s 8d Ralph Clavering, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £76 13s 4d Carried forward, £1,451 19s 8½d | |
352 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1451 . 19 . 8½ Private brought Over £ 76 . 13 . 4 Willm. Craiggs 3 . 16 . 8 John Cammack 3 . 16 . 8 John Chapman 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Cook 3 . 16 . 8 John Davis 3 . 16 . 8 John Dove 3 . 16 . 8 James Drake 3 . 16 . 8 John Desborough 3 . 16 . 8 Adam Evans 3 . 16 . 8 John Ellis 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Fisher 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Frost 3 . 16 . 8 John Feake 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Ferris 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Greenwood 3 . 16 . 8 John Grainger 3 . 16 . 8 John Griffiths 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Goatby 3 . 16 . 8 John Houston 3 . 16 . 8 Philip Hayes 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Howching 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Hencock 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Hyrons 3 . 16 . 8 John Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones Senr. 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Ives 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones Junr. 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Francis Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Thomas Love 3 . 16 . 8 Patk. Lynch 3 . 16 . 8 Michael Lennard 3 . 16 . 8 Duncan Mc. Laren 3 . 16 . 8 William Mumford 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 207 .. Carried Over £ 1451 . 19 . 8½ | The pay of the First Company's privates continued from the £76 13s 4d brought forward. William Craigs, £3 16s 8d John Cammack, £3 16s 8d John Chapman, £3 16s 8d Richard Cook, £3 16s 8d John Davis, £3 16s 8d John Dove, £3 16s 8d James Drake, £3 16s 8d John Desborough, £3 16s 8d Adam Evans, £3 16s 8d John Ellis, £3 16s 8d William Fisher, £3 16s 8d Robert Frost, £3 16s 8d John Feake, £3 16s 8d Stephen Ferris, £3 16s 8d William Greenwood, £3 16s 8d John Grainger, £3 16s 8d John Griffiths, £3 16s 8d William Goatby, £3 16s 8d John Houston, £3 16s 8d Philip Hayes, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hucking, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hincock, £3 16s 8d Robert Herons, £3 16s 8d John Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Jones senior, £3 16s 8d Francis Ives, £3 16s 8d John Jones junior, £3 16s 8d William Jones, £3 16s 8d Francis Jones, £3 16s 8d Thomas Love, £3 16s 8d Patrick Lynch, £3 16s 8d Michael Leonard, £3 16s 8d Duncan McLaren, £3 16s 8d William Mumford, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £207 0s 0d Carried forward, £1,451 19s 8½d | |
353 | 1774 Brought Over £ 1451 . 19 . 8½ Private brought Over £ 207 .. .. William Mudge 3 . 16 . 8 John Mc. Allister 3 . 16 . 8 Michl. Mc. Namara 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Morfett 3 . 16 . 8 Daniel Morgan 3 . 16 . 8 James Mc. Shane 3 . 16 . 8 William Page 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Pellister 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Palmer 3 . 16 . 8 Alexander Paxton 3 . 16 . 8 William Pivett from 1st October 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Robinson 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Rogers 3 . 16 . 8 Anthony Reynolds 3 . 16 . 8 George Roe 3 . 16 . 8 William Swaby 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Stacy 3 . 16 . 8 James Snell 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Smelt 3 . 16 . 8 Gregory Sutherwood 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Smith 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Sawer 3 . 16 . 8 John Small 3 . 16 . 8 John Tanton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Townsend 3 . 16 . 8 John Taylor 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Taylor 3 . 16 . 8 Arthur Upton 3 . 16 . 8 Benjn. Wise 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Windall 3 . 16 . 8 George Hall 3 . 16 . 8 Bartw. Welch 3 . 16 . 8 John Walters 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Wood 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 337 . 6 . 8 Carried Over £ 1451 . 19 . 8½ | The pay of the First Company's privates continued from the £207 0s 0d brought forward. William Mudge, £3 16s 8d John McAlister, £3 16s 8d Michael McNamara, £3 16s 8d Peter Morfett, £3 16s 8d Daniel Morgan, £3 16s 8d James McShane, £3 16s 8d William Page, £3 16s 8d Charles Pettiter, £3 16s 8d Richard Palmer, £3 16s 8d Alexander Paxton, £3 16s 8d William Pivett, from 1 October 1773, £3 16s 8d William Robinson, £3 16s 8d Thomas Rogers, £3 16s 8d Anthony Reynolds, £3 16s 8d George Roe, £3 16s 8d William Swaby, £3 16s 8d Joseph Stacy, £3 16s 8d James Snell, £3 16s 8d William Smelt, £3 16s 8d Gregory Sutherwood, £3 16s 8d Thomas Smith, £3 16s 8d Henry Sawer, £3 16s 8d John Small, £3 16s 8d John Tanton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Townsend, £3 16s 8d John Taylor, £3 16s 8d William Taylor, £3 16s 8d Arthur Upton, £3 16s 8d Benjamin Wise, £3 16s 8d Thomas Windall, £3 16s 8d George Wall, £3 16s 8d Bartholomew Welch, £3 16s 8d John Walters, £3 16s 8d Henry Wood, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £337 6s 8d Carried forward, £1,451 19s 8½d Interpretations William Pivett, paid from 1 October 1773, was one of the two deserters from the Bengal army whom the Council took off the French ship Boyne and enlisted on that day, giving each £2 0s 0d for necessities. He served as an ordinary private of the First Company from then on. | |
354 | 17th January Brought Over £ 1451 . 19 . 8½ Private brought Over £ 337 . 6 . 8 John White 3 . 16 . 8 John Waterfield 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Wickenden 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Westbury 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Warner 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Wallington 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Wright 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Wildas 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Hayes, fife 3 . 16 . 8 371 . 16 . 8 Second Company viz. Henry Bazett Captain 59 . 6 . 3 James Greentree Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ John Bazett Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Lach. Leslie Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Sergeants viz. James Elgin 12 . 5 . 4 Francis Seale 7 . 13 . 4 Willm. Wells 7 . 13 . 4 Joseph Mc. Cartney 7 . 13 . 4 Benjn. Thomas 7 . 13 . 4 John Sheens 7 . 13 . 4 50 . 12 . Corporals viz. Saml. Warren 5 . 7 . 4 Augt. Hitchcock 5 . 7 . 4 Wm. Carter 5 . 7 . 4 Corporals carried Over £ 16 . 2 .. Carried Over £ 2036 . 7 . 9 | The pay of the First Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £337 6s 8d brought forward, and the Second Company's list followed. John White, £3 16s 8d John Waterfield, £3 16s 8d Edward Wickenden, £3 16s 8d William Westbury, £3 16s 8d William Warner, £3 16s 8d Thomas Wallington, £3 16s 8d Robert Wright, £3 16s 8d William Wildas, £3 16s 8d Edward Hayes, fifer, £3 16s 8d Total for privates of the First Company, £371 16s 8d Second Company: Henry Bazett, captain, £59 6s 3d James Greentree, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d John Bazett, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Lachland Leslie, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Sergeants: James Elgin, £12 5s 4d Francis Seale, £7 13s 4d William Wells, £7 13s 4d Joseph McCartney, £7 13s 4d Benjamin Thomas, £7 13s 4d John Stevens, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £50 12s 0d Corporals: Samuel Warren, £5 7s 4d Augustus Hitchcock, £5 7s 4d William Carter, £5 7s 4d Corporals carried forward, £16 2s 0d Carried forward, £2,036 7s 9d Interpretations Lieutenant James Greentree no longer drew house rent in this quarter, as he had done in June and September. Like Stewart in the First Company, he had probably given up a Company house, perhaps one taken down or repaired for the building works then under way in Jamestown. | |
355 | 1774 Brought Over £ 2036 . 7 . 9 Corporals brought Over £ 16 . 2 .. Thomas Hart 5 . 7 . 4 Mark Trueman 5 . 7 . 4 Henry Batchelder 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 .. Drummers viz. Benjn. Seale 5 . 7 . 4 John Wyrell 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Private viz. Timothy Atherton 3 . 16 . 8 William Brooks 3 . 16 . 8 Daniel Bye 3 . 16 . 8 James Beard 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Brewer 3 . 16 . 8 Andrew Boswell 3 . 16 . 8 John Cunningham 3 . 16 . 8 John Coffee 3 . 16 . 8 Fevering Clamp 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Chankley 3 . 16 . 8 George Chapman 3 . 16 . 8 George Clarey 3 . 16 . 8 William Dennan 3 . 16 . 8 William Daniels 3 . 16 . 8 Daniel Duce 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Ellam 3 . 16 . 8 David Evans 3 . 16 . 8 James Every 3 . 16 . 8 John Eames 3 . 16 . 8 Jonah Edwards 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Fullwood 3 . 16 . 8 John Forbes 3 . 16 . 8 John Fellows 3 . 16 . 8 John Gray 3 . 16 . 8 John Goodsole 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 95 . 16 . 8 Carried Over £ 2079 . 6 . 5 | The pay of the Second Company continued from the £2,036 7s 9d brought forward. Corporals brought forward, £16 2s 0d Thomas Hart, £5 7s 4d Mark Trueman, £5 7s 4d Henry Batcheler, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: Benjamin Seale, £5 7s 4d John Wyrell, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Privates: Timothy Atherton, £3 16s 8d William Brooks, £3 16s 8d Daniel Bye, £3 16s 8d James Beard, £3 16s 8d Charles Brewer, £3 16s 8d Andrew Boswell, £3 16s 8d John Cunningham, £3 16s 8d John Coffee, £3 16s 8d Seeving Clamp, £3 16s 8d Thomas Chankley, £3 16s 8d George Chapman, £3 16s 8d George Clary, £3 16s 8d William Dinnan, £3 16s 8d William Daniels, £3 16s 8d Daniel Duce, £3 16s 8d Peter Ellam, £3 16s 8d David Evans, £3 16s 8d James Every, £3 16s 8d John Eames, £3 16s 8d Jonah Edwards, £3 16s 8d William Fullwood, £3 16s 8d John Forbes, £3 16s 8d John Fellows, £3 16s 8d John Gray, £3 16s 8d John Goodsole, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £95 16s 8d Carried forward, £2,079 6s 5d | |
356 | 17th January Brought Over £ 2079 . 6 . 5 Private brought Over £ 95 . 16 . 8 Robt. Green 3 . 16 . 8 Philip Gleeson 3 . 16 . 8 David Grant 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Griffiths 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Richmond Grosvenor 3 . 16 . 8 Josiah Gentleman 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Graysmith 3 . 16 . 8 Saml. Hiles 3 . 16 . 8 John Holbrooke 3 . 16 . 8 James Hudson 3 . 16 . 8 John Ham 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Hardie 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Harrison 3 . 16 . 8 John Haynge 3 . 16 . 8 George Hatch 3 . 16 . 8 John Hargate 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Hughs 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Hendon 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Hiram 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Holloway 3 . 16 . 8 John Hughes 3 . 16 . 8 Saml. Instone 3 . 16 . 8 John James 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Jacobs 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Jevram 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Andrew Jocalcomb 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Jacobs 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Kilson 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Kirkham 3 . 16 . 8 John King 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Little 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 226 . 3 . 4 Carried Over £ 2079 . 6 . 5 | The pay of the Second Company's privates continued from the £95 16s 8d brought forward. Robert Green, £3 16s 8d Philip Gleeson, £3 16s 8d David Grant, £3 16s 8d Thomas Griffiths, £3 16s 8d Robert Richmond Grosvenor, £3 16s 8d Josiah Gentleman, £3 16s 8d William Graywich, £3 16s 8d Samuel Hiles, £3 16s 8d John Holbrooke, £3 16s 8d James Hudson, £3 16s 8d John Ham, £3 16s 8d Robert Hardie, £3 16s 8d Thomas Harrison, £3 16s 8d John Haynge, £3 16s 8d George Hatch, £3 16s 8d John Hargate, £3 16s 8d Edward Hughes, £3 16s 8d William Hendon, £3 16s 8d Jacob Hiram, £3 16s 8d Charles Holloway, £3 16s 8d John Hughes, £3 16s 8d Samuel Instone, £3 16s 8d John James, £3 16s 8d William Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Jacobs, £3 16s 8d John Jones, £3 16s 8d Richard Jevram, £3 16s 8d William Jones, £3 16s 8d Andrew Jocalcomb, £3 16s 8d Thomas Jacobs, £3 16s 8d Samuel Kilson, £3 16s 8d Henry Kirkham, £3 16s 8d John King, £3 16s 8d Thomas Little, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £226 3s 4d Carried forward, £2,079 6s 5d | |
357 | 1774 Brought Over £ 2079 . 6 . 5 Private brought Over £ 226 . 3 . 4 Thos. Lee 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Lambly 3 . 16 . 8 James Laddy 3 . 16 . 8 John Morrice 3 . 16 . 8 John Mc. Cullen 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Meares 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Mahan 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Miller 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Mintle 3 . 16 . 8 James Maloney 3 . 16 . 8 Isaac Musket 3 . 16 . 8 Reeves Osborne 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Peters 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Palmer 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Poncee 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Page 3 . 16 . 8 William Paddom 3 . 16 . 8 John Phillips 3 . 16 . 8 Hans Peter 3 . 16 . 8 Simon Peck 3 . 16 . 8 John Roberts 3 . 16 . 8 Quin Raccoon 3 . 16 . 8 John Richards 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Roberts 3 . 16 . 8 John Chris. Strife 3 . 16 . 8 Frederick Sheffer 3 . 16 . 8 John Salsbury 3 . 16 . 8 James Stone 3 . 16 . 8 Baptista Tibbett 3 . 16 . 8 John Vaughan 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Vennable 3 . 16 . 8 Richard White 3 . 16 . 8 John Walters 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Warren 3 . 16 . 8 Private carried over £ 356 . 10 Carried Over £ 2079 . 6 . 5 | The pay of the Second Company's privates continued from the £226 3s 4d brought forward. Thomas Lee, £3 16s 8d Thomas Lambly, £3 16s 8d James Laddy, £3 16s 8d John Morrice, £3 16s 8d John McCullen, £3 16s 8d Francis Meares, £3 16s 8d Peter Mahan, £3 16s 8d Joseph Miller, £3 16s 8d Thomas Mintell, £3 16s 8d James Maloney, £3 16s 8d Isaac Musket, £3 16s 8d Reeves Osborne, £3 16s 8d Jacob Peters, £3 16s 8d Thomas Palmer, £3 16s 8d Thomas Pearce, £3 16s 8d Richard Page, £3 16s 8d William Paddom, £3 16s 8d John Phillips, £3 16s 8d Hans Peter, £3 16s 8d Simon Peck, £3 16s 8d John Roberts, £3 16s 8d Quin Raccoon, £3 16s 8d John Richards, £3 16s 8d Peter Roberts, £3 16s 8d John Christian Strife, £3 16s 8d Frederick Shefford, £3 16s 8d John Salisbury, £3 16s 8d James Stone, £3 16s 8d Baptista Tibbet, £3 16s 8d John Vaughan, £3 16s 8d Francis Vennable, £3 16s 8d Richard White, £3 16s 8d John Walters, £3 16s 8d William Warren, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £356 10s 0d Carried forward, £2,079 6s 5d | |
358 | 17th January Brought Over £ 2079 . 6 . 5 Private brought Over £ 356 . 10 Robt. Withers 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Weaver 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Wingfield 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Yates 3 . 16 . 8 371 . 16 . 8 Third Company viz. Solomon St. Maurice Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Thomas Bazett Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 36 . 14 . 4½ Thomas Statham Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Richard Beale Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 . 36 . 14 . 4½ Richard Mason Lt. to the 15th Octbr. 5 . 12 . 6 Sergeants viz. William Clifton 7 . 13 . 4 David Scott 7 . 13 . 4 Thomas Hughes 7 . 13 . 4 Thomas Blake 7 . 13 . 4 John Power 7 . 13 . 4 James York 7 . 13 . 4 46 .. .. Corporals viz. John Merrill 5 . 7 . 4 James White 5 . 7 . 4 Thos. Ford 5 . 7 . 4 George Short 5 . 7 . 4 Corporals carried Over £ 21 . 9 . 4 Carrd. Over £ 2660 . 14 . 11½ | The pay of the Second Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £356 10s 0d brought forward, and the Third Company's list followed. Robert Withers, £3 16s 8d William Weaver, £3 16s 8d Henry Wingfield, £3 16s 8d Henry Yates, £3 16s 8d Total for privates of the Second Company, £371 16s 8d Third Company: Solomon St Maurice, captain, £59 6s 3d Thomas Bazett, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Thomas Statham, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Richard Beale, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Richard Mason, lieutenant, to 18 October 1773, £5 12s 6d Sergeants: William Clifton, £7 13s 4d David Scott, £7 13s 4d Thomas Hughes, £7 13s 4d Thomas Blake, £7 13s 4d John Power, £7 13s 4d James York, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £46 0s 0d Corporals: John Merrill, £5 7s 4d James White, £5 7s 4d Thomas Ford, £5 7s 4d George Short, £5 7s 4d Corporals carried forward, £21 9s 4d Carried forward, £2,669 14s 11½d Interpretations Richard Mason's pay stopped on 18 October 1773, the day the Council dismissed him from the Company's service on its own authority after ruling his court martial unlawful. He received less than three weeks' pay for the quarter. Solomon St Maurice was now paid as the Third Company's captain for the full quarter, while Richard Beale, still too ill to serve and awaiting passage home, drew a lieutenant's pay with his house rent, as the Council had arranged in July. | |
359 | 1774 Brought Over £ 2669 . 14 . 11½ Corporals brought Over £ 21 . 9 . 4 Joseph Dailey 5 . 7 . 4 Willm. Bridgford 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 . Drummers viz. John Martin 5 . 7 . 4 William Venn 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Private viz. James Anderson 3 . 16 . 8 John Arden 3 . 16 . 8 Jeremiah Abbott 3 . 16 . 8 John Allen 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Brill 3 . 16 . 8 John Blinkhorn 3 . 16 . 8 Fredk. Willm. Beard 3 . 16 . 8 James Brown 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Barff 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Barber 3 . 16 . 8 William Bailey 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Beale 3 . 16 . 8 John Barber 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Barnes 3 . 16 . 8 John Brown 3 . 16 . 8 Jeffery Bond 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Benz from 23rd Novr. 1 . 12 . 6 John Cork 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Courts 3 . 16 . 8 James Curtiss 3 . 16 . 8 Benjn. Courtney 3 . 16 . 8 George Charriott 3 . 16 . 8 James Creasey 3 . 16 . 8 Maurice Downey 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Downs 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Dorey 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 97 . 9 . 2 Carried Over £ 2712 . 13 . 7½ | The pay of the Third Company continued from the £2,669 14s 11½d brought forward. Corporals brought forward, £21 9s 4d Joseph Dayley, £5 7s 4d William Bridgford, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: John Martin, £5 7s 4d William Venn, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Privates: James Anderson, £3 16s 8d John Arden, £3 16s 8d Jeremiah Ulbert, £3 16s 8d John Allen, £3 16s 8d Jacob Brill, £3 16s 8d John Blinkhorn, £3 16s 8d Frederick William Beard, £3 16s 8d James Brown, £3 16s 8d Robert Barff, £3 16s 8d Joseph Barber, £3 16s 8d William Bailey, £3 16s 8d Thomas Beale, £3 16s 8d John Barber, £3 16s 8d Thomas Barnes, £3 16s 8d John Brown, £3 16s 8d Jeffery Bond, £3 16s 8d Jacob Bone, from 23 November 1773, £1 12s 6d John Cork, £3 16s 8d Robert Courts, £3 16s 8d James Curtis, £3 16s 8d Benjamin Courtney, £3 16s 8d George Chariott, £3 16s 8d James Creasey, £3 16s 8d Maurice Downey, £3 16s 8d Robert Downs, £3 16s 8d Thomas Dorry, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £97 9s 2d Carried forward, £2,712 13s 7½d | |
360 | 17th January Brought Over £ 2712 . 13 . 7½ Private brought Over £ 97 . 9 . 2 Peter Ditty 3 . 16 . 8 George Dadd 3 . 16 . 8 John Deane 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Davis 3 . 16 . 8 William Edwards 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Edgells 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Ellicott 3 . 16 . 8 John Ferguson 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Frazier 3 . 16 . 8 Owen Griffiths 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Green 3 . 16 . 8 John Gray 3 . 16 . 8 John Gorringe 3 . 16 . 8 James Goudy 3 . 16 . 8 Felix Hyder 3 . 16 . 8 William Hopkins 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Holloway 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Higgins 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Hazell 3 . 16 . 8 Saml. Harsant 3 . 16 . 8 John How 3 . 16 . 8 William Hamilton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Hayes 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Jacks 3 . 16 . 8 William Jamison 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Jones 3 . 16 . 8 William Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 James Kemp 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Lamburn 3 . 16 . 8 John Lane 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Moyce 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Morriss 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Mannisees 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 227 . 15 . 10 Carried Over £ 2712 . 13 . 7½ | The pay of the Third Company's privates continued from the £97 9s 2d brought forward. Peter Ditty, £3 16s 8d George Dadd, £3 16s 8d John Deane, £3 16s 8d Jacob Davis, £3 16s 8d William Edwards, £3 16s 8d Charles Edgles, £3 16s 8d Thomas Ellicott, £3 16s 8d John Ferguson, £3 16s 8d Charles Frazier, £3 16s 8d Owen Griffiths, £3 16s 8d Robert Green, £3 16s 8d John Gray, £3 16s 8d John Goringe, £3 16s 8d James Goudy, £3 16s 8d Felix Hyder, £3 16s 8d William Hopkins, £3 16s 8d Joseph Holloway, £3 16s 8d Peter Higgins, £3 16s 8d Edward Hazell, £3 16s 8d Samuel Harsant, £3 16s 8d John Howe, £3 16s 8d William Hamilton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hayes, £3 16s 8d Samuel Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Jacks, £3 16s 8d William Jamison, £3 16s 8d Joseph Jones, £3 16s 8d William Johnson, £3 16s 8d James Kemp, £3 16s 8d Edward Lambum, £3 16s 8d John Lane, £3 16s 8d Richard Moyce, £3 16s 8d Thomas Morris, £3 16s 8d Charles Mannisees, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £227 15s 10d Carried forward, £2,712 13s 7½d | |
361 | 1774 Brought Over £ 2712 . 13 . 7½ Private brought Over £ 227 . 15 . 10 Andrew Nedling 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Owens 3 . 16 . 8 Thomas Perry 3 . 16 . 8 William Pickiss 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Penny 3 . 16 . 8 William Powell 3 . 16 . 8 David Patten 3 . 16 . 8 Walter Pritchard from 11th October 3 . 8 . 4 Adam Scott 3 . 16 . 8 Arthur Shell 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Slaughter 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Spite 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Seymour 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Smith 3 . 16 . 8 David Stores 3 . 16 . 8 Franc. Shambier 3 . 16 . 8 Andrew Steeman 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Swaby from 1st Octob. 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Richardson to 31st October 1 . 5 . 10 John Thompson Senr. 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Taylor 3 . 16 . 8 George Towns 3 . 16 . 8 John Thompson Junr. 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Thompson 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Trueman to 22d. Novr. 2 . 4 . 2 Richard Vincent 3 . 16 . 8 George Varner 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Ward 3 . 16 . 8 William Walter 3 . 16 . 8 Hatton Walker 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Williams 3 . 16 . 8 James Woods 3 . 16 . 8 James Willson 3 . 16 . 8 John Walter 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried Over £ 353 . 10 . 10 Carried Over £ 2712 . 13 . 7½ | The pay of the Third Company's privates continued from the £227 15s 10d brought forward. Andrew Nedling, £3 16s 8d Thomas Owens, £3 16s 8d Thomas Perry, £3 16s 8d William Pickiss, £3 16s 8d Richard Penny, £3 16s 8d William Powell, £3 16s 8d David Patton, £3 16s 8d Walter Pritchard, from 11 October 1773, £3 3s 4d Adam Scott, £3 16s 8d Arthur Shell, £3 16s 8d Richard Slaughter, £3 16s 8d Richard Speight, £3 16s 8d Stephen Seymore, £3 16s 8d Thomas Smith, £3 16s 8d David Stores, £3 16s 8d Francis Shambers, £3 16s 8d Andrew Strenman, £3 16s 8d Thomas Swaby, from 1 October 1773, £3 16s 8d Henry Richardson, to 31 October 1773, £1 5s 10d John Thompson senior, £3 16s 8d Thomas Taylor, £3 16s 8d George Towers, £3 16s 8d John Thompson junior, £3 16s 8d Jacob Thompson, £3 16s 8d Stephen Trueman, to 22 November 1773, £2 4s 2d Richard Vincent, £3 16s 8d George Varney, £3 16s 8d Thomas Ward, £3 16s 8d William Walter, £3 16s 8d Hatton Walker, £3 16s 8d Henry Williams, £3 16s 8d James Woods, £3 16s 8d James Willson, £3 16s 8d John Walter, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £353 10s 10d Carried forward, £2,712 13s 7½d Interpretations Several entries match events recorded in the minutes. Thomas Swaby was the second of the two Bengal deserters taken off the French ship Boyne and enlisted on 1 October 1773. Walter Pritchard was the seaman who stayed behind from the same ship and was enlisted with a bounty of £5 0s 0d, paid from 11 October. Henry Richardson's pay ended on 31 October 1773, the day the minutes recorded his death. Stephen Trueman's pay stopped on 22 November 1773, and Jacob Bone's began the next day. Bone was probably taken on in Trueman's place. | |
363 | 17th January Brought Over £ 2712 . 13 . 7½ Private brought over £ 353 . 10 . 10 Abraham Major 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Marten 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Matthews 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Morris 3 . 16 . 8 368 . 17 . 6 Fourth Company viz. John Howard Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Samuel Desfountain Lieut. 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ Robt. Gurling Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Sergeants viz. John Deale 7 . 13 . 4 John Terry 7 . 13 . 4 Thos. Williams 7 . 13 . 4 George Wood 7 . 13 . 4 Willm. Sharpe 7 . 13 . 4 Thos. Hilock 7 . 13 . 4 46 .. .. Corporals viz. George Smith 5 . 7 . 4 William Taylor 5 . 7 . 4 James Youd 5 . 7 . 4 George German 5 . 7 . 4 John Anderson 5 . 7 . 4 Thos. Ferris 5 . 7 . 4 32 . 4 . Drummers viz. James Moyce 5 . 7 . 4 John Harper 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Carried Over £ 3300 . 14 . 9½ | The pay of the Third Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £353 10s 10d brought forward, and the Fourth Company's list followed. Abraham Major, £3 16s 8d Joseph Martin, £3 16s 8d Thomas Matthews, £3 16s 8d Charles Morris, £3 16s 8d Total for privates of the Third Company, £368 17s 6d Fourth Company: John Howard, captain, £59 6s 3d Samuel Desfountain, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d Robert Gurling, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Sergeants: John Deale, £7 13s 4d John Jerry, £7 13s 4d Thomas Williams, £7 13s 4d George Wood, £7 13s 4d William Sharpe, £7 13s 4d Thomas Hilock, £7 13s 4d Total for sergeants, £46 0s 0d Corporals: George Smith, £5 7s 4d William Taylor, £5 7s 4d James Youd, £5 7s 4d George Jarman, £5 7s 4d John Anderson, £5 7s 4d Thomas Ferris, £5 7s 4d Total for corporals, £32 4s 0d Drummers: James Moyce, £5 7s 4d John Harper, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Carried forward, £3,300 14s 9½d | |
364 | 1774 Brought Over £ 3300 . 14 . 9½ Private viz. John Allen 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Blackwell 3 . 16 . 8 John Bowler 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Blackman 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Bailey 3 . 16 . 8 Richd. Bickerstaff 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Caleb Baldwin 3 . 16 . 8 Jacob Benz to 22d. Novr. 2 . 4 . 2 Jeremiah Butcher 3 . 16 . 8 John Bates 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Buckles 3 . 16 . 8 John Broad 3 . 16 . 8 Caleb Broadway 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Bicknell 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Blake 3 . 16 . 8 William Cooksey 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Close 3 . 16 . 8 Josiah Cummings 3 . 16 . 8 John Clemans 3 . 16 . 8 John Campen 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Clare 3 . 16 . 8 John Collins 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Dawson 3 . 16 . 8 James Dennis 3 . 16 . 8 John Deane 3 . 16 . 8 James Deighton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Dorman 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Field 3 . 16 . 8 Francis Flinn 3 . 16 . 8 David Fowler 3 . 16 . 8 George Green 3 . 16 . 8 John Gillmore 3 . 16 . 8 Edward German 3 . 16 . 8 Fredk. Galluce 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried over £ 128 . 14 . 2 Carried Over £ 3300 . 14 . 9½ | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates began as follows, continuing from the £3,300 14s 9½d brought forward. John Allen, £3 16s 8d Joseph Blackwell, £3 16s 8d John Bowler, £3 16s 8d William Blackman, £3 16s 8d Thomas Bailey, £3 16s 8d Richard Bickerstaff, £3 16s 8d William Caleb Baldwin, £3 16s 8d Jacob Bone, to 22 November 1773, £2 4s 2d Jeremiah Butcher, £3 16s 8d John Bates, £3 16s 8d Robert Buckles, £3 16s 8d John Broad, £3 16s 8d Caleb Broadway, £3 16s 8d William Bicknell, £3 16s 8d William Blake, £3 16s 8d William Cooksey, £3 16s 8d Richard Close, £3 16s 8d Josiah Cummings, £3 16s 8d John Clemans, £3 16s 8d John Campen, £3 16s 8d Samuel Clare, £3 16s 8d John Collins, £3 16s 8d Thomas Dawson, £3 16s 8d James Dennis, £3 16s 8d John Deane, £3 16s 8d James Deighton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Denman, £3 16s 8d Charles Field, £3 16s 8d Francis Flinn, £3 16s 8d David Fowler, £3 16s 8d George Green, £3 16s 8d John Gilmore, £3 16s 8d Edward Germain, £3 16s 8d Frederick Galluse, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £128 14s 2d Carried forward, £3,300 14s 9½d Interpretations Jacob Bone, listed in earlier quarters as Jacob Benz, served in the Fourth Company until 22 November 1773 and was paid in the Third Company from the next day. He was transferred between companies rather than newly enlisted. The move filled the place in the Third Company left by Stephen Trueman, whose pay ended on 22 November, and kept that company at full strength. | |
