Details

Subject(s)

• Bermuda Islands [Browse]

Digitizer

• Adam Matthew Digital (Firm) [Browse]

Compiled/​Created

1780-1784.

Summary note

• CO 37/38/1. Questions sent to the agents of the different islands in the West Indies. Questions concern size of the island, amount of cultivated land, proportion of private property, use of the plough, proportion of slaves to land, kind of work done by slaves, amount of corn and other 'ground provisions' raised, manure, use of mules and cattle, and quantity of sugar produced. No. 1, Folios 1-2. 1780-1788. CO 37/38/2. Remarks on the island of Bermuda. Includes information concerning the physical description of the land mass, establishment of a garrison in St. Georges, the creation of a centre trade in the middle of the island, the need for a more even population distribution throughout the island for trade and defence purposes, and the advisability of encouraging immigration from America. Also explains grievances that have arisen from Bermuda being barred from exporting salt gathered in the Turks Islands to the United States, and the Turks Islands being placed under the administration of the government of Bahamas. ? Jennings, Folios 3-8. Sep 1780. CO 37/38/3. A list of 35 questions concerning slaves in the West Indies. Some of the questions were not answered at all, while those answered relate both to Bermuda specifically and the West Indies in general. Includes issues of the power of masters over slaves, the protection granted to slaves by the law, offences for which slaves can be punished, the penalties for masters who break the laws for the protection of slaves, how slaves are fed, clothed and housed, number of slaves who are let out to hire, amount of time slaves are given to work for themselves, assignment of land to slaves, diseases unique to slaves, laws providing for sick old or injured slaves, life expectancy in comparison with whites and free 'negroes', regulations for the marriage of slaves, the 'natural increase' of slaves, rearing of slave children, diseases of slave children, baptism of slaves, religious institutions for the benefit of slaves, number of missionaries, success of missionaries in the conversion of free 'negroes', comparison of the proportion of male and females among slaves and free 'negroes', average values of 'country born' and imported 'negroes', periods when increased labour is required from slaves, and the suitability of a 'European constitution' for the labour required to cultivate a West Indian plantation. Folios 9-13. 1780-1788. CO 37/38/4. Replies to statements requesting accounts of the numbers of 'negroes' imported each year, the total population divided into slaves, free 'negroes', indentured servants, and free whites as well as by sex, age and place of birth, and the number of slaves exported to America or the West Indies. Folios 14-15. 1780-1788. CO 37/38/5. Additional questions sent to the agents in the West Indies. Questions concern the total number of acres on the island, the proportion of cultivated land, amount of land which is not private property, use of the plough, number of slaves employed in the cultivation of sugar, coffee et cetera, proportion of the number of slaves to the acres to be cultivated, cultivation of corn, manure, use of mules and cattle, and the net income of owners living in Britain. Folios 16-17. 1780-1788. CO 37/38/6. An advertisement proposing the purchase of a large house to use as soldiers quarters and requesting the owners of specific properties to declare in writing if their property was for sale. George James Bruere, Governor of Bermuda, Folio 18. 28 Mar 1780. CO 37/38/7. The state of the Government of Bermuda: reports suspending three members of the Council, President Thomas Jones, John Harvey and John Hinson after the House of Assembly declined to abandon a Revenue Bill that allowed for a tax to be laid on prize goods. Comments on the island's lack of law and order which allowed the trade with rebels in the United States of America, the arrival of rebel ships, and the irresponsible sale of Crown lands. Suggests that a chief justice sent from the UK could lead to reform. Forwards copies of 'all the acts and papers of consequence' that could be located [not included in volume; sent to the Board of Trade]. Gives information concerning trade with the rebels received from an American named Cook [?] apprehended under suspicion of being a spy. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 19-22. 