Issue Date: 21/6/2008
Footnotes removed before websave.
CONTENTS
Dundrennan Maitlands in London:
The PARCHMENTS of Southfield Penn
Sources:
Denny Swaby[i]
David Bromfield[ii]
Michael Sandford[iii]
Louise Currie[iv]
This file is rather a collection of notes and other data that might be relevant
to John Maitland and his origins.
Further Research 3/2008:
Recheck Sarah Maitland PR,
John Maitland deeds.
Richard Maitland deeds & career.
The "Atlantic" - Lloyd's list.
Will/Inventory of Sarah Maitland.
The second deed, dated November 22, 1793, grants the property
from Joseph Longman back to William Delaroche for ten shillings.
The following lands are listed as part of Giddy Hall:
400 acres patented Feb 11, 1764 in the name of Richard Groom.
250 acres patented August 12, 1689 in the name of Thomas Spencer.
300 acres patented in 1697 in the name of Elisabeth Jones.
950 acres of land situated in Luana Mountains cutting and bounding northerly on
land belonging to Henry Louis Esq. Easterly on Robert Smith. Southerly on David
Fyffe, and Westerly on lands belonging to Matthew Smith Senior Esq.
George Rolph was witness to both deeds.
AM08/01
John Maitland, is the earliest of this line to be definitely established by
early 2008.
A likely scenario is that he sailed into Black River, settled there and bought
several plots of land, including a piece on the shore to the west of Black
River town centre. He seemed to have been a banker, lending money to various
people in the area. He had 2 children by Rebecca Wright, a woman of colour
whose mother seemed to have been a woman of substance in her own right.
When John died in Jamaica his will described him as a planter
and merchant of St Elizabeth with a mother Sarah; he was described as
"Captain" in his inventory. This confirmed that he was a mariner
sailing to or around Jamaica. He is known to have been the Captain of the
"Atlantic" in 1777 when one of his seamen was buried in Black River.
Between then and his death, he bought various plots of land in St Elizabeth.
The Atlantic was subject of correspondence following the death of a sailor in a
brawl on board in the Tagus River in 1776. John Maitland was not then master.
A likely scenario is that John sailed into Black River, settled there and
bought several plots of land, including a piece on the shore to the west of
Black River town centre (there are a number of early houses along the road, one
of which might have been the site of John’s first house). He seemed to have
been a banker, lending money to various people in the area. He had 2 children
by Rebecca Wright, a woman of colour whose mother seemed to have been a woman
of substance in her own right. His brother-in-law (“common law”!), Hyem Cohen,
was in the same business, but in a very big way – most of the local families
seemed to owe him money! Hyem’s personal estate was about £4.5M in 2008.
At the moment (3/2008) there is no definite evidence of his parents. His mother
was named Sarah, but his father is not named. The names of his sons can give a
clue: Francis and Richard. It is possible that Rebecca came from the line of
Francis Wright of Vere, and that John's father was Richard. There was a
mariner, Richard Maitland, whose will dated 1740 (of Shadwell in
Middlesex/Essex), but proved 1779 (Canterbury), with a wife Sarah. This will
makes no mention of any children, but the 39 years between its drafting and
proving leaves plenty of time for them to appear. The coincidence of this
Richard being a mariner and having a wife Sarah makes him a possibility. A
Richard Maitland was Master of a merchant ship in a convoy between England and
the West Indies in early 1757.
John’s will left his estate to Rebecca Wright, her sons Francis & Richard
and to his mother Sarah. Dated 25 October 1786, proved in Jamaica January 1787.
Humphrey Colquhoun and Hyem Cohen Executors; He is described as a merchant and
planter of St Elizabeth.
Note: Rebecca made bequests to nephews and nieces Alexander, Henry, Catherine
and Caroline Cohen.
John’s personal property inventory totalled £6135 (about £680,000 in 2008), of
which £1880 was in slaves, £1693 in debts supposed to be good, £617 in debts
“supposed to be dubious” and £788 in debts “supposed to be bad”.
His inventory includes a Priestley's machine, and early electrostatic
generator, which would have made long sparks, and 123 books. These items might
indicate him as being a man of an enquiring mind.
Rebecca Wright was in some way related to the Wrights
of South Jamaica, a prominent family in of St Elizabeth, and became a woman of
some substance, leaving significant property in her will. Her tombstone is
still visible in Black River Churchyard. She was the daughter of Patty Penford,
a mulatto freed slave.
Partner: Rebecca Wright.
Issue:
1/1. Francis Maitland (ch 25/2/1784),
1/2. Richard Maitland (ch 4/8/1786) (StE PR)
Also in Kingston PR:
William Maitland bapt 25/8/1794, son of Milborough Merchant by John Maitland,
mulatto.
IGI, only John in right period:
John Maitland, Born 25 FEB 1733.
Christening: 01 MAR 1733 Saint Dunstan In The East, London.
Parents: Thomas & Elizabeth.
20/4/06: Jamaica PR's searched for John M bth & bur & Rebecca's burial:
St E, Kingston, Hannover, Vere, Clarendon, Westmoreland.
Deeds in Jamaica, LOS 340/113, entered 26 January 1786:
John Maitland to Samuel Manley or Meanley (??? spelling)
Indenture made 26 June 1783 between John Maitland of St Elizabeth, mariner, and
Samuel M. of St Elizabeth, Planter. From JM to SM In consideration of £81,
parcel of land containing by estimate 54 1/2 acres lying in the Valle de Vache
Savanna, Easterly & southerly on Waldish, northerly on the river called
Bridge River and westerly on unsurveyed morass.
Maybe Valle de Vache Savannah was what became Bull Savannah, near the Milk
River.
(Thought to be in what is now Westmoreland, may be near Negril and the Carabita
River).
Samuel Manley owed Hyem Cohen £18/10/- at HC's death.
Bruce, William, Buried 26/1/1775, St. Elizabeth, church yard; sailor belonging
to the "Atlantic," John Maitland Master. PR checked AM.
Directories, John Maitland:
1783/4, Lowndes London Directory, Merchant Commerce, 79 Basinghall St. Probably
not ours.
In the mid-eighteenth century, an interest in electrostatics was very
fashionable. The well-off would not only attend lectures but buy the books and
equipment to copy the demonstrations they had seen in the lectures.
Take a good look at this engraving, from a book by William Watson (1748). A
simple hand-driven machine provides the electrical charge.
A very popular demonstration was to hang small boys by silk ropes and charge
them electrically. Their hair would stand on end and sparks might fly to anyone
who stood near. In the background are two bells that would ring under the
influence of electricity. The young girl also receives electrical charge.
Another popular demonstration was to let charge build up in a young girl and
invite members of the audience to experience and 'electrical kiss'.
The whole thing became 'the latest trend', and good money could be gained by
electrifying people in fair grounds. People thought that being electrified was
good for their health.
In the picture above, a man turns the handle on the machine which turns a glass
globe. The woman assistant holds her hand against the spinning globe to
'produce' static by the action of friction. The boy's feel also appear to rub
against the globe.
What happens when the boy and girl touch hands? Why is the girl standing on a
barrel? What is the girl looking at?
Study the picture then try our matching exercise.
the machine shown below was designed and built a little later than the scene
above and for a much more serious study of electricity.
The need for an assistant has been dispensed with. Instead a pad is used to rub
against the glass. We now know that electrons would have been rubbed from the
glass onto the pad, making the glass positively charged and the pad negatively
charged. Of course this was a long time before electrons were known about, but
the words positive and negative were used.