365 | 17th January Brought Over £ 3300 . 14 . 9½ Private brought Over £ 128 . 14 . 2 Willm. Goulding 3 . 16 . 8 Edward Groves 3 . 16 . 8 Benjn. Gevaird 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Gross 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Herenburgh 3 . 16 . 8 Roger Haydon 3 . 16 . 8 Henry Hamilton 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Hilliard 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Hales 3 . 16 . 8 James Hawkins 3 . 16 . 8 Christr. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Johnson 3 . 16 . 8 John Joyce 3 . 16 . 8 James Jordan 3 . 16 . 8 John Jones 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Jackson 3 . 16 . 8 Michael Kerry 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Lyne 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Lewellin 3 . 16 . 8 John Latham 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Lissett 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Mc. Dearman 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. May 3 . 16 . 8 John Moyce 3 . 16 . 8 Mattw. Mould 3 . 16 . 8 Danl. Partrick 3 . 16 . 8 Wm. Parker 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Pritchard 3 . 16 . 8 John Pink 3 . 16 . 8 John Phier 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Powell 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Parkinson 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Pearce 3 . 16 . 8 Private Carried over £ 259 .. 10 Carried Over £ 3300 . 14 . 9½ | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates continued from the £128 14s 2d brought forward. William Goulding, £3 16s 8d Edward Groves, £3 16s 8d Benjamin Gerrard, £3 16s 8d Joseph Gross, £3 16s 8d Henry Herenburg, £3 16s 8d Roger Hayden, £3 16s 8d Henry Hamilton, £3 16s 8d Thomas Hilliard, £3 16s 8d William Hales, £3 16s 8d James Hawkins, £3 16s 8d Christian Johnson, £3 16s 8d Thomas Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Johnson, £3 16s 8d John Joyce, £3 16s 8d James Jordan, £3 16s 8d John Jones, £3 16s 8d Richard Jackson, £3 16s 8d Michael Kerry, £3 16s 8d Thomas Lyne, £3 16s 8d Charles Lewellin, £3 16s 8d John Latham, £3 16s 8d Stephen Lifset, £3 16s 8d Thomas McDearman, £3 16s 8d Robert May, £3 16s 8d John Moyce, £3 16s 8d Matthew Mould, £3 16s 8d Daniel Patrick, £3 16s 8d William Parker, £3 16s 8d Thomas Prichard, £3 16s 8d John Pink, £3 16s 8d John Phere, £3 16s 8d William Powell, £3 16s 8d Robert Parkinson, £3 16s 8d Richard Pearce, £3 16s 8d Privates carried forward, £259 0s 10d Carried forward, £3,300 14s 9½d | |
366 | 1774 Brought Over £ 3300 . 14 . 9½ Private brought Over £ 259 .. 10 James Richardson 3 . 16 . 8 James Roberts 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Scottman 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Stedman 3 . 16 . 8 James Sex 3 . 16 . 8 Charles Smith 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Smith 3 . 16 . 8 John Smith 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Stevens 3 . 16 . 8 John Stockdell 3 . 16 . 8 Peter Shores 3 . 16 . 8 Saml. Savory 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Trueman from 23d. Novr. 1 . 12 . 6 John Turner 3 . 16 . 8 Richard Turner 3 . 16 . 8 William Tucker 3 . 16 . 8 Stephen Vanderhorst 3 . 16 . 8 William Waite 3 . 16 . 8 Thos. Watts 3 . 16 . 8 Samuel Willson 3 . 16 . 8 William Willson 3 . 16 . 8 John Wood 3 . 16 . 8 Peter White 3 . 16 . 8 John Windall 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Woodey 3 . 16 . 8 Joseph Wades 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. West 3 . 16 . 8 Willm. Webb 3 . 16 . 8 William Wickens 3 . 16 . 8 Robt. Walton 3 . 16 . 8 371 . 16 . 8 Artillery Company viz. James Tippett Captain 59 . 6 . 3 Carried Over £ 3731 . 17 . 8½ | The pay of the Fourth Company's privates ended with the following men, continuing from the £259 0s 10d brought forward, and the artillery company's list followed. James Richardson, £3 16s 8d James Roberts, £3 16s 8d William Scottman, £3 16s 8d William Stedman, £3 16s 8d James Sex, £3 16s 8d Charles Smith, £3 16s 8d Thomas Smith, £3 16s 8d John Smith, £3 16s 8d Thomas Stevens, £3 16s 8d John Stockdell, £3 16s 8d Peter Shores, £3 16s 8d Samuel Savery, £3 16s 8d Stephen Trueman, from 23 November 1773, £1 12s 6d John Turner, £3 16s 8d Richard Turner, £3 16s 8d William Tucker, £3 16s 8d Stephen Vanderhorst, £3 16s 8d William Waite, £3 16s 8d Thomas Watts, £3 16s 8d Samuel Willson, £3 16s 8d William Willson, £3 16s 8d John Wood, £3 16s 8d Peter White, £3 16s 8d John Windall, £3 16s 8d Robert Woody, £3 16s 8d Joseph Waite, £3 16s 8d William West, £3 16s 8d William Webb, £3 16s 8d William Wickens, £3 16s 8d Robert Walton, £3 16s 8d Total for privates of the Fourth Company, £371 16s 8d Artillery company: James Tippet, captain, £59 6s 3d Carried forward, £3,731 17s 8½d Interpretations Stephen Trueman did not leave the garrison on 22 November 1773. He moved from the Third Company to the Fourth on 23 November, on the same day that Jacob Bone moved from the Fourth to the Third. The two men simply exchanged companies. Each was paid in his old company up to 22 November and in his new one from the next day, so the pay list recorded a swap rather than a loss and a replacement. | |
367 | 17th January Brought Over £ 3731 . 17 . 8½ Thomas Leech Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ Do. House Rent 2 . 10 .. 36 . 14 . 4½ John Shirtley Lieutenant 27 . 7 . 6 Do. Diet Money 6 . 16 . 10½ 34 . 4 . 4½ Sergeants viz. John Whitchurch 9 . 4 .. John Turner 9 . 4 . James Parfett 9 . 4 . Thos. Jones 9 . 4 . Benjn. Holmes 9 . 4 . Samuel Kingrove 9 . 4 . 55 . 4 . Corporals viz. William Pink 6 . 18 . John Fox 6 . 18 . Willm. Stapleford 6 . 18 .. John Smith 6 . 18 . Thos. Yates 6 . 18 Thos. Price 6 . 18 . 41 . 8 . Bombadiers viz. John Wright 6 . 18 . Thos. Wade 6 . 18 . Thos. Farr 6 . 18 . John Love 6 . 18 . 27 . 12 . Gunners viz. Willm. Rankin 6 . 2 . 8 George Street 6 . 2 . 8 James Munnings 6 . 2 . 8 Nicholas Godfrey 6 . 2 . 8 James Campbell 6 . 2 . 8 Gunners Carried Over £ 30 . 13 . 4 Carried Over £ 3927 .. 5½ | The pay of the artillery company continued from the £3,731 19s 8½d brought forward. Thomas Leech, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d House rent, £2 10s 0d Total, £36 14s 4½d John Shirtley, lieutenant: Pay, £27 7s 6d Table allowance, £6 16s 10½d Total, £34 4s 4½d Sergeants: John Whitchurch, £9 4s 0d John Turner, £9 4s 0d James Parfett, £9 4s 0d Thomas Jones, £9 4s 0d Benjamin Holmes, £9 4s 0d Samuel Kingrove, £9 4s 0d Total for sergeants, £55 4s 0d Corporals: William Pink, £6 18s 0d John Fox, £6 18s 0d William Stapleford, £6 18s 0d John Smith, £6 18s 0d Thomas Yates, £6 18s 0d Thomas Price, £6 18s 0d Total for corporals, £41 8s 0d Bombardiers: John Wright, £6 18s 0d Thomas Wade, £6 18s 0d Thomas Farr, £6 18s 0d John Love, £6 18s 0d Total for bombardiers, £27 12s 0d Gunners: William Rankin, £6 2s 8d George Street, £6 2s 8d James Munnings, £6 2s 8d Nicholas Godfrey, £6 2s 8d James Campbell, £6 2s 8d Gunners carried forward, £30 13s 4d Carried forward, £3,927 11s 5½d Interpretations The artillery company now had only two lieutenants, Leech and Shirtley. Robert Gillson had left the service in August 1773, and no officer had been appointed in his place. Lieutenant Shirtley also no longer drew house rent. The company's dependence on a handful of officers, which became acute after Captain Tippet's dismissal in 1777, was already showing at the end of 1773. | |
368 | 1774 Brought Over £ 3927 .. 5½ Gunners brought over £ 30 . 13 . 4 William Crabb 6 . 2 . 8 John Mc. Nabb 6 . 2 . 8 John Shoell Deceased 5 Novr. 2 . 8 . Charles Grierson to the 1st Do. 2 . 2 . 8 James Dawson from 2d. Do. 4 .. .. Richard Waterhouse from 6th Do. 3 . 14 . 8 55 . 4 . Drummers viz. Alexander Branson 5 . 7 . 4 John Fox 5 . 7 . 4 10 . 14 . 8 Matrosses viz. William Gibson 4 . 12 .. William Allen 4 . 12 .. Thos. Alesworth 4 . 12 .. John Anderson 4 . 12 . Charles Abraham 4 . 12 . James Anderson 4 . 12 Richard Akers 4 . 12 .. Benjamin Burton 4 . 12 . Joseph Bowman 4 . 12 . John Barchard 4 . 12 Stephen Barrett 4 . 12 . Thos. Bowen 4 . 12 . John Cope 4 . 12 . Robt. Cunningham 4 . 12 . John Coleman 4 . 12 . Mattw. Craven 4 . 12 . John Corbett 4 . 12 . Thos. Connelly 4 . 12 . John Clark 4 . 12 . Isaac Clark 4 . 12 .. Anthony Clark from 1st October 4 . 12 .. James Dunn 4 . 12 Matrosses Carried Over £ 101 . 4 . Carried Over £ 3992 . 19 . 1½ | The pay of the artillery company continued from the £3,927 0s 5½d brought forward. Gunners brought forward, £30 13s 4d William Crabb, £6 2s 8d John McNabb, £6 2s 8d John Sheel, died 5 November 1773, £2 8s 0d Charles Grierson, to 1 November 1773, £2 2s 8d James Dawson, from 2 November 1773, £4 0s 0d Richard Waterhouse, from 6 November 1773, £3 14s 8d Total for gunners, £55 4s 0d Drummers: Alexander Branson, £5 7s 4d John Fox, £5 7s 4d Total for drummers, £10 14s 8d Matrosses: William Gibson, £4 12s 0d William Allen, £4 12s 0d Thomas Alesworth, £4 12s 0d John Anderson, £4 12s 0d Charles Abraham, £4 12s 0d James Anderson, £4 12s 0d Richard Akers, £4 12s 0d Benjamin Burton, £4 12s 0d Joseph Bowman, £4 12s 0d John Barchant, £4 12s 0d Stephen Barrett, £4 12s 0d Thomas Bowen, £4 12s 0d John Cope, £4 12s 0d Robert Cunningham, £4 12s 0d John Coleman, £4 12s 0d Matthew Craven, £4 12s 0d John Corbett, £4 12s 0d Thomas Connelly, £4 12s 0d John Clark, £4 12s 0d Isaac Clark, £4 12s 0d Anthony Clark, from 1 October 1773, £4 12s 0d James Dunn, £4 12s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £101 4s 0d Carried forward, £3,992 19s 1½d Interpretations The gunners' entries record the death of John Sheel, the matross raised to gunner only in August 1773, and the changes it set off. Gunners were the skilled men of the company, and each vacancy was filled from among the matrosses within days. James Dawson, a matross who had given evidence about the powder horn at Lieutenant Mason's court martial, was raised to gunner on 2 November in place of Charles Grierson, and Richard Waterhouse followed on 6 November in place of Sheel. The minutes of 15 November recorded the death of a gunner in a fall from the rocks at Munden's Point, the exposed battery where the artillery kept guard. | |
369 | 17th January Brought Over £ 3992 . 19 . 1½ Matrosses brought over £ 101 . 4 . James Dawson to 2d. Novr. 1 . 12 .. John Dowse 4 . 12 . Robt. Davidson 4 . 12 John Custone 4 . 12 . Joseph Fellows 4 . 12 Joseph Finlinson 4 . 12 Willm. Faircliff 4 . 12 . Christn. Greenawald 4 . 12 . Thos. Gorrall 4 . 12 . Thos. Green 4 . 12 . Richard Gibbs 4 . 12 . Charles Grierson to 1st Novr. 3 .. .. Owen Howard 4 . 12 . Alexd. Henderson 4 . 12 Francis Harding 4 . 12 . Mullis Hooper 4 . 12 . Willm. Harrison 4 . 12 . Maynard Hayes 4 . 12 Robt. Harmer 4 . 12 .. Willm. Hurst 4 . 12 Willm. Holloway 4 . 12 James Judge 4 . 12 . Mattw. Harnan 4 . 12 John Leedham 4 . 12 . John Lemmon from 1st October 4 . 12 . George Marshall 4 . 12 John Moore 4 . 12 Richard Morgan 4 . 12 John Mann 4 . 12 . Cris Martin 4 . 12 . Jonathan Mallett 4 . 12 .. Willm. Mc. Beth 4 . 12 Partk. Mc. Donald 4 . 12 . Partrick Murphy 4 . 12 .. Matrosses Carried Over £ 253 .. .. Carried Over £ 3992 . 19 . 1½ | The pay of the artillery company's matrosses continued from the £101 4s 0d brought forward. James Dawson, to 2 November 1773, £1 12s 0d John Douse, £4 12s 0d Robert Davidson, £4 12s 0d John Euston, £4 12s 0d Joseph Fellows, £4 12s 0d Joseph Finlinson, £4 12s 0d William Faircliff, £4 12s 0d Christian Greenawald, £4 12s 0d Thomas Gorrett, £4 12s 0d Thomas Green, £4 12s 0d Richard Gibbs, £4 12s 0d Charles Grierson, to 1 November 1773, £3 0s 0d Owen Howard, £4 12s 0d Alexander Henderson, £4 12s 0d Francis Harding, £4 12s 0d Mullis Hooper, £4 12s 0d William Harrison, £4 12s 0d Maynard Hayes, £4 12s 0d Robert Harmer, £4 12s 0d William Hurst, £4 12s 0d William Holloway, £4 12s 0d James Judge, £4 12s 0d Matthew Laman, £4 12s 0d John Leedham, £4 12s 0d John Lemmon, from 1 October 1773, £4 12s 0d George Marshall, £4 12s 0d John Moore, £4 12s 0d Richard Morgan, £4 12s 0d John Mann, £4 12s 0d Caris Martin, £4 12s 0d Jonathan Mallet, £4 12s 0d William McBeth, £4 12s 0d Patrick McDonald, £4 12s 0d Patrick Murphy, £4 12s 0d Matrosses carried forward, £253 0s 0d Carried forward, £3,992 19s 1½d Interpretations The sums against James Dawson and Charles Grierson show that the two men changed places on 2 November 1773. Dawson's £1 12s 0d as a matross matches about a month's pay up to that date, and his gunner's pay ran from then on. Grierson's £2 2s 8d as a gunner covered October, and his £3 0s 0d as a matross matches the two months that followed, although the clerk wrote "to" against both entries. Grierson had been raised to gunner only in August 1773 and was now reduced again. The minutes give no reason, but a demotion of this kind was usually a court martial's sentence. Dawson, one of the witnesses at Lieutenant Mason's trial, took his place. | |
370 | 1774 Brought Over £ 3992 . 19 . 1½ Matrosses brought over £ 253 .. Thos. Nimble 4 . 12 . James Peacock 4 . 12 . John Parker 4 . 12 . Richard Pearce 4 . 12 . Saml. Packer 4 . 12 . Joseph Peel 4 . 12 . Willm. Robinson 4 . 12 .. Robt. Ryley 4 . 12 . Charles Russel 4 . 12 . Abraham Reners 4 . 12 .. Thos. Richardson 4 . 12 Richard Rowland 4 . 12 . Andrew Schooner 4 . 12 . Godfrey Smith 4 . 12 Willm. Smith Senr. 4 . 12 . Willm. Smith Junr. 4 . 12 . Willm. Shores 4 . 12 Thos. Sabrey 4 . 12 . Michl. Sculley 4 . 12 . Richd. Smith 4 . 12 . John Smith to 25 October 1 . 5 . John Thompson 4 . 12 .. Richard Waterhouse to 6th Novr. 1 . 16 . John Willson 4 . 12 Saml. Wood 4 . 12 Robt. Wood 4 . 12 John White 4 . 12 . Willm. Weedon 4 . 12 . John Wilkinson Senr. 4 . 12 Edward Ware 4 . 12 .. John Wilkinson Junr. 4 . 12 .. 389 . 9 . Pensioners viz. Nathan Sample 13 . 15 . 11 Michael Frost 13 . 15 . 11 Mary Beale 7 . 10 . Elizabeth Kennedy 7 . 10 .. 42 . 11 . 10 £ 4424 . 19 . 11½ | The artillery company's matrosses ended with the following men, continuing from the £253 0s 0d brought forward, and the list of pensioners followed. Thomas Nimble, £4 12s 0d James Peacock, £4 12s 0d John Parker, £4 12s 0d Richard Pearce, £4 12s 0d Samuel Packer, £4 12s 0d Joseph Peel, £4 12s 0d William Robinson, £4 12s 0d Robert Ryley, £4 12s 0d Charles Russell, £4 12s 0d Abraham Renew, £4 12s 0d Thomas Richardson, £4 12s 0d Richard Rowland, £4 12s 0d Andrew Schooner, £4 12s 0d Godfrey Smith, £4 12s 0d William Smith senior, £4 12s 0d William Smith junior, £4 12s 0d William Shores, £4 12s 0d Thomas Sabrey, £4 12s 0d Michael Scully, £4 12s 0d Richard Smith, £4 12s 0d John Smith, to 25 October 1773, £1 5s 0d John Thompson, £4 12s 0d Richard Waterhouse, to 6 November 1773, £1 16s 0d John Willson, £4 12s 0d Samuel Wood, £4 12s 0d Robert Wood, £4 12s 0d John White, £4 12s 0d William Weden, £4 12s 0d John Wilkinson senior, £4 12s 0d Edward Ware, £4 12s 0d John Wilkinson junior, £4 12s 0d Total for matrosses, £389 9s 0d Pensioners: Nathan Sample, £13 15s 11d Michael Frost, £13 15s 11d Mary Beale, £7 10s 0d Elizabeth Kennedy, £7 10s 0d Total for pensioners, £42 11s 10d Total of officers, servants, garrison and pensioners for the quarter, £4,424 19s 11½d Interpretations Richard Waterhouse's pay as a matross stopped on 6 November 1773, the day he was raised to gunner in place of John Sheel. The matross John Smith was paid only to 25 October 1773. The minutes record no discharge or death for him on that date, so the reason his service ended is not known. The pay list for the last quarter of 1773 came to £4,424 19s 11½d, a little below the £4,474 6s 9d of the September quarter. The difference came mainly from the officers who left during the autumn, Lieutenant Mason above all, and from the vacancy left by Lieutenant Gillson, which had not been filled. The rank and file stayed close to full strength. Deserters taken off foreign ships and seamen who stayed behind were enlisted to replace the men who died or were discharged. | |
371 | 17th January Dr. William Wrangham 1773 December 31st To Cash from the Chest £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ Carried Over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ | For the December quarter, William Wrangham's account as paymaster recorded a single receipt, the cash he drew from the treasury chest on 31 December 1773. The rest of the page was ruled through, and the sum was carried forward. 31 December 1773, cash from the treasury chest, £5,089 16s 2½d Carried forward, £5,089 16s 2½d Interpretations The paymaster drew £5,089 16s 2½d for the last quarter of 1773, against a pay list of £4,424 19s 11½d. The difference, about £665 0s 0d, was what he paid out besides wages: recruits' bounties and labour on the public works. It was less than in the September quarter, although building on the church and the ravelin went on throughout. With almost no ships calling, there were few purchases from commanders and no large re-enlistment bounties to pay. | |
372 | 1774 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Octob. 23rd By Cash paid for Laborers Work in the Stores 1 .. .. By Do. paid Captain Deane of Ship Sandwich for the passage of John Smith an Invalid Soldier to England 5 .. .. By Do. paid Thos. Stroud Surgeon for attending John Sage passenger left sick, out the Ship Devonshire 56 Days 5 . 12 . By Do. paid John Desfountain for 21 Sheep 21 .. By Do. paid the Coroner for an inquest on the Body of John Shoell Deceased 1 . 5 By Do. paid the Clerk of Arraignments & Crier of the Court of Justice 12 . 6 By Do. paid House Rent for a Surgeons Shop 5 .. By Do. paid James Rector for Serving 6 . 18 . By Do. paid Thos. Hendcock for assisting in ye. Hospital 2 . 10 . By Do. paid the Fife Major for teaching the young Fifers 2 . 6 . By Do. paid 123 days Subsistance of Disch. Soldiers 3 . 1 . 6 By Do. paid Thos. Jordan for 76 Days work in the Long Wood 3 . 16 . By Do. paid Noqueda Poccolum & Mass Sarigo their allowance for Salt Provisions & house Rent 6 . 11 . By Do. paid the Lieutenant Govr. for Mutton 3 .. By Do. paid Fredk. Galluce for Baking 195 Batches of Bread at 21d. 17 . 1 . 3 By Do. paid John Price Marshall for Punishments & Imprisonments 12 . 6 By Do. paid for Rent for a Room to hold the Quar. Sessions 3 .. By Do. paid Edward Daniels Mason his House Rent 5 .. By Do. paid Thos. Stroud Surgeon for necessaries found the sick men, more than their 7½d. day 18 . 16 . 8 By Do. paid Do. for his trouble in finding fresh Provs. 8 .. By Do. paid Thos. Yates Sexton for making 2 Graves for 2 Deceased Soldiers 5 .. Carried Over £ 1[...] . 7 . 5 | The paymaster's account of money paid out from 23 October 1773 began as follows. Labourers' work in the stores, £1 0s 0d To Captain Deane of the Earl of Sandwich, for the passage of John Smith, an invalid soldier, to England, £5 0s 0d. To John Desfountain, for 21 sheep, £21 0s 0d To the coroner, for an inquest on the body of John Sheel, deceased, £1 5s 0d To the Clerk of Arraignments and the Crier of the Court of Justice, £0 12s 6d Rent for a shop for the surgeon, £5 0s 0d To James Proctor, for his service, £6 18s 0d To Thomas Hincock, for helping in the hospital, £2 10s 0d To the fife major, for teaching the young fifers, £2 6s 0d For 123 days' keep of discharged soldiers, £3 1s 6d To Thomas Jordan, for 76 days' work in the Long Wood, £3 16s 0d To Roquedah Pookollam and Mass Senge, their allowance for salt provisions and house rent, £6 11s 0d To the Lieutenant Governor, for mutton, £3 0s 0d To Frederick Galluse, for baking 195 batches of bread at 1s 9d a batch, £17 1s 3d To John Price, marshal, for punishments and imprisonments, £0 12s 6d Rent for a room to hold the quarterly court, £3 0s 0d To Edward Daniels, mason, for house rent, £5 0s 0d To Thomas Stroud, surgeon, for necessaries supplied to the sick men beyond their allowance of 7d a day, £18 16s 8d To the same, for his trouble in finding fresh provisions, £8 0s 0d To Thomas Yates, sexton, for digging graves for 2 soldiers who died, £0 5s 0d Carried forward, £120 7s 5d Interpretations The payments to the surgeon show how the island fed its sick. Each man in the hospital was allowed 7d a day for his food. In the last quarter of 1773 that was not enough, and Stroud spent more than £18 0s 0d on extra necessaries and was paid £8 0s 0d more for the trouble of finding fresh provisions. With no ships calling, fresh meat and vegetables were scarce and dear, and a sick man on salt rations recovered slowly. The hospital's large issue of port in the same quarter points the same way. Sickness in the garrison was heavy that season, and two more soldiers were buried at the Company's expense. John Smith, sent home as an invalid on the Earl of Sandwich at the usual £5 0s 0d, was the matross paid only to 25 October 1773, the day the ship was in the road. His pay ended because he was discharged as unfit and put aboard her. The coroner's inquest on John Sheel followed his death by a fall from the rocks at Munden's Point. A sudden or accidental death had to be inquired into before burial, as in England. | |
373 | 17th January Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Decemr. 31 To Cash brought Over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ | William Wrangham's receipts page showed no new entries. The cash from the treasury chest was brought over, the blank space was ruled through, and the same sum was written at the foot. 31 December 1773, cash brought forward, £5,089 16s 2½d Total, £5,089 16s 2½d | |
374 | 1774 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Decemr. 31 Brought Over £ 120 . 7 . 5 To Cash paid the Butcher for 30 Hides for Hair to make Mortar for the Church 1 . 10 .. By Do. paid 60 Days Mowyers work @ 1/6 4 . 10 .. By Do. paid Adam Evans for Repairg. Sadlery 4 . 9 By Do. paid for 2 Expresses upon Alarms 10 . By Do. paid for the following for the Govr. Table 12 Pigs £ 3 .. .. 45 Dozen Eggs 3 . 7 . 6 110 Fowls 8 . 5 .. 21 Geese 5 . 5 .. 85½ lb. Pork 2 . 2 . 9 14 lb. Veat .. 7 .. 601½ lb. Beef 12 . 10 . 7 1 Turkey .. 5 .. 19 Ducks 1 . 8 . 9 33 Partridges 2 . 9 . 6 1 lb. Dried Ginger .. 1 . 6 650 Lemons .. 16 . 3 1 doz. Desart plates and 2 Bowls .. 9 . 6 10 doz. Bottles 1 .. .. 41 . 3 . 1 By Cash paid the following Persons for Enlisting to serve the Honble. Company 5 Years as Soldiers, Subject to the Articles of War their respective time to commence as Follows. William Pivett from 1st October £ 2 .. .. Thomas Swaby Do. 2 .. .. Watkin Pritchard Do. 5 .. .. 9 .. Carried Over £ 177 . 10 . 3 | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £120 7s 5d brought forward. To the butcher, for hair from 30 hides to mix into mortar for the church, £1 10s 0d For 60 days' work by mowers at 1s 6d a day, £4 10s 0d To Adam Evans, for repairing saddlery, £0 4s 9d For 2 express messengers sent out on alarms, £0 10s 0d For the following provisions for the Governor's table: Pigs, 12, £3 0s 0d Eggs, 45 dozen, £3 7s 6d Fowls, 110, £8 5s 0d Geese, 21, £5 5s 0d Pork, 83½ lb, £2 2s 9d Veal, 14 lb, £0 7s 0d Beef, 601½ lb, £12 10s 7d Turkey, 1, £0 5s 0d Ducks, 19, £1 8s 9d Partridges, 33, £2 9s 6d Dried ginger, 1 lb, £0 1s 6d Lemons, 650, £0 16s 3d Dessert plates, 1 dozen, and bowls, 2, £0 9s 6d Bottles, 10 dozen, £1 0s 0d Total for the Governor's table, £41 8s 4d To the following men for enlisting to serve the Company as soldiers for five years under the Articles of War, from the dates shown: William Pivett, from 1 October 1773, £2 0s 0d Thomas Swaby, from the same date, £2 0s 0d Walter Pritchard, from the same date, £5 0s 0d Total for enlistment bounties, £9 0s 0d Carried forward, £177 10s 3d Interpretations The hair bought from the butcher went into the plaster for the new church. Cattle hair mixed into lime plaster bound it together and stopped it cracking as it dried, the standard method of the time. The purchase fits the oak laths and plasterers' brushes issued to the church in the same quarter. With the roof on, the inside walls and ceilings were being plastered. The mowers' wages belong with the scythes and line issued to the plantations for cutting and tying hay. The Governor's table bought far more fresh food in this quarter than in the summer, including 33 partridges. Partridges had been introduced to the island and were shot on the uplands, a rare game dish on a table that otherwise depended on the Company's flocks and the planters' poultry. The three enlistment bounties confirm the Council's recruits from the French ship Boyne: £2 0s 0d each for the two Bengal deserters and £5 0s 0d for the seaman who stayed behind. | |
375 | 17th January Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Decemr. 31st To Cash from the Chest £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ Carried Over £ 5089 . 16 . 1½ | Once again the receipts page of William Wrangham's account carried only the cash drawn from the treasury chest, with the rest of the page ruled through. 31 December 1773, cash from the treasury chest, £5,089 16s 2½d Carried forward, £5,089 16s 1½d | |
376 | 1774 Paymaster Cr. Brought Over £ 177 . 10 . 3 By Cash paid for the following Work done at the New Church Viz. 335½ days Masons @ 1/6 £ 25 . 2 . 10½ 44½ Do. Stone Blowers @ 1/6 3 . 6 . 4½ 428¼ Do. Carpenters @ 1/6 32 . 3 . 1½ 21½ Do. Do. @ 1/3 1 . 6 . 10½ 45 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 3 . 7 . 6 110½ Do. Stone Sawyers @ 1/6 8 . 6 . 1½ 39½ Do. Sawyers @ 1/6 2 . 19 . 3 16½ Do. Overseers @ 2/ 1 . 12 . 6 67½ Do. Do. @ 1/6 5 . 1 . 3 1660½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 83 .. 6 33½ Do. Turners @ 1/6 2 . 10 . 3 22 Do. Tylers @ 1/6 1 . 13 .. 17½ Do. Plummers @ 1/6 1 . 6 . 3 13½ Do. Painters @ 1/6 1 . 7 . 4½ 127 Do. Plaisterers @ 1/6 9 . 10 . 6 182 . 13 . 9 By Do. Paid for the following work repairg. the Boats 26 days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 19 .. 8½ Do. Coxswains @ 1/6 .. 12 . 9 3 Do. Sailmakers @ 1/6 .. 4 . 6 94 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 4 . 14 .. 7 . 10 . 3 By Do. paid Burning and bringing lime from Sandy Bay 726½ days Laborers @ 1/ £ 36 . 6 . 6 216½ Do. Overseers & Coxs. @ 1/6 16 . 4 . 4½ 52 . 10 . 10½ By Do. paid for the following Work Clearing Bankses Path Viz. 1 day Masons £ .. 1 . 6 9 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 .. 13 . 6 132 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 6 . 12 . 0 7 . 7 . Carrd. Over £ 427 . 12 . 1½ | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £177 10s 3d brought forward. Wages for work on the new church: Masons, 335½ days at 1s 6d a day, £25 2s 1½d Stone blasters, 44½ days at 1s 6d a day, £3 6s 4½d Carpenters, 428¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £32 3s 1½d Carpenters, 21½ days at 1s 3d a day, £1 6s 10½d Smiths, 45 days at 1s 6d a day, £3 7s 6d Stone sawyers, 110¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £8 6s 1½d Sawyers, 39½ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 19s 3d Overseers, 16¼ days at 2s 0d a day, £1 12s 6d Overseers, 67½ days at 1s 6d a day, £5 1s 3d Labourers, 1,660½ days at 1s 0d a day, £83 0s 6d Turners, 33½ days at 1s 6d a day, £2 10s 3d Tilers, 22 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 13s 0d Plumbers, 17½ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 6s 3d Painters, 13¼ days at 1s 6d a day, £1 7s 4½d Plasterers, 127 days at 1s 6d a day, £9 10s 6d Total for the new church, £182 13s 9d Wages for repairing the boats: Carpenters, 26 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 19s 0d Coxswains, 8½ days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 9d Sailmakers, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 6d Labourers, 94 days at 1s 0d a day, £4 14s 0d Total for the boats, £7 10s 3d Wages for burning lime and bringing it from Sandy Bay: Labourers, 726½ days at 1s 0d a day, £36 6s 6d Overseers and coxswains, 216½ days at 1s 6d a day, £16 4s 4½d Total for lime, £52 10s 10½d Wages for clearing the path to Banks's: Masons, 1 day, £0 1s 6d Overseers, 9 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 13s 6d Labourers, 132 days at 1s 0d a day, £6 12s 0d Total for the path to Banks's, £7 7s 0d Carried forward, £427 12s 1½d Interpretations The wage bill for the new church rose again, to £182 13s 9d for the quarter, against £150 19s 9d in the summer and £104 11s 6d in the spring. Its make-up shows how far the building had come. Carpenters now outnumbered masons by more than ten to one in days worked, and new trades appeared for the first time: plasterers, plumbers, tilers and turners. The plumbers laid the sheet lead issued that quarter on the roof and gutters. The turners shaped balusters and fittings, and the plasterers worked on the oak laths with the hair-bound plaster. The church had passed from walls to roof and was being fitted and finished inside. | |
377 | 17th January Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Decemr. 31 To Cash brought over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ Carried Over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ | This image shows the same receipts page of William Wrangham's account as the last one. It records only the cash brought over from the treasury chest, ruled through and carried forward unchanged. 31 December 1773, cash brought forward, £5,089 16s 2½d Carried forward, £5,089 16s 2½d | |
378 | 1774 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Decemr. 31 Brought Over £ 427 . 12 . 1½ By Cash paid for the following Work done repairing Side path 43 Days Stone Blowers @ 1/6 £ 3 . 7 . 6 8 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 12 .. 27 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 2 .. 6 150 Do. Masons @ 1/6 22 . 10 .. 546½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 40 . 19 . 9 69 . 9 . 9 By Cash paid for the followg. work repairg. the Plantation Walls & Pick House 8 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ .. 12 .. 36 Do. Stone Blowers @ 1/6 2 . 14 .. 11 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 16 . 6 3 Do. Carpenters @ 1/3 .. 3 . 9 46 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 2 . 6 .. 6 . 12 . 3 By Cash paid for the following Work done at the Lieutenant Govrs. House at Lg. Wood 18 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 1 . 7 . 9 2 Do. Masons @ 1/6 .. 3 .. 3 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 4 . 6 3 Do. Painters @ 1/6 .. 4 . 6 61½ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 3 . 1 . 6 5 . 1 . 3 By Cash paid for the following Work done at the Revelling on the Line. 218¾ Days Stone Blowers @ 1/6 £ 16 . 8 . 1½ 21 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 1 . 11 . 6 52½ Do. Masons @ 1/6 3 . 18 . 9 31 Do. Overseers @ 1/6 2 . 6 . 6 29½ Do. Do. @ 2/ 2 . 19 .. 1596¾ Do. Laborers @ 1/ 79 . 16 . 9 106 . 19 .. Carried Over £ 615 . 14 . 4½ | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £427 12s 1½d brought forward. Wages for repairing the side path: Stone blasters, 45 days at 1s 6d a day, £3 7s 6d Smiths, 8 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 0d Overseers, 27 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 0s 6d Masons, 150 days at 3s 0d a day, £22 10s 0d Labourers, 546½ days at 1s 6d a day, £40 19s 9d Total for the side path, £69 9s 9d Wages for repairing the plantation walls and the Peak house: Carpenters, 8 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 12s 0d Stone blasters, 36 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 14s 0d Smiths, 11 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 16s 6d Carpenters, 3 days at 1s 3d a day, £0 3s 9d Labourers, 46 days at 1s 0d a day, £2 6s 0d Total for the plantation walls and the Peak house, £6 12s 3d Wages for work at the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood: Carpenters, 18 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 7s 9d Masons, 2 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 3s 0d Smiths, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 6d Painters, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 6d Labourers, 61½ days at 1s 0d a day, £3 1s 6d Total for the Lieutenant Governor's house, £5 1s 3d Wages for work on the ravelin on the Line: Stone blasters, 218¾ days at 1s 6d a day, £16 8s 1½d Smiths, 21 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 11s 10½d Masons, 52½ days at 1s 6d a day, £3 18s 9d Overseers, 31 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 6s 6d Overseers, 29¼ days at 2s 0d a day, £2 18s 6d Labourers, 1,596¾ days at 1s 0d a day, £79 16s 9d Total for the ravelin, £106 19s 0d Carried forward, £615 14s 4½d Interpretations The ravelin in James Valley became the second great work of the quarter, at nearly £107 0s 0d in wages, close behind the church. Almost 1,600 days of labour went on it, together with more than 200 days of stone blasting. That was the work Tippet reported in January 1774, when he described taking down the old stone facing of the ravelin and proposed to finish it, with the glacis, in the coming quarter. The blasting cut fresh stone for the new facing, and the labourers moved earth and rubble with the 18 wheelbarrows issued from the stores for the salient angle. | |