12 Dec 1780. CO 37/38/8. Reports that John Grove Palmer had accepted the position of Attorney General and that Daniel Leonard had accepted the post of Chief Justice. Adds that "so many gentlemen of knowledge and integrity holding government offices, will, I trust speedily produce a reform in the Administration, and the inhabitants will learn to thrive by honest industry and a fair and legal trade. " In reply to the Lieutenant Governor's despatch of 12 December concerning the state of Bermuda's government. Addressed to George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda Lord George Germain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, Folios 23-24. 7 Feb 1781. CO 37/38/9. Comments on the desirability of having supplies delivered for the soldiers directly from Britain to Bermuda, rather than through New York. Explains this would not only be of use to the soldiers but would also help the island's trade in general. Addressed to Lord George Germain. Lieutenant Colonel R Donkin, Commandant of the Royal Garrison Battalion, Folios 25-26. 15 Feb 1781. CO 37/38/10. Gives an opinion on the present state of the island due to the conflict between Great Britain and America. Advises that supplies for the troops be sent directly from England to Bermuda, rather than through New York. Explains this would also allow merchants to ship supplies for civilians thus fixing the trade of Bermuda with Great Britain. Addressed to Benjamin Thompson to be conveyed to Lord George Germain. Henry Tucker, Agent for Bermuda, Folios 27-30. 22 Feb 1781. CO 37/38/11. Gives information concerning the Governor of Bermuda's salary. Addressed to Benjamin Thompson. Grey Elliot, Whitehall, Folios 31-32. 20 Mar 1781. CO 37/38/12. Gives information concerning the Governor of Bermuda's salary. Addressed to Benjamin Thompson. Grey Elliot, Whitehall, Folios 33-34. 21 Mar 1781. CO 37/38/13. Comments on the state of Bermuda's government and the trade with rebels from America; encloses a list of the Council members including President Thomas Jones (suspended), Thomas Hunt, Jonathan Burch, John Harvey (suspended), Edward Stiles, Henry Tucker, John Tudor, John Hinson (insane and suspended), Samuel Trott Jr., Robert Trail (?), Daniel Leonard (absent), and Andrew Cazneau. Mentions Cazneau's reform of the Admiralty, the effect of the illness of Secretary and Provost Marshal Judge John Randle, and Robert Traill's attempts to organize the accounts. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 1 duplicate, Folios 35-37. 7 Jan 1781. CO 37/38/14. Reports that although instructed to send all prisoners of war to Charlestown (Charleston) South Carolina or New York none had been sent directly. Adds that the inclination of some Bermudians to aid the rebel prisoners to escape, the insufficiency of the island's prison, and the expense of the keeping the prisoners on the island meant that they were sent to the most convenient rebel port. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 2, Folios 38-39. 15 Jan 1781. CO 37/38/15. Reports that the House of Assembly voted to supply barracks for the troops. Suggests printing instructions against aiding rebel prisoners and trading with the rebels. Also mentions the partnership between Bermuda and St. Eustatia (Eustasius) "in building the finest brigs, schooners and sloops for sale by which the enemy is furnished with faster sailing vessels than are built anywhere else, the Bermuda cedar being the best wood in the world for constructing swift vessels". George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 3, Folios 40-41. 8 Feb 1781. CO 37/38/16. Describes the state of government and trade in Bermuda. Explains that the previous Governor was nearly reduced to a 'cypher' and that trade conducted with the rebels in America led to disorder on the island; encloses copies of letters from members of Council Robert Traill, Andrew Cazneau, Samuel Trott Jr., John Tudor, and Jonathan Birch (Burch) concerning Henry Tucker, extracts from the minutes of the Assembly concerning Henry Tucker, an advertisement forbidding trade with privateer Captain William Honey.
• Also encloses resolutions of the House of Assembly including a rejection of a request to settle the accounts of Lieutenant Hugh Stewart and Lieutenant James Darcus, to supply funds for the creation of a barracks at the Kings Castle, to repay Elizabeth Bruere for repairs made to the Government House after the death of former Governor George James Bruere, to supply Copeland Stiles, Stephen Judkin and Henry Todd with money to add a guard room to the military hospital being built near St. George, to repair fortifications, to use the money collected through a duty on gunpowder only for the purchase of gunpowder (noting that John Randle had used £240 received from the fund for other purposes), and for Henry Tucker Senior to continue his residence in England as Bermuda's agent for one more year. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 4, Folios 42-57. 26 Mar 1781.