However what makes the machine so very special is not so much its construction
but that it was almost certainly designed, commissioned and used by a most
remarkable scientist: Joseph Priestley. A man who made huge contributions to
science.
The machine would have been made at about the time that Priestley wrote
'History and Present State of Electricity'. In this book he describes a
timeline of discoveries in the area of electrostatics and suggests a few ideas
of his own. To find out more, read about Static history or Priestley's story.
http://www.cas.sc.edu/SCIAA/mrd/documents/sc_shipbuilding.pdf
Occasional Maritime Research Papers
Maritime Research Division, South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and
Anthropology, USC
Extract:-
......Ships and Schooners
This Port Royal may have been Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
For evidence of ship design meeting environmental conditions and customer’s
needs, we turn again to the available ship registers. They show that the
Carolina-built, shiprigged vessel was, in general, of moderate size, yet larger
than ships being built in the
other shipbuilding colonies. South Carolina shipwrights were
certainly able to build large ocean-going ships. The 280-ton ship Queen
Charlotte, built in 1764 by John Emrie, and Occasional Maritime Research Papers
Maritime Research Division, South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and
Anthropology, USC the 260-ton ship Atlantic, built at Port Royal in 1773, are
two examples. However, shiprigged vessels built in South Carolina during this
time averaged 180 tons.....
Also Reference to a store ship Atlantic at Calcutta 1793.
PRO:
Item details SP 89/81: Sir John Hort to Viscount Weymouth. Manslaughter of a
sailor by the mate of the British ship Atlantic in the Tagus, and steps he has
taken in this case. The complaints against the Portuguese brokers, and British seamen
imprisoned for seven years without trial, are still unresolved. Spanish naval
and military preparations at Cadiz; Ferrol, and elsewhere.
dates 1776 Mar. 9 Lisbon
St James 2 April 1776
Sir John Hort
Sir,
Your letter to No 1 of this year have been received and laid before the King.
Proper attention shall be paid to the account you have given of the unfortunate
Scuffle on board the British Ship Atlantic, Thoms Borg, Master, between Alex
Kidd, the Chief Mate, and Robert Jackson, one of the sailors, in which Jackson,
by a Blow, or a Jostle of the other was thrown into the Tagus, and was drowned.
Notice will be given at the different Ports, that, on the arrival of the Vessel
the person of Kidd may be secured, that he may be tried for this offence.
You will please to acquaint me, for his Majesty's Information, what
circumstances prevent the Affair of this British Seaman, who has been seven
years in Prison, from being concluded in order that such steps may be taken as
may procure their trial or their release.
PRO:
Item details SP 89/82: Affidavit of Thos. Boog and others of the British ship
Atlantic, relative to death of Robert Jackson after a scuffle with the mate,
Alexander Kidd. 1776 Mar. 2 Lisbon.
No5 Lisbon the 23 May 1776
My Lord,
I acknowledged by the last packet the honour of your Lordships letters of
the 23 & 26th past.
We since learn by the Clementine Cat Brown from Philadelphia, that they
left in Delaware bay two French armed ships frigate built and three merchant
ships of the same nation, all laden with military stores: As this vessel has
had a long passage and is several days arrived here, the news she brings will
probably have been received in London before this reaches your Lordship; I
mention it however, because the armed ships are talked of here as frigates,
but thought they are indeed said to be very stout vessels, I am assured they
are absolutely private property: I know not with what propriety I signify to
your Lordship, that having
Lord Viscount Weymouth
P2:
in private conversation on this news, with the French ambassador at this court,
hinted my wonder at the impolicy of his masters furnishing succours to the
Americas, he assured me very solemnly, that though he would not answer for the
boldness of private adventurers, tempted by most advantageous offers of barter,
yet he was perfectly persuaded that the present French administration were
honestly and thoroughly sensible, that France was interested against the
success of the Rebels, and would neither directly nor indirectly give them any
assistance.
Within these two days I have seen two English gentlemen just arrived after
a short passage from Philadelphia. They ventured to assert, that the Southern
colonies as far as New York inclusively, are generally disposed to return to
their duty, on what the stile reasonable terms: that the Northern settlements
are generally enough understood to mean independence: but would assuredly be
abandoned by the others, if equitable conditions were held out by Great
Britain; Entering into particulars, these gentlemen said they had been over the
greater part of Pennsylvania and discoursed repeatedly and freely with eight of
ten particular members of the congress, whose uniform capital article was
redress in the matter of taxation, but on my inquiry whether these particular
member had annexed any explicit sense to their idea of redress, on that head:
the answer was, what your Lordship has doubtless heard a thousand times, that
they agreed on the fitness of their contributions to the supplies of the state,
but tat unless each colony were permitted to ascertain its own quota, they were
not constitutionally Englishmen: In the mean time they say that hardly a boy of
sixteen years old is unarmed, through all that province.
Having signified to Mr Walpole your Lordships mention to one of the
dispositions in the affair of Alexander Kidd; he has put into my hands and I
have the honour of forwarding them to your Lordship with this letter.
I also enclose and affidavit made before the British vice consul in this
city, by William Darby and George Jay, two gentlemen on board the merchant ship
Turkey frigate, George Jenkins master: these men, not as I understand any
others of the crew, were ever upon by their captain to sign their contract for
wages; this neglect has been the occasion of many vexatious contests both in
the present occasion and in many other cases, I have therefore thought it
necessary to lay before your Lordship, in order to prosecution for the panelaty
of £5 per seaman; which by the Statute 2: George 2, C 36; is forfeited to the
use of Greenwich hospital.
I have the honour to be
My Lord
your Lordships most humble
& obedient servant,
John Nort.
AM09/01
For reasons given under John above, it is being assumed that his father was
Richard who married Sarah (mentioned in John's will). He was a mariner who made
a will in Shadwell in London in 1740, but it was not proved until 1779. There
are a couple of mentions of ships of the time commanded by Richard Maitland.
Him being a mariner as his supposed son John was makes it likely that he was
our ancestor. A Charles Maitland, a mariner with the Navy, left a will proved
in 1775, but does not mention any family other than his wife.
Issue:
1/1. John Maitland - assuming that he is the son of the same Sarah.
1/2. Sarah Maitland, born abt 10/1746, bapt 23/1/1748
Baptism: January
23, 1748, aged 15 months, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish
Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 7.)
Index has her as Sarah Maitland, but actual record on LDS film has her as dau
to Richard Milland.
A Sarah Maitland is recorded as owning a negro Creole slave, Fibba aged 65 in
1817 in St Elizabeth. Sarah signed with her mark.
Issue by Richard Parchment (b 1/11/1747, St Elizabeth).
2/1. Elizabeth baptised 1773 August 1, born 18 August 1772.
St Elizabeth PR: V1/35 reputed daughter of Richard Parchment.
2/2. William
28/12/1775, PR
2/3. John 12/2/1782, PR
2/4. Richard 14/1/1779, PR
M. Mary
Bromfield, born 1785, dau of Andrew Bromfield and Rose Reynolds by banns 29 Jan
1824.
3/1. Richard Elmers (Elwars?), bapt 31 Dec 1818
3/2. Evalina Maitland, born 6 Jan 1825, bapt 2 Oct 1831
2/5. Sarah, born 15 jan 1780, bapt 3 Mar 1780
born 15 jan 1780, bapt 3 Mar 1780 (Reg. No. 1B/11/8/6 vol 1)
2/6. Nicholas 2/9/1785.
3/1. Henry Gale Parchment, b 1819.
4/1. Mary Maitland Parchment, G grandmother of Denny Swaby.