379 | 17th January Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Decemr. 31 To Cash brought Over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ Carried Over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ | There were still no new receipts on this page of William Wrangham's account. The cash from the treasury chest was entered at the head, the page was ruled through, and the same figure was carried on. 31 December 1773, cash brought forward, £5,089 16s 2½d Carried forward, £5,089 16s 2½d | |
380 | 1774 Paymaster Cr. Brought Over £ 615 . 14 . 4½ By Cash paid for the following repairing the Baking House, Smith Shop, Office and Room for the Slaves 27 Days Carpenters @ 1/6 £ 2 .. 6 3 Do. Smiths @ 1/6 .. 4 . 6 59 Do. Laborers @ 1/ 2 . 19 .. 25 Do. Painters @ 1/6 1 . 17 . 6 7 . 1 . 6 By Cash paid 66 days mendg. lime Bags @ 1/6 4 . 19 .. By Do. paid 72 Do. Smiths cleang. small arms @ 1/6 5 . 8 . By Do. paid Mr. Stewart for the following 7 Loads of Bamboos £ .. 17 . 6 1 Steer 4 . 10 .. 1 Do. 3 . 15 .. 1 Heifer 3 . 15 .. 1 Do. 4 . 15 .. 17 . 12 . 6 By Cash paid for Laborers Work in the Stores 2 .. By Do. paid for carrying the Packet on board the Mercury it having been left behind by the Captain 5 .. By Cash paid John Robinson for the followg. to Repair the Alarm House 100 Rafters £ 5 .. .. 8 Loads Laths 1 .. .. 4 Do. Binders .. 10 .. 6 . 10 .. By Cash paid Do. for the following to Repair the Pick House 70 Rafters £ 3 . 10 .. 3 Load Laths .. 7 . 6 1 Do. Binders .. 2 . 6 4 .. .. Carried Over £ 663 . 10 . 4½ | The paymaster's account of money paid out continued from the £615 14s 4½d brought forward. Wages for repairing the bakehouse, the smiths' workshop, the office and the room for the stores: Carpenters, 27 days at 1s 6d a day, £2 0s 6d Smiths, 3 days at 1s 6d a day, £0 4s 6d Labourers, 59 days at 1s 0d a day, £2 19s 0d Painters, 25 days at 1s 6d a day, £1 17s 6d Total for these repairs, £7 1s 6d Mending lime bags, 66 days at 1s 6d a day, £4 19s 0d Smiths cleaning small arms, 72 days at 1s 6d a day, £5 8s 0d To Mr Stewart, for the following: Bamboos, 7 loads, £0 17s 6d Steer, 1, £4 10s 0d Steer, 1, £3 15s 0d Heifer, 1, £3 15s 0d Heifer, 1, £4 15s 0d Total paid to Mr Stewart, £17 12s 6d Labourers' work in the stores, £2 0s 0d For carrying the packet on board the Mercury, after her captain had left it behind, £5 0s 0d. To John Robinson, for the following to repair the alarm house: Rafters, 100, £5 0s 0d Laths, 8 loads, £1 0s 0d Binders, 4 loads, £0 10s 0d Total for the alarm house, £6 10s 0d To the same, for the following to repair the Peak house: Rafters, 70, £3 10s 0d Laths, 3 loads, £0 7s 6d Binders, 1 load, £0 2s 6d Total for the Peak house, £4 0s 0d Carried forward, £663 10s 4½d Interpretations The Mercury's captain sailed from the anchorage on 11 January 1774 without the Company's packet, the sealed box of the Council's letters, consultations and accounts for the Court. The Council paid £5 0s 0d for a boat to row out after the ship and put it on board. Losing the packet would have meant the Court went without the island's reports until the next homeward ship, perhaps months later. The Council paid without hesitation to avoid that delay. The rafters, laths and binders bought from John Robinson, the Company's carpenter, were cut from the island's own wood rather than shipped from England. They were probably light poles from the Long Wood or the gumwoods, fit for thatched roofs on remote posts like the alarm house and the Peak house, though not for the church. Bamboos bought from Mr Stewart may have served the same purpose. Both posts belonged to the signal system that watched for approaching ships. | |
381 | 17th January Dr. William Wrangham 1773 Decemr. 31st To Cash brought Over £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ | William Wrangham's receipts for the December quarter closed with the cash brought over from the treasury chest, the only money he received. The page was ruled off and the sum entered as his total. 31 December 1773, cash brought forward, £5,089 16s 2½d Total received, £5,089 16s 2½d | |
382 | 1774 Paymaster Cr. 1773 Decemr. 31 Brought Over £ 663 . 10 . 4½ By Cash paid John Robinson for the followg. to repair the Lt. Govrs. House in Lg. Wood 14 Rafters £ .. 14 7 Ground Joist .. 4 . 4½ 1 Load of Laths .. 2 . 6 2 Do. Binders .. 5 .. 1 . 5 . 10½ £ 664 . 16 . 3 Amount of Pay Account 4424 . 19 . 11½ £ 5089 . 16 . 2½ Island St. Helena 31st December 1773 Errors Excepted (Signed) William Wrangham Paymaster Counted and Examined the Honble. Companys Cash for the Month of December last which is as follows, Viz. | The paymaster's account of money paid out ended with the following entry, continuing from the £663 10s 4½d brought forward. To John Robinson, for the following to repair the Lieutenant Governor's house in the Long Wood: Rafters, 14, £0 14s 0d Ground joists, 7, £0 4s 4½d Laths, 1 load, £0 2s 6d Binders, 2 loads, £0 5s 0d Total for the Lieutenant Governor's house, £1 5s 10½d Total of payments, £664 16s 3d Amount of the pay list, £4,424 19s 11½d Total paid out, £5,089 16s 2½d William Wrangham, the paymaster, signed the account at St Helena on 31 December 1773, subject to correction of any errors. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for December 1773, which was set out as follows. Interpretations The paymaster's general payments for the last quarter of 1773 came to £664 16s 3d, the lowest of the year. Over the four quarters these payments fell from £1,427 6s 9½d in the spring to £803 9s 5½d in the summer and then to this figure. The building programme did not slow down. Wages on the church and the ravelin were higher than ever. What fell away was the spending that came with the ships: purchases from commanders, re-enlistment bounties and food bought for the Governor's table during the busy season. In the quiet months the Company's money went almost entirely on pay and on building. | |
383 | 17th January Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1773 Decemr. 1st To Balance remaining £ 12706 . 11 . 10 30th To Jonathan Doveton received of him for Stores Sold in the Quarter ending this day 2748 . 6 . 2 To Plantation for Provisions Sold 45 . 18 . 1 To Licences 11 . 10 . To Customs received on 5465 Gallns. Arrack 68 . 6 . 3 To Sundry Accounts for Damaged Goods Sold at Publick Auction 7 . 15 . 9 £ 15588 . 8 . 1 1773 Decr. 31st By Sundry Accounts Advanced the Paymaster to pay Salary's &c. in the Quarter ending this day 5089 . 16 . 2½ By Balance remaining viz. In Specie £ 9958 . 16 . 10½ In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 10498 . 11 . 10½ £ 15588 . 8 . 1 John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Company's cash account for December 1773 read as follows. Money received: 1 December 1773, balance in hand, £12,706 11s 10d 30 December 1773, received from Jonathan Doveton, for stores sold in the quarter to this day, £2,748 6s 2d From the plantations, for provisions sold, £45 18s 1d For licences, £11 10s 0d Customs duty received on 5,465 gallons of arrack, £68 6s 3d For damaged goods sold at public auction, £7 15s 9d Total, £15,588 8s 1d Money paid out and balance: 31 December 1773, advanced to the paymaster to pay salaries and other charges for the quarter, £5,089 16s 2½d Balance in hand, in coin, £9,958 16s 10½d Balance in hand, in cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total balance in hand, £10,498 11s 10½d Total, £15,588 8s 1d The account was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The treasury ended 1773 with £10,498 11s 10½d, the lowest balance of the year. It had stood at more than £15,000 0s 0d at the end of August, after the busy shipping season. Since then almost no ships had called, so few bills of exchange were bought, while the paymaster drew more than £10,000 0s 0d over two quarters for pay and building. Sales from the stores, nearly £2,750 0s 0d in the last quarter, recovered a large part of the money paid to the garrison. The island would wait for the new season's fleets to bring fresh silver into the chest. The customs on arrack again came to only about 3d a gallon, as in September, against 2s 6d in June. The June rate evidently applied to spirits sold retail on the island, while most of the arrack passing through in the later quarters paid the much lower rate. | |
384 | 24th January At a Consultation held on Monday the 24th January 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 17th January 1774. Mr. James Farrell this day presented the following Letter. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. &c. Council of St. Helena. Worshipful Sirs. Finding myself Necessitated on Account of some disagreeable Circumstances of a Domestic Nature, to resign the Employment you were pleased to put me into, of Surgeons Assistant of this Island, I therefore take the Liberty to inform you, that I intend with your permission to quit the Island this Season, and take my Passage on one of the Honorable Company's early homeward bound Ships. You'll have no objection I hope, to the accepting of this my Resignation. I have the Honour to be Worshipful Sirs Your most Devoted Humble Servant. (signed) James Farrell St. Helena 24 January 1774. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 24 January 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 17 January 1774 were read, approved and signed. James Farrell presented a letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council, dated at St Helena on 24 January 1774. He wrote that some unpleasant circumstances of a domestic nature obliged him to resign his post as the island's surgeon's mate. With the Council's permission, he meant to leave the island that season on one of the Company's early homeward ships. He hoped the Council would have no objection to accepting his resignation. Farrell signed the letter. Interpretations Farrell's resignation left the island with a single medical man, the surgeon Thomas Stroud, at a time when sickness in the garrison had been heavy. His post could not be filled locally, since no one else on the island was qualified. The Council would have to ask the Court to send a replacement from England, a delay of a year or more. Unlike Lieutenant Gillson's request in June 1773, Farrell's letter was a clean resignation rather than a request for leave. The Council's practice suggests it would accept it and arrange his passage, as it had done for Lieutenant Powell. | |
385 | 24th January Which resignation, We agreed to and as we considered that the Island should not be left to the care of one Surgeon, we desired Mr. Stroud to get a Young Man well recommended whom we shall entertain as Surgeons Mate in the Company's Service in Mr. Farrells Stead, but if we, cannot succeed, must apply to the Court of Directors to send us one out by the first Opportunity. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Council accepted Farrell's resignation. It considered that the island should not be left in the care of a single surgeon. It therefore asked Mr Stroud to find a well-recommended young man, whom the Council would take into the Company's service as surgeon's mate in Farrell's place. If it could not find one, it would have to ask the Court of Directors to send one out at the first opportunity. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council tried a quicker route than writing to London. A request to the Court would take a year or more to answer. The island, however, saw many trained men pass through on the Company's ships, and surgeons' mates and young assistants sometimes chose to stay ashore, much as soldiers and seamen did. By asking Stroud to find a suitable man, the Council hoped to fill the post locally within months. It kept the request to the Court only as a fallback. Stroud himself had come to the island as surgeon of the Royal Henry, so he knew the ships' medical staff well. | |
386 | 31st January At a Consultation held on Monday the 31st January 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 24th January 1774. Monday the 24th Died Sarah, Wife of Thos. Harper Inhabitant. John Price this day presented the following Petition Viz. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. Council of St. Helena. The humble Petition of John Price. Sheweth That your Petitioner being desirous of disposing of nineteen & an half Acres of Lease Land lying in Powells Valley, humbly request your Worship and Council will give him leave so to do, and accept of William Jenkins Tenant for the same. And your Petitioner will ever pray. 31st January 1774 Granted Having taken into Consideration the state of the Honble. Company's Stock of Black Cattle and Sheep finds them much reduced from the Demise of the past Seasons and other Casualty's. We have Unanimously | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 31 January 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 24 January 1774 were read, approved and signed. Sarah, wife of Thomas Harper, an inhabitant, had died on Monday 24 January 1774. John Price petitioned Governor Skottowe and the Council. He wished to give up 19½ acres of leased land in Powell's Valley and asked the Council to allow it and to accept William Jenkins as tenant in his place. The petition was dated 31 January 1774, and the Council granted it. The Council then considered the state of the Company's cattle and sheep. Losses in recent seasons and other mishaps had reduced the herds and flocks a good deal, and the Council reached a unanimous decision, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The William Jenkins who took over Price's lease was probably the inhabitant who slipped away on one of the July 1777 ships, leaving large debts and his wife and family in hardship. In 1773 he held only 16 acres. Taking on another 19½ acres more than doubled his holding, and the rent and stocking of the new land may have been part of the burden of debt he later fled. The Council's review of the Company's livestock followed a hard year. Nearly 300 sheep died in the winter quarter of 1773, after hundreds of newly landed Cape sheep failed to survive the cold, wet uplands. The cattle herd had also fallen, from 215 at the start of April to 201 at the end of December. The decision that followed answered those losses. | |
387 | 31st January Unanimously Agreed to purchase some from Mr. Purling and other inhabitants, in Order to have their Lands properly Stocked. We this day executed a Lease to Mr. Richard Bagley for a piece of Land containing 5¼ [...] Acres at four shillings Pr. Acre lying the South Division of this Island. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Council unanimously agreed to buy cattle and sheep from Mr Purling and other inhabitants so that the Company's lands would be properly stocked. The same day the Council granted Richard Bagley a lease of 5¼ acres of land in the southern division of the island, at 4s 0d an acre. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Purling had announced in June 1773 that he would retire to England in 1774 and needed to sell his land and property first. His livestock went with it, and the Company was a ready buyer at a time when its own herds and flocks had been thinned by a hard year. Buying stock that had been raised on the island also made sense after the heavy losses among sheep landed from the Cape, which died in hundreds in their first winter. Purling did not sign the minute that approved purchases from himself. After his earlier involvement in the Hutts question and the tea contracts, standing aside on a sale of his own stock kept the decision clear of his interest. The lease to Richard Bagley was the outcome of his petition of 15 November 1773 for a strip of the Company's waste land beside his ground in Sandy Bay, which the Council had ordered to be inspected first. At 4s 0d an acre it was let at the higher end of the island's rents, which suggests the inspectors found it useful land rather than bare waste. | |
388 | 2nd February At a Consultation held on Wednesday the 2nd day February 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. absent being sick Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed, dated the 31st January 1774. On Monday the 31st of last Month, Robt. Harmer, Matross, William Jones, George Ansell, James Bennett, Thos. Jacobs, and Thos. Swaby Private Deserted in the Night and had taken two Boats, a Yawl the property of Mr. Britann. Wright, and Jolly Boat the property of John Young, and put to sea, and were seen at day light the next morning but at too great a distance to venture to send the Long Boat after them without great risque to the said Long Boat, or any probability of coming up with them, as they were soon after being seen, out of sight of the Island. In consequence of which, We this day assembled in Order to get what information we could relative thereto and directed Captain Tippet (Captain of the Week) to acquaint Us what he knew of the matter. Who appearing informed Us that on Tuesday Morning at six oClock Lieut. Desfountain Officer of the Main Guard Reported to him that two of the Men belonging to his Guard viz. Robt. Harmer Matross and Thomas Jacobs Private were missing at twelve oClock the night before, that he made all possible search but could not get any intelligence of them. That upon further enquiry | The Council met at the Castle on Wednesday 2 February 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, was absent through sickness. The minutes of 31 January 1774 were read, approved and signed. During the night of Monday 31 January 1774, six soldiers deserted: Robert Harmer, a matross, and five privates, William Jones, George Ansell, James Bennett, Thomas Jacobs and Thomas Swaby. They took two boats, a yawl belonging to Britannicus Wright and a jolly boat belonging to John Young, and put to sea. They were sighted at daylight the next morning, but too far off for the Company's longboat to be sent after them without great risk to the boat or any real chance of catching them. Soon afterwards they passed out of sight of the island. The Council met that day to gather what information it could and asked Captain Tippet, the captain of the week, to report what he knew. Tippet said that at six o'clock on Tuesday morning Lieutenant Desfountain, officer of the main guard, had reported two men of his guard missing since midnight, Robert Harmer, a matross, and Thomas Jacobs, a private. Desfountain had searched everywhere but found no trace of them. On further inquiry, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The desertion of six men in two stolen boats was the first escape of its kind in these records, and it set the pattern of later years. In November 1777 four privates slipped away in a fishing boat, and in May 1778 four more took a cutter. Each time the men put to sea in small open boats with little hope of reaching land, since the nearest coast lay well over 1,000 miles away. Their only chance was to be picked up by a passing ship. That such men were willing to take the risk says much about how they felt about service on the island. Thomas Swaby was one of the two Bengal deserters taken off the French ship Boyne and enlisted on 1 October 1773. Within four months he had deserted again, this time from St Helena. Two of the deserters were on guard duty when they left, which made the escape a breach of the main guard as well as of their engagements. | |
389 | 2nd February enquiry he found that four Private Men of the Garrison had Deserted with them in the aforesaid two Boats, That they had broke open the Boat House and took from thence ten Pieces of Salt Provisions and some Rice, and had likewise stolen out of the Long Boat some Blankets, two frying Pans and two old Firelocks which together with a Cask of Water containing thirty six Gallons, had been left there as the said Long Boat was going to Sandy Bay the next Morning for Lime. Upon further enquiry we find the beforementioned Deserters were quite Illiterate, had no Compass with them, nor provisions, or Water to last but for a few days, We conclude they must inevitably perish at Sea. two of the said Men were Deserters from the Company's Settlement at Bengal, and five out of the six very bad Men. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | Tippet's inquiries showed that four privates of the garrison had deserted with Harmer and Jacobs in the two boats. The men broke into the boathouse and took ten pieces of salt meat and some rice. From the Company's longboat, which was to go to Sandy Bay for lime the next morning, they stole some blankets, two frying pans, two old muskets and a 36-gallon cask of water that had been put aboard for the trip. Further inquiry showed that none of the deserters could read or write. They had no compass, and their food and water would last only a few days. The Council concluded that they must certainly die at sea. Two of them had previously deserted from the Company's settlement in Bengal, and five of the six were thoroughly bad men. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The Council's account explains how the deserters got away and why it did not expect to see them again. The longboat had been stocked overnight for the lime run to Sandy Bay, with water and gear left aboard where anyone could reach them. That made an escape possible for men who could not otherwise have gathered supplies without being noticed. Without a compass or anyone who could read a chart, and with water for a few days at most, six men in two small boats had almost no chance of reaching land or meeting a ship. The Council's comment that five of the six were very bad men also served as an answer to the Court. Losing six soldiers in one night reflected badly on the guard and on the garrison's discipline. Describing the men as known troublemakers, two of them already deserters from Bengal, presented the loss as the departure of men the island was better without, rather than as a failure of its own command. | |
390 | 7th February At a Consultation held on Monday the 7th day of February 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Absent being sick Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved, and Signed, dated the 2nd February 1774. Saturday the 5th Died Margaret Daughter of Jas. Pritchard Taylor. This day Died John Jones Private. The Executors this day produced an Account of the Effects of Martha Merchant Deceased who being duly sworn that the same is just, we ordered it to be Registered. John Skottowe M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 7 February 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, was still absent through sickness. The minutes of 2 February 1774 were read, approved and signed. Margaret, daughter of James Pritchard, a tailor, had died on Saturday 5 February 1774. John Jones, a private, died on 7 February 1774. The executors of Martha Merchant produced an account of her belongings. They swore that it was accurate, and the Council ordered it to be entered in the register. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations James Pritchard, whose daughter died, was one of the two witnesses to Martha Merchant's will and codicil in 1773. The deaths of a child and a soldier in the same days, coming after the heavy sickness of the previous quarter, suggest illness was still widespread on the island. Corneille's own absence through sickness for a second week fits the same picture. | |
391 | 14th February At a Consultation held on Monday the 14th day of February 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed dated the 7th February 1774. Monday the 7th Passed by a Ship under Dutch Colours. The Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of January last, were this day laid before Us which were examined, approved of, and are as follows viz. Artillery Stores Expended in January 1774. Guns fired, 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder lb, Powder oz 5 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 Arrived the Mercury: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 13, Powder oz 8 11 Departed Do.: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 14, Powder oz 8 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder lb 97, Powder oz 2 Total: Guns fired 24, 9 lbs. 8, 6 lbs. 10, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder lb 139, Powder oz 10 Lead Ball lb. 2 . oz. 4 Kitt 6 | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 14 February 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 7 February 1774 were read, approved and signed. On Monday 7 February 1774 a ship flying Dutch colours passed the island. The artillery stores and the steward's accounts for January 1774 were laid before the Council, examined and approved. The account of artillery stores used in January 1774 read as follows. The column headings were left blank on this page, so the identity of each figure has been taken from the same account in earlier months, which recorded the guns fired, the nine-pounders, six-pounders, four-pounders and three-pounders, and the gunpowder used. 5 January, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 5 January, arrival of the Mercury: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 11 January, departure of the Mercury: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 97 lb 2 oz Totals: 24 guns fired, 8 nine-pounders, 10 six-pounders, 4 four-pounders, 2 three-pounders, 139 lb 10 oz of powder Small stores used: Lead ball, 2 lb 4 oz [...], 6 lb The account went on to list further small stores. | |
392 | 1774 Tallow lb. 14 Bees Wax 7 Sheep Skins No. 2 Nails 80 Tompions 9 Paper Quires 2½ Vinegar Gallons 2 Spirits of Wine ½ (Signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery. Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Company's Table in January 1774. 32 Bottles Port 2 . 10 . 8 66 Do. Madeira 4 . 2 . 6 17 Do. Lisbon 1 . 6 . 11 6 Do. Mountain 9 . 6 69 Do. Beer 1 . 3 .. 18½ Gallons Arrack 2 . 15 . 6 139 lb. Beef 1 . 14 . 9 205 Mutton 4 . 5 . 5 4 Turkeys 1 .. .. 4 Fowls 6 .. 6 Ducks 9 .. 83 Candy 2 . 1 . 6 599 Flour 4 . 19 . 10 2 Lambs 1 .. £ 28 . 4 . 7 | The small stores used by the artillery in January 1774 continued as follows. Tallow, 14 lb Beeswax, 7 lb Sheepskins, 2 Nails, 80 Tampions, 9 Paper, 2½ quires Vinegar, 2 gallons Spirits of wine, ½ pint James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in January 1774 read as follows. 32 bottles of port, £2 10s 8d 66 bottles of Madeira, £4 2s 6d 17 bottles of Lisbon wine, £1 6s 11d 6 bottles of Mountain wine, £0 9s 6d 69 bottles of beer, £1 3s 0d 18½ gallons of arrack, £2 15s 6d 139 lb of beef, £1 14s 9d 205 lb of mutton, £4 5s 5d 4 turkeys, £1 0s 0d 4 fowls, £0 6s 0d 6 ducks, £0 9s 0d 83 lb of sugar candy, £2 1s 6d 599 lb of flour, £4 19s 10d 2 lambs, £1 0s 0d Total from the stores, £28 4s 7d Interpretations Madeira at the Company's table rose to 66 bottles in January 1774, the highest monthly figure since the accounts began in May 1773. The Mercury packet was in the road from 5 to 11 January, and her officers and passengers dined at the Castle. The table also drew 139 lb of beef from the Company's own stock, after months in which almost all its beef was bought in. The herds were recovering in the summer grass, and the Council had just agreed to buy more cattle and sheep from Purling and other inhabitants. | |
393 | 14th February Bought for the Table 189¾ lb. Beef 3 . 19 .. ¾ 3 Turkeys 15 .. 24 Fowls 1 . 16 .. 6 Ducks 9 .. 4 Geese 1 .. .. 7 Pigs 1 . 15 . £ 9 . 14 .. ¾ John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The steward's account for January 1774 ended with the provisions bought in for the Company's table. 189¾ lb of beef, £3 19s 0¾d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d 24 fowls, £1 16s 0d 6 ducks, £0 9s 0d 4 geese, £1 0s 0d 7 pigs, £1 15s 0d Total bought in, £9 14s 0¾d The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. | |
394 | 21st February At a Consultation held on Monday the 21st day of February 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 14th February 1774. Thursday the 17th Passed by a Ship supposed to be Dutch. Saturday the 19th Do. six Dutch Ships. Do. Do. Arrived the Lathams Boat at Banks's at five oClock in the Evening. Do. Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Latham from Bengal (last from the Cape) and brought Us the following supply. Invoice of Ship Latham Fine Rice 60 Bags Wt. B. Mds. 120 @ 30 Sicca Pr. Sicca Rupee 135 . 9 . 6 Sugar 10 Bags Wt. Bz. Mds. 20 @ 15 Ct. Pr. Md. 300 .. .. Wax Candles 4 Chests Wt. 8 @ 70 Do. 560 .. .. Paddy 40 Bags Wt. 60 @ 10 . 3 Do. 38 . 7 .. Battavia Arrack 2 Leagers @ 300 Rs. Pr. ea. 648 .. .. 1732 .. 6 Charges Merchandize 200 Gunney Bags @ 22 Ac. Pr. % 47 . 8 . 3 4 Mango Plank Chests @ 3 Pr. ea. 12 . 15 . 3 10 Seer Jute twine @ 4 Pr. Md. 1 .. .. 10 Do. Jute Rope @ 3 Do. .. 12 .. 1 Do. Nails @ 17 Do. .. 6 . 9 3 Ps. Gurrah @ 1 . 4 Pr. 4 .. 9 12 Gunney @ 22 Pr. % 2 . 13 . 6 40 Reed Matts @ 10 Do. 4 . 5 . 3 Carried Over 73 . 13 . 9 1732 .. 6 | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 21 February 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 14 February 1774 were read, approved and signed. On Thursday 17 February 1774 a ship, thought to be Dutch, passed the island, and six Dutch ships passed on Saturday 19 February 1774. On the same Saturday, at five in the evening, the boat of the Latham reached Banks's. The Company's ship Latham then arrived from Bengal, after a last call at the Cape, bringing supplies for the island. The invoice for her cargo read as follows. Fine rice, 60 bags weighing 120 maunds, at 30 [...], 135 rupees 9 annas 6 pies Sugar, 10 bags weighing 20 maunds, at 15 rupees per maund, 300 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Wax candles, 4 chests weighing 8 maunds, at 70 rupees per maund, 560 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Paddy, 40 bags weighing 60 maunds, at 10 annas 3 pies per maund, 38 rupees 7 annas 0 pies Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers at 300 rupees each, 648 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Value of goods, 1,732 rupees 0 annas 6 pies Shipping charges: Gunny bags, 200, at 22 rupees per hundred, 47 rupees 8 annas 3 pies Chests of mango planks, 4, 12 rupees 15 annas 3 pies Jute twine, 10 seers, 1 rupee 0 annas 0 pies Jute rope, 10 seers, at 3 annas, 0 rupees 12 annas 0 pies Nails, 1 seer, at 17 annas, 0 rupees 6 annas 9 pies Gurrah cloth, 3 pieces, at 1 rupee 4 annas each, 4 rupees 0 annas 9 pies Gunny cloths, 12, at 22 rupees per hundred, 2 rupees 13 annas 6 pies Reed mats, 40, at 10 rupees per hundred, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies Shipping charges carried forward, 73 rupees 13 annas 9 pies Interpretations The Latham brought the first of the season's Bengal consignments, in the same form as the four of 1773. The rice was far cheaper than before, under 136 rupees for 120 maunds, against 291 rupees on the ships of May 1773 and 207 rupees on the Hector in July. Rice prices in Bengal had evidently fallen sharply since the famine years. The sugar, candles and arrack were charged at exactly the old rates. Seven foreign ships passed the island within three days, all heading home to Europe with the Dutch fleet from Batavia. That was the season's first sign of the homeward shipping that would soon fill the road again. | |