• CO 37/38/17. Forwards extract of letters from Lieutenant Governor Bruere of 7 January and 26 March concerning the suspension of members of the Council, Chief Justice Birch (Burch), and the commissions of all the militia officers. Authorizes him to restore the council members and chief justice to their positions once he arrives on the island. Addressed to Governor William Browne. Lord George Germain, Secretary of State, No. 2 draft, Folios 58-60. 30 Jun 1781. CO 37/38/18. Minutes of the House of Assembly from January and February 1781 which mainly concern the building of the military hospital and barracks in St. Georges. Includes a speech from Lieutenant Governor Bruere to the Council and Legislature dated 7 February 1781, petitions from Elizabeth Bruere, a memorial from John Randle the Powder (Fund) Receiver, letters from Major William Anstruther of The Royal Garrison Battalion, Captain James Hunt at Fort Paget, and Doctor Richard Bell of The Royal Garrison Battalion. John Zuill, Clerk of the Assembly, Folios 61-80. Jan-Feb 1781. CO 37/38/19. Responds to Lord Germain's despatch No. 2 of 30 June 1781 concerning the suspended government officials in Bermuda. Adds that he will attempt to show the 'principal inhabitants' of the island 'that the prosperity of their country and the felicity of my administration will equally result from the opportunities they may afford me of representing them, as the proper objects of his Majesty's paternal regard and attention'. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda (from St. Helens), Folios 81-82. 2 Jul 1781. CO 37/38/20. Reports intercepting letters sent by 'the pretended agent' of Bermuda describing attempts made in Bermuda to support the rebels in America. Also describes a change among the island's people who he says 'may be of great service, as their former illicit trade has given them a knowledge of all the enemy's ports'. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 83-84. 15 Jul 1781. CO 37/38/21. Reports complaints against Governor Bruere and Andrew Cazneau. Governor Bruere for refusing to give him 'letters patent in the name of the King and bearing teste with the King's warrant' as Attorney General, and Cazneau concerning restrictions on the libel he allowed to be submitted in court. Also mentions the void left in the justice system due to the suspension of the chief justice; encloses copies of the licence issued by Governor Bruere instead of the letters patent, Cazneau's statement concerning libel prizes taken by privateers, and a note of corrections to be made to the letter. John Palmer, Attorney General, Folios 85-87. 31 Jul 1781. CO 37/38/22. Reports on the trade in salt and other goods being conducted with rebels in America. Also reports the death of John Randle, Deputy Secretary and Provost Marshal and suggests Andrew Cazneau be appointed as principal Secretary and Provost Marshal; encloses extracts of letters from 'pretended' public agent Henry Tucker which had been intercepted by the Governor, and a memo from Cazneau concerning accusations against the Governor made by John Grove Palmer regarding the Chief Justice. Explains that the letters show 'the arts of the agent and leaders, to deceive and oppose Government'. Reports that it was hoped more troops would be sent when the great crisis in Virginia ended. Reports suspending Palmer from the position of Attorney General and appointing William Graham. Also notes suspending the customhouse searcher at the west end, Joseph Laborn, for neglecting his duty by 'allowing vessels coming from the rebels to get off'. Blames the situation on lawyer George Bascome and the Tuckers who he says 'sift for the weak side of every Crown officer with too much success, to set up one department against another, thereby to produce variance and contention for a little power'. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 5, Folios 88-96. 17 Oct 1781. CO 37/38/23. Reports further on the divisions within the local government mainly concerning trade and cooperation with the 'rebels' in America. Makes mention of the 'pretended' agent Henry Tucker, Collector Robert Traill, and Traill's son who is said to have belonged to a rebel privateer. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 97-98. 19 Oct 1781. CO 37/38/24. Forwards and summarizes the content of despatches from the Governor of Caracas [despatches not included in volume] concerning an uprising on the Oroonoko [Orinoco] . Also comments on the limited progress made by the Legislature explaining there are only 'delays, obstructions and fair words'. Explains the necessity of watching the customhouse and islanders to prevent rebel trade. Reports efforts to prepare defence for an expected attack. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 6, Folios 99-100. 14 Dec 1781. CO 37/38/25. Reports receiving despatches No. 1-4 and expresses gratitude for the intelligence sent, especially the Spanish papers sent in despatch No. 4. Explains that judgement regarding the state of the island will be reserved until Governor Brown (Browne) gives his opinion. Lord George Germain, Secretary of State, draft, Folios 101-102. 