One source (Carolle Mitchell) says she was a Yamasee Indian. (Yamasee were an
Indian tribe assimilated into the Seminole and Creek tribes in Florida in the
first half of the 18thC.)
Later information (1/2003) is that this Sarah was bapt St E 23/1/1748, aged 15
months, father Richard Maitland. He could have been a sea Captain, will dated
1763 in Virginia. (Louise Currie, Australia).
Later from Louise (22/3/2003) Richard Maitland probably of Kensington, planter
of Jamaica, no firm evidence, but looks probable. His will makes no mention of
Sarah, but was proved London, 23 August, 1763.
Richard Parchment born 1/11/1747, St Elizabeth, son of John & Ruth
Parchment.
The name Parchment appears in the St Elizabeth Indices several times. In 1802,
this family owned land SE of Black River.
St Andrew Parish: (film 1291698) Mary Maitland, bapt 28/6/1740, a quadroon
child of Richard Maitland born of the mulatto slave of Mrs Laws.
PRO ADM 1/235, Admiral's despatches, Jamaica 1713-1789,
1757-1760 Lists and Indexes, Admiralty XVIII p3.
Admiral Coates to the Secretary of the Admiralty.
HMS Marlborough, Spithead, 7 March 1757. Sends list of ships under his Convoy,
with the promise of a more exact account of them at the first opportunity.
Enclosure mentions the Loe and the Duke, masters, John Johnson and Richard
Maitland, bound for Virginia laden with merchandize. 11 ff.
The Duke, Richard Maitland, Ship, (Belonging) London, 20 men, 10 guns 360 tons,
From London, to Virginia, Ballast. Convoy 91 ships.
ref Louis Currie: There is an admiralty record of the Duke just having left
Jamaica.
Dundrennan Maitlands in London:
There is no obvious connection between our Maitlands and the Maitlands of
King's Arms Yard and Coleman Street, but it is possible that they were
connected: both lines were connected with the West Indies.
A will of Richard Maitland of Brompton, Kensington, described as a planter of
Jamaica, no firm evidence, but looks possible to be the father of John &
Sarah. His will makes no mention of Sarah, but was proved London, 23 August,
1763. Note John's 2nd son Richard.
The executors being Robert & Alexander Maitland indicate that he was
probably related to them: they were the sons of Robert & Ursula Maitland of
Tongland & Bunhill Fields in Essex.
The supposition from his will is that he came back to England later in life and
married Widow Cunningham then and had no children by her.
He leaves a legacy to his wife, the widow of Dr Cunningham, but no mention of
children. The remainder of his estate is left to his cousins, the Whyte family,
mostly local London tradesmen, but also to "...my cousin Mrs Joan Whyte
late wife of Mr Archibald Napier Minister of the Gospel at Manchester (?)
deceased now residing in Aberdeen.." and "...my cousin Alexr Whyte
late of Ard_hill now of the city of London Teacher of Belles Lettres and
mathematics..."
"...to her daughters Mary and Joan Napier..."
Ardhill a village on Loch Duich, West Highlands Scotland.
AF:
Mary Napier (AFN: 1DM1-C28), ch abt 1732 of Archibald Napier & Jean White
at Maryculter, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Married James Smith 6/7/1732 at
Maryculter.
James Smith Birth: Est 1702 Maryculter, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Death: 6 Nov 1780 Garvnock, Kincardineshire, Scotland
IGI: Marriage of Richard Maitland & Elizabeth Cunningham, St Martin in the
Fields, London, 13 May 1759.
Issue of Richard & Elizabeth Maitland, ch:
Richard Maitland, 27 Sept 1738, St Martin in the Fields.
Elizabeth Maitland, Saint Olave Hart St, London, 1/7/1748
Thomas Maitland, Saint Martin in the Fields, 10/10/1740
Mary Maitland, Saint Olave, Hart St, ch 2/6/1746, d. 6/2/1746
Margaret Maitland, Saint Olave, 9/11/1750.
Marriage: Richard Maitland, 20 Aug 1738, St James, Westminster to Mary Mitchel.
CO142/** Return of Shipping, Jamaica - lists ships masters and owners &
cargo etc, to Jamaica. /22 1784.
1783, March 26. Indenture between John Hyde of St. Geo., Han. Sq., Esq., only
son and heir and residuary legatee of John Hyde, late of Cornhill, Merchant,
and George Healy of the one part, and Ebeneezer Maitland of London, Merchant,
of the other, Lease for a year of the Constant Spring plantation by Hyde to
Maitland. (Coleman’s Deeds.)
(2 found in 1811: St Andrew's and St George's. Constant Spring in St Andrew
owned by Hon Geo Cuthbert, 417 slaves and 206 stock)
Constant Spring is now in St Andrew, in hills north of Kingston.
Edmund Hyde Privy Councillor Jamaica 1751 (Jam Gaz).
Minutes looked at on microfilm (MIC915, 16 reels) at the
Institute of Commonwealth Studies, Russell Square. There were many appearances
of Maitlands in the early years. Many entries simply refer to "Mr
Maitland". Forenames entered were Richard, Robert & Alexander. It
appears that Richard was probably the senior, and was chairman occasionally
when the regular incumbent, Beeston Long, was absent. Also appearing was
Stephen Fuller (the London merchants became Fuller-Maitlands), who was later
described as "agent for Jamaica".
The minutes start an April 1769. They were read, but not exhaustively after
about 1780. There is little mention of individuals, except as members of the
standing committees, and occasionally as members of sub-committees.
1769 members Richard, Robert & Alexander Maitland, not all together. Mr
Maitland jnr appears in April 1776, and again June 1779. A cursory inspection
gives the impression that the Maitlands disappeared from the committee from
1781 to 1797, when there was an entry.
The minutes of the West India Planters was also briefly examined. There was an
E Maitland and Mr Maitland recorded at a general meeting of 9 Feb 1787. Mr
Maitland appeared several times in 1805.
Kent's Directory of London, 1794.
Maitland Robert, Ebeneezer & John, Merchts., 13, King's-arms-yard,
Colemans-str
These are probably the children of Robert Maitland and Ursula, Ebeneezer became
Fuller-Maitland and John Whitaker-Maitland. According to Michael Sandford, this
is the case: this Robert was 1744-1810.
CARIBBEANA, Volume II, DEEDS RELATING TO THE WEST INDIES JAMAICA
1783, March 26. Indenture between John Hyde of St. Geo., Han. Sq., Esq., only son and heir and residuary legatee of John H., late of Cornhill, Merchant, and George Healy of the one part, and Ebenezer Maitland of London, Merchant, of the other, Lease for a year of the Constant Spring plantation by Hyde to Maitland. (Coleman’s Deeds.)
Hyde Connection:
http://www.danbyrnes.com.au/merchants/merchants8.htm
1710+: James Russell 1710 or so, the greatest Maryland
merchants in London are Captain John Hyde, plus his sons, John and Herbert
Hyde. See Jacob M. Price, 'One Family's Empire: The Russell-Lee-Clerk
Connection in Maryland, Britain and India, 1707-1857'., Maryland Historical
Magazine, Vol. 72, 1977. See also: Jacob M. Price, 'The Last Phase of the
Virginia-London Consignment Trade: James Buchanan and Co, 1758-1768', William
and Mary Quarterly, Series 3, Vol. XLIII, No. 1, Jan. 1968., pp. 64ff.; Jacob
M. Price, 'Buchanan and Simson, 1759-1763: A Different Kind of Glasgow Firm
Trading to the Chesapeake', William and Mary Quarterly, Series 3, Vol. XL, No.