395 | 21st February Brought Over 1732 .. 6 Charges Merchandize Brot. Over 73 . 13 . 9 Coopers Work for one Day 2 . 2 . 6 Diet .. 10 . 3 Boathire 4 . 5 . 3 Peons 2 . 2 . 6 Weighmen 1 . 8 .. Cooley hire 19 .. .. Packermen 1 . 15 . 9 Sloop hire 135 .. .. 240 . 10 . Current Rupees 1654 . 8 .. Madeira Wine 6 Pipes @ 250 Cr. Pr. Pipe 1500 .. Charges Merchandize Sloop hire 150 .. .. Cooley hire @ 12 Annas Pr. Pipe 4 . 8 .. .. 154 . 8 . Current Rupees 1654 . 8 .. Errors Excepted (Signed) L. Darell Jr. Accompt. Counted and Examined the Honble. Company's Cash for the Month of January last which is as follows Viz. | The invoice for the Latham continued from the 1,732 rupees 0 annas 6 pies brought forward. Shipping charges brought forward, 73 rupees 13 annas 9 pies Coopers' work for one day, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Food, 0 rupees 10 annas 3 pies Boat hire, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies Peons, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Weighers, 1 rupee 8 annas 0 pies Hire of porters, 19 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Packers, 1 rupee 15 annas 9 pies Sloop hire, 135 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total shipping charges, 240 rupees 10 annas 0 pies Total in current rupees, 1,654 rupees 8 annas 0 pies Madeira wine, 6 pipes at 250 rupees per pipe, 1,500 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Shipping charges on the wine: Sloop hire, 150 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Hire of porters at 12 annas per pipe, 48 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total shipping charges on the wine, 154 rupees 8 annas 0 pies Total for the wine in current rupees, 1,654 rupees 8 annas 0 pies L. Darell, accountant, signed the invoice, noting that it was subject to correction of any errors. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for January 1774, which was set out as follows. | |
396 | 21st February Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1774 Janry. 1st To Balance remaining £ 10498 . 11 . 10½ 10th To Exchange for two Setts of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable as follow Viz. One Sett to John Purling Esqr. £ 1200 One Do. to Miss Mary Bazett 50 .. 1250 .. .. £ 10748 . 11 . 10½ 1774 Janry. 31st By Balance Remaining Viz. In Specie £ 11208 . 16 . 10½ In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 11748 . 11 . 10½ £ 11748 . 11 . 10½ John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Company's cash account for January 1774 read as follows. Money received: 1 January 1774, balance in hand, £10,498 11s 10½d 10 January 1774, cash received for two sets of bills of exchange drawn on the Court of Directors, £1,250 0s 0d One set payable to John Purling, £1,200 0s 0d One set payable to Miss Mary Bazett, £50 0s 0d Total, £10,748 11s 10½d Balance in hand on 31 January 1774: In coin, £11,208 16s 10½d In cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total, £11,748 11s 10½d The account was signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The only money paid into the treasury in January 1774 came from the two bills issued on 10 January. Purling's £1,200 0s 0d made up almost all of it. His savings were moving to London ahead of his retirement, and they briefly lifted the island's balance back above £11,000 0s 0d after the lean months at the end of 1773. The Mercury packet called and sailed during the month but paid nothing into the treasury. | |
397 | 28th February At a Consultation held on Monday the 28th February 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed, dated the 21st February 1774. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Short received from Ship Latham. Account of Stores short received from Ship Latham. C. qr. lb. 7 .. .. Rice 2 . 1 . 16 Paddy 1 . 3 . 20 Sugar .. .. 8 Candles Short Weight occasioned by Wastage. 2 Leagers Arrack viz. No. 1 Gauges 130 Gallons, wants to fill 7 Gallons 2 Do. 136 Do. Do. 7 Do. 266 14 14 Gallons 252 Gallons received 6 Pipes Madeira Wine viz. No., Gauges Gallons, Wants to fill Gallons 1: Gauges Gallons 115, Wants to fill Gallons 8 2: Gauges Gallons 115, Wants to fill Gallons 5 3: Gauges Gallons 115, Wants to fill Gallons 4 4: Gauges Gallons 115, Wants to fill Gallons 5 5: Gauges Gallons 115, Wants to fill Gallons 9 6: Gauges Gallons 113, Wants to fill Gallons 5 688 36 36 652 received Signed Jonn. Doveton Storekeeper | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 28 February 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 21 February 1774 were read, approved and signed. The storekeeper presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Latham. Rice, 7 hundredweight 0 quarters 0 pounds short in weight Paddy, 2 hundredweight 1 quarter 16 pounds short in weight Sugar, 1 hundredweight 3 quarters 20 pounds short in weight Candles, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 8 pounds short in weight Arrack, 2 leaguers Leaguer number 1, gauged at 130 gallons, 7 gallons short of full Leaguer number 2, gauged at 136 gallons, 7 gallons short of full Arrack due in total, 266 gallons Arrack short in total, 14 gallons Arrack received, 252 gallons Madeira wine, 6 pipes Pipe number 1, gauged at 113 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Pipe number 2, gauged at 115 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 3, gauged at 115 gallons, 4 gallons short of full Pipe number 4, gauged at 115 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Pipe number 5, gauged at 115 gallons, 9 gallons short of full Pipe number 6, gauged at 113 gallons, 5 gallons short of full Madeira due in total, 688 gallons Madeira short in total, 36 gallons Madeira received, 652 gallons The storekeeper put the shortfall in the rice, paddy, sugar and candles down to wastage in transit. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account. Interpretations The Latham delivered every cask and bag on her invoice, unlike the Triton and the Marquis of Rockingham in 1773, which kept back goods consigned to the island. Her losses were the ordinary shrinkage of a long voyage, though the seven hundredweight of rice was a heavier loss than most Bengal ships showed. The storekeeper presented the account promptly while the ship was still in the road, as Corneille had asked in August 1773, so that any real shortfall could have been charged to the commander before he sailed. | |
398 | 1774 Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard the Ship Latham, to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters, but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Latham John Prince Command. Thos. Trimbrell 1 Mate George Scollough 2 Do. Lewis Belfour 3 Do. George Latty 4 Do. R. Arbuthnot 5 Do. Thos. Hardee 6 Do. Charles Menzies Surgn. Jno. Bower Hodson Purser Andw. Cornwall S. Mate Geo. Ridley Gunner James Jameson S. Steward T. Brooks Mid. & Coxswain Robt. Shaw Do. T. Edwards Do. Willm. Hamilton Do. Willm. Warker Do. Andw. Richardson S. Mate John Grandy Caulker Willm. Patterson Cooper Saml. Tomlinson Ships Cook Geo. Anderson Capt. Do. Geo. Garrett Armourer James Ward Poulterer Alexd. Anderson G. Mate Geo. Pincher Carp. Do. John Windle 2 Do. Edward Gadsby Caulk. Do. Willm. Farrell Walter Grant Q. Mast. John Toolen Q. Mast. James Eaton Do. James Henderson Do. James Merret Do. John White Do. Wm. Bean Seaman James Porter Henry Smith Robt. Jackson Edward Neal John White Patk. Henry James Watts John York Thos. Webster Thos. Booth Jacob Lucas John Magrean Thos. Sprungle James Bruce David Hollin John Hains David Strachan R. Gray Fred. Mileton John Cromatie Thos. Bell Geffy. Evans Thos. Chambers Willm. Hingham James Jefferson Thos. Nichols James Hanton John Hayward Charles Ray Edward Turpine Franc. Veal Saml. Bradford D. Loyd Thos. Carter Henry Dibble Peter Williamson John Clements John Mitchel Jos. Stewart George Wigmore James Snow Luke Irwin James Adamson Thos. Morgan Franc. Patby David Frazer Wm. Brown John Moore John William Charles Boyne Wm. Trowbridge | Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Latham to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll read as follows. John Prince, commander Thomas Timbrell, first mate George Scollough, second mate Lewis Bilfour, third mate George Latty, fourth mate F. Arbuthnot, fifth mate Thomas Hardie, sixth mate Charles Menzies, surgeon John Bower Hodson, purser Andrew Cornwall, surgeon's mate George Ridley, gunner James Jameson, ship's steward T. Brooke, midshipman and coxswain Robert Shaw, midshipman T. Edwards, midshipman William Hamilton, midshipman William Warton, midshipman Andrew Richardson, sailmaker John Grandy, caulker William Patterson, cooper James Tomlinson, ship's cook George Anderson, captain's cook George Garrett, armourer James Ward, poulterer Alexander Anderson, gunner's mate George Pincher, carpenter's mate John Windle, carpenter's second mate Edward Gadsby, caulker's mate William Farrell Walter Grant, cooper's mate John Torton, quartermaster James Eaton, quartermaster James Henderson, quartermaster James Merrit, quartermaster John White, quartermaster Seamen: William Bean James Porter Henry Smith Robert Jackson Edward Neal John White Patrick Henry James Watts John York Thomas Webster Thomas Booth Jacob Lucas John Magrean Thomas Sprungle James Bruce David Hellin John Hains David Strachan F. Gray Frederick Mifleton John Cromatic Thomas Bell Griffith Evans Thomas Chambers William Hingham James Jefferson Thomas Nichols James Hanton John Hayward Charles Ray Edward Turpin Francis Veal Samuel Bradford D. Loyd Thomas Carter Henry Dibble Peter Williamson John Clements John Mitchel Joseph Stewart George Wigmore James Snow Luke Irvin James Adamson Thomas Morgan Francis Patley David Frazer William Brown John Moore John William Charles Boyne William Trowbridge Interpretations John Prince still commanded the Latham five years later. In May 1779 he brought her into St Helena from China and reported that the Gatton, the Hillsborough and the Royal George were still at Whampoa, and that a French 74-gun ship had left the Cape. Commanders often kept the same ship for several voyages, and the island came to know them well over the years. | |
399 | 28th February Willm. Gardner Seaman Henry Mc. George Joseph Clamp Willm. Richardson Saml. Jenners John Smith John Coro Joseph Coen Willm. Harlet Geo. Cook Seaman Danl. Horn John Worthman James Pewey Willm. Trotter Passengers Mr. Lushington Mrs. Lushington 3 Children Mr. Scott Mr. Ramson Capt. Frazer Capt. Hornby Mr. Owens Mr. Farrington Mr. Gladwin Mr. Farmer Willm. Sibs John Mc. Donel Grant John Tilley Rd. Mc. Donald Saml. Dillie A White Man & Black Woman (Signed) John Prince Captain Prince having Acquainted Us by Letter On the 25 Instant, that he should be ready to sail on the 27, but after that address he presented the following Letter. To the Worshipful John Scottowe Esqr. &c. Council St. Helena. Worshipfull Sir & Sirs The late heavy Rain having prevented my filling any Water, for this three Days, will put it out of my Power to leave this place before Monday. I am Worshipful Sir & Sirs Your most obedient Hble. Servant. (signed) John Prince St. Helena 26 Feby. 1774 | The muster roll of the Latham ended with the following seamen and passengers. Seamen: William Gardner Henry McGeorge Joseph Clamp William Richardson Samuel Jenners John Smith John Coro Joseph Coen William Harlet George Cook Daniel How John Worthman James Pursey William Trotter Passengers: Mr Lushington Mrs Lushington 3 children Mr Scott Mr Pearson Captain Frazer Captain Hornby Mr Romano Mr Farrington Mr Gladwin Mr Farmer William Sibs John McDonel Grant John Tilley R. McDonald Samuel Dilks A white man and a black woman John Prince signed the roll. On 25 February 1774 Captain Prince had told the Council by letter that he would be ready to sail on 27 February. He then sent a further letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council, dated at St Helena on 26 February 1774. He wrote that heavy rain over the past three days had prevented him from taking on any water, so he could not leave before Monday. Prince signed the letter. Interpretations Prince's letter shows how much the island's single watering place depended on the weather. Ships filled their casks from the stream at Jamestown and rafted them out through the surf to the anchorage. After three days of heavy rain the stream ran thick with mud and the landing became dangerous, so no water could be taken aboard. A delay meant more days in the road, and the charter party allowed only a fixed time at the island. The commander therefore put the reason in writing, so that the Council could not hold him responsible for overstaying. | |
400 | 1774 Captain Prince purchased at the Cape on the Company's Account, Ninety Sheep of which we have received only Sixty Nine, twenty one dying in the Passage but has charged the Whole Ninety. Also thirty three hundred, two quarters Wheat, fifteen Baskets Garden Seeds. The whole amounting to, One hundred and three pounds, eight Shillings, of which we have paid him fifty three pounds, eight shillings, and have given certificates for the remaining fifty pounds, his Bill is as follows. The Honble. Company Dr. To 90 Sheep taken onboard at the Cape Delivered 69 @ 15/ 67 . 10 . 0 to C. qr. lb. 33 . 2 .. of Wheat @ 8/ 13 .. 8 . 0 to 15 Baskets of Seeds @ 30/ 22 . 10 . 0 £ 103 .. 8 . 0 St. Helena the 26th February 1774 Errors Excepted (Signed) John Prince. | Captain Prince had bought 90 sheep at the Cape for the Company. Only 69 reached the island, since 21 died on the voyage, but he charged for all 90. He had also bought 33 hundredweight 2 quarters of wheat and 15 baskets of garden seeds. The whole came to £103 8s 0d. The Council paid him £53 8s 0d in cash and gave him certificates for the remaining £50 0s 0d. His bill read as follows. Account of the East India Company with Captain Prince 90 sheep taken on board at the Cape, 69 delivered, at 15s 0d each, £67 10s 0d Wheat, 33 hundredweight 2 quarters 0 pounds at 8s 0d per hundredweight, £13 8s 0d Baskets of garden seeds, 15, at 30s 0d each, £22 10s 0d Total, £103 8s 0d John Prince signed the bill at St Helena on 26 February 1774, subject to correction of any errors. Interpretations The Company paid for every sheep loaded at the Cape, including the 21 that died at sea. The obvious course was to pay only for the 69 that came ashore, as the storekeeper did with short-weighed rice. Here, however, the sheep had been bought on the Company's account, at its own risk, rather than sold by the commander as his private goods. Losses on the voyage therefore fell on the Company. Nearly a quarter of the flock died before reaching the island, on top of the heavy winter losses among Cape sheep in 1773. Buying from the Cape was proving a costly way to restock, which helps explain the Council's decision in January to buy sheep from Purling and other inhabitants instead. Splitting the payment between cash and certificates suited both sides. The treasury kept part of its coin, and Prince received the rest as a certificate payable by the Court in London, where he was bound. | |
401 | 28th February The Reverend Mr. William Bearcroft this day applied to Us to pay three hundred pounds into the Honble. Company's Cash, which sum we have received and given Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors payable to Captain John Mitford (or Order) at Ninety Days Sight. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Reverend William Bearcroft asked to pay £300 0s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, payable to Captain John Mitford or to his order 90 days after sight. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations Bearcroft had agreed in June 1773 to stay on as chaplain for another year at the Council's request, giving up two good chances of a passage home. Remitting £300 0s 0d now, more than a year's salary, suggests he was preparing to leave with the season's ships, sending his savings ahead to London by a bill rather than carrying coin on the voyage. The Council had promised to ask the Court for help with his passage if he could not find terms as good as those he had turned down. | |
402 | 7th March At a Consultation held on Monday the 7th day of March 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Governor Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 28th February 1774. Monday the 28th Died Joseph Barber Private. Do. Do. Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Latham for England. Do. Do. Arrived the Duke of Kingston's Boat at Banks's at half past two oClock in the afternoon. Do. Do. The Honble. Company's Ship Duke of Kingston from China (last from the Cape) and brought Us the following Supply's Viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 7 March 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 28 February 1774 were read, approved and signed. Joseph Barber, a private, died on Monday 28 February 1774. The Latham sailed for England the same day. At half past two that afternoon, the boat of the Duke of Kingston reached Banks's. The Company's ship Duke of Kingston then arrived from China, after a last call at the Cape, bringing supplies for the island, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The Latham sailed on Monday 28 February, as Captain Prince had promised in his letter of 26 February once the rain stopped and he could take on water. The Duke of Kingston arrived the same afternoon, the first China ship of the 1774 season. Ships from Canton brought tea, sugar candy and other Chinese goods for the island's stores, and their arrival began the busiest months of the shipping year. | |
403 | 7th March Invoice of Ship Duke of Kingston. H No. 1 & 2 Tea Hyson No. 1 & 2 Cht. 29 . 1 . 00 56 .. Cannisters 50 of 3 lb. 12 @ 1 . 5 . 7 . 5 63 . 5 .. S. No. 1 a 6 Tea Singlo 6 Chests 2 . 94 @ 221 61 . 7 . 4 CN No. 1 a 6 Tea Congo 6 Do. 3 . 93 @ 223 86 . 4 . 6 S. No. 1 Tea Souchong 1 Do. 40 @ 50 20 Cannisters 20 of 3 lb. 2 @ 1 . 5 3 23 .. SCF No. 1 & 2 Sugar Candy finest sort 2 Chests No. 1 and 2 4 . 26 @ 9 . 5 . 0 . 0 40 . 4 . 7 SC No. 3 a 6 Sugar Candy fine sort 4 Chests No. 3 a 6 8 . 86 @ 7 . 6 . 0 . 0 67 . 3 . 3 . 6 CW No. 1 a 8 China Ware blue & White 8 Chests No. 1 a 8 115 . 1 . 6 Sago Sago pack'd in Chests 7 and 8 3 . 47 @ 6 . 2 . 0 . 0 21 . 5 . 1 . 4 B No. 1 a 4 Bohea 4 Chests No. 1 a 4 4 . 07 @ 13 . 5 . 0 . 0 54 . 9 . 4 . 5 SU No. 1 a 16 Sugar 16 Do. No. 1 a 16 35 . 45 @ 4 . 5 . 0 . 0 159 . 5 . 2 . 5 Tales 693 . 6 . 5 Canton 20th Novr. 1773. Signed Mattw. Raper Junr. James Bradshaw Wm. Henry Pigou George Rogers Alex. Hume Edw. Phipps Francis Wood Junr. William Harrison The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Short received from Ship Duke of Kingston. | The invoice for the goods shipped on the Duke of Kingston at Canton read as follows. Hyson tea, Nos 1 and 2, 1 picul at 56 taels per picul, with 50 canisters at 1 mace 5 candareens each, 63 taels 5 mace 0 candareens Singlo tea, 6 chests weighing 2 piculs 94 catties, at 21 taels per picul, 61 taels 7 mace 4 candareens Congou tea, 6 chests weighing 3 piculs 93 catties, at 22 taels per picul, 86 taels 4 mace 6 candareens Souchong tea, 1 chest weighing 40 catties, at 50 taels per picul, with 20 canisters at 1 mace 5 candareens each, 23 taels 0 mace 0 candareens Finest sugar candy, 2 chests weighing 4 piculs 26 catties, at 9 taels 5 mace per picul, 40 taels 4 mace 7 candareens Fine sugar candy, 4 chests weighing 8 piculs 86 catties, at 7 taels 6 mace per picul, 67 taels 3 mace 3 candareens 6 cash Blue and white china, 8 chests, 115 taels 1 mace 6 candareens Sago, 2 chests weighing 3 piculs 47 catties, at 6 taels 2 mace per picul, 21 taels 5 mace 1 candareen 4 cash Bohea tea, 4 chests weighing 4 piculs 7 catties, at 13 taels 5 mace per picul, 54 taels 9 mace 4 candareens 5 cash Sugar, 16 packages weighing 35 piculs 45 catties, at 4 taels 5 mace per picul, 159 taels 5 mace 2 candareens 5 cash Total, 693 taels 6 mace 5 candareens The invoice was dated at Canton on 20 November 1773 and signed by Matthew Raper junior, James Bradshaw, William Henry Pigou, George Rogers, Alexander Hume, Edward Phipps, Francis Wood junior and William Harrison. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Duke of Kingston. Interpretations The invoice was drawn up in the money and weights of the China trade. The tael was a weight of silver of about 1⅓ ounces, used as money at Canton, and divided into 10 mace, each of 10 candareens, each of 10 cash. Goods were weighed in piculs of 100 catties, a picul being about 133 pounds. The eight signatories were the Company's supercargoes at Canton, the council that ran its China trade. The island now kept accounts in four eastern systems, those of Bengal, Madras, Bombay and Canton, all of which the storekeeper had to turn into sterling. The consignment shows what China alone supplied. Hyson and Souchong were the finest teas, packed in small canisters for the officials' tables. Singlo, Congou and Bohea were the everyday teas sold from the stores. Sago, a starch made from the pith of the sago palm, was used in puddings and as food for invalids, probably for the hospital. The blue and white porcelain restocked the octagonal china that the island's households had been buying in the months before the shipping season. | |
404 | 1774 Account of Stores short received from Ship Duke of Kingston Viz. C. qr. lb. .. .. 18 Candy .. .. 16 fine Do. .. 1 . 23 Sugar .. .. 12 Sago Short Weight Occasioned by Wastage. 6 Octagon Meat Dishes 10 Do. Do. Plates 1 Baking Dish 1 Bowl 15 Sneakers 11 Half Pt. Cups & Saucers 14 Quarter Pt. Do. and Do. 1 Guglet and Bason found broke upon opening the Package (Signed) Jonn. Doveton Storekeeper 4 March 1774 Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard the Ship Duke of Kingston to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters, but found none her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Duke of Kingston Raymond Snow Comm. John Kidd 1st Mate Justinian Nutt 2 Do. John Lewis 3d. Do. Henry Sherman 4 Do. James Cameron 5 Do. Robt. Ley 6 Do. Thos. Shephard Purser James Collis Surgeon Charles Forbes Do. Mate Jno. Mackcon Mid. & Coxn. Henry Elliott Midshipn. John Mc. Kenzie Do. Robt. Wright Do. Mw. Lanser Boatswain Mich. Foster Gunner John Venning Carpenter James Malone Ships Stewd. Peter Hornby Capt. Do. Martin Catthort Do. Cook Thos. Hill Ships Do. Thos. Capes Cooper Alexd. Brook Do. Mate Isaac Blackburn Caulker | The storekeeper's account of stores that arrived short from the Duke of Kingston read as follows. Short in weight from wastage: Sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 18 pounds Fine sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 16 pounds Sugar, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 23 pounds Sago, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 12 pounds Found broken on opening the packages: Octagonal meat dishes, 6 Octagonal plates, 10 Baking dish, 1 Bowl, 1 Sneakers, 15 Half-pint cups and saucers, 11 Quarter-pint cups and saucers, 14 Guglet and basin, 1 Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 4 March 1774. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Duke of Kingston to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll began as follows. Raymond Snow, commander John Kidd, first mate Justinian Nutt, second mate John Lewis, third mate Henry Sherman, fourth mate James Cameron, fifth mate Robert Ley, sixth mate Thomas Shephard, purser James Collie, surgeon Charles Fozzies, surgeon's mate John Marlow, midshipman and coxswain Henry Elliott, midshipman John McKenzie, midshipman Robert Wright, midshipman Matthew Lanser, boatswain Michael Foster, gunner John Venning, carpenter James Malone, ship's steward Peter Hornby, captain's steward Martin Cathart, captain's cook Thomas Hill, ship's cook Thomas Gapes, cooper Alexander Brook, cooper's mate Isaac Blackburn, caulker Interpretations The porcelain suffered far more than the dry goods. Nearly 60 pieces of the china were found broken when the chests were opened, though the packing was intact. Chinese export porcelain was packed tightly in tea or straw, but six months in a pitching hold took a steady toll. Breakage inside sound packing was the packers' fault at Canton rather than the ship's, so the storekeeper recorded it without charging the commander, as he did with the broken glass from England. | |
405 | [A small ink blot at the head of the page partly obscures the running head.] 7th March Edmund Ireland Armr. Jno. Johnson Sailmaker Charles Cooper Gunr. Mate Peter Pearson Carp. 1 Do. John Edwards 2 Do. Clark Johnson Poulterer John Latham Baker Michl. Fleming Q. Master George Fitzgerald Do. Willm. Watson Do. Willm. Sibby Do. Robt. Wotton Seaman Robt. Mich. James Willm. Barnett James Peel John Kendall John Davis Richd. Stevens James Billingsby John Murry Willm. Brown Christ. Brown Richd. Harvey Thos. Hay Thos. Wright John Charming James Strong John Hare John Ozby Seaman Saml. Preston John Brown William Harper Samuel Best John Lott Edward Payne Thos. Hall John Humes John Gale Edward Stewart Thomas Irwin Hugh Bailey Willm. Dale Willm. White John Shephard Willm. Murray John Moratty James Farrell George Johnson Thos. Crosby John Westcott John Burnt Sur Sears John Hurst Thos. Fife William Henning Thos. Ray Seaman Charles Abbott George Thomas James Thomas Jonn. Dredge Willm. Havron Willm. Ramble Thos. Stone Thos. Harris Robt. Matthews Thos. Dudgeon John Hall William Goodman David Mills William Brooks George Dawson Barnard Scorney James Powers Joseph Lawson Richd. Maitland John Frazier Peter Anderson Mattw. Mc. Kenzie Dunken Mingies John Shannon William Morris David Walker Passengers Dr. Edward Reddish Mr. Jos. Ivey Tanner Signed Ray. Snow Captain Snow purchased at the Cape on the Company's Account, fifty Sheep of which we have received only forty, ten dying in the Passage but has charged the whole fifty also five Baskets of | The muster roll of the Duke of Kingston continued. Edmund Ireland, armourer John Johnson, sailmaker Charles Cooper, gunner's mate Peter Pierson, carpenter's first mate John Edwards, carpenter's second mate Clark Johnson, poulterer John Latham, baker Michael Fleming, quartermaster George Fitzgerald, quartermaster William Watson, quartermaster William Sibby, quartermaster Seamen: Robert Wotton Robert Michael James William Burnett James Pool John Kendall John Davis Richard Stevens James Billingsley John Murry William Brown Christopher Brown Richard Harvey Thomas Hay Thomas Wright John Channing James Strong John Hare John Oxby Samuel Preston John Brown William Harper Samuel Best John Lott Edward Payne Thomas Hall John Humes John Gale Edward Stewart Thomas Irvin Hugh Bailey William Dale William White John Shephard William Murray John Moratty James Farrell George Johnson Thomas Crosby John Westop John Brent [...] Siers John Hurst Thomas Fife William Hemming Thomas Hay Charles Abbott George Thomas James Thomas Jonathan Dredge William Havron William Ramble Thomas Stone Thomas Harris Robert Matthews Thomas Dudgeon John Hall William Goodman David Mills William Brooks George Dawson Barnard Scorney James Powers Joseph Lawson Richard Maitland John Frazier Peter Anderson Matthew McKenzie Duncan Menzies John Shannon William Morris David Walker Passengers: Dr Edward Reddish Mr Jonathan Ivey Tanner Raymond Snow signed the roll. Captain Snow had bought 50 sheep at the Cape for the Company. Only 40 reached the island, since ten died on the voyage, but he charged for all 50. He had also bought five baskets of garden seeds, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations Snow's sheep fared better than Prince's a week earlier, with ten deaths in 50 against 21 in 90, but the pattern was the same. Sheep bought on the Company's account at the Cape died at sea at the Company's risk, and the commanders charged for every animal loaded. Two ships in a fortnight lost 31 sheep between them before landing. That made buying from the island's own inhabitants, which the Council had agreed in January, the more attractive way to restock. | |
406 | [An ink blot at the head of the page partly obscures the running head.] 1774 Seeds one thousand pounds of fine Rice, the whole amounting to fifty two pounds, ten Shillings, as Pr. the following Bill, for the payment, whereof we have given him Certificates. The Honble. East India Company Dr. To Raymond Snow to 50 Sheep @ 15/ ea. £ 37 . 10 .. 5 Baskets of Garden Seeds 30/ ea. 7 . 10 .. 1000 lbs. fine Rice @ 15/ Pr. hund. 7 . 10 .. £ 52 . 10 .. Errors Excepted (Signed) Thos. Shephard St. Helena 7 March 1774. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | Captain Snow also sold the Company 1,000 lb of fine rice. The whole came to £52 10s 0d, as set out in the following bill, and the Council paid him in certificates. Account of the East India Company with Raymond Snow Sheep, 50, at 15s 0d each, £37 10s 0d Baskets of garden seeds, 5, at 30s 0d each, £7 10s 0d Fine rice, 1,000 lb, at 15s 0d per hundred pounds, £7 10s 0d Total, £52 10s 0d Thomas Shephard, the ship's purser, signed the bill at St Helena on 7 March 1774, subject to correction of any errors. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. Interpretations The fine rice Snow sold from China cost the Company 15s 0d per hundred pounds, roughly 16s 9d a hundredweight. That was about twice the price of the Bengal rice landed from the Latham a fortnight earlier, which came to well under 8s 0d a hundredweight even after the shipping charges. The Council bought it anyway, probably because it was a better grade for the tables of officials rather than for the Company's slaves. Paying wholly in certificates kept the treasury's coin for the island's own costs. Snow would collect the money from the Court in London. | |