6 Feb 1782. CO 37/38/26. Reports arriving on the island on 16 December 1782, assuming the administration of the government, and reinstating the suspended Council members Thomas Jones, Jonathan Burch and John Harvey. Also reports reappointing Jonathan Burch as Chief Justice and recommends that Mr. Tucker of St. Georges be fully instated as Secretary and Provost Marshal. Reports legal action taken against the Lieutenant Governor. Comments on the actions of islanders for and against the American rebels and suggests the necessity of sending troops directly from England. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, folios 103-104. 12 Jan 1782. CO 37/38/27. Triplicate of despatch found on folios 88-96. Gives information regarding the island's government and trade. George Bruere, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, No. 5 triplicate, Folios 105-106. 17 Oct 1781. CO 37/38/28. Minutes of Council in Assembly from 12 November 1781 to 6 Dec 1781. George Bruere, former Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 107-122. 11 Apr 1782. CO 37/38/29. Asks if the Imperial Government felt that Joseph Laborn, who was suspended from the position of customhouse searcher at the west end of the island, should be reinstated. Gives information concerning the issues that had arisen due to the suspension. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, Folios 123-124. 16 May 1782. CO 37/38/30. Memorial requesting confirmation of his appointment as Attorney General of Bermuda; encloses certificates from Alexander (John ?) Martin, Governor of North Carolina and Lieutenant Governor George Bruere. William Brimage, Folios 125-130. 21 Jun 1782.
• CO 37/38/31. Forwards a letter from the General Assembly, signed by speaker Cornelius Hinson, to the King thanking him for 'his liberal encouragement of the whale fishery'. Notes that they desired a written acceptance of their acknowledgements from the King. Also encloses the sixteen laws passed during the last legislative session [not included in volume] and copies of the journals of the council and assembly [see folios 107-122 (?)]. Reports restoring the field officers of the militia and making other relevant military appointments. Explains the difficulty in maintaining the defence of the islands. Reports that Daniel Leonard had departed from Barbados to assume his position as chief justice of Bermuda. Praises the devotion of Chief Justice Jonathan Burch and recommends that the King acknowledge his service. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, Folios 131-134. 8 May 1782. CO 37/38/32. Duplicate of despatch found at folios 123-124 concerning the suspension of Joseph Laborn, customhouse searcher at the west end of the island. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, duplicate, Folios 135-136. 16 May 1782. CO 37/38/33. An address dated 1782 May 3 signed by Thomas Jones and Cornelius Hinson, and articles of complaint against Lieutenant Governor George Bruere signed by Clerk George Bascome. Council and Assembly of the Island of Bermuda, Folios 137-141. 29 Jul 1782. CO 37/38/34. Reports that soldiers have been plagued by disease and death due to a lack of proper accommodation. Explains that requests for barracks to be built had been ignored by the Governor and council. Merits the islanders, who are described as 'a wealthy people', for building a hospital but adds that the barracks were still necessary. Encloses a certificate signed by Bell, Major William Anstruther, and Mate Joseph Hutchinson. Richard Bell, Surgeon of the Royal Garrison Battalion, Folios 142-144. 12 Jul 1782. CO 37/38/35. Reports that he does not have the power to provide accommodation for military officers. Explains that the barracks at the castle, Fort Paget, and 'the Ferry' are the only quarters available. Reports Captain John Gilbert's request that the soldiers occupying his house be removed. Addressed to Major William Anstruther. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, Folios 145-136. 18 Jul 1782. CO 37/38/36. Requests arms and ammunition for the island. Also asks that one or two frigates be stationed on the island to protect trade. Henry Tucker, Agent for Bermuda, Folios 147-148. 30 Oct 1782. CO 37/38/37. Extract from the Journals of the Assembly from 21 January to 30 March 1782 concerning fortifications and barracks. Folio 149. Mar-Jan 1782. CO 37/38/38. Reports receiving the sixteen articles of complaint made against him by the Council and Assembly of Bermuda. Explains that the allegations are false and requests that the issue be 'minutely investigated'. George Bruere, former Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 150-151. 21 Aug 1782. CO 37/38/39. Reports receiving a letter from the collector of Bermuda in which there is no mention of an attack by the American rebels which led him to conclude that Major Anstruther's statements on the matter were groundless. Expresses hopes that the island's security will be addressed. Henry Tucker, Agent for Bermuda, Folios 152-153. 