1. Jan. 1983., pp. 3ff.; Jacob M. Price, 'The Rise of Glasgow in the Chesapeake
Tobacco Trade, 1707-1775', William and Mary Quarterly, Series 3, Vol. XI, April
1954., pp. 179ff.; Jacob M. Price, (Ed.), 'Joshua Johnson's Letterbook,
1771-1774: Letters from a Merchant in London to His Partners in Maryland'.
London, 1979. Jacob M. Price, 'Capital And Credit In The British-Chesapeake
Trade, 1750-1775', in Virginia B. Platt and David Curtis Skaggs, (Eds.), Of
Mother Country And Plantations: Proceedings of the Twenty-Seventh Conference In
Early American History. Bowling Green, Ohio, 1971. Jacob M. Price, essay,
'Joshua Johnson In London, 1771-1775', in Anne Whiteman et al, (Eds.),
Statesmen, Scholars and Merchants, Essays ... presented to Dame Lucy
Sutherland. Oxford, 1973.
Later in this site were entries of Hydes going bankrupt in about 1745.
Other Maitlands:
Alexander Maitland, Mate, St Andrews Regt, Ensign, 1784.
Vere Oliver's Carribinaea, Richard Maitland figures with wife Elizabeth in St
Kitts, also up til 1780's.
Directories for Richard Maitland:
1)
Dates: 1726-1750 Location: Crutched Fryars
Occupation: merchant commerce(s)
Source Date: 1750 Subscribed to The posthumous Works of Jeremiah Seed
(Vol. 1), 1750, HALL, Joseph. London, Subject: religion
2)
Dates: 1751-1775 Title: Esq.
Source Date: 1756: Subscribed to The Civil and Natural History of Jamaica,
1756, BROWNE, Patrick. London, Subject: history
3)
Dates: 1776-1800 Title: Esq.
Source Date: 1789 Source Info: Subscribed to The Civil and Natural History of
Jamaica. Containing I. An accurate Description of that Island... II. An History
of the Natural Productions... illustrated with Forty-nine copper plates... By
George Dionysius Ehret. There are now added complete Linnean indexes and a
large and accurate map of the island, 1789, BROWNE, Patrick. London, Subject:
history
4)
Dates: 1751-1775 Address: Address(es): 17 Mark-lane, London
company: Director(s): Royal Exchange Assurance Director
Source Date: 1763 Listed in Kent's Directory for the Year 1763. 30th edn.,
1763, KENT, Henry. London. Printed and sold by Henry Kent at the Printing
office in Finch Lane. Also 1765, 1767, 1768, 1772, 1774
5)
Dates: 1751-1775 Occupation: merchant commerce(s)
Address: Mark lane, London
Source Date: 1765 Listed in A Compleat Guide to All Persons Who Have Any
Trade or Concerns Within the City of London, and Parts Adjacent. 10th edn.,
1765, OSBORN, J.. London
Printed for J. Rivington, R. Baldwin, L. Hawes, W. Clarke, R. Collins, S.
Crowder, T. Longman, R. Horsfield, J. Walter
Florida Historical Society Florida Center for Library
Automation Gainesville, Florida October, 1943 SN00154113_0022_002
Florida Historical Quarterly, October 1943.
Alleged Spanish Grants in British West Florida
From the description of Pensacola on the arrival of the British in 1763 as but
a stockade and village of thatched huts, it is apparent that these estates were
little more than a medium for acquiring land for speculation. Ed. petitioned
for an estate called St. Joseph. George Rogers, Esquire, of London, and John
Peddar, Esquire, of Lancaster, England, petitioned for an estate called Chicasa
de St. Martin. Sir John Lindsay of England petitioned for an estate called El
Paso de Arroyo Ingles. William Lance, Esquire, and James Noble of Sandwich in
Kent, England, petitioned for an estate called El Estero de la Vighia. Barnard
Noble petitioned for an estate called Sta. Clara. George Stothart of Stockton,
in the county of Durham, England, together with two other merchants, Richard
Maitland and John Elliot, of London, petitioned for an estate called
Santiago el Grande. Messrs. Bolton and Horslar (or Horselor) petitioned for an
estate called Pensacola le Vieja. Colonel Augustine Prevost petitioned for an
estate, which was unnamed in the record of the Council, and also in company
with some others, he petitioned for a second estate, which was likewise unnamed
in the records of the Council.
Maitlands (London based merchants trading with WI)
9 Dec 2005 From: Michael Sandford, Abingdon.
Dear Antony,
I came across your website in a search for information on the trading
activities of my great great great great grandfather Robert Maitland
(1744-1810) who was first located at the Kings Arms yard, Coleman Street,
London and later at The Blue Style Greenwich.
I found reference on your site to the West India Committee records At Archives
of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies. I was interested to note that the
names you mentioned here appear to be those of my ancestor and his relations. I
had better follow up your reference to see if I can find out something about
their trading interests!
My Robert Maitland (1744-1810) appears in the Maitland gedcom on your website,
so you will be able to see where our lines diverged: our common ancestors are
Sir Robert Maitland (d 1434) and Marion Aternethy.
You can see my descent from daughter Mary of my Robert Maitland
(1744-1810) at http://sandfordfamily.org.uk
I was also interested in your site for what it says about Jamaican history,
especially since I have just returned from a months's holiday spent mainly in
Mandeville. I have often wondered exactly what the trading was that my Robert
Maitland did with the WI. Have you ever come across any dealings between his
firm and your own Maitlands in Jamaica?
My Robert Maitland (1744-1810) married Elizabeth Ridge who was the daughter of
John Ridge, another West Indies merchant in London. So that is another
trading connection.
Michael Sandford
10 Dec 2005
Thank you for your reply. It gets yet more interesting as I delve a bit
further into your large website. What a lot of research you have done!
In comparison my Maitland research looks pretty thin. But I am now motivated to
some more.
Here are a two points answering your email:
1. I cannot at the moment see how your John Maitland ( - 1786), might fit into
the known families of the Kings Arms Yard merchants.
2. I see from your pages that a Pakenhams married a Sandford from Castlereagh.
Castlereagh is not far from Tuam and my grandfather and his cousin speculated
about the tradition that there was a connection but nothing definitive has been
discovered so far. Unfortunately all the early Church of Ireland records in Tuam
were destroyed around 1800.
Finally I note from your auto biographical notes that you are a Christ's
man. I matriculated at Christ's in 1960. I read maths then physics.
However I ended up running a division of engineers working on space research
instrumentation at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near here. I retired 2
years ago - and so now have time to research family history and to try and
write up interesting stories for the younger family members. I am planning to
send them a couple of essays at Christmas. The one I finished before my holiday
relates how 12 greats uncle was wrongly beheaded by Henry VIII when he was
getting rid of Anne Boleyn.
Did you go to the old member's dinner at Christ's in September? The 1960 and
1965 matriculation years were invited. I don't have the seating plan to hand to
check if you were there.
Best wishes, Michael
The PARCHMENTS of Southfield Penn
St Elizabeth parish, Jamaica, West Indies, and the American-born Loyalist
ANDREW BROMFIELD....