407 | 14th March At a Consultation held on Monday the 14th day of March 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and Signed dated the 7th March 1774. Tuesday the 8th Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Duke of Kingston for England. Thursday the 10th Arrived a Swede Ship from China call'd the Finland Captain Selle, Burthen thirteen hundred Tons carry's twenty six Guns, and, one hundred and forty Men, loaden with Tea and China Ware, bound to Gottenburgh. Saturday the 12th Arrived the Princess Royals Boat at Banks's at twelve oClock at noon. Do. Do. The Honorable Company's Ship Princess Royal from China (last from the Cape.) Yesterday Sailed the Swede Ship Finland for Gottenburgh. The Ship Princess Royal brought Us the following Supply's | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 14 March 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 7 March 1774 were read, approved and signed. The Duke of Kingston sailed for England on Tuesday 8 March 1774. On Thursday 10 March 1774 a Swedish ship from China, the Finland under Captain Selle, arrived at the island. She measured 1,300 tons, carried 26 guns and 140 men, and was loaded with tea and porcelain for Gothenburg. At noon on Saturday 12 March 1774 the boat of the Princess Royal reached Banks's, and the Company's ship Princess Royal then arrived from China after a last call at the Cape. The Finland sailed for Gothenburg on 13 March 1774. The Princess Royal brought supplies for the island, as the minutes went on to record. Interpretations The Finland, at 1,300 tons, was larger than any Company ship mustered at the island that year. The Swedish East India Company built big ships for the long China voyage and sent most of their tea on to Britain as contraband. Five years later the same ship passed the island again, in May 1779, and her officer brought the Council news of the French squadron at the Cape. The Finland stayed only three days in 1774, long enough to take on water and fresh food before the run north. | |
408 | 1774 Invoice of Ship Princess Royal. S No. 1 & 2 Tea Singlo 2 Chests of Picul Catt. 96 @ 21 20 . 1 . 6 . 0 C No. 1 & 2 Tea Congo 2 Chests 1 . 34 @ 22 29 . 4 . 8 . 0 B No. 1 a 4 Tea Bohea 4 Chests 3 . 86 @ 13 . 5 52 . 1 . 1 .. SCF No. 1 a 3 Sugar Candy finest sort 3 Chests 6 . 55 @ 9 . 5 62 . 2 . 2 . 5 SC No. 1 a 3 Sugar Candy fine sort 3 Chests 6 . 45 @ 7 . 6 49 . 0 . 2 . 0 SU No. 1 a 16 Sugar 16 Chests 33 . 79 @ 4 . 5 161 . 0 . 5 . 5 CW No. 1 a 8 China Ware 8 Chests 115 . 6 . 3 . 0 Sago Sago Packed Chests 7 & 8 3 . 54 @ 6 . 2 21 . 9 . 4 . 8 137 . 5 . 7 . 8 Tales 511 . 6 . 2 . 8 Canton 6th December 1773 Errors Excepted (Signed) Mattw. Raper James Bradshaw Wm. Henry Pigou Geo. Rogers Alex. Hume Edward Phipps Francis Wood Junr. Wm. Harrison The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores short received from Ship Princess Royal. | The invoice for the goods shipped on the Princess Royal at Canton read as follows. Singlo tea, Nos 1 and 2, 2 chests weighing 96 catties, at 21 taels per picul, 20 taels 1 mace 6 candareens 0 cash Congou tea, Nos 1 and 2, 2 chests weighing 1 picul 34 catties, at 22 taels per picul, 29 taels 4 mace 8 candareens 0 cash Bohea tea, Nos 1 to 4, 4 chests weighing 3 piculs 86 catties, at 13 taels 5 mace per picul, 52 taels 1 mace 1 candareen 0 cash Finest sugar candy, Nos 1 to 3, 3 chests weighing 6 piculs 55 catties, at 9 taels 5 mace per picul, 62 taels 2 mace 2 candareens 5 cash Fine sugar candy, Nos 1 to 3, 3 chests weighing 6 piculs 45 catties, at 7 taels 6 mace per picul, 49 taels 0 mace 2 candareens 0 cash Sugar, Nos 1 to 16, 16 chests weighing 35 piculs 79 catties, at 4 taels 5 mace per picul, 161 taels 0 mace 5 candareens 5 cash China, Nos 1 to 8, 8 chests, 115 taels 6 mace 3 candareens 0 cash Sago, packed in chests Nos 7 and 8, weighing 3 piculs 54 catties, at 6 taels 2 mace per picul, 21 taels 9 mace 4 candareens 8 cash China and sago together, 137 taels 5 mace 7 candareens 8 cash Total, 511 taels 6 mace 2 candareens 8 cash The invoice was dated at Canton on 6 December 1773, subject to correction of any errors, and signed by Matthew Raper, James Bradshaw, William Henry Pigou, George Rogers, Alexander Hume, Edward Phipps, Francis Wood junior and William Harrison. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Princess Royal. Interpretations The Princess Royal brought the second China consignment of the season, sent by the same supercargoes at Canton and at exactly the same prices as the Duke of Kingston's. As with the Bengal ships in 1773, the Company spread the island's yearly supply from China across several vessels. The loss of any one ship then cost only part of the year's tea, sugar and china. | |
409 | 14th March Account of Stores short received from Ship Princess Royal. C. qr. lb. .. .. 20 Candy .. .. 14 Do. Fine .. 1 . 12 Sugar .. .. 15 Sago Short weight occasioned by Wastage the Chests being in good order 3 Octagon Meat Dishes 12 Do. Do. Plates 8 Sneakers 10 Half pint Cups & Saucers 6 Quart Do. Do. Do. 2 Chamber Pots 1 Guglet and Basen Found broke upon opening the Chests which were in good order. (Signed) Jonn. Doveton. St. Helena 14 March 1774 The Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of February last were this day laid before Us which were Examined approved of, and are as follows. | The storekeeper's account of stores that arrived short from the Princess Royal read as follows. Short in weight from wastage, the chests being in good order: Sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 20 pounds Fine sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 14 pounds Sugar, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds Sago, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 15 pounds Found broken on opening the chests, which were in good order: Octagonal meat dishes, 3 Octagonal plates, 12 Sneakers, 8 Half-pint cups and saucers, 10 Quarter-pint cups and saucers, 6 Chamber pots, 2 Guglet and basin, 1 Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, signed the account at St Helena on 14 March 1774. The artillery stores and the steward's accounts for February 1774 were laid before the Council, examined and approved. They were set out as follows. | |
410 | 1774 Artillery Stores Expended in February 1774. Guns fired, 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder Expended lb, Powder Expended oz 7 Alarm for a Ship passing by: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 16 Do. for Do. Do.: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 19 Do. for six Ships passing by and Arrived: Guns fired 15, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 12, 3 lbs. 3, Powder Expended lb 28, Powder Expended oz 8 the Latham: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 28 Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Arrived the Duke of Kingston: Guns fired 8, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 4, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 12, Powder Expended oz 0 Departed the Latham: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 143, Powder Expended oz 12 Total: Guns fired 59, 9 lbs. 12, 6 lbs. 14, 4 lbs. 24, 3 lbs. 9, Powder Expended lb 254, Powder Expended oz 12 Lead Ball lb. 1 . oz. 8 Tallow 18 .. Match 13 . 8 Muscovy Lights No. 1 Sheep Skins for Spunges 2 Trunk Nails 80 Powder Horns 1 Handspikes 1 Paper 2½ Quires Setts of Mens Harness 2 (Signed) James Tippet Captain of Artillery. Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Company's Table in February 1774. 36 Bottles Madeira 2 . 7 . 3 26 Do. Port 2 . 1 . 2 14 Do. Lisbon 1 . 2 . 2 36 Do. Beer 13 . 8 15 Gallons Arrack 2 . 5 .. 3 Turkeys 15 .. Carried Over £ 9 . 9 . 3 | The account of artillery stores used in February 1774 read as follows. For each occasion it gave the number of guns fired, broken down by the size of gun, and the gunpowder used. 7 February, alarm for a ship passing: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 16 February, alarm for a ship passing: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 19 February, alarm for six ships passing: 15 guns fired (12 four-pounders and 3 three-pounders), 28 lb 8 oz of powder 19 February, arrival of the Latham: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder 28 February, alarm: 6 guns fired (4 four-pounders and 2 three-pounders), 14 lb 8 oz of powder 28 February, arrival of the Duke of Kingston: 8 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 4 six-pounders), 12 lb 0 oz of powder 28 February, departure of the Latham: 9 guns fired (4 nine-pounders and 5 six-pounders), 13 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties: 143 lb 12 oz Totals: 59 guns fired, 12 nine-pounders, 14 six-pounders, 24 four-pounders, 9 three-pounders, 234 lb 12 oz of powder Small stores used: Lead ball, 1 lb 8 oz Tallow, 13 lb Slow match, 13 lb 8 oz Muscovy lights, 1 Sheepskins for sponges, 2 Trunk nails, 80 Powder horns, 1 Handspikes, 1 Paper, 2½ quires Sets of men's harness, 2 James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account. The steward's account of food and drink used at the Company's table in February 1774 began as follows. 36 bottles of Madeira, £2 7s 3d 26 bottles of port, £2 1s 2d 14 bottles of Lisbon wine, £1 2s 2d 36 bottles of beer, £0 13s 8d 15 gallons of arrack, £2 5s 0d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d Carried forward, £9 9s 3d Interpretations Muscovy lights were thin sheets of mica, a clear mineral that split into flexible panes, used in lanterns where glass would break. A powder magazine needed light that could not shatter and let a spark fly. Sets of men's harness were the drag ropes with shoulder straps by which gunners hauled field guns where no horse could go, a constant need on an island of steep paths. | |
411 | 14th March Brought Over £ 9 . 9 . 3 3 Ducks 4 . 6 4 Fowls 6 . 14 lb. Beef 3 . 6 191 Mutton 3 . 19 . 7 68 Candy 1 . 14 . 516 Flour 4 . 6 .. 20 . 2 . 10 Bought for the Table 4 Turkeys 1 .. .. 23 Fowls 1 . 14 . 6 10 Ducks 15 . 2 Geese 10 . 168½ Beef 3 . 10 . 2½ 4 Pigs 1 .. .. £ 8 . 9 . 8½ Mr. James Farrell this day applied to Us to pay three hundred and fifty pounds into the Honble. Company's Cash, which Sum we have received and given him Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Honorable the Court of Directors, payable to himself (or order) at Ninety days Sight. Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain Robert Ker, twenty Nine Sheep at fifteen Shilling each amounting to twenty one pounds, fifteen Shillings, as Pr. the following Bill, for the payment whereof We have given him Certificates. | The steward's account for February 1774 continued from the £9 9s 3d brought forward. 3 ducks, £0 4s 6d 4 fowls, £0 6s 0d 14 lb of beef, £0 3s 6d 191 lb of mutton, £3 19s 7d 68 lb of sugar candy, £1 14s 0d 516 lb of flour, £4 6s 0d Total from the stores, £20 2s 10d Bought in for the table: 4 turkeys, £1 0s 0d 23 fowls, £1 14s 6d 10 ducks, £0 15s 0d 2 geese, £0 10s 0d 168½ lb of beef, £3 10s 2½d 4 pigs, £1 0s 0d Total bought in, £8 9s 8½d James Farrell asked to pay £350 0s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council accepted the money and gave him bills of exchange drawn on the Court, payable to himself or to his order 90 days after sight. The Council bought 29 sheep for the Company from Captain Robert Kerr at 15s 0d each, £21 15s 0d in all. It paid him in certificates, and his bill was entered as follows. Interpretations Farrell, the surgeon's mate who resigned in January, was sending his savings ahead of his passage home. A bill on London payable to himself let him carry the money safely as a paper claim rather than as coin. That £350 0s 0d was about six years of his salary, which suggests he had added private earnings to his pay during his years on the island, perhaps from treating inhabitants and passengers. | |
412 | 1774 The Honble. Company Dr. To Captain Robert Ker 29 Sheep @ 15/ £ 21 . 15 Received the above Contents for Captn. Robert Ker. (signed) James Walker St. Helena 14 March 1774. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard the Ship Princess Royal to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters, but found none, her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Princess Royal. Robt. Ker Command. Robt. Willson 1 Mate John Cranston 2 Do. John Moore 3 Do. Alexd. Stewart 4 Do. John Boodawle 5 Do. Charles Mitchel 6 Do. Saml. Badenough Surg. John Walker Purser John Pope Boatswain John Trevors Gunner Thos. Harwood Carpent. Robt. Platt Ship Stew. John Griffin Cr. Do. Alexr. Carmitchel Coxn. Saml. Hay Midshipm. John Mitchell Do. Andw. Boswell Do. Davd. Willson Do. John Arrowsmith Do. Jerem. Crawley Caulker Henry Dun Surg. Mate James Cox Cooper Fred. Shank Armourer Rd. Pearce Sailmaker Geo. Garson Quart. Mast. Danl. Robertson Do. Andw. Mc. Millan Do. Geo. Helmer Qr. Master Davd. Jenkins Do. Willm. Frazier Do. Alex. Watson Cook Saml. Hade Cr. Do. Don. Graham Boat. Mate John Thompson Do. Thos. Brown Gun. Do. John Hale Carpt. Do. Thos. Louch Do. Archd. Anderson Seaman Willm. Loban Hugh Mc. Donel Richd. Weathers | Captain Robert Kerr's bill for the sheep read as follows. Account of the East India Company with Captain Robert Kerr Sheep, 29, at 15s 0d each, £21 15s 0d James Walker signed a receipt for the money on Kerr's behalf at St Helena on 14 March 1774. Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone on board the Princess Royal to muster her crew and search for deserters. He found none. Her muster roll began as follows. Robert Kerr, commander Robert Willson, first mate John Cranston, second mate John Mower, third mate Alexander Stewart, fourth mate John Boosdale, fifth mate Charles Mitchell, sixth mate Samuel Badenough, surgeon John Walker, purser John Pope, boatswain John Freeman, gunner Thomas Harwood, carpenter Robert Platt, ship's steward John Griffin, captain's steward Alexander Carmichael, coxswain Samuel Hay, midshipman John Mitchell, midshipman Andrew Boswell, midshipman David Willson, midshipman John Ainsworth, midshipman Jeremiah Crawley, caulker Henry Dun, surgeon's mate James Cox, cooper Frederick Shank, armourer R. Pearce, sailmaker George Carson, quartermaster Daniel Robertson, quartermaster Andrew McMillan, quartermaster George Palmer, quartermaster David Jenkins, quartermaster William Frazier, quartermaster Alexander Watson, cook Samuel Wade, cook Benjamin Graham, boatswain's mate John Thompson, boatswain's mate Thomas Brown, gunner's mate John Hale, carpenter's mate Thomas Louch, carpenter's mate Seamen: Archibald Anderson William Laban Hugh McDonell Richard Weathers Interpretations Robert Kerr commanded the Princess Royal in 1774 and was still with the China ships four years later. In May 1778 a Captain Kerr reported to the Council that he had sailed from China with the Worcester and the True Briton, and the Princess Royal arrived at the island in that fleet. The muster roll of 1774 thus captures a commander at the start of a run of China voyages that took him through the island year after year. | |
413 | 14th March Thos. Frazer Seaman John Barrington John Chapman Alexd. Weir John Stewart James Howard Andw. Hardy James Flinto Willm. German Franc. Graham Willm. Wood Thos. Oman Alexd. Middleton Thos. Laffie Andw. Brugnal Jacob Peterson Edward Edwards Richd. Newton William Elton Willm. Henry William Adams Richd. Armstrong John Beaton Seaman William Steward John Duncan John Thames John Morrison Michael Lawlen George Cowan Thos. Wade David Matthews Mattw. Forton James Russell David Murray Charles Oglover Nathaniel Clark John Willson Danl. Painter John Dodson Alexander Thompson Partk. Flanagan John Prescot Thos. Griffiths James Dods Charl. Ratcliff Seaman James Taylor Lewis Crookshanks Saml. Dulap Benj. Cole Robt. Strange John Ross Robt. Mould Danl. Ross Alexd. Pope Benjn. Barton John Baxter John Wade Richd. Warrington Andw. Anderson John Green Oliver Seward Andw. Thompson John Weston Saml. Roots Passengers Captain Thos. Underwood Mr. Turner (Signed) James Walker Purser John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The muster roll of the Princess Royal ended with the following seamen and passengers. Seamen: Thomas Frazer John Barrington John Chapman Alexander Weir John Stewart James Howard Andrew Hardy James Flint William German Francis Graham William Wood Thomas Oman Alexander Middleton Thomas Lassie Andrew Thugnal Jacob Peterson Edward Edwards Richard Newton William Elton William Henry William Adams Richard Armstrong John Beaton William Steward John Duncan John Thames John Morrison Michael Lawler George Cowan Thomas Wate David Matthews Matthew Forton James Russell David Murray Charles Oglover Nathaniel Clark John Willson Daniel Painter John Dodson Alexander Thompson Patrick Flanagan John Prescott Thomas Griffiths James Dods Charles Ratcliff James Taylor Lewis Crookshanks Samuel Dulap Benjamin Cole Robert Strange John Ross Robert Mould Daniel Ross Alexander Pope Benjamin Barton John Baxter John Wade Richard Warrington Andrew Anderson John Green Oliver Seaward Andrew Thompson John Weston Samuel Rots Passengers: Captain Thomas Underwood Mr Turner James Walker, the purser, signed the roll. The minutes were signed by John Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett. | |
414 | 21st March At a Consultation held on Monday the 21st day of March 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Coun. The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 14th March 1774. Wednesday the 16th Passed by two Ships at a great Distance. Thursday the 17th Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Princess Royal, for England. Saturday the 19th Arrived the Worcester Boat at Banks's at six oClock in the Evening. Do. Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Worcester from China and brought Us the following Supply's. Invoice of Ship Worcester S No. 1 & 2 Tea Singlo, 2 Chests of [...] 20 . 1 . 6 .. C No. 1 & 2 Tea Congo 2 Chests [...] 29 . 2 . 6 .. B No. 1 a 3 Tea Bohea 3 Chests [...] 41 . 3 . 1 .. SC No. 1 a 12 Sugar Candy 2 Sort, 12 Chests [...] 76 . 5 . 3 . 6 SU No. 1 a 19 Sugar, 19 Chests [...] [...]30 . 9 . 0 . 0 [...]8 . 1 . 6 . 6 Canton 19th December 1773. Errors Excepted (Signed) Mattw. Raper Junr. James Bradshaw Wm. Henry Pigou Geo. Rogers Alex. Hume Edward Phipps Francis Wood Junr. Willm. Harrison | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 21 March 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Daniel Corneille, the Lieutenant Governor, and the councillors Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett. The minutes of 14 March 1774 were read, approved and signed. Two ships passed the island far out to sea on Wednesday 16 March 1774. The Princess Royal sailed for England on Thursday 17 March 1774. At six in the evening on Saturday 19 March 1774 the boat of the Worcester reached Banks's. The Company's ship Worcester then arrived from China, bringing supplies for the island. The invoice for her cargo read as follows. The weights and rates against each item cannot be read on this page. Singlo tea, Nos 1 and 2, 2 chests, 20 taels 1 mace 6 candareens 0 cash Congou tea, Nos 1 and 2, 2 chests, 29 taels 2 mace 6 candareens 0 cash Bohea tea, Nos 1 to 3, 3 chests, 41 taels 3 mace 1 candareen 0 cash Sugar candy of two sorts, Nos 1 to 12, 12 chests, 76 taels 5 mace 3 candareens 6 cash Sugar, Nos 1 to 19, 19 chests, 80 taels 9 mace 0 candareens 0 cash Total, 248 taels 1 mace 6 candareens 6 cash The invoice was dated at Canton on 19 December 1773, subject to correction of any errors, and signed by Matthew Raper junior, James Bradshaw, William Henry Pigou, George Rogers, Alexander Hume, Edward Phipps, Francis Wood junior and William Harrison. Interpretations The Worcester brought the third China consignment of the season, smaller than the other two and without china or sago. Three ships from Canton in three weeks, each carrying a share of the island's tea and sugar, followed the same pattern as the Bengal supplies of 1773. The Worcester was another ship that came back in the later records. In May 1778 she sailed from China with the Princess Royal and the True Briton, and in 1779 she was among the King's and Company's ships the Council reported at the Cape. | |
415 | 21st March William Sharpe Serjeant this day Petitioned for his discharge from the Garrison having served the Honble. Company his Contracted time. Granted. The Reverend Mr. William Bearcroft this day presented the following Letter Viz. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. of Council. Worshipful Sir & Sirs I beg leave to inform you that I am very desirous of returning to England on the Ship now in the Road commanded by Captain Cooke, a Gentleman with whom I am well acquainted, for whom I have a very sincere regard, & who has made me a very cordial offer of a Passage with him. Thus circumstanced, and as from the daily expectation of the Ships from England the Island cannot be long without a Chaplain, I hope that in Consideration of the great convenience to myself & Child, my now going will meet with your allowance and approbation. I am With respect Worshipful Sir & Sirs Your very humble Servant (Signed) Willm. Bearcroft 21 March 1774 | William Sharpe, a sergeant, petitioned for his discharge from the garrison, since he had served the full term of his contract with the Company. The Council granted it. The Reverend William Bearcroft presented a letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council, dated 20 March 1774. He wrote that he very much wished to return to England on the ship then lying in the road under Captain Cooke. He knew Cooke well, held him in sincere regard, and had received from him a very warm offer of a passage. Ships from England were expected any day, so the island would not be long without a chaplain. In view of the great convenience to himself and his children, he hoped the Council would allow and approve his going. Bearcroft signed the letter. Interpretations Bearcroft had stayed on as chaplain for a year at the Council's request in June 1773, giving up two cheap passages home. In February 1774 he sent £300 0s 0d ahead to London by a bill of exchange. His letter now asked leave to sail with the Worcester as Captain Cooke's guest. That would let him leave without the extra cost the Council had feared when it promised to ask the Court to help with his passage. He met the obvious objection, that the island would be left without a chaplain just as the new church neared completion, by pointing to the ships expected from England, which would probably bring his successor. | |
416 | 1774 To which We directed the Secretary to return him the following Answer. To the Reverend Mr. William Bearcroft Sir I am directed by the Governor and Council to inform you, that in consequence of what you have set forth in your Letter the great conveniency arising to you and your Family by going with Captain Cooke of the Worcester, and having stayed a Year longer than you intended at their request, and making no doubt of a Clergy Mans, arriving by the next Store Ship to succeed you, can have no objection to your proceeding to England agreable to your Intentions. I am Sir Your humble Servant. (Signed) B. Wright Secy. St. Helena 21 March 1774 Counted and Examined the Honorable Company's Cash for the Month of February last which is as follows. | The Council told the Secretary to send Bearcroft a reply, dated at St Helena on 21 March 1774 and signed by B. Wright, the Secretary. It said that the Governor and Council had considered the great convenience to him and his family of sailing with Captain Cooke of the Worcester, as his letter explained. He had also stayed a year longer than he intended at their request. They fully expected a clergyman to arrive by the next store ship to take his place. They therefore had no objection to his sailing for England as he wished. The Council then counted and checked the Company's cash for February 1774, which was set out as follows. Interpretations The Council let Bearcroft go without waiting for his successor. The obvious course was to hold him until the new chaplain arrived, so that the island would not be left without services, baptisms or burials. It chose not to because he had already stayed a year past his intended departure at the Council's own request, and a passage on good terms with a friendly commander was not something to throw away. The Council had promised in June 1773 to ask the Court for help with his fare if he could not find terms as good. By sailing with Cooke, Bearcroft spared the Company that cost. The island would go without a chaplain for some months, a gap the Council accepted on the expectation that a clergyman was already on his way by the store ship. | |
417 | 21st March Cash Dr. Per Contra Cr. 1774 Feby. 1st To Balance remaining £ 11748 . 11 . 10½ 28 To Exchange for a sett of Bills drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable to Captain John Mitford (or Order) 300 .. .. To Ship Latham 7 .. 2 £ 12055 . 12 .. ½ 1774 Feby. 28 By Balance remaining viz. In Specie £ 11515 . 17 .. ½ In Cash Notes 539 . 15 .. 12055 . 12 .. ½ £ 12055 . 12 .. ½ John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Council signed off the cash account for February 1774 on 21 March 1774. Governor Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett signed it. Cash, debit 1 February 1774: balance in hand, £11,748 11s 10½d 28 February 1774: received in exchange for a set of bills drawn on the Court of Directors, payable to Captain John Milford or his order, £300 0s 0d 28 February 1774: received from the ship Latham, £7 0s 2d Total, £12,055 12s 0½d Cash, credit 28 February 1774: balance in hand in coin, £11,515 17s 0½d 28 February 1774: balance in hand in cash notes, £539 15s 0d Total balance in hand, £12,055 12s 0½d Total, £12,055 12s 0½d | |
418 | 28th March At a Consultation held on Monday the 28th March 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved, and signed, dated the 21 March 1774. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores short received from Ship Worcester. Account of Stores short received from Ship Worcester. C. qr. lb. .. 2 . 5 Candy .. 1 . 12 Sugar Short weight occasioned by Wastage as the Chests where in good order. (Signed) Jonn. Doveton Store Keeper. 28th March 1774. Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard the Ship Worcester to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters but found none her Muster Roll is as follows. Viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 28 March 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett present. The councillors read, approved and signed the minutes of the previous meeting on 21 March 1774. The storekeeper presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Worcester. Jonathan Doveton signed it as storekeeper on 28 March 1774. He reported that the chests had arrived in good order and that the loss came from wastage in transit. Stores received short from the Worcester Sugar candy, 0 hundredweight 2 quarters 5 pounds Sugar, 0 hundredweight 1 quarter 12 pounds Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone aboard the Worcester to muster the crew and look for deserters. He found none, and the muster roll of the ship followed. | |
419 | 28th March Muster Roll of Ship Worcester John Cook Commander Willm. Hatfield 1 Mate Willm. Jackson 2 Do. Henry Wilson 3 Do. Henry Ware 4 Do. Wm. Van Asendelph 5 Do. James Gent Surgeon Edward Terry Purser John Willson Boatswain John Harey Gunner Wm. Deason Carpenter George Cooper Midship. Charles Bird Do. Edward Gunter Do. Fred. Thesiger Do. James Allen Do. & Cox. Heath Haggis Caulker James Weaver Sailmaker John Norton Capt. Steward [...] Nicholls Ships Do. Wm. [...] Captains Cook [...] Craigen Ships Do. Joseph Hill Cooper James [...] Carp. 1 Mate [...] Do. 2 Do. Thos. [...] Quart. Master Thos. Court Do. John Henderson Do. Martin Beton Do. John Thompson Bt. 1 Do. [...] Hassell Do. 2 Do. David Pringle Gun. Do. James Randell Armr. Richd. Blackburn [...] George May Seaman Robt. Hayes Willm. Earnshaw John Anderson John Turvey Barney Cannon John Bowling Willm. Chapman Saml. Underhill Robt. Duff Robt. Cook Charles Wright Charles Gray Robt. Pugh James Hunt Samuel Pillen Oliver Neale Willm. Cline Willm. Davies Henry Corbett Neal Macleod James Davidson Isaach Stockton Richd. Conway John Cranford Thos. Fotheringham James Biggs Alexd. Swan John Foster Danl. Meyers Henry Jones John Still John Hayne Willm. May George Spangler Seaman Patk. Mitchel George Carry [...] Benson Thos. [...] Henry [...] John [...] Sam. Wood John Carrot Hans [...] Thos. Jones George Stuart John Fleming John Ruffle John Hunt Willm. Elliot John Needham Henry Taylor John Farrell John Flower Andw. Burn Thos. Stevens Robt. Gibson Willm. Davis John Adams Peter Barman George Little James Henderson John Ryder Hans Willson Fredk. Fateman John Bean John Pinsby Passengers An American, four Children and three Servants (Signed) John Cook | The muster roll of the Worcester, dated 28 March 1774, listed the following officers and crew. Muster roll of the ship Worcester John Cook, commander William Hatfield, first mate William Jackson, second mate Henry Wilson, third mate Henry Wace, fourth mate William Van Asendelph, fifth mate James Gent, surgeon Edward Towry, purser John Willson, boatswain John Harvey, gunner William Deason, carpenter George Cowper, midshipman Charles Bird, midshipman Edward Gunter, midshipman Frederick Thesiger, midshipman James Allen, midshipman and coxswain Heath Haggis, caulker James Unwin, sailmaker John Nuton, captain's steward [...] Nicholls, ship's steward William Leake, captain's cook Dennis Craigen, ship's cook Joseph Hill, cooper James Pain, carpenter's first mate Robert Joyce, carpenter's second mate Thomas Lenton, quartermaster Thomas [...], quartermaster John Henderson, quartermaster [...] Belon, quartermaster John Thompson, boatswain's first mate Perry Hanzell, boatswain's second mate David Pringle, gunner's mate James Randall, armourer Richard Brackbarrow, butcher George May, seaman Robert Hayes, seaman William Earnshaw, seaman John Anderson, seaman John Turney, seaman Barney Cannon, seaman John Bowling, seaman William Chapman, seaman Samuel Underhill, seaman Robert Duff, seaman Robert Cook, seaman Charles Wright, seaman Charles Gray, seaman Robert Pugh, seaman James Hunt, seaman Samuel Pullen, seaman Oliver Neale, seaman William Cline, seaman William Davies, seaman Henry Corbett, seaman Neal Macleod, seaman James Davidson, seaman Isaac Stockton, seaman Richard Conway, seaman John Cransford, seaman Alexander Fotheringham, seaman James Beggs, seaman Alexander Swan, seaman John Foster, seaman Daniel Meyers, seaman Henry Jones, seaman John Still, seaman John Rayne, seaman William May, seaman George Spangler, seaman Richard Mitchel, seaman George Carry, seaman Ben Benson, seaman Thomas Stevens, seaman Henry Smart, seaman John Harris, seaman Samuel Wood, seaman John Carrick, seaman Hans Benson, seaman Thomas Jones, seaman George Stewart, seaman John Fleming, seaman John Buckley, seaman John Hunt, seaman William Elliot, seaman John [...], seaman Henry Taylor, seaman John Garrett, seaman John Flower, seaman Andrew Burn, seaman Thomas Stevens, seaman Robert Gibson, seaman William Davis, seaman John Adams, seaman Peter Bowman, seaman George [...], seaman James Henderson, seaman John Ryder, seaman Hans Willson, seaman Frederick Fatman, seaman John Bean, seaman John Tinsley, seaman Passengers 1 Armenian 4 children 3 servants Captain John Cook signed the roll. | |