30 Nov 1782. CO 37/38/40. Reports on the need to provide proper accommodation for the soldiers stationed in Bermuda. Addressed to Evan Nepean Lieutenant Colonel R Donkin, Commandant of the Royal Garrison Battalion, Folios 154-155. 2 Dec 1782. CO 37/38/41. Memorial concerning charges against Thomas Jones, President of the Council of Bermuda as well as Council members Thomas Hunt, Jonathan Burch, John Harvey, Henry Tucker, John Tudor, and Robert Traill. Lists eight charges concerning the money bill passed on 23 September 1780, Chief Justices Burch's delaying of justice, Burch's betrayal of Council secrets and 'instigation of revenge', Burch and George Bascome signing 'a capias' against Bruere which lead to his imprisonment, Traill 'causing a flag of truce...to be brought from under the guns of Fort Paget', Traill's refusal to admit Paul Bascome as searcher at the west end even after admitting that Joseph Leborne (Leborn) had permitted rebel ships to set sail, and Traill writing a 'a most infamous and scurrilous advertisement against' Bruere. Addressed to Thomas Townshend, Secretary of State. George Bruere, former Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 156-161. 17 Dec 1782. CO 37/38/42. Forwards a triplicate of a letter dated 19 September 1782 concerning the usefulness of Bermuda's position for Great Britain's campaign against the rebels in America and in a more general context. Explains in the cover letter that 'whatever the people of these islands might have been esteemed at the beginning of this unhappy war, they now discover a spirit that fully convinces that they are at this period no friends to the Americans'. Robert Traill, Collector, Folios 162-165. 4 Jan 1783. CO 37/38/43. Journal of the General Assembly from 21 January to 30 March. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, Folios 166-250. 22 Aug 1782. CO 37/38/44. Acknowledges Thomas Townshend's appointment as Secretary of State. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 1, Folios 251-252. 15 Feb 1783. CO 37/38/45. Responds to directions given in despatch 11 September 1782, chiefly concerning the complaint against the Lieutenant Governor. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 2, Folios 253-254. 15 Feb 1783. CO 37/38/46. Gives information concerning the observance of the laws and established customs of the island. Also comments on acting searcher of customs Paul Bascome who had replaced suspended Joseph Laborn; encloses a copy of an address of the general assembly to the Governor along with the Governor's reply agreeing to dismiss Bascome. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 3, Folios 255-259. 15 Feb 1783. CO 37/38/47. Complains of the Court of Chancery's interference in the Battalion's affairs citing it as a 'total subversion to subordination and military discipline'; encloses a copy of a letter from Governor Browne concerning the matter. Major William Anstruther, Royal Garrison Battalion, Folios 260-263. 15 Apr 1783. CO 37/38/48. Suggests making Bermuda a free port and thus allowing Americans to trade their goods (lumber, bread, flour, rice, corn, pork, beef, et cetera ) there for products from the West Indies (rum, sugar etc). Explains that the Spaniards would soon go to Bermuda to trade (cash, cocoa, indigo et cetera ) in exchange for British and other European Commodities as well as slaves. Adds that the fear that as a free port it would be open to being captured by an enemy could be virtually eliminated by fortifying the island. Henry Tucker, Agent for Bermuda, Folios 264-265. 3 May 1783. CO 37/38/49. Reports Attorney General William Graham's plan to leave for Great Britain and the decision to reappoint John Grove Palmer to the position. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 4, Folios 266-267. 18 Apr 1783. CO 37/38/50. Lists the members of Council and suggests that, due to the inability of some members to attend regularly, Francis Forbes of St. Georges should be offered a seat. Listed are: Thomas Jones, Thomas Hunt, Jonathan Burch, John Harvey, Henry Tucker Jr., John Tudor, Samuel Trott Jr., Robert Traill, Daniel Leonard, and Andrew Cazneau. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 5, Folios 268-269. 18 Apr 1783. CO 37/38/51. Transmits five acts passed by the legislature during the session which ran from 5 February to 5 April, as well as journals of the Governor and Council, Council in Assembly, and of the General Assembly [not included in volume]. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 6, Folios 270-271. 30 Apr 1783. CO 37/38/52. Reports a request from the Council and Assembly for Bermuda to be made a free portrait Explains that the peace recently agreed between Great Britain and the United States of America left the island in a new favourable position for increasing demand for British exports. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 7, Folios 272-273. 30 Apr 1783. CO 37/38/53. Reports that there was no proof for the accusations made against Paul Bascome who was dismissed from the position of customs searcher for the west end. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 8, Folios 274-275. 30 Apr 1783. CO 37/38/54.