The following is a composite of several sources:
Outline from Parchment family notice board
A tree from Louise Currie (LC)
Extra information from Denny Swaby (DS).
the original immigrant, was granted land in Jamaica eleven years after the
island was taken from the Spanish and made a British possession. Between
January 1666 and July 1685, 1070 acres of land was deeded to him. (Plat Book
1B/11/2/15) There is also a Richard Parchment who owned land in York County,
Virginia, and who had been a resident there from 1654. (N. Nugent,
"Cavaliers and Pioneers, vol I, 497; also... Fleet, "Virginia
Colonial Abstracts, vol 25, 323) It is not unreasonable to assume that both
were the same man, since this particular section of the island was settled by
"sundry mariners, vagabonds and settlers" (Calendar of Colonial
Papers, 1670) according to one Governor of the island, who also described
Virginia as "the bolthole of Jamaican debtors." In his will, dated
"ye 27th day of December, in the Year of Our Lord 1686,"
Richard Parchment describes himself as being "in perfect sense and memory,
but very weak and ill." He named his beloved wife Jane as executrix of his
entire estate, which he charged her to administer on behalf of his children.
From the records, he appears to have had at least two children:
1/1. Richard, who by 1700 had inherited the land granted his father,
1/2. Rebecca, who married William Legister, 17 Mar 1708/9 (Register No
1B/11/8/6 vol:1)
in 1984 who sent me some pages about Parchments taken from typed work called
Whose Child Are You by Carolee Elliott Mitchell, in which she discusses the
Parchments from Jamaica. Here is a transcript of the pages:
married MARY, and they were the parents of
1/1. John, bapt 28 Nov 1708/9
1/2. Jane, bapt 8 Feb 1705 (Register No. 1B/11/8/6 vol 1)
LC: Baptism: November 28, 1708, St. Elizabeth, by Josiah Tookerman, rector
(Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p.
2.)
married RUTH,
1/1. Richard, bapt 27 May 1749, at age 1 year and 6 months
LC: Baptism: May 27, 1749, St.
Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St.
Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 7.)
Appears to have worked as overseer of his sea-captain father's estate of
Southfield Penn (penn = ranch). There is no record of his marriage, and his
children are listed in the section of the register headed "Baptisms of
Persons Not White." The mother of his children, SARAH MAITLAND, was
probably of the family of John Maitland, who was living in the area, but there
is no record of her baptism. With Richard Parchment as the "reputed
father", Sarah had a family listed as 'mulatto' and as 'quadroon'.
Ref DS:
was "set" to inherit his parents estate on the condition (stated in
his father's will) that he should marry only a "white" woman.
Richard Parchment had children with 'Sarah Maitland' who according to one
'researcher' was 'non-white'. Consequently the 'Parchment' estate passed
to his sister "Mary Parchment" who married my ancestor "Andrew
Bromfield - Lt. Colonel St. Elizabeth parish Militia, Jamaica".
In the beginning pages of this
register the minister was sometimes recording only the name of the
fathers. At other times he listed the wife's name. Occasionally he noted
"and his wife".
Here there is no mention of the mother, or of the father's marital status.
Age: January 23, 1748, 15 months
Baptism: January 23, 1748, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish
Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 7.)
Issue of Richard & Sarah Parchment:
2/1. Elizabeth, born 19 Aug 1772, bapt 1 Aug 1773
LC for this line:
Baptism: August 01, 1773, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish
Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 35.)
Burial: June 07, 1833, New Burial Ground, Spanish Town, St. Catherine aged 55
of Spanish Town, by the Revd. William Broadley (Source: B0024 Jamaica Parish
Register Burials I & II, 1826-1844, I, p. 125 #39.)
Race/nationality/color: Free quadroon.
Partner: Mr McKenzie: Race/nationality/color: White (by calc.)
3/1. Marianne5 McKenzie, born Bef. June 03, 1797.
Baptism: June 03, 1797, St.
Catherine (Source: B0080 St. Catherine Parish Register BMB I & II,
1669-1825, II, p. 107.). Race/nationality/color: Free mustee
She met Alexander Grant Bef. 1812, son of David Grant and Ann Hitchman.
He was born March 31, 1790.
Addressed as: 1816, Esquire
Baptism: January 07, 1791, Kingston (Source: B0061 Kingston Parish Register
Baptisms I & II, Marriages I, 1721-1825, Bap. I, p. 424.)
Occupation: 1836, Gentleman. Residence: 1836, Kingston
Both Single: Bef. 1812
4/1. James Grant, born July 13, 1812.
Baptism: November 01, 1813, Kingston (Source: B0061 Kingston Parish Register Baptisms I & II, Marriages I, 1721-1825, II, p. 264.)
4/2. Alexander Green Grant, born October 18, 1815.
Baptism: July 06, 1816, Kingston
(Source: B0061 Kingston Parish Register Baptisms I & II, Marriages I,
1721-1825, II, p. 301.)
In Jamaica in the early 19th century the child of a white and a mustee would
have been deemed "white by law," with "the same rights and
privileges as British subjects, born of white parents, with certain
restrictions." (They did not have the right to vote).
3/2. Elizabeth Anna McKenzie, born September 14, 1798.
Baptism: December 21, 1799, St. Catherine (Source: B0080 St. Catherine Parish Register BMB I & II, 1669-1825, II, p. 119.)
2/2. William, born 28 Aug 1775,
LC: Baptism: 1785, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 51.)
2/3. Richard, born 14 Dec 1779, (mulatto/quadroon)
Baptism: 1785, St. Elizabeth
(Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p.
51.)
Race/nationality/color: 1824, Free person of color
Residence: 1824, St. Elizabeth
M. (1) Camilla Parchment.
Baptism: August 20, 1807, Mrs. Bromfield's, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St.
Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 130.).
Race/nationality/color: Black
Issue of Richard Parchment and Camilla Parchment:
3/1. Arabella Parchment, born Bef. August 20, 1807.
Baptism: August 20, 1807, Mrs. Bromfield's, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, p. 130.)
3/2. Priscilla Parchment, born Bef. August 20, 1807.
Baptism: August 20, 1807, Mrs. Bromfield's, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 130.)
3/3. John Maitland Parchment, born Bef. August 20, 1807.
Baptism: August 20, 1807, Mrs. Bromfield's, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 130.)
3/4. Benjamin Brady? Parchment, born Bef. August 20, 1807.
Baptism: August 20, 1807, Mrs. Bromfield's, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 130.)
Married (2) daughter of Andrew
Bromfield and Rose Reynolds MARY BROMFIELD, by banns 29 Jan 1824. (Register No.
1B/11/8/6 vol 1)
Race/nationality/color: Free person of color
Residence: 1824, St. Elizabeth
Marriage Notes for Richard Parchment and Mary Bromfield: It is not certain the
Richard Parchment who married Mary Bromfield was the same Richard who had
several children by Camilla Parchment.
3/1. Richard Elmers (Elwars?), bapt 31 Dec 1818
(Register No. 1B/11/8/6 vol 1)
3/2. Evalina Maitland, born 6 Jan 1825, bapt 2 Oct 1831
(Register No. 1B/11/8/6 vol 5)
2/4. John born 12 Feb 1782,
LC: Baptism: 1785, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, p. 51.)
2/5. Nicholas, born 2 Sept 1785, all four bapt 19 Oct 1785
LC: Baptism: 1785, St. Elizabeth
(Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p.
51.)
Ref DS:
3/1. Henry Gale Parchment, b 1819
M Sarah Amelia:
4/1. Mary Maitland Parchment, G grandmother of Denny Swaby.
ch 22/2/1846, b 9/12/1845 of Providence, Settler.
2/6. Sarah, born 15 jan 1780, bapt 3 Mar 1780
(Register No. 1B/11/8/6 vol 1)
1/2. Elizabeth, bapt 12 Aug 1753
LC: Baptism: August 12, 1753, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, p. 9.)