420 | 1774 Bought on Account of the Honble. Company of Captain John Cook four Hogsheads of Pork and thirty seven and a half Bushels of Pease amounting to forty one pounds, one shilling and six pence as Pr. the following Bill for the payment whereof We have given him Certificates. The Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. &c. Council Bought of John Cooke & Owners of Ship Worcester 4 Hogsheads Ships Pork 317 Ps. @ 2/ £ 31 . 14 37½ Bushels Pease @ 5/ 9 . 7 . 6 £ 41 . 1 . 6 Receiv'd St. Helena March 28th 1774 Payment of the above Per Certificates on the Honble. Compy. for Captn. Jn. Cook (Signed) Edward Terry Ordered the following Advertisement to be published Viz. Island St. Helena 28th March 1774 This is to give Notice to all the Inhabitants upon the said Island that they are hereby required | The Council bought four hogsheads of pork and 37½ bushels of peas for the Company from Captain John Cook. The goods cost £41 1s 6d, and the Council gave Cook certificates for that sum. His bill, addressed to Governor Skottowe and the Council on behalf of Cook and the owners of the Worcester, ran as follows. 4 hogsheads of ship's pork, 317 pieces at 2s each, £31 14s 0d 37½ bushels of peas at 5s each, £9 7s 6d Total, £41 1s 6d Edward Towry, the purser, acknowledged on 28 March 1774 that he had received certificates on the Company for the full amount on Captain Cook's behalf. The Council ordered an advertisement to be published, dated at St Helena on 28 March 1774. It gave notice to every inhabitant of the island that they were required to act on its terms. Interpretations Certificates on the Company were the island's usual way of paying ships' commanders for provisions. Each certificate let the holder draw the sum from the Company in London when the ship reached home. The arrangement suited both sides: the island kept its coin, and the captain avoided carrying cash he could not spend at sea. | |
421 | 28th March required to meet in Vestry at the Chapel's in this Valley on monday next, to choose parish Officers for the ensuing Year, they are likewise to return three of the principal Inhabitants, that one may be elected to serve the Office of Sheriff and to choose a proper person for a Constable. Per Order of Council (signed) B. Wright Secy. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The advertisement of 28 March 1774 required all the island's inhabitants to meet as a vestry at the chapel in the valley on the following Monday. They were to choose the parish officers for the coming year. They were also to put forward the names of three leading inhabitants, one of whom would be chosen to serve as sheriff. Finally, they were to pick a suitable man to act as constable. Britannicus Wright signed the notice as secretary on the Council's orders. Governor Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett signed the minutes of the meeting. Interpretations The vestry chose its own parish officers and constable, but it did not choose the sheriff. It could only return three names, and the final choice lay elsewhere, presumably with the Council. The arrangement gave the inhabitants a voice in filling the island's main civil office while leaving the Company's government in control of who held it. The sheriff summoned juries and enforced the court's judgments, so the Council kept a hand on the post that carried its authority into the settlers' own affairs. | |
422 | 1st April At a Consultation held on Friday the 1st day of April 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Governor Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 28th March 1774. Tuesday the 29 March Arrived the Houghton's Boat at Banks's at half an Hour past eight oClock in the Morning. Do. Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Houghton from Bengal (last from the Cape.) Do. Do. Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Worcester for England. Yesterday Died William Hales Private. The Ship Houghton brought Us the following Supply. Invoice of Ship Houghton Fine Rice 60 Bags Weighing B. Mds. 120 @ 25 Pr. S. Rs. 222 . 11 . 6 Paddy 40 Bags Wt. 60 @ 10 . 3 Pr. Md. 38 . 7 .. Sugar 10 Bags Wt. 20 @ 15 Pr. Md. 300 .. .. Wax Candles 4 Chests Wt. 8 @ 70 Pr. Do. 560 .. .. Gunneys 2 Bales Containing 500 @ 22 Pr. % 118 . 12 . 9 Batavia Arrack 2 Leagers @ 250 Pr. Leager 540 .. .. 1779 . 15 . 3 Carried Over 1779 | The Council met at the Castle on Friday 1 April 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett present. The councillors read, approved and signed the minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 1774. The secretary recorded the recent movements of shipping and one death on the island. 29 March 1774, 8.30 am: the boat of the Houghton reached Banks 29 March 1774: the Company's ship Houghton arrived from Bengal, last from the Cape 29 March 1774: the Company's ship Worcester sailed for England 31 March 1774: William Hales, private, died The Houghton brought a supply of goods for the island, valued in rupees, annas and pies. Invoice of the ship Houghton Fine rice, 60 bags weighing 120 bazaar maunds 5 seers, at 25 seers per rupee, 222 rupees 11 annas 6 pies Paddy, 40 bags weighing 60 bazaar maunds, at 10 annas 3 pies per maund, 38 rupees 7 annas 0 pies Sugar, 10 bags weighing 20 bazaar maunds, at 15 rupees per maund, 300 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Wax candles, 4 chests weighing 8 bazaar maunds, at 70 rupees per maund, 560 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Gunny bags, 2 bales containing 300, at 22 rupees per hundred, 118 rupees 12 annas 9 pies Batavia arrack, 2 leaguers, at 250 rupees per leaguer, 540 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total for the page, 1,779 rupees 15 annas 3 pies Carried forward, 1,779 rupees 15 annas 3 pies Interpretations Paddy was rice still in its husk. It kept better on a long voyage than cleaned rice and could be husked on the island as needed, or sown. Gunny bags were coarse sacks woven from jute in Bengal. The island used them for carrying and storing grain, salt and other loose goods. Batavia arrack was a strong spirit distilled at the Dutch port of Batavia in Java from rice, molasses and palm sap. Bengal merchants bought it there and shipped it on. A leaguer was a very large cask for spirits, holding roughly 150 gallons. The bazaar maund was the weight used in Calcutta's markets, about 82 pounds, and slightly heavier than the Company's own factory maund. The Houghton sent her boat ahead to Banks, the battery guarding the northern approach to James Valley, before the ship herself came in. The early boat let the garrison confirm she was a friendly Company ship before she reached the guns of the road. | |
423 | 1st April Brought Over 1779 . 15 . 3 Charges Merchandize 180 Gunney Bags @ 22 Ar. Pr. % 42 . 12 .. 4 Mango Plank Chests @ 3 Pr. ea. 12 . 15 . 3 10 Jute twine @ 4 Pr. Md. 1 .. .. 20 Jute Rope @ 3 Pr. Do. 1 . 8 . 0 1 Nails @ 17 Pr. Do. .. 6 . 9 14 Gunneys @ 22 Pr. Do. % 3 . 5 . 0 3 Ps. Gurrah @ 1 . 4 Pr. ps. 4 .. 9 50 Reed Matts @ 11 Pr. % 5 . 6 . 6 Diet .. 10 . 3 Peons 2 . 2 . 6 Boat Hire 4 . 5 . 3 Weighmen 1 . 8 .. Packermen 2 . 3 . 6 Cooley hire 19 .. .. Sloop hire 135 .. .. 236 . 3 . 9 Current Rupees 2016 . 3 .. Errors Excepted L. Darell Jr. Accompt. The Storekeeper this day delivered the following Account of Stores Short received from Ship Houghton. Account of Stores short received from Ship Houghton. C. qr. lb. 5 . 1 .. Rice 1 . 2 . 4 Paddy .. .. 7 Candles 1 . 1 . 6 Sugar Short Weight occasioned by Wastage as the Packages where in good order. 2 Leagers Arrack Viz. No. 1 Gauges 140 Gallons wants to fill 8 Gallons 2 Do. 120 Do. Do. 4 260 12 12 Gallons Gallons 248 Received (Signed) Jonn. Doveton S. Keeper 1st April 1774 | The invoice of the Houghton continued from the total of 1,779 rupees 15 annas 3 pies with the charges for packing and shipping the goods. Charges on the goods Brought forward, 1,779 rupees 15 annas 3 pies 180 gunny bags at 22 rupees per hundred, 42 rupees 12 annas 0 pies 4 mango-wood plank chests at 3 rupees each, 12 rupees 15 annas 3 pies 10 seers of jute twine at 4 rupees per maund, 1 rupee 0 annas 0 pies 20 seers of jute rope at 3 rupees per maund, 1 rupee 8 annas 0 pies 1 seer of nails at 17 rupees per maund, 0 rupees 6 annas 9 pies 14 gunny bags at 22 rupees per hundred, 3 rupees 5 annas 0 pies 37 [...] of gurrah cloth at 1 anna 4 pies per [...], 4 rupees 0 annas 9 pies 50 reed mats at 11 rupees per hundred, 5 rupees 6 annas 6 pies Dub, 0 rupees 10 annas 3 pies Peons, 2 rupees 2 annas 6 pies Boat hire, 4 rupees 5 annas 3 pies Weighmen, 1 rupee 8 annas 0 pies Packers, 2 rupees 3 annas 6 pies Coolie hire, 19 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Sloop hire, 135 rupees 0 annas 0 pies Total charges, 236 rupees 3 annas 9 pies Total in current rupees, 2,016 rupees 3 annas 0 pies L. Darell signed the invoice as accountant, subject to any errors. The storekeeper then presented an account of stores that had arrived short from the Houghton. Jonathan Doveton signed it on 1 April 1774. He put the loss of weight down to wastage, since the packages had arrived in good order. The two casks of arrack were measured separately, and neither was full. Stores received short from the Houghton Rice, 5 hundredweight 1 quarter 0 pounds Paddy, 1 hundredweight 2 quarters 4 pounds Candles, 0 hundredweight 0 quarters 7 pounds Sugar, 1 hundredweight 1 quarter 6 pounds Arrack, leaguer no. 1, gauged at 140 gallons, 8 gallons short of full Arrack, leaguer no. 2, gauged at 120 gallons, 4 gallons short of full Arrack gauged, 260 gallons Arrack short, 12 gallons Arrack received, 248 gallons Interpretations Gurrah was a plain, heavy cotton cloth woven in Bengal, used here for wrapping and protecting packages. Peons were messengers and watchmen hired to guard goods on their way to the ship. Coolies were day labourers who carried the loads. The entry for dub is perhaps a charge for dubbers, the leather jars used in Bengal for holding oil and liquids. Sloop hire was by far the largest single charge, at more than half the total. Company ships seldom came up the Hooghly to Calcutta and usually loaded at anchorages far downriver. The goods therefore had to travel the length of the river by hired sloop before they reached the Houghton. That cost fell on the island's account, adding about 13 per cent to the price of the supply before it left Bengal. The invoice was made up in current rupees. That was Calcutta's money of account, a unit used for bookkeeping rather than a coin anyone held, which kept the Company's Bengal accounts on one footing despite the many rupee coins of differing value in circulation. The gauging of the arrack exposed a gap the invoice concealed. Bengal charged for two leaguers at the standard rate, but the casks held only 260 gallons between them and arrived 12 gallons short. The island paid for full leaguers and received 248 gallons. | |
424 | 1774 Mr. Matthew Bazett Reports that he has been onboard of the Ship Houghton to Muster her Company and enquire for Deserters but found none her Muster Roll is as follows Viz. Muster Roll of Ship Houghton William Smith Commd. William Hall 1 Mate James Durby 2 Do. Joseph Gamault 3 Do. Urban Skinner 4 Do. James Monro 5 Do. William Staines Purser Willm. Rexburgh Surg. Mate David Briggs Carpenter Able Bridge Boatswain Willm. Russel Ships Stew. Samuel Thomas Capt. Do. Jno. Chas. Middleton Midship. James Barry Do. Thos. Dodds Do. William Pinny Do. Richd. Knight Q. Master Danl. Cahe Do. Martin Doran Do. Robt. Stevens Do. Danl. Tyrrell Caulker Isaac Sheppard Do. Mate John Rice Sailmaker Edward Bryant Cooper Robt. Dixon Do. Mate Thos. Jenkinson Boatn. Do. Robt. Lars Capt. Cook John Cook Armourer Wm. Adams Carpt. 1 Mate John Mc. Laughland Gunr. Timothy Grey Ships Cook Thos. Johnson Butcher John Abercrombie Poulterer Charles Miller Seaman George Gill Thomas Bussey Peter Moland Samuel Hill Absey William Ashley Isaac Bell James Bailey John Barton Edward Bell Henry Beaver Thomas Clements William Coan Joseph Colligan John Carlton John Campble Robert Cox James Darling Peter Fox Thomas Giles Thomas Gard Thomas Gillson John Hender James Hingers Robert Holliday William Hunter John Hunter James Jones Nicholas Lisle James Motley John Martin William Mackey William Harris William Mc. Leod William Seaman Mason James Mumbry John Nevis George Newbury John Nichols Henry Pearce Thomas Pratt James Pritchard John Rosenburgh Banks Ransom William Saunders John Stewart William Senr. Montiford William Stewart William Junr. Simmonds Abraham Tomlinson William Thomas Roberts Upping. Thomas Senr. Upping. Thomas Junr. William David Wells Robert Wallis Thomas Grey James Lake Edward Terry Michael Bowman John Kent Christopher Pampey David Nicholson Robert Forrester William Forbes William Mellish John Passengers | Matthew Bazett reported that he had gone aboard the Houghton to muster her crew and look for deserters. He found none, and the ship's muster roll followed. Muster roll of the ship Houghton William Smith, commander William Hall, first mate James Duthy, second mate Joseph Gamault, third mate Urban Skinner, fourth mate James Munro, fifth mate William Staines, purser William Rexburgh, surgeon's mate David Briggs, carpenter Able Bridge, boatswain William Roskel, ship's steward Samuel Thomas, captain's steward John Charles Middleton, midshipman James Barry, midshipman Thomas Dodds, midshipman William Pinny, midshipman Richard Knight, quartermaster Dan Cahe, quartermaster Martin Doran, quartermaster Robert Stevens, quartermaster Daniel Tyrrell, caulker Isaac Sheppard, caulker's mate John Rice, sailmaker Edward Bryant, cooper Robert Dixon, cooper's mate Thomas Jenkinson, boatswain's mate Robert Lars, captain's cook John Cook, armourer William Adams, carpenter's first mate John McLaughland, gunner Timothy Grey, ship's cook Thomas Johnson, butcher John Abercrombie, poulterer Charles Miller, seaman George Gill, seaman Thomas Busey, seaman Peter Mesland, seaman Samuel Hill, seaman William Alsey, seaman Isaac Ashley, seaman James Bell, seaman John Bailey, seaman Edward Barton, seaman Henry Bell, seaman Thomas Beaver, seaman William Clements, seaman Joseph Evan, seaman John Colligan, seaman John Carlton, seaman Robert Campbell, seaman James Cox, seaman Peter Darling, seaman Thomas Fox, seaman Thomas Giles, seaman Thomas Gand, seaman John Gillson, seaman James Hender, seaman Robert Hingens, seaman William Holliday, seaman John Hunter, seaman James Hunter, seaman Nicholas Jones, seaman James Lish, seaman John Motley, seaman William Martin, seaman William Mackey, seaman William Harris, seaman William McQuirt, seaman James Mason, seaman John Mumby, seaman George Nevis, seaman John Newberry, seaman Henry Nichols, seaman Thomas Peace, seaman James Platt, seaman John Pritchard, seaman Charles Rosenburgh, seaman William Ransom, seaman John Saunders, seaman William Stewart senior, seaman William Mantiford, seaman William Stewart junior, seaman Abraham Simmonds, seaman William Tomlinson, seaman Thomas Roberts, seaman Thomas Uppington senior, seaman Thomas Uppington junior, seaman William David, seaman Robert Wells, seaman Thomas Wallis, seaman James Grey, seaman Edward Lake, seaman Michael Lowry, seaman John Bowman, seaman Christopher Kentle, seaman David Pampey, seaman Robert Nicholson, seaman William Fenater, seaman William Forbes, seaman John Mellish, seaman Passengers | |
425 | 1st April Passengers Mrs. Fowke Mr. Hay Cn. Duff and Servant Lieu. Henderson & Do. Mr. John Roberts Ensign Anderson Mr. & Miss Graham (Signed) William Smith. William Pink, Augustine Hitchcock Corporals, William Crabb Gunner, James Peacock Francis Harding Jonn. Mallet Matrosses, Francis Vennable, Philip Gleeson, George Short, Richard Penny, James Goudy, Benjamin Gerrard and John Merrill Private, this day Petitioned for their discharges from the Garrison have served the Honble. Company their Contracted times. Granted. Captains Henry Bazett and John Howard, this day applied to Us to pay one hundred and sixty Pounds, nine shillings into the Honble. Company's Cash, which sum We have received and given them Bills of Exchange, drawn upon the Honble. the Court of Directors payable to the Reverend Mr. William Bearcroft, (or Order) at Ninety days sight. Captain William Smith Purchased at the Cape on the Company's Account thirty Sheep, thirty three Hundred, one quarter Wheat | Captain William Smith signed the roll, which closed with the passengers aboard. Passengers Mr Fowke Mr Hay Captain Duff and his servant Lieutenant Henderson and his servant Mr John Roberts Ensign Anderson Mrs Graham Miss Graham A group of 13 soldiers asked to leave the garrison, since each had served the full term agreed with the Company. They were William Pink and Augustine Hitchcock, corporals; William Crabb, gunner; James Peacock, Francis Harding and Jonas Mullet, matrosses; and Simon Vennables, Philip Gleeson, George Short, Richard Penny, James Goudy, Benjamin Gerrard and John Merrill, privates. The Council granted all their discharges. Captains Henry Bazett and John Howard asked to pay £160 9s 0d into the Company's treasury. The Council took the money and gave them bills of exchange on the Court of Directors at 90 days' sight. The bills were payable to the Reverend William Bearcroft or to whomever he named. Captain William Smith bought supplies for the Company at the Cape on his way to the island. They included 30 sheep and 33 hundredweight 1 quarter of wheat among other goods. Interpretations The two officers owed Bearcroft £160 9s 0d, perhaps for goods or property he had sold before leaving. They paid it into the island's treasury rather than to him directly, and the Company turned it into bills payable in London. The treasury thus served as the island's bank. Local debts could be settled in England without coin crossing the ocean, and the cash stayed on the island where the garrison's pay required it. | |
426 | 1774 and some Garden Seeds, We have also bought of Captain Smith, sixteen Bushels of Pease the whole amounting to fifty three pounds, eight Shillings as Pr. the following Bill for the Payment whereof, We have given him Certificates. Honble. East India Company Dr. To 6 Baskets Garden Seeds @ 30/ ea. £ 9 .. .. 20 Sacks Wheat 33 C. 1 qr. @ 8/ Pr. C. 13 . 6 .. 20 Empty Sacks 4 . 4 .. 1 Sack of Acorns .. 8 .. 30 Sheep @ 15/ each 22 . 10 .. 4 Casks of Pease 16 Bushels @ 5/ 4 .. .. £ 53 . 8 .. Errors Excepted for Captain Smith (signed) Willm. Staines Island St. Helena April 1st 1774. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | Captain William Smith's purchases at the Cape for the Company also included some garden seeds. The Council bought a further 16 bushels of peas from him on the island. The whole came to £53 8s 0d, and the Council paid him in certificates. His bill to the Company, dated at St Helena on 1 April 1774, ran as follows. 6 baskets of garden seeds at 30s each, £9 0s 0d 20 sacks of wheat, 33 hundredweight 1 quarter, at 8s per hundredweight, £13 6s 0d 20 empty sacks, £4 4s 0d 1 sack of acorns, £0 8s 0d 30 sheep at 15s each, £22 10s 0d 4 casks of peas, 16 bushels, at 5s per bushel, £4 0s 0d Total, £53 8s 0d William Staines, the purser, signed the bill on Captain Smith's behalf, subject to any errors. Governor Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett signed the minutes. Interpretations The sack of acorns was meant for planting. The island had lost most of its native woodland to goats and the cutting of timber and fuel, and the Company had long pressed the government to plant new trees. Oak would grow in the cooler uplands, and seed bought cheaply at the Cape offered a way to raise timber the island otherwise had to import. | |
427 | 4th April At a Consultation held on Monday the 4th day of April 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govr. Danl. Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govr. Mr. Mattw. Purling Mr. Mattw. Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 1st April 1774. Saturday the 2d. Sailed the Honble. Company's Ship Houghton for England. This day Arrived the Duke of Portlands Boat at Banks's at half past twelve oClock in the afternoon. Do. Do. the Honble. Company's Ship Duke of Portland from Bencoolen. We this day received the following Letter from the Engineer. To the Worshipful John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council St. Helena. Gentlemen I have the Honor to Acquaint you that the Artificers and Labourers were chiefly Employed during the last Quarter in bringing forward the new Church, which I have the Pleasure to Acquaint is Complete, all but the Balusters for the Communion. Likewise the Revetement of the Ravelin and the glacis, and I most Assuredly should have Completed the Merlons of the Ravelin if I had not been greatly Disappointed in regard to the Stone for the Faces of the Embrasures. I do intend Gentlemen with your permission this Ensuing Quarter Completing the Merlons of the Ravelin & pointing the Revetement of the Line in this Valley, which is very much out of Repair. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servt. (Signed) James Tippet April the 4th 1774. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 4 April 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett present. The councillors read, approved and signed the minutes of the meeting held on 1 April 1774. The secretary noted the latest shipping movements. 2 April 1774: the Company's ship Houghton sailed for England 4 April 1774, 12.30 pm: the boat of the Duke of Portland reached Banks 4 April 1774: the Company's ship Duke of Portland arrived from Bencoolen The engineer, James Tippet, sent the Council a letter dated 4 April 1774 reporting on the work of the past quarter. The craftsmen and labourers spent most of their time pushing on with the new church. It was now finished except for the balusters of the communion rail. The men also worked on the stone facing of the ravelin and on the glacis. Tippet would have finished the merlons of the ravelin as well, but the stone for the faces of the embrasures failed to arrive as he had expected. Tippet proposed, with the Council's permission, to finish the merlons of the ravelin in the coming quarter. He also meant to repoint the stone facing of the defensive line across James Valley, which was in very poor repair. Interpretations A ravelin was a detached, arrow-shaped outwork built in front of a main wall to break up an attack and cover the approach. The glacis was the long, gentle earth slope in front of a fortification, cleared so that attackers had no cover from the defenders' guns. A revetment was the masonry facing that held up the side of an earthwork. Merlons were the solid sections of a parapet between the gun openings, and the embrasures were the openings themselves. Their faces took the blast and wear of firing, so they needed dressed stone rather than rubble, and work on the ravelin stalled until it came. The church was the work that had held the labourers for the quarter, and Tippet now turned them back to defence. The line across James Valley was the town's main protection on its seaward side, and its poor state of repair explained why he wanted it repointed before any new work began. | |
428 | 1774 Upon which We directed the Secretary to send him the following Answer. To Captain James Tippet Engineer Sir I am directed by the Governor and Council to acquaint you, that you are to prosecute the finishing the Merlons of the Ravelin and to point the Revetement of the Line in this Valley, And that you are not to set about any new Work until you receive further Orders from the Board. I am Sir Your Humble Servant. B. Wright Secy. St. Helena 4th April 1774. Pursuant to an Order in Consultation of the 28 March, the Inhabitants this day Assembled at the Chappel in this Valley to Choose parish Officers for the ensuing Year and likewise to Return three of the Principal Inhabitants that one might be elected to serve the Office of Sheriff, and to choose a proper person to serve in that of Constable they accordingly returned the following Persons Viz. | The Council told the secretary to send Captain James Tippet a reply. Britannicus Wright wrote to him on 4 April 1774 on the orders of the Governor and Council. Tippet was to go ahead with finishing the merlons of the ravelin and repointing the stone facing of the line in James Valley. He was not to begin any new work until the Council gave further orders. The inhabitants met that day at the chapel in James Valley, as the Council had ordered on 28 March 1774. They chose the parish officers for the coming year and put forward three leading inhabitants, one of whom would be chosen as sheriff. They also picked a suitable man to serve as constable. The names they returned followed. Interpretations Tippet had asked leave only for the two tasks he named, and the Council granted it. It then went further and barred him from starting anything else without its orders. The engineer controlled the island's craftsmen and labourers, who were the Company's most costly and most contested resource. With the church just finished, the Council kept the release of that workforce in its own hands rather than leaving the engineer to choose his next project. | |
429 | 4th April Messrs. John Goodwin John Alexander Orlando Bagley Sheriffs Joseph Griffiths Constable Charles Ross Stewart William Wrangham Jonathan Doveton Church Wardens John Robinson Francis Seale Overseers East Division James Greentree Samuel Knipe Do. West Do. Henry Casthope William Jenkins Do. South Do. We appointed Mr. John Goodwin to serve the Office of Sheriff, and ordered Warrants to be drawn for Messrs. Charles Ross Stewart and William Wrangham Church Wardens, and John Robinson, James Greentree & Henry Casthope Overseers. The Churchwardens having represented to Us in the Name of the Parish that they have made the Sexton an Allowance of ten pounds Pr. Annum for taking care of the Church in the Country. And that he of his own Good will has taking care of the Company's Church in this Valley without ever having any Salary, that they apprehend (as there is now a new Church) the Company should make him some allowance adequate to his trouble, We having taken the same into Consideration think their representation very reasonable, & have, therefore agreed to allow the Sexton six pounds Pr. Annum. | The inhabitants returned the following names for the island's civil and parish offices. John Goodwin, nominated for sheriff John Alexander, nominated for sheriff Orlando Bagley, nominated for sheriff Joseph Griffiths, constable Charles Ross Stewart, churchwarden William Wrangham, churchwarden Jonathan Doveton, churchwarden John Robinson, overseer for the East Division Francis Seale, overseer for the East Division James Greentree, overseer for the West Division Samuel Knipe, overseer for the West Division Henry Easthope, overseer for the South Division William Jenkins, overseer for the South Division The Council appointed John Goodwin as sheriff. It ordered warrants of appointment to be drawn up for Charles Ross Stewart and William Wrangham as churchwardens. John Robinson, James Greentree and Henry Easthope received warrants as overseers. The churchwardens raised the matter of the sexton's pay on behalf of the parish. The parish already gave him £10 0s 0d a year for looking after the church in the country. He had also cared for the Company's church in James Valley of his own accord, without ever drawing a salary. With a new church now built there, the churchwardens thought the Company should pay him an allowance fit for the work. The Council found the request very reasonable and granted the sexton £6 0s 0d a year. Interpretations The vestry returned more names than there were places, and the Council made the final choice for every office, not only the sheriff's. It took two of the three nominees for churchwarden and the first of each pair of overseers. Jonathan Doveton, the storekeeper, was the one churchwarden left out, perhaps because his duties in the Company's stores already claimed his time. Election by the inhabitants thus produced a shortlist, and appointment by warrant from the Council made the choice binding. The sexton's two churches were paid for from two different purses. The parish, funded by the settlers, maintained the country church and paid its sexton. The church in James Valley belonged to the Company, so its upkeep fell to the Council. The churchwardens used the opening of the new building to press that point. The Council accepted the principle but set the allowance at £6 0s 0d, well below the £10 0s 0d the parish paid for the smaller country church. | |
430 | 1774 George Smith Sergeant and Mark Balls Private this day Petitioned for their discharges from the Garrison having served the Honorable Company their Contracted times. Granted. Edward Daniels the Master Mason having been this day brought before Us on Complaint of Alley one of the Company's Slaves for refusing to pay a Bill of six pounds, nine shillings and eleven pence of which the said Alley produced a promissory Note, from under the said Daniels Hand of five pounds, five Shillings, and accounted for the Rest, for Money borrowed at several times, On our entering into the Merits of the said Complaint, he Daniels behaved himself in a very insolent manner to the Board by repeatedly Swearing tho' reprimanded the first time for the same, That having before had frequent Complaints from the Engineer and Lieutenant Bazett the Superintendant, of his Neglect of Duty as well as incapacity in his Business, And considering him of no use have for the above reasons dismissed him the Honble. Company's Service. William Rankin Gunner this day requested We would permit him to Return to England on Account of his Health, having procured Mark Balls a Discharged Soldier to serve the remainder of his contracted time. Granted. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | George Smith, a sergeant, and Mark Balls, a private, asked to leave the garrison, since both had served the full term agreed with the Company. The Council granted their discharges. Edward Daniels, the master mason, came before the Council on a complaint from Alley, one of the Company's slaves. Alley said that Daniels refused to pay him a bill of £6 9s 11d. He produced a promissory note in Daniels's hand for £5 5s 0d and explained that the rest was money lent at various times. When the Council began to look into the complaint, Daniels was very insolent and swore repeatedly at the councillors, even after a first reprimand. The engineer and Lieutenant Bazett, the superintendent, had already complained often that he neglected his duties and lacked skill in his trade. The Council judged him of no further use and dismissed him from the Company's service. William Rankin, a gunner, asked leave to return to England for the sake of his health. He had found Mark Balls, the soldier just discharged, to serve out the rest of his contract in his place. The Council granted the request. Governor Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett signed the minutes. Interpretations A slave brought a free white craftsman to answer before the island's highest authority for an unpaid debt, and he came with written proof. Alley held a promissory note signed by the master mason and had lent him money on several occasions. The case showed that some of the Company's slaves earned, saved and lent cash on their own account, and that the Council would hear their claims against free men. The hearing began as a simple debt claim, where the obvious outcome was an order for Daniels to pay. Instead it ended with his dismissal. His conduct before the board gave the Council its occasion, but the record shows it drew on the engineer's and Lieutenant Bazett's earlier complaints to justify ending his service altogether. The minutes are silent on whether Alley was ever paid. Mark Balls left the garrison and at once took Rankin's place for the remainder of Rankin's contract. A soldier could buy his way out early only by supplying a replacement, so the garrison kept its numbers. Balls, newly free, perhaps chose this paid service over the uncertain prospects of a discharged soldier on the island. | |