• Asks when he would be permitted to deliver to Lord North an address for the King from the Council and Assembly of Bermuda; encloses the address which suggests that the island 'be fortified as to be rendered the Gibraltar of the western hemisphere' and that it be made a free portrait Henry Tucker, Agent for Bermuda, Folios 276-281. 25 Jun 1783. CO 37/38/55. Suggests that the Royal Garrison Battalion, which he describes a being made up of the invalids of the army, be returned to England immediately as each soldier is 'entitled to his full pay until he arrives in London and passes the Chelsea Board'; encloses an extract from a letter from George Germain to Henry Clinton dated 23 January 1779. Lieutenant Colonel R Donkin, Commandant of the Royal Garrison Battalion, Folios 282-284. 1 Jul 1783.
• CO 37/38/56. Acknowledges the receipt of a despatch sent on 2 October 1782 concerning the allowance of two acts as well as instructions for the issuing of public certificates. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 9, Folios 285-286. 5 Jun 1783. CO 37/38/57. Responds to a despatch sent on 8 November concerning 'the relief of Gibraltar'. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 10, Folios 287-288. 5 Jun 1783. CO 37/38/58. Acknowledges the receipt of a despatch sent on 7 December enclosing printed copies of the King's speech made at the opening of Parliament. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 11, Folios 289-290. 5 Jun 1783. CO 37/38/59. Acknowledges the receipt of a despatch sent on 14 February enclosing copies of 'the preliminary articles of peace with France and Spain, and the provisional articles of peace with the United States of America'. Also reports that the proclamation declaring a 'cessation of arms' was made in the island. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 12, Folios 291-292. 5 Jun 1783. CO 37/38/60. Gives information concerning giving orders to the Royal Garrison Battalion. Reports that he was under the impression that as Commander in Chief he was to give orders directly but adds that an order given in 1764 stated that he was required to give his orders in Council. Explains that this order was not among the public papers given to him by Lieutenant Governor Bruere; encloses a list of the public papers received and asks to be supplied with anything that may be missing. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 13, Folios 293-296. 5 Jun 1783. CO 37/38/61. Gives observations concerning his case which he states is tied to the 'public interest and future good order' of Bermuda. George Bruere, former Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 297-300. 21 Aug 1783. CO 37/38/62. Gives further information concerning the proposal for making Bermuda free portrait Explains that he will defer giving a petition to Parliament concerning the matter until he receives Lord North's opinion. Henry Tucker, Agent for Bermuda, Folios 301-302. 7 Nov 1783. CO 37/38/63. Acknowledges the receipt of a despatch sent on 21 February enclosing a copy of the address of the House of Lords to the King concerning the preliminary articles with France and Spain, the provisional articles with the United States of America, and the vote of the House of Commons. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 14, Folios 303-304. 15 Aug 1783. CO 37/38/64. Gives information concerning the case of John Steed, a ship carpenter and a master builder, recommending him for royal clemency and stating that the punishment he had served was adequate; encloses the court proceeding related to Steed's case. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 2, Folios 306-316. 15 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/65. Gives information concerning the case of Timothy Casey, a soldier in the Royal Garrison Battalion, who had been convicted of murdering privateer crewman Edward Burnford with a bayonet. Asks that Casey receive a pardon. Also see CO 37/38/68. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 3, Folios 317-318. 15 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