1/3. John, bapt 28 July 1759, at 14 months
LC: Baptism: July 28, 1759, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 19.)
1/4. Jean, about 4 yrs old,
LC: Age: November 1765, About 4
years
Baptism: November 1765, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish
Register I & II, 1707-1825, I, p. 27.)
1/5. Mary, about 1 yr old, both bapt in Nov 1765
LC: Baptism: November 1765, St.
Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish Register I & II,
1707-1825, I, p. 27.)
Married Andrew Parchment, as 2nd wf after Rose Reynolds.
1/6. Nancy, born 28 Aug 1769, bapt in July 1770
(Register No. 1B/11/8/6 vol
1)
LC: Baptism: July 1770, St. Elizabeth (Source: B0037 St. Elizabeth Parish
Register I & II, 1707-1825, p. 31.)
Andrew Bromfield & Rose Reynolds Issue (from David Bromfield web site:
1/1. John Frederick Bromfield b 1777 M. Mary Mullings
2/2. William Mullings B m. Ellen Caroline Hutchinson
3/1. David Hutchinson Bromfield M. Margaret Elizabeth Clacken,
4/1. Vida Ella Orbel Bromfield
2/1. John Mullins Bromfield & Lucy Facey Seaton
3/1. Mary Ann Bromfield & Christopher Bromfield
4/1. David Christopher Bromfield & Vida Ella Orbel Bromfield,
5/1. Albert Winston Bromfield & Sigrid Hazel Agatha Gray
6/1. David Michael Hurlstone Bromfield
Descendants of Nicholas Maitland Parchment
Generation No. 1
1. Nicholas Maitland Parchment was born Abt. 1811.
Married Sarah Yuil (Parchment).
She was born Abt. 1811.
Occupation: 1836, Planter of Comfort
Issue (many more listed on PR):
2/1. Margaret Parchment, born June 14, 1836.
Baptism: December 30, 1836, St.
Elizabeth.
Married Herbert Gordon May 19, 1858, St. E by banns
born April 08, 1838, Baptism: July 13, 1838, St. Elizabeth
2/2. Isabella Bonniella b. 15/11/1845, ch 2/1846
of Nicholas Maitland Parchment & Sarah Ewell his wife of Comfort, Settler.
2/3. Thomas Ewell - b 4/10/1847 ch 30/1/1848
of Nicholas Maitland Parchment & Sarah Ewell
2/4. Ezekiel b 28/4/1850 ch. 1/2/1850
of Nicholas Maitland Parchment & Sarah Ewell his wife/ Comfort/ Settler/ W. Forbes/
Information from David Bromfield, (5/2001):
I am descended from 'Andrew Bromfield & Rose
Reynolds'. Andrew Bromfield had later married "Mary Parchment"
daughter of John & Ruth Parchment. John & Ruth had a son
"Richard Parchment" who was "set" to inherit his parents
estate on the condition (stated in his father's will) that he should marry only
a "white" woman. Richard Parchment had children with 'Sarah
Maitland' who according to one 'researcher' was 'non-white'. Consequently
the 'Parchment' estate passed to his sister "Mary Parchment" who
married my ancestor "Andrew Bromfield - Lt. Colonel St. Elizabeth parish
Militia, Jamaica".
Mary Bromfield, born 1785, St E, dau of Andrew & Rose (Reynolds) Bromfield,
married 29/1/1824, Richard Parchment son of Sarah Parchment
(above).
DENNY SWABY Correspondence:
9/12/2003:
Denny Swaby[iv]
I know the names of my paternal grandfather as well as great grand father and
mother. I have passed this information to the Registrar General Department in
Jamaica to see what they can find. I remember hearing various family stories
when I was a child about the Swaby that started the lineage in Jamaica. One of
the things that I remember was this original Swaby was a military officer. He
was either German or English. The Jamaican records if they exist will verify
lineage. I’m not sure of the extent of your research on Joseph Swaby, but thought
it best to ask a few questions. Do you know if there were generations of
Swaby’s in Jamaica prior to Joseph James Swaby? If Joseph Swaby was the first
Swaby in Jamaica, are you also aware of his place of birth?
Sat, 21 Feb 2004 16:48:47 -0500
Thank you for responding to my e-mail. I have a good understanding of my
Swaby ancestry at this point. Since I live in the Cayman Islands I was able to
visit the Registrar Generals Department in Jamaica.
I wanted to let you know that I found a Maitland connection
through my paternal grandmother. My great grandmother was Mary Maitland
Parchment. Mary’s father was Henry Gale Parchment. Henry was
baptized in 1819 in St. Elizabeth Jamaica. His parents are not listed and
he is baptized with numerous other Parchment children. I did not have
enough time to complete my research on Henry, but he appears to be descended
from Richard Parchment and Sarah Maitland.
Denny
dcswaby wrote: 6/2005.
Hi Antony,
It’s been some time since we’ve communicated.... I was in
Jamaica earlier this week and came across a will for John Maitland....
The will I found for John Maitland stated that is mother was
Sarah Maitland. John left his estate to Rebecca Wright and two children Frances
and Richard. This appears to be part of the Maitland family identified in on
your site. Are they descended from Francis Maitland and who was Sarah
Maitland?
Best Regards Denny Swaby
From: Antony Maitland [mailto:antony@antonymaitland.com]
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 5:06 PM
To: dcswaby
Good to hear from you, even is your information throws my earlier
ancestry in grave doubt!
Did you by any chance take any details of John Maitland's will? (even a
reference number so I can get hold of it either when I next go to Jamaica or
via and agent): It sounds very much as though he is my GGGG grandfather -
Francis and Richard were his sons and Rebecca their mother.
On the subject of your family, I had a couple of emails from a Swaby from St
Elizabeth recently, which might interest you:
The sender is:
Jean Prytyskacz[v]
Hi Antony- I'm writing you to find out more information on the history of the
Swaby family in Jamaica. My maternal grandmother was Anice Swaby from Santa
Cruz, St. Elizabeth Parish. She was married to Wilfred Charles Hendricks (from
England) my grandfather who was a planter in Greenvale, Mandeville during
the 20's,30's and 40's. He was also the postmaster of the Mandeville Post
Office. Anyway, I would like to know who was the earliest Swaby on the island?
I know there were several Joseph James Swabys. There was a Horatio
Swaby that my grandmother was related to, but I don't know if there were
more than one. Or if Horatio was a son or grandson of one of the Joseph James
(Swaby). Did the Swaby's own any farms or estates in Yorkshire where they
are originally from, besides having Jamaican property? I hope you
could answer my questions. I enjoy reading your web site very much.
Thanks, Jean
7 Nov 2005
Good to hear from you. Interestingly enough I
was scheduled to go to Jamaica on business tomorrow, but had to cancel as my
wife caught a virus. On business trips to Jamaica I try to schedule some time
at the Registrar General’s as well. I was looking forward to this trip as
NCR had offered to show me around St. Elizabeth. I’m hoping I can go again in a
week or two. If I find anything else I’ll let you know. The Jamaican deeds and
wills seem to be the best key for connecting families.
I was able to connect my maternal grandmother (Mary Maitland
Parchment) to Richard P and Sarah M. It appears that Mary was descended
from Sarah Maitland’s son Nicholas. I have a copy of Richard Parchment’s will
as well as the will of his father John Parchment.
Thanks for
keeping in touch. It will be interesting to see what you find on your
visit to the West India Committee.