431 | 11th April At a Consultation held on Monday the 11th day of April 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Governor Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lieut. Govr. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Counl. The last Consultation was read approved and signed dated the 4th April 1774. Yesterday Arrived a French Ship from China called the Dauphin Captain De la Bourdonne Burthen one thousand Tons carry's twenty Guns, and one hundred and forty Men, loaden with Tea and China Ware, bound to Port L'Orient. The Plantation Account for the Quarter, and the Expence of Artillery Stores and Stewards Accounts for the Month of March last were this day laid before Us which were Examined approved of and are as follow Viz. | The Council met at the Castle on Monday 11 April 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett present. The councillors read, approved and signed the minutes of the meeting held on 4 April 1774. A French ship, the Dauphin, arrived from China on 10 April 1774 under Captain De la Bourdonne. She was a ship of 1,000 tons, with 20 guns and a crew of 140. She carried a cargo of tea and porcelain and was bound for Lorient. The plantation account for the quarter was laid before the Council. So were the accounts for artillery stores used and the steward's accounts for March 1774. The Council examined and approved them all, and they followed in the record. | |
432 | 1774 Account of the Honble. Company's Stock of Neat Cattle &c. from the 1st Jany. to the 31st March 1774 Neat Cattle Bulls, Neat Cattle Cows, Neat Cattle Calves, Neat Cattle Yearlings, Neat Cattle Heifers, Neat Cattle Steers, Neat Cattle Oxen, Neat Cattle Total, Sheep Ewes, Sheep Weathers, Sheep Lambs, Sheep Rams, Sheep Total, Goats Ewes, Goats Weathers, Goats Kids, Goats Rams, Goats Total, Hogs Sows, Hogs Shoats, Hogs Pigs, Hogs Boars, Hogs Total, Horses Horses, Horses Mares, Horses Total, Poultry Fowls, Poultry Ducks, Poultry Turkeys, Poultry Geese Remaining: Neat Cattle Bulls 5, Neat Cattle Cows 88, Neat Cattle Calves 38, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 11, Neat Cattle Steers 20, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 201, Sheep Ewes 214, Sheep Weathers 33, Sheep Lambs 103, Sheep Rams 10, Sheep Total 360, Goats Ewes 88, Goats Weathers 9, Goats Kids 29, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 130, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 9, Hogs Pigs 16, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 31, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 136, Poultry Ducks 66, Poultry Turkeys 30, Poultry Geese 10 Encreased: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 27, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 27, Sheep Ewes 0, Sheep Weathers 0, Sheep Lambs 15, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 15, Goats Ewes 0, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 25, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 25, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 0, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 32, Poultry Ducks 5, Poultry Turkeys 18, Poultry Geese 6 Bought: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 12, Neat Cattle Calves 1, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 7, Neat Cattle Steers 7, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 27, Sheep Ewes 32, Sheep Weathers 0, Sheep Lambs 6, Sheep Rams 1, Sheep Total 39, Goats Ewes 0, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 0, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 0, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 0, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 0, Poultry Ducks 0, Poultry Turkeys 0, Poultry Geese 0 Received: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 0, Sheep Ewes 42, Sheep Weathers 123, Sheep Lambs 0, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 166, Goats Ewes 0, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 0, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 0, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 0, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 0, Poultry Ducks 0, Poultry Turkeys 0, Poultry Geese 0 Total: Neat Cattle Bulls 5, Neat Cattle Cows 100, Neat Cattle Calves 66, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 18, Neat Cattle Steers 27, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 255, Sheep Ewes 289, Sheep Weathers 156, Sheep Lambs 124, Sheep Rams 11, Sheep Total 580, Goats Ewes 88, Goats Weathers 9, Goats Kids 54, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 155, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 9, Hogs Pigs 16, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 31, Horses Horses 8, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 15, Poultry Fowls 168, Poultry Ducks 71, Poultry Turkeys 48, Poultry Geese 16 Killed: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 4, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 1, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 5, Sheep Ewes 28, Sheep Weathers 57, Sheep Lambs 1, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 86, Goats Ewes 8, Goats Weathers 6, Goats Kids 3, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 17, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 2, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 2, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 26, Poultry Ducks 15, Poultry Turkeys 9, Poultry Geese 0 Dead: Neat Cattle Bulls 0, Neat Cattle Cows 0, Neat Cattle Calves 0, Neat Cattle Yearlings 0, Neat Cattle Heifers 0, Neat Cattle Steers 0, Neat Cattle Oxen 0, Neat Cattle Total 0, Sheep Ewes 9, Sheep Weathers 17, Sheep Lambs 13, Sheep Rams 0, Sheep Total 39, Goats Ewes 4, Goats Weathers 0, Goats Kids 7, Goats Rams 0, Goats Total 11, Hogs Sows 0, Hogs Shoats 0, Hogs Pigs 6, Hogs Boars 0, Hogs Total 6, Horses Horses 0, Horses Mares 0, Horses Total 0, Poultry Fowls 14, Poultry Ducks 6, Poultry Turkeys 7, Poultry Geese 0 Remaining: Neat Cattle Bulls 5, Neat Cattle Cows 96, Neat Cattle Calves 66, Neat Cattle Yearlings 25, Neat Cattle Heifers 17, Neat Cattle Steers 27, Neat Cattle Oxen 14, Neat Cattle Total 250, Sheep Ewes 252, Sheep Weathers 82, Sheep Lambs 110, Sheep Rams 11, Sheep Total 455, Goats Ewes 76, Goats Weathers 3, Goats Kids 44, Goats Rams 4, Goats Total 127, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 7, Hogs Pigs 10, Hogs Boars 2, Hogs Total 23, Horses Horses 7, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 14, Poultry Fowls 128, Poultry Ducks 50, Poultry Turkeys 32, Poultry Geese 16 Changed the Species: Neat Cattle Bulls 6, Neat Cattle Cows 96, Neat Cattle Calves 35, Neat Cattle Yearlings 33, Neat Cattle Heifers 28, Neat Cattle Steers 36, Neat Cattle Oxen 16, Neat Cattle Total 250, Sheep Ewes 269, Sheep Weathers 111, Sheep Lambs 64, Sheep Rams 11, Sheep Total 455, Goats Ewes 83, Goats Weathers 16, Goats Kids 23, Goats Rams 5, Goats Total 127, Hogs Sows 4, Hogs Shoats 16, Hogs Pigs 0, Hogs Boars 3, Hogs Total 23, Horses Horses 7, Horses Mares 7, Horses Total 14, Poultry Fowls 128, Poultry Ducks 50, Poultry Turkeys 32, Poultry Geese 16 Slaves Born 1 Boy Named John Blake Deceased Slaves 1 Man Do. Dulheth 1 Do. Do. Old Dutch 1 Boy Do. Blake Sold 1 Horse for £ 20 .. .. Yam Expended for the Slaves 42740 Do. Do. for the Stock 18800 Total 61540 Errors Excepted (Signed) Danl. Corneille | The Company's plantation account recorded its livestock between 1 January and 31 March 1774. Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille signed it, subject to any errors. Account of the Company's livestock, 1 January to 31 March 1774 Cattle in hand at 1 January: 5 bulls, 88 cows, 38 calves, 25 yearlings, 11 heifers, 20 steers, 14 oxen, total 201 cattle Sheep in hand at 1 January: 214 ewes, 33 wethers, 103 lambs, 10 rams, total 360 sheep Goats in hand at 1 January: 88 nanny goats, 9 wethers, 29 kids, 4 billy goats, total 130 goats Hogs in hand at 1 January: 4 sows, 9 shoats, 16 piglets, 2 boars, total 31 hogs Horses in hand at 1 January: 8 horses, 7 mares, total 15 horses Poultry in hand at 1 January: 136 fowls, 66 ducks, 30 turkeys, 10 geese Cattle bred: 0 bulls, 0 cows, 27 calves, 0 yearlings, 0 heifers, 0 steers, 0 oxen, total 27 cattle Sheep bred: 0 ewes, 0 wethers, 15 lambs, 0 rams, total 15 sheep Goats bred: 0 nanny goats, 0 wethers, 25 kids, 0 billy goats, total 25 goats Hogs bred: 0 sows, 0 shoats, 0 piglets, 0 boars, total 0 hogs Horses bred: 0 horses, 0 mares, total 0 horses Poultry bred: 32 fowls, 5 ducks, 18 turkeys, 6 geese Cattle bought: 0 bulls, 12 cows, 1 calf, 0 yearlings, 7 heifers, 7 steers, 0 oxen, total 27 cattle Sheep bought: 32 ewes, 0 wethers, 6 lambs, 1 ram, total 39 sheep Goats bought: 0 nanny goats, 0 wethers, 0 kids, 0 billy goats, total 0 goats Hogs bought: 0 sows, 0 shoats, 0 piglets, 0 boars, total 0 hogs Horses bought: 0 horses, 0 mares, total 0 horses Poultry bought: 0 fowls, 0 ducks, 0 turkeys, 0 geese Cattle received: 0 bulls, 0 cows, 0 calves, 0 yearlings, 0 heifers, 0 steers, 0 oxen, total 0 cattle Sheep received: 42 ewes, 123 wethers, 0 lambs, 0 rams, total 166 sheep Goats received: 0 nanny goats, 0 wethers, 0 kids, 0 billy goats, total 0 goats Hogs received: 0 sows, 0 shoats, 0 piglets, 0 boars, total 0 hogs Horses received: 0 horses, 0 mares, total 0 horses Poultry received: 0 fowls, 0 ducks, 0 turkeys, 0 geese Cattle, combined total: 5 bulls, 100 cows, 66 calves, 25 yearlings, 18 heifers, 27 steers, 14 oxen, total 255 cattle Sheep, combined total: 289 ewes, 156 wethers, 124 lambs, 11 rams, total 580 sheep Goats, combined total: 88 nanny goats, 9 wethers, 54 kids, 4 billy goats, total 155 goats Hogs, combined total: 4 sows, 9 shoats, 16 piglets, 2 boars, total 31 hogs Horses, combined total: 8 horses, 7 mares, total 15 horses Poultry, combined total: 168 fowls, 71 ducks, 48 turkeys, 16 geese Cattle slaughtered: 0 bulls, 4 cows, 0 calves, 0 yearlings, 1 heifer, 0 steers, 0 oxen, total 5 cattle Sheep slaughtered: 28 ewes, 57 wethers, 1 lamb, 0 rams, total 86 sheep Goats slaughtered: 8 nanny goats, 6 wethers, 3 kids, 0 billy goats, total 17 goats Hogs slaughtered: 0 sows, 2 shoats, 0 piglets, 0 boars, total 2 hogs Horses slaughtered: 0 horses, 0 mares, total 0 horses Poultry slaughtered: 26 fowls, 15 ducks, 9 turkeys, 0 geese Cattle died: 0 bulls, 0 cows, 0 calves, 0 yearlings, 0 heifers, 0 steers, 0 oxen, total 0 cattle Sheep died: 9 ewes, 17 wethers, 13 lambs, 0 rams, total 39 sheep Goats died: 4 nanny goats, 0 wethers, 7 kids, 0 billy goats, total 11 goats Hogs died: 0 sows, 0 shoats, 6 piglets, 0 boars, total 6 hogs Horses died: 0 horses, 0 mares, total 0 horses Poultry died: 14 fowls, 6 ducks, 7 turkeys, 0 geese Cattle in hand at 31 March: 5 bulls, 96 cows, 66 calves, 25 yearlings, 17 heifers, 27 steers, 14 oxen, total 250 cattle Sheep in hand at 31 March: 252 ewes, 82 wethers, 110 lambs, 11 rams, total 455 sheep Goats in hand at 31 March: 76 nanny goats, 3 wethers, 44 kids, 4 billy goats, total 127 goats Hogs in hand at 31 March: 4 sows, 7 shoats, 10 piglets, 2 boars, total 23 hogs Horses in hand at 31 March: 7 horses, 7 mares, total 14 horses Poultry in hand at 31 March: 128 fowls, 50 ducks, 32 turkeys, 16 geese Cattle after regrading by age: 6 bulls, 96 cows, 35 calves, 33 yearlings, 28 heifers, 36 steers, 16 oxen, total 250 cattle Sheep after regrading by age: 269 ewes, 111 wethers, 64 lambs, 11 rams, total 455 sheep Goats after regrading by age: 83 nanny goats, 16 wethers, 23 kids, 5 billy goats, total 127 goats Hogs after regrading by age: 4 sows, 16 shoats, 0 piglets, 3 boars, total 23 hogs Horses after regrading by age: 7 horses, 7 mares, total 14 horses Poultry after regrading by age: 128 fowls, 50 ducks, 32 turkeys, 16 geese Horses sold: 1 horse, £20 0s 0d Slaves born: 1 boy, named John Blake Slaves died: 1 man, named Dulbeth Slaves died: 1 man, named Old Dutch Slaves died: 1 boy, named Blake Yams issued to the slaves: 42,740 yams Yams issued to the livestock: 18,800 yams Total yams issued: 61,540 yams Interpretations The final line regraded the herds by age once the quarter's count was done. Calves that had grown were moved up to yearlings, yearlings to heifers or steers, and lambs and kids to adult sheep and goats. The totals for each kind stayed the same, but the next quarter's account opened with each animal in its proper class. The 166 sheep received, nearly all of them wethers and ewes, came from the ships in the road rather than from the Company's own flocks. Captain William Smith had bought 30 sheep at the Cape for the island on 1 April 1774, and other ships had made similar purchases. The wethers were bought for slaughter, which explained why 57 of them were killed in the quarter while the breeding ewes were largely kept. | |
433 | 11th April Artillery Stores Expended in March 1774. Guns fired, 9 lbs., 6 lbs., 4 lbs., 3 lbs., Powder Expended lb, Powder Expended oz 8 Departed the Duke of Kingston: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 10 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived a Swede: Guns fired 16, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 12, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 23, Powder Expended oz 8 12 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Princess Royal: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Guns fired for Captn. Underwoods coming a shore: Guns fired 13, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 9, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 21, Powder Expended oz 8 13 Departed a Swede: Guns fired 16, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 12, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 23, Powder Expended oz 8 15 Double Alarm for 2 Ships passing by Prosps. Battl.: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 6, 3 lbs. 3, Powder Expended lb 21, Powder Expended oz 0 17 Guns fired for Captn. Underwoods going aboard: Guns fired 11, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 7, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 16, Powder Expended oz 0 Do. Departed the Princess Royal: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 25 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Worcester: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 29 An Alarm: Guns fired 6, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 4, 3 lbs. 2, Powder Expended lb 14, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Arrived the Houghton: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Do. Departed the Worcester: Guns fired 9, 9 lbs. 4, 6 lbs. 5, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 13, Powder Expended oz 8 Priming for all the above Salutes: Guns fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 28, Powder Expended oz 8 Powder for Sundry Services: Guns fired 0, 9 lbs. 0, 6 lbs. 0, 4 lbs. 0, 3 lbs. 0, Powder Expended lb 135, Powder Expended oz 4 Total: Guns fired 143, 9 lbs. 40, 6 lbs. 70, 4 lbs. 22, 3 lbs. 11, Powder Expended lb 408, Powder Expended oz 4 Tallow lb. 20 . oz. .. Bees Wax 4 Lead Ball 1 . 8 Paper 1 Quire Rammer Heads 32 lb. 1 Handspikes 1 (Signed) James Tippet Captn. of Artillery. | James Tippet, captain of artillery, signed the account of artillery stores used in March 1774. Artillery stores used, March 1774 8 March 1774, departure of the Duke of Kingston: 9 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 5 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 13 lb 8 oz of powder 10 March 1774, an alarm: 6 guns fired, 0 nine-pounders, 0 six-pounders, 4 four-pounders, 2 three-pounders, 14 lb 8 oz of powder 10 March 1774, arrival of a Swedish ship: 16 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 12 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 23 lb 8 oz of powder 12 March 1774, an alarm: 6 guns fired, 0 nine-pounders, 0 six-pounders, 4 four-pounders, 2 three-pounders, 14 lb 8 oz of powder 12 March 1774, arrival of the Princess Royal: 9 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 5 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 13 lb 8 oz of powder 12 March 1774, salute for Captain Underwood coming ashore: 13 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 9 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 21 lb 8 oz of powder 13 March 1774, departure of a Swedish ship: 16 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 12 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 23 lb 8 oz of powder 15 March 1774, double alarm for 2 ships passing [...]: 9 guns fired, 0 nine-pounders, 0 six-pounders, 6 four-pounders, 3 three-pounders, 21 lb 0 oz of powder 17 March 1774, salute for Captain Underwood going aboard: 11 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 7 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 16 lb 0 oz of powder 17 March 1774, departure of the Princess Royal: 9 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 5 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 13 lb 8 oz of powder 25 March 1774, an alarm: 6 guns fired, 0 nine-pounders, 0 six-pounders, 4 four-pounders, 2 three-pounders, 14 lb 8 oz of powder 25 March 1774, arrival of the Worcester: 9 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 5 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 13 lb 8 oz of powder 29 March 1774, an alarm: 6 guns fired, 0 nine-pounders, 0 six-pounders, 4 four-pounders, 2 three-pounders, 14 lb 8 oz of powder 29 March 1774, arrival of the Houghton: 9 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 5 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 13 lb 8 oz of powder 29 March 1774, departure of the Worcester: 9 guns fired, 4 nine-pounders, 5 six-pounders, 0 four-pounders, 0 three-pounders, 13 lb 8 oz of powder Priming powder for all these salutes, 28 lb 8 oz of powder Powder for various other duties, 135 lb 4 oz of powder Total: 143 guns fired, 40 nine-pounders, 70 six-pounders, 22 four-pounders, 11 three-pounders, 408 lb 4 oz of powder Other stores used Tallow, 28 lb Beeswax, 4 lb Lead shot, 1 lb 8 oz Paper, 1 quire Hammer head of 32 lb, 1 Handspikes, 1 | |
434 | 1774 Sundry's Expended at the Honble. Company's Table in March 1774. 36 Bottles Madeira 2 . 7 . 3 7 Do. Port 11 . 1 10 Do. Lisbon 12 . 8 10 Do. Mountain 12 . 8 52 Do. Beer 17 . 4 16½ Gallons Arrack 2 . 9 . 6 91 lb. Beef 1 . 2 . 9 256 Mutton 5 . 6 . 8 3 Turkeys 15 . 18 Fowls 1 . 7 . 6 Ducks 9 . 71 lb. Candy 1 . 15 . 6 550 Flour 4 . 11 . 8 23 . 8 . 1 Bought for the Table 142 lb. Beef 2 . 19 . 2 4 Turkeys 1 .. .. 22 Fowls 1 . 13 .. 8 Ducks 12 . 2 Geese 10 . 3 Pigs 15 . £ 7 . 9 . 2 On Wednesday the 6th Instant the Lieutenant Governor presented the following Letter to the Board in consequence of what he mentioned to the Governor and Council on Monday the 4 Instant. | The steward's account recorded the food and drink used at the Company's table in March 1774. Supplies used at the Company's table, March 1774 From the Company's stores 36 bottles of Madeira, £2 7s 3d 7 bottles of port, £0 11s 1d 10 bottles of Lisbon wine, £0 12s 8d 10 bottles of mountain wine, £0 12s 8d 52 bottles of beer, £0 17s 4d 16½ gallons of arrack, £2 9s 6d 91 lb of beef, £1 2s 9d 256 lb of mutton, £5 6s 8d 3 turkeys, £0 15s 0d 18 fowls, £1 7s 0d 6 ducks, £0 9s 0d 7 lb of sugar candy, £1 15s 6d 550 lb of flour, £4 11s 8d Subtotal, £23 8s 1d Bought in for the table 142½ lb of beef, £2 19s 2d 4 turkeys, £1 0s 0d 22 fowls, £1 13s 0d 8 ducks, £0 12s 0d 2 geese, £0 10s 0d 3 pigs, £0 15s 0d Total bought in, £7 9s 2d On Wednesday 6 April 1774 Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille laid a letter before the Council. He wrote it to follow up a matter he had raised with the Governor and Council at their meeting of 4 April 1774, and the letter followed in the record. Interpretations Mountain wine was a sweet white wine from the hills behind Málaga in southern Spain. Lisbon wine was a white wine shipped from Portugal, often sweetened and fortified. Both kept well at sea and were cheaper than Madeira, which made up the bulk of the wine served. | |
435 | 11th April To John Skottowe Esqr. Governor &c. and Council. Gentlemen In consequence of what I verbaly mentioned to you last Monday after Council, respecting the very Licentious and Riotous conduct of this Garrison, but more particularly the Company of Artillery and the evils that may arise therefrom, from such a spirit diffusing itself in time through the whole; is a consideration of a most serious nature, and I consider myself as indispencible bound in duty to my Employers and my own character, to lay before you in writing my reasons on which I ground the above as well as some of the Causes from which I think it most possibly has taken its rise from. To you Gentlemen who are immediately upon the spot, consequently acquainted with the minutiae of circumstances must be as well acquainted with the very Licentious behaviour of the private men of the Artillery in general, as well as a few others of the Marching Company's for some time past as I can myself, and you are likewise acquainted that several of the Officers have declared in Council that the Artillery Company were under no command paying no sort of attention either to Officers or Non Commissioned Officers: Thus tho' known to Us more particularly, must also appear to the Honble. the Court of Directors from the General Court Martial held the 22 of March and the Garrison Court Martial on Monday the 4 April 1774, on such Men as were immediately concerned in these Riots in the Barracks at that period, as also from Garrison Court Martials held prior to those dates, on Men tried for abusing and knocking down Non Commissioned Officers, and so grossly abusing Officers by language too indecent to mention | Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille addressed his letter to Governor Skottowe and the Council. He reminded them that he had spoken to them after the meeting of the previous Monday about the wild and riotous behaviour of the garrison. His concern lay chiefly with the artillery company. He feared that the same spirit would in time spread through the whole garrison, with grave results. He felt bound, both by his duty to the Company and for the sake of his own reputation, to set out in writing his reasons for that view and what he took to be its probable causes. Corneille pointed out that the Governor and Council lived on the spot and knew every detail of island life. They therefore knew as well as he did how badly the private men of the artillery had behaved for some time. A few men of the marching companies had behaved little better. Several officers had also told the Council that the artillery company was under no command at all and ignored officers and sergeants alike. The Council knew all this at first hand, and the Court of Directors would see it too from the records of recent trials. A general court martial had sat on 22 March 1774 and a garrison court martial on 4 April 1774. Both had tried men directly involved in the riots in the barracks. Earlier garrison courts martial had tried soldiers for abusing sergeants and corporals and knocking them down. Others had answered for insulting officers in language too obscene to repeat. Interpretations Corneille had already raised the matter by word of mouth after the meeting of 4 April 1774, where it left no trace in the minutes. He chose to put it in writing two days later so that it would be entered in the consultations, which went to the Court of Directors. His letter said openly that the Court would read the court-martial records, and he wanted his own account set beside them. As the officer answerable for the garrison's discipline, he had reason to place the blame on record before London drew its own conclusions. | |
436 | 1774 mention, that in seventeen Years Service in his Majesty's Troops, I have never seen, or even heard of such Licentious practices so much as attempted. I now beg leave to lay before you some of the causes from whence I apprehend this evil has arose, I have been informed by Lieut. Shirtley and Gilson 2 Lieuts. of Artillery (the latter now off the Island) that they were ordered not to interfere or meddle with the said Company, but the sole Command (under the Captain) given to Lieut. Leech, I am sorry here to observe the great impropriety at all times of lessing an Officers authority over the Body of Men who by his Commission he is authorised to look after, Yet more particularly in the above case, as truth obliges me to declare that the Officer in whose favour this was done is very unfit for any Command, addicted to Liquor as he is known to be; This I apprehend to be one cause why the Spirit of Licentiousness has, and is, more prevalent in that Company than any other, and the General reason I am under a Necessity of offering why it has began to spread itself throughout the whole, is, the want of Officers being more with the Men than has been hitherto practiced since I have been upon the Island, and to confirm the same, am sorry here to observe that for these nine Years, that I have had the Honour of being Lieut. Governor, that I never have known the Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and Men of this Garrison under arms for a field day, or ever exercised together, how far Discipline and good order must suffer therefrom must rest with others to consider, and if I am under a necessity of throwing any reflections on others in this case, I am sorry Gentlemen that the nature of the present evil is such that I cannot but consider it in a very serious light and think it full time for you to take the same into your mature consideration, as nothing can tend to a greater mischief than such a Spirit as reigns at present diffusing itself throughout the whole, as no man can answer what the Consequence here after may be. I have honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient & humble Servant (Signed) Danl. Corneille April 6th 1774. | Corneille's letter of 6 April 1774 went on to say that in 17 years with the King's troops he had never seen, or even heard of, such disorder being attempted. He then set out what he believed had caused the trouble. Lieutenant Shirley and Lieutenant Gibson, the second lieutenants of artillery, had told him that they were ordered not to interfere with their company at all. Gibson had since left the island. Sole command of the company, under its captain, had gone to Lieutenant Leech. Corneille thought it always wrong to strip an officer of authority over the men his commission placed in his charge. It was worse in this case, since the officer favoured was quite unfit to command and was known to drink. Corneille saw this as one reason why disorder had spread further in the artillery than in any other company. He gave a wider reason for its spread through the whole garrison. The officers spent too little time with their men, and had done so ever since his arrival on the island. In his nine years as Lieutenant Governor he had never once seen the garrison's officers, sergeants and men paraded for a field day or drilled together. He left others to judge how far discipline must suffer as a result. He regretted having to criticise others. Yet the danger was so grave that he urged the Council to give it their most careful thought without delay. Nothing could do more harm than the spirit now spreading through the garrison, and no one could foresee where it would lead. Corneille signed the letter. Interpretations Corneille's letter laid the blame on two men without naming either. The order that sidelined Shirley and Gibson and gave the company to Leech came from the artillery's captain, James Tippet. The obvious course would have been to share command among all three of the company's lieutenants, and Tippet's choice of the one officer known for drink was what Corneille singled out. His second charge reached higher. The garrison's lack of a single field day in nine years fell on whoever ordered parades, and on the island that was the Governor. His regret at having to criticise others acknowledged that the letter would be read as an attack on Governor Skottowe's command. Corneille's 17 years in the King's service gave him a standard of comparison the Company's own officers lacked. He set the island garrison against the regular army and found it wanting. That claim of professional experience gave his letter weight with the Court of Directors, who would see it among the consultations. | |