Posted by: Stephanie Binns
Date: May 15, 2001 at 19:36:26 In Reply to: Re:
Southfield Plantation, Saint Elizabeth by Robert Hodgson
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
I want to start by making things a bit more confusing. John Parchment had two
sons, Richard and John, but he also had several daughters, Elizabeth, Jean,
Mary, and Nancy. I failed to mention the daughters because I incorrectly
assumed that the land was being passed from father to son.
Mary Parchment married Andrew Bromfield. He also had relations with Rose
Reynolds and Amy Bradford. I descend from his relation with Rose Reynolds. I
hate to say he wasn't original but they also had a child Mary Bromfield. His
child with Mary Parchment was Mary Pringle Bromfield.
John Parchment's son Richard had several children with Sarah Maitland (of whom
I have found almost no information) and they had a child names Richard. Richard
married Mary Bromfield (daughter of Andrew and Rose Reynolds). So, Andrew
Bromfield was not only Richard's father-in-law but the husband of his aunt.
Confused?
A bit of clarification, please? Who lived at Berry Hill Andrew Bromfield and
Rose Reynolds or Andrew Bromfield and Mary Parchment?
Okay, you asked if all of the information I have is from my aunt. I have
researched here in the United States and have looked only at parish registers.
I have not seen anything with properties actually mentioned unless they were on
a baptism as a place of residence. I will call her and see if she as copies she
could send me of her research. I will also send you a copy of the information she
gave me. There maybe information you get out of it that I may not yet. I have
only been researching about a year and a half and will not have the opportunity
to travel to Jamaica for these types of documents for at least another year.
She has documents sited but I don't have the hard copies, nor have I seen them.
You asked about the Mayfield school. I am guessing that this may be the school
at Berry Hill. My grandmother, granddaughter of Richard E. Parchment, the
"school master" went to the Mayfield school. She said it was a one
room school house. Note that she went to school in the early 1900s. Sadly she
died before I was old enough to really start asking her questions. I will ask
my aunt who grew up there.
Lastly, the Binns/Parchment family you mentioned. I would really like to find
out more. There are two Binns/Parchment families I know of. One of them is my
grandparents, both were born in 1901. The other family is Richard Binns and
Adelaide Eugene Parchment. I don't have dates but she is the daughter of
"old man Simeon" so I am guessing she was born earlier.
I will be in touch soon. Please keep me posted with your research.
Thanks,
Stephanie
JFS:
William Maitland was born Abt. 1799, and died February 1834, aged abt
35. Partner: Susan Gladstone.
Burial: February 01, 1834, Carawina Estate, Westmoreland, by Thomas Stewart,
rector. Occupation: February 1834, Planter, Residence: Bet. 1829 - 1834,
Carawina Estate
Children of William Maitland and Susan Gladstone are:
Three children were baptized on the same day by Thomas Stewart, rector. Their
residence was Carawina, Baptism: September 04, 1829, Westmoreland:
2 i. James Gladstone Maitland, born December 09, 1824.
3 ii. William Russell Maitland, born December 17, 1826.
4 iii. Margaret Maitland, born September 25, 1828.
MILITIA OF JAMAICA
MILITIA OF FOOT 1874
ST. ANDREW’S REGIMENT
Mate, Alexander Maitland
PRO ADM 1/235, Admiral's despatches, Jamaica 1713-1789,
1757-1760 Lists and Indexes, Admiralty XVIII p3.
Marlborough at Spithead, 7th March 1757.
Sir,
I received their Lordships orders of the 5th Instant this morning,
too late to answer by the Post. The two Assistant Surgeons I have ordered on
board the Lynn.
Mr Jones Agent for the Hospital at Haslar applied to me this afternoon to take
on board the Medicines and Stores for the Hospital at Jamaica and at the same
time acquainted me they filled four wagons, it being impossible for me to
receive such a Quantity either in my own Ship or Lynn with the Provisions
ordered by their Lordships. I advised him to ship them on board some Merchant
Ship bound to Jamaica. The Wind is now Eastward of the N and the Convoy from
the Downs all at an anchor, though few of the Masters have yet been on board to
take orders. I propose sailing tomorrow morning, and give them orders at Sea
rather than lose an Opportunity of this Wind.
Inclosed is a List of the Ships under my Convoy, a more exact account of them
will be sent you by the first Opportunity.
I am Sir
Your most Obedient Servant
Thos Cotes
Ships listed with:
Ships Name, Master’s Name, What Built, Were Belonging, Number of Men, Guns,
Tons, From Whence, Whither Bound lading, When Received Order.
An example:
Duke, Rich’d Maitland, Ship, London, 20, 10, 360, London, Virginia, Ballast, 7th
March 1757.
Marlborough at Spithead 10th March 1757.
Sir,
The 8th Instant in the morning I made the Signall to unmoor, and
intended sailing but before I could get my Best Bower Anchor up, the Wind
veered to the Southward and from thence to the Westward, which obliged to moor
again in the Evening, it has since been variable with Calms, but I hope is now
fixed Easterly. I made the Signal to unmoor this morning by break of day and I
hope to get the Convoy out to Sea before Night.
Inclosed is a List of Ships who have taken my orders since my Letter of the 7th
Instant.
I am, Sir,
Your most Obdt Servant,
Thos Cotes
The Wind at NNE with Snow.
Marlborough in Torbay 15th March 1757.
Since my Letter of the 12th Instant from this Place His Majesty’s
Ships Newcastle, Lynn and Hornett have joined me and brought in with them the
merchant ships that were in the rear of the Fleet. The 13th in the
Evening the Wind came to the Northward and I was in hopes of its coming to the
Eastward, I immediately made the Signal for getting ready to sail but before we
could get a Peak on our anchor, it backed to the Westward and began to blow,
and all yesterday it blew very hard at NW and WNW. Last night it was moderate
Weather, and this morning it blows very hard at West.
I have wrote to Rear Admiral Harrison at Plymouth to desire a Supply of Beer
only to be sent here, if the Wind should continue Westerly and keep us here.
I shall sail as soon as the Wind shifts so that I can get down Channell.
Inclosed is the State of His Majesty’s Ships under my Command.
I am Sir,
Your most Obedient Servant,
Thos Cotes.
Marlborough in Torbay 16th March 1757 at 1,0’clock pm
Sir,
The hard gale from the West to NNW that has blown for two days past, ceased
this morning, and at 8 the Wind shifted to No when I made the Signal to prepare
to sail, that the merchant ships might get up their Yards and Topmasts, and
take up one anchor, most of them being obliged to let go two anchors, when it
blew so hard; the Wind now appears to me settled at NNE and I am getting under sail,
that the Fleet may have time to get one before Night,
I am, Sir,
etc.
Marlborough at Sea 8th April 1757.
Latt in 41d 05m N Long 13:35 Wt
Start (Point?) No 38:45 E Dist 230Lg
Finister N54.15E Dist 73 Lgs.
The 17th of March we sailed from Torbay the Wind then blowing fresh
at NNE; by night all the Fleet were got clear; and at 8 we took our Departure
from the Start, the Wind continued Easterly till the 18th, when it
veered to the Westward, and the 20th it blew so hard we could carry
no Sail, and were obliged to bring too under a Mainsail; the Merchant Ships who
did not take care to bear down lost Company, as we drove much faster than them;
The 24th in the Lattitude of 48˚22’ Longitude 5˚ 4’ from
the Start. A Merchant Ship acquainted me, that His Majesty’s Sloop Stork had in
the late bad Weather in the Night carried away all her Masts, but had got up
Jury Masts and was bore away for the Channell, and as the Wind was then at WSW
I hope she soon got into some port. We had very bad weather for fifteen Days
together in the Bay of Biscay, but have now a good Prospect of making our
Passage soon. Very few of the Convoy have lost Company there being now 97 sail
in sight.