437 | 11th April Upon reading the above Letter Mr. Corneille was asked whether he required the same to stand upon the face of the Consultations. Answered Yes, as he means the said Letter in no other light than as a vindication of his own Character as the Honble. the Court of Directors have thought proper in their General Letter dated 23 November 1770 to consider him jointly with the Governor as answerable for all Military Irregularity's, that he hopes thereby nothing more than to rest on good order and Discipline for the future on examination of the same, without any further Retrospect to other causes from whence the present Irregularity may have proceeded. The Governors Minute in consequence of the above. The Governor in consequence of the above Letter replies that he will readily concur with the Gentlemen in Council in endeavouring to find out the causes of the late Irregularities that have happened amongst the private Men of this Garrison in order to rectify them, but does not apprehend them of so serious a Nature, as has been suggested, or to have proceeded from any other cause than the Effects of Liquor. Mr. Stewart Garrison Adjutant has had standing orders, to have the Non Commissioned Officers and private Men, off duty, under arms at Exercise every other Day, which order has been complied with, and the Governor informed by that Gentlemen, that the Men of this Garrison are compleated in the new Prussian Exercise, and better Disciplined than they have ever yet been. The Governor likewise gave it out in publick Orders that ten Men out of each of the Marching Company's together with the Recruits of Artillery, should attend the Artillery Officer on duty twice a day, for to learn the Long Gun practice, under the direction of Captain Tippet, but has been necessitated to dispence with that order for some time past because the Number of | When the Council had read the letter, it asked Corneille whether he wished it entered in the consultations. He said that he did. He meant it only to clear his own name, since the Court of Directors, in their general letter of 23 November 1770, had made him answerable together with the Governor for any military disorder. He hoped the Council would examine the matter and do no more than restore good order and discipline for the future. He did not ask it to look further back into the other causes of the present trouble. Governor Skottowe answered the letter with a minute of his own. He readily agreed to join the rest of the Council in finding the causes of the recent disorders among the private soldiers so that they could be put right. He did not believe, however, that the trouble was as serious as had been suggested. He put it down entirely to drink. The Governor said that Mr Stewart, the garrison adjutant, had standing orders to parade every off-duty sergeant, corporal and private for drill each day. Those orders had been carried out. The adjutant had told him that the garrison's men had mastered the new Prussian drill and were better disciplined than ever before. The Governor had also ordered in general orders that 10 men from each marching company, along with the artillery recruits, should report twice a day to the artillery officer on duty. There they were to learn to work the great guns under Captain Tippet's direction. He had been forced to suspend that order for some time past for a reason connected with the number of men. Interpretations The Court's letter of 23 November 1770 explained why Corneille insisted on his letter going into the record. By making the Lieutenant Governor jointly answerable with the Governor for military disorder, the Court left him exposed to blame for a garrison he did not fully control. Entering his letter in the consultations protected him. Having secured that, he played down its edge by asking the Council to look only forward, which spared the Governor a formal inquiry into his own conduct. The Governor's minute rejected each part of Corneille's case. Corneille had blamed weak command and the lack of drill, and the Governor blamed only drink. Corneille had said the garrison was never paraded together in nine years, and the Governor cited daily drill under the adjutant. The two accounts could both stand, since daily drill of off-duty men in small parties was not the same as a full field day. That gap allowed each man to claim he was right. The Prussian drill was the system of close-order movement and rapid musketry developed in the army of Frederick the Great. Its success in the Seven Years' War led the British army to copy it widely during the 1760s. The Governor's claim that the island garrison had mastered it showed that the Company's troops at St Helena were kept to the current standard of the regular army. | |
438 | 1774 of Men Employed at the Company's Works, the sick in the Hospital, and Officers Servants, leave very few Men over a Relief, for the common detail of duty on the Island, but as soon as the Storeship arrives with the expected Recruits, the Governor purposes to renew that Method of Exercise, with Commission Officers in proportion to that Number of Men, and the whole to be relieved quarterly as before, because the Governor Judges that Method of exercise best calculated for the Defence of this Island. And as the Honble. Court of Directors Orders respecting Fortifications &c. begins to draw towards a Conclusion, more men may consequently be spared from Sd. Works at which time it has always the Governors intention to have the Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and private Men very frequently under Arms together at Exercise. 6th April 1774. The Board then proceeded on the Examination of second Lieutenant Shirtley, and being asked from whence he apprehended the great Irregularity's has proceeded in the Artillery Company, presented the following Order from Captain James Tippet made known to the said Company. Capt. Tippet Presents his complements to Lieut. Leech begs to acquaint him that its my Particular Order that every thing Extraordinary in the Artillery Company is to be first made to you, after my being Acquainted with the same, & order just as you shall think proper in regard to the Long Gun practice when I am not present, & no Man to have leave to Change his Duty or go a Fishing in the Artillery Company without asking my leave or yours, this Order I shall expect to be Obey'd, therefore desire that you will Communicate this to the Artillery Company. March 3rd 1772 | The Governor's minute explained that the order for training with the great guns had been suspended because too few men were free. Once the men working on the Company's projects, the sick in hospital and the officers' servants were taken out, hardly any remained beyond a single relief for the island's ordinary duties. As soon as the storeship arrived with the expected recruits, the Governor meant to bring back that training. Commissioned officers would attend in proportion to the number of men, and the parties would change every quarter as before. He judged this the best form of training for the island's defence. The Court of Directors' orders on the fortifications and other works were nearly carried out, so more men could soon be released from that labour. The Governor had always intended that officers, sergeants, corporals and privates should then parade and drill together often. He dated his minute 6 April 1774. The Council then questioned Second Lieutenant Shirley. Asked what he thought had caused the serious disorder in the artillery company, he produced an order from Captain James Tippet that had been read out to the company. In it Tippet told Lieutenant Leech that every unusual matter in the artillery company was to be reported first to Leech, once Tippet himself had been told. Leech was to give whatever orders he saw fit for practice with the great guns whenever Tippet was absent. No man in the company could exchange a duty or go fishing without leave from Tippet or Leech. Tippet expected the order to be obeyed and told Leech to make it known to the company. The order was dated 3 March 1772. Interpretations The Governor's reply conceded more than it denied. The garrison was not paraded together because its soldiers were working as labourers on the Company's fortifications and buildings, the same works that had occupied Tippet's men on the new church. The Governor had chosen to put the Court's building programme ahead of full military training, and he defended that choice by promising drill once the works ended and recruits arrived. Tippet's order showed what Shirley's complaint meant in practice. It did not merely give Leech command in the field. It made him the sole channel for every request a gunner might make, down to swapping a guard duty or going fishing. Fishing mattered on St Helena, since it added to scant rations and could earn a man money. Control over such leave was the daily currency of a junior officer's authority, and the order took it entirely from Shirley and Gibson and placed it with Leech. | |
439 | 11th April Lieutenant Shirtley Assigned the said Order as lessening his and Lieut. Gilson's Authority with the Men, and complained of the same to the Governor, who accordingly sent for Captain Tippet, and in Lieut. Shirtleys hearing recommended to Captain Tippet to treat his Officers as Gentlemen, and to live upon better terms with them for the future, he further alledged as another cause of their Irregularity's the Number of Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men that were permitted to lay out of the Barracks by whose authority he is unacquainted. Lieutenant Shirtley being asked how this Order was Communicated to him; Answers, that Corporal Walter then Orderly in the Company was sent by Lieutenant Leech to shew him the same, but not to leave it with him, that he insisted that the Corporal should give him a Copy of the same, which is that now produced before Us. Lieutenant Shirtley further says that the last time he reviewed the Artillery Company, does not remember the exact time as it is so long since, that he found great difficiency in the said Mens Necessary's which difficiency's he took down on Paper and sent by Gunner Yates who paid the Company, to the Captain, that brought back from Captain Tippet as an Answer to Lieutenant Shirtley, that he might trouble himself with his own business, that the Company belonged to him, and that he would have them reviewed, & review them when he thought proper himself, that next morning to his knowledge two of the Men of that Company were turned off the Parade, for the want of a pair of Shoes to one Man, and a pair of Stockings to the other. Lieutenant Shirtley being asked when he made the above complaint to the Governor whether the Governor gave Captain Tippet any particular reprimand for the above order. Answers that the Governor did reprimand Captain Tippet and told him that any Orders that he had to communicate to the Officers of his Company should be done as a Gentleman by sending for the said Officer, and not by ordering a petit Officer Verbaly to Communicate such Orders to his Subalterns. | The Governor's minute explained that the order for training with the great guns had been suspended because too few men were free. Once the men working on the Company's projects, the sick in hospital and the officers' servants were taken out, hardly any remained beyond a single relief for the island's ordinary duties. As soon as the storeship arrived with the expected recruits, the Governor meant to bring back that training. Commissioned officers would attend in proportion to the number of men, and the parties would change every quarter as before. He judged this the best form of training for the island's defence. The Court of Directors' orders on the fortifications and other works were nearly carried out, so more men could soon be released from that labour. The Governor had always intended that officers, sergeants, corporals and privates should then parade and drill together often. He dated his minute 6 April 1774. The Council then questioned Second Lieutenant Shirley. Asked what he thought had caused the serious disorder in the artillery company, he produced an order from Captain James Tippet that had been read out to the company. In it Tippet told Lieutenant Leech that every unusual matter in the artillery company was to be reported first to Leech, once Tippet himself had been told. Leech was to give whatever orders he saw fit for practice with the great guns whenever Tippet was absent. No man in the company could exchange a duty or go fishing without leave from Tippet or Leech. Tippet expected the order to be obeyed and told Leech to make it known to the company. The order was dated 3 March 1772. Interpretations The Governor's reply conceded more than it denied. The garrison was not paraded together because its soldiers were working as labourers on the Company's fortifications and buildings, the same works that had occupied Tippet's men on the new church. The Governor had chosen to put the Court's building programme ahead of full military training, and he defended that choice by promising drill once the works ended and recruits arrived. Tippet's order showed what Shirley's complaint meant in practice. It did not merely give Leech command in the field. It made him the sole channel for every request a gunner might make, down to swapping a guard duty or going fishing. Fishing mattered on St Helena, since it added to scant rations and could earn a man money. Control over such leave was the daily currency of a junior officer's authority, and the order took it entirely from Shirley and Gibson and placed it with Leech. | |
440 | 1774 Captain Tippet being called before the Board in Consequence of what is alledged by Lieutenant Shirtley. Captain Tippet desire to know from him, whether any Altercation, or words have passed between him, and the said Captain Tippet, since his complaint, to the Governor, respecting the Order, he has produced from the said Captain Tippet. Answers no. The Board require to know of Lieutenant Shirtley whether since that order from his Captain; he has been obstructed in his Duty by him as an Officer in the Artillery Company? Answers no further than what he has already related to the Board. Captain Tippet having requested some time to answer to the Charge of Lieutenant Shirtley, this day presented the following Letter. The Worshl. John Skottowe Esqr. Governor & Council St. Helena. Gentlemen I now beg leave According to my Promise to offer the following in Order to Elucidate the Matter in dispute between myself and Lieut. Shirtley a matter upon my Honour which does not more surprise me than it would any other thinking Man. I shall go as far Back as March ye. 3rd 1772, and must here make reference to that order, for I know not that either Irregularity or a Derogation to the Character of a Gentleman and an Officer is any where meant, or if it any where was, I must confess myself to be very much in the wrong. Lieut. Shirtley's assigned the said order to be any Derogation to his character must evidently have a weak foundation, however strongly he may build thereon. the Season approaching of the Ships arriving from | Captain Tippet was called before the Council to answer Lieutenant Shirley's statement. Tippet asked Shirley whether any quarrel or words had passed between them since Shirley complained to the Governor about the order. Shirley said that none had. The Council then asked Shirley whether he had been hindered in his duty as an artillery officer since the order was given. He said that he had not, beyond what he had already told them. Tippet asked for time to answer Shirley's charge, and he later sent the Governor and Council a letter. He wrote that, as promised, he would explain the dispute between Shirley and himself. He regarded it as a question of his honour, and it surprised him as much as it would surprise any reasonable man. He went back to the order of 3 March 1772 and made it the centre of his reply. He said that he had never intended it to be irregular or to slight anyone's standing as a gentleman and an officer. If it did so anywhere, he would admit himself wholly in the wrong. Shirley's claim that it insulted him must rest on weak ground, however much he made of it. Tippet then turned to the circumstances of the time, when the season for the arrival of ships was drawing near. Interpretations Shirley's own answers weakened his case. He admitted that no words had passed between him and Tippet and that he had not been obstructed in his duty, so the complaint rested on the order alone. The order was more than two years old, and nothing had come of it until Corneille raised the garrison's disorder. Tippet seized on this. He chose to answer as a gentleman whose honour had been impugned rather than as a captain whose management was in question, which turned a charge about discipline into a personal dispute between two officers. | |
441 | 11th April from India that no Desertion might happen either by too frequent an Indulgence of Liberty given unto Inferior Men or any other unforeseen Accident, I thought it very proper (though I did not then make my private reasons known) to give this Order to Lieut. Leech, and must my silence be imputed unto me an Error, if I have so far mistaken the Service I am very wrong indeed. His Allegation with regard to the Non Commissioned Officers and private Men laying out of the Barracks, if any Irregularity's has been commited from any one of them is more than has come to my knowledge, if at any time, it had reached my Ears, the best methods in my Power would have been made use of to remedy the same, and the utmost care has been taken to procure Liberty for none but approved Men. His last Assertion is false respecting the two Men whom he says were turned off the Parade in want of particular Necessaries, and the reprimand which he asserts to have been given before by the Governor before his Face, I can bring sufficient proof to the contrary; and that instead of the Governor giving me any reprimand, he told Lieut. Shirtley that he was a very wrong headed Man, and that he had a very great mind to put him in Arrest. I cannot without concern mention the heavy Charge laid against the Artillery Company in General, that they are, or have at any former time been the ringleaders of, and sole promoters, of all disorders in the Garrison, since a short review of the Courts Martial for any length of time past will I am confident enough to assert, prove that both Corps of Men, have in their turns been equally defective in point of preserving the peace of the Garrison. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt. Servants. (Signed) James Tippet St. Helena April the 11. 1774 | Tippet explained that he gave the order as the season approached for ships to arrive from India. He wanted to make sure no soldier deserted, whether through leave granted too freely to worthless men or through some other mischance. He thought it right to give the order to Lieutenant Leech, though at the time he kept his private reasons to himself. If his silence was a mistake, he admitted that he had badly misjudged the service. Shirley had alleged that sergeants, corporals and privates were living outside the barracks. Tippet replied that if any of them had misbehaved, it had never come to his knowledge. Had he heard of it at any time, he would have done everything in his power to stop it. He had taken the greatest care to grant leave only to men he trusted. Tippet called Shirley's final claim false. It concerned two men supposedly sent off parade for lack of proper kit, and a rebuke that Shirley said the Governor had given Tippet in Shirley's presence. Tippet said he could prove the opposite. Far from rebuking him, the Governor had told Shirley that he was a very wrong-headed man and that he had a good mind to put him under arrest. Tippet regretted having to answer the serious charge laid against the artillery company as a whole. It had been accused of being, now or in the past, the ringleaders and sole cause of all the disorder in the garrison. He was confident that a brief look at the courts martial over any period would show both the artillery and the marching companies equally to blame for breaches of the peace. Tippet signed the letter at St Helena on 11 April 1774. Interpretations Tippet's defence turned the order into a measure against desertion. The obvious arrangement was to let any of the company's officers grant leave. Tippet instead routed every request through one lieutenant during the season when ships from India filled the road and offered men a way off the island. Concentrating leave in a single officer made it harder for a gunner to slip away unnoticed. Tippet's admission that he had kept his reasons private explained why Shirley, left out of the arrangement, read it as a personal slight. The dispute over the two men sent off parade could be settled by one witness, and he sat at the head of the Council. Tippet's account had the Governor taking his side and threatening Shirley with arrest. That fitted the Governor's own minute of 6 April 1774, which put the disorder down to drink and rejected the wider charges against the garrison's command. Corneille, Shirley and the complaint about the artillery thus stood on one side, and the Governor and Tippet on the other. | |
442 | 1774 The Governor in answer to what Captain Tippets sets forth, says that he told him at the time that the Order he had given to his Officer was improper which he considered as sufficient, as the circumstance then appeared, And that the reprimand he afterwards gave Lieut. Shirtley was in consequence of his Asserting some things against his Captain which he could not prove. The Board having taking the same into Consideration are of opinion that the order given by Captain Tippet to the Artillery Company was improper, and might be considered by the other Subalterns as lessing their Authority and make them less attentive to their Duty, than they ought to have been; and in Order to prevent such neglect for the future, have Ordered all reports to be made to the Artillery Captain, by the Artillery Officer upon Duty for the Week, as was before practiced and have further to prevent the Irregularity's Complained of for some time past, have Issued the following General Orders from the Governor and Council. The Governor and Council having taking into consideration the frequent Irregularity and Licentious Behaviour that has been for some time past amongst the Military of this Garrison and determined to put a stop to such a Conduct for the future, do positively Order the Captains and Officers of the respective Company's to pay the strictest attention to the Conduct of their Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men and do therefore Order the Commanding | The Governor replied to Tippet's account. He said that at the time he had told Tippet the order to his lieutenant was improper. He had thought that enough, given how matters then stood. His later rebuke of Lieutenant Shirley was for making claims against his captain that he could not prove. The Council weighed the evidence and judged Tippet's order to the artillery company improper. The other junior officers could see it as reducing their authority, and it might make them less attentive to their duties than they should be. To prevent such neglect in future, the Council ordered that the artillery officer on duty for the week should make all reports to the artillery captain, as had been the practice before. It also issued general orders from the Governor and Council to check the disorder complained of for some time past. The general orders noted the frequent unruly and disorderly conduct among the garrison's soldiers over recent months. The Governor and Council were determined to stop it. They strictly ordered the captains and officers of each company to keep the closest watch on the behaviour of their sergeants, corporals and men. The orders then turned to the duties of the commanding officers. Interpretations The Council found against Tippet's order but stopped well short of the remedy Corneille's letter invited. Corneille had pointed to Leech as a drinker unfit for any command, and the obvious response to that charge would have been to remove or censure him. The Council did neither. It restored the old rotation, under which the weekly duty officer reported straight to the captain, so that each lieutenant regained his share of authority without anyone being blamed. Leech kept his place, Tippet escaped formal reproof, and the Governor's earlier private word to Tippet was allowed to stand as sufficient. | |
443 | 11th April Officers of the Marching Company's, and the Commanding Officer of Artillery, that in future such Irregularity as may happen of such a Nature as may not be thought deserving to be punished by a Garrison Court Martial, be by their ordered punished by Ordering such Non Commissioned Officers or Private Men to the Drill for two, three, or more Days, according to the nature of the Offence or the frequent repetition of the same, and is their further Order that the Garrison Adjutant to keep up a constant Drill for the above purpose, and it is further ordered that for the future the Captain of the Week attend on evening Role calling, and that one Subaltern of every Company do attend the same, and report to the Captain present at that Duty. The Governor also positively orders that no more than four Non Commissioned Officers and six Matrosses of the Artillery Company, and two Non Commissioned Officers, and six Men of each Marching Company be permitted to lay out of the Barracks, and it is further required that the Captain shall be answerable that they are good Men to whom they grant that Indulgence, and as it has been hitherto a practice amongst many of the Men that lay in the Barracks at Night to hire Rooms to stay in the Day time, the Governor Orders that no Man do presume to take that Liberty for the future without leave from his Captain or Commanding Officer, and such permission only to be Granted to such as have a Trade, and make themselves serviceable to the Community by working at their Business. The Captains for the future to pay their own Company's, or settle with one of their Subalterns to do it for them, and no Non Commissioned Officer for the future to be employed in that Charge but in distributing ; i.e. the same to the respective Men of their Company's. The Officer whose turn of Duty it is to visit the several Messes is to stay in the Officers Barracks from Evening Roll calling and to lay there at Nights, And in case any Irregularity's should happen, to Report the same to that Officer. | The general orders directed the commanding officers of the marching companies and of the artillery to deal with lesser offences themselves. Where misconduct was not serious enough for a garrison court martial, they were to punish the sergeant, corporal or private with extra drill for two, three or more days. The length would depend on the nature of the offence and how often the man repeated it. The garrison adjutant was to run a standing punishment drill for the purpose. The captain of the week was in future to attend the evening roll call. One junior officer from every company was also to attend and report to him there. The Governor strictly limited the number of men allowed to lodge outside the barracks. The artillery could have no more than four sergeants or corporals and six matrosses living out. Each marching company could have no more than two sergeants or corporals and six men. Each captain would be held responsible for ensuring that only trustworthy men received that privilege. Many soldiers who slept in the barracks had grown used to renting rooms in the town for the daytime. The Governor forbade any man to do so in future without leave from his captain or commanding officer. Such leave would go only to men who had a trade and made themselves useful to the community by working at it. Captains were in future to pay their own companies or arrange for one of their junior officers to do it. No sergeant or corporal was to handle the pay any longer, except to hand it out to the men of his company. The officer whose turn it was to inspect the messes was to remain in the officers' barracks from evening roll call and sleep there. If any disorder occurred, the men were to report it to him. Interpretations The order on pay removed sergeants and corporals from a role they had held until then. Handling the company's money gave them chances to hold back wages, lend at interest or run up credit for drink against a man's pay. The Governor had put the garrison's disorder down to drink, and placing the cash in officers' hands cut off one easy source of it. The rule on daytime rooms showed how far soldiers were woven into the island's working life. Men with trades rented space in town, worked for the settlers and earned money beyond their pay. The Council did not ban the practice, since the community depended on that skilled labour. It made the privilege depend on a captain's leave and on the man actually plying a useful trade, which kept the benefit while closing a gap in supervision. | |
444 | 1774 Abraham Jervis and Benjamin Holmes Serjeants, this day Petitioned for their Discharges from the Garrison, having served the Honorable Company their contracted times. Granted. The Administrator of George Bazett Deceased this day brought in an Inventory of his Effects, as Sold at publick Auction, who being duly sworn that the same is just, We ordered it to be Registered. Mr. John Goodwin was this day Sworn into the Office of Sheriff. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | Abraham Jervis and Benjamin Holmes, both sergeants, asked to leave the garrison, since they had served the full term agreed with the Company. The Council granted their discharges. The administrators of the estate of the late George Bazett Start of crossed out section [...] End of crossed out section presented an inventory of his belongings as sold at public auction. They swore that the account was accurate, and the Council ordered it to be registered. John Goodwin took the oath of office as sheriff. Governor Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett signed the minutes. Interpretations The Council acted as the island's probate court. Administrators swore to their accounts before it, and registration in the Council's records gave the sale its legal standing. A sworn and registered inventory protected the administrators against later claims from creditors or heirs, and it fixed what the estate had raised for distribution. | |
445 | 16th April At a Consultation held on Saturday the 16th day of April 1774 at the Castle. Present John Skottowe Esqr. Govern. Daniel Corneille Esqr. Lt. Govern. Mr. Matthew Purling Mr. Matthew Bazett of Council The last Consultation was read, approved, and signed, dated the 11 April 1774. Tuesday the 12 Godfrey Smith Matross, Shot himself, An Inquest being held on him the Jury brought in their Verdict Wilful Murder. Yesterday Arrived the Honble. Company's Ship York from England, by which Ship We received a Packet from the Honorable the Court of Directors which we opened, and read their Orders, and Instructions to Us, We this day sent for the several Gentlemen mentioned in the General Letter and acquainted them with the Honorable Company's Orders respecting each of them. John Skottowe Danl. Corneille M. Bazett | The Council met at the Castle on Saturday 16 April 1774. Governor Skottowe presided, with Lieutenant Governor Daniel Corneille, Matthew Purling and Matthew Bazett present. The councillors read, approved and signed the minutes of the meeting held on 11 April 1774. Godfrey Smith, a matross, shot himself on Tuesday 12 April 1774. An inquest was held on his body, and the jury returned a verdict of wilful self-murder. The Company's ship York arrived from England on 15 April 1774. She brought a packet from the Court of Directors, which the Council opened, and the councillors read the Court's orders and instructions. On 16 April 1774 the Council summoned the various gentlemen named in the general letter. It told each of them what the Company had ordered concerning him. Governor Skottowe, Daniel Corneille and Matthew Bazett signed the minutes. Interpretations The verdict of wilful self-murder carried heavy legal consequences. Under English law a suicide judged sane at the time was a felon against himself. His goods and chattels were forfeit to the Crown, or here to the Company as lord of the island, and he could be denied Christian burial in consecrated ground. Juries could avoid those penalties by finding the dead man of unsound mind, and by this period they increasingly did so in England. The island's jury made no such allowance for Smith. The verdict came only weeks after the garrison's disorder had been aired before the Council, at a time when authority was in no mood to treat the conduct of the artillery company with leniency. | |
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450 | EAP 1364 St Helena Document Name and Date St. HELENA RECORDS 1773-1774 Dimensions (l x h x depth) (cm) 48cm x 33cm x 6cm No. written pages: 444 No. blank pages: 2 Spine and cover GOOD CONDITION Inside pages MINOR BORING INSECT DAMAGE FOXING PRESENT THROUGHOUT VOLUME PAGES NOT NUMBERED Additional comments Time taken to photograph (hours) 3hours |