Inclosed is the State of His Majesty’s Ship Marlborough, the Lynn and Hornett
bring up the Rear of the Convoy, which prevents my getting their accounts.
I shall this morning part Company with Commodore Stevend and the India Ships as
they must Steer more to the Southward than our Convoy lays.
etc, Thos Cotes.
Marlborough in Passage
8th May 1757.
In my last letter of the 8th of April by way of Madeira I acquainted
you of my parting Company with Commodore Stevens and the East India Ships. The
10th of April I made the Signal for all Masters of Merchant Ships,
and finding only six light Ships bound to Barbados, and sixty to the other
Islands, I ordered the Lynn to see them safe to Barbados, and with the
remaining Sixty steered for Antigua, where I arrived the 5th
Instant, with all the Convoy. The Store ships went into English harbour and the
Merchant Ships to their different Ports. I delivered Rear Admiral Frankland his
Commission after he had taken the Oaths, and Subscribed the Test, a Certificate
of which is Inclosed, I also told him he must direct his agent in London to pay the Fees of the Office.
The 6th I ran? The Ships bound to Montserrat, Nevis and St
Christopher to their several Ports, and anchored in this Road to get a Supply
of Water and Rum for the Ship’s Company, all the Wine we brought out of England
being expended by the Length of our Passage, I have been obliged to hire a
Sloop to fetch my Water, as old Road is by no means a proper Place for so large
a Ship to lay and there is no Water here, the Moment she returns I shall
proceed with the Trade bound to Jamaica. The Storeships that stopped at Antigua
have some of His Majesty’s Stores on board for Jamaica. I have ordered Capt
Kirke to call at Antigua to convoy them to Jamaica, and I have desired Adml
Frankland to assist in unloading them that the Lynnn may not be detained there.
The Recruits of Colonel Ross’s Regiment I sent to the Head Quarters in a
Schooner W Frankland lent me, four of them dyed in the Passage of Fevers. The
Packetts for Barbados I sent by Capt Kirke, and those for Antigua I delivered
to Admiral Frankland.
Inclosed is an Affidavit, that was yesterday made before the Lieutenant
Governor of this Island, the Person who made it seemed to me to be very
positive as to the facts. I therefore thought it my duty to get an Original to
lay before their Lordships.
Inclosed it the State of His Makesty’s Ship the Marlborough and Hornett Sloop.
I am etc.
Edinburgh Port Royal Jamaica
7 May 1757 659
Recd 22 June,
Read ditto
Sir,
Since my last to you of the 24th March, by his Majesty's Ship the
Biddeford, I beg leave to Acquaint you, for the Information of the Rt
Honourable the Lords, Commissioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty's Ships
Augusta, Princess Mary and Humber, Arrived here on the 7th of last
month, from the North sides of Hispaniola, Captain Craven Acquaints me in his
Letter of the same day, of his looking into Cape Francois, a Copy of which
Letter I have hereby enclosed. His Majesty's Dreadnought, and Shoreham are
likewise Arrived, from the South sides of Hispaniola.
I have here inclosed you a Deposition of one Joseph Thurston, Master of the
Snow Defiance, giving an Account of his falling in with a Fleet of Ships, Off
the Island of Mona, and one of the Ships carrying a White Flagg at the
Foretopmast head. As in my former Letter to you, Sir, of the 24th of
March, I acquainted you, the French Prisoners, that were taken by one of our
Privateers, gave an account of fourteen Sail of French Men of War, Sailing from
Brest, And as this Master says he saw these ships off St. Domingo, I
immediately dispatched a small schooner up to Port Louis, to look into that
harbour, for if they were the French Squadron, they might have put in there,
but upon her return, the Officer I sent in the Schooner, Informed me, he saw
nothing in the Harbour, bu two small Vessells; I therefore Imagine the Fleet
was the Spanish Flota, which is expected every day but as I shall endeavour to
gain the best intelligence I can. I have ordered his Majesty's Ship Lively, who
arrived here woth the Roebuck and Assistance, with the Trade from ?? on the 25th
of last month to prepare for the Seas, and propose as she goes well, to send
her up to look into Cape Francois, that I may know if there are any other
French Squadron there, except that of Monsieur Beaufremond, and especially as
there is some reason to think that the French Squadron that was upon the Coast
of Guinea is Arrived there as their Lordships will please to Observe by Captains
Wyatts letter to me of this 25th April.
I have ordered his Majesty's Shop Assistance to Carreen, without loss of time,
and I am ordering to put the Squadron in the best condition I can, having
Stores of any kind, and hope to have some further ?? with the Trade from England, by the time the Squadron is ready for the Sea.
The several Rumours We have had, both from the Dutch and Spaniards, of the
French intending an attack on this Island, has occasioned the Lieutenant
Governor to declare Martial Law, and they are now putting the Fortifications of
this Island into the best postures of Defence they can; I have given them all
the Assistance in my power, by mounting their Cannon and repairing such of
their Carriages as were gone to decay, and shall contine my Assistances to
them, to this Utmost, and hope in a little time to see their Forts in a
suitable situation to repulse any Attack that may be made on this Island.
I would further Acquaint you; for their Lordships Information, that Monsieur
Bart, the new Governor of Hispaniola, has sent a Flagg of Truce, which Arrived
here the 30th of March, to Mr Moore, the Lieutenant Governor, to
prepare an Exchange of Prisoners, by which Opportunity I received a Letter from
Captain Roddan, with an Account of the taking of His Majesty's Ship Greenwich,
a Copy of which I herewith Inclose.
His Majesty's Ship the Wager[1]
is likewise returned to this Port, but am very sorry to Acquaint you of the
Death of Captain Preston, and the Surgeon and Purser of that Ship, I have
appointed Mr Shurmer, first Lieutenant of the Edinburgh, Captain of the Wager,
and Mr Burnett, Midshipman on board His Majesty's Ship Dreadnought, to be third
Lieutenant of the Humber, having moved Mr Dumaresque, first Lieutenant of that
Ship, to be fourth Lieutenant of the Edinburgh, Whom I hope their Lordships
will favour me so far as to Confirm.
I have Inclosed you, Sir, a certain Account of the eight ?? ships that are
Arrived at Cape Francois, under the Command of Monsieur Beaufremond, And
likewise Captain Moore's Account of the Spanish Ships now laying at the
Havanna.
I beg leave to Acknowledge this Receipt of their Lordships Orders of the 3rd
January 1757, relating to ?? the time of the Departure of the first and second
Convoy, for proceeding to England with the Trade if this Island, which I shall
punctually Confirm to, and give the proper Notice thereof.
Captain Weller having Acquainting me, he had appointed Mr John Henry third
Lieutenant of His Majesty's Ship Assistance on the Coast of Guinea, in the room
of one of the Lieutenants who dyed there, And Mr Henry not having passed for a
Lieutenant, Applies to me for an Order of that purpose, which I Granted, and I
Inclose you a Copy of the Certificate of his having passed, together with the
State and Condition of his Majesty's Squadron under my Command.
I am Sir, Your Most Humble Servant,
Geo Townshend
PS
Sir, since writing the above, Captain Wickham of His Majesty's Ship Augusta,
& Captain Forest of His Majesty's Ship Rye having acquainted me they are
desirous of Exchanging their Commissions, I have consented to it.
Changes:
14/3/2008: edited and Jamaica visit results.
21/6/2008: added Admiralty dispatches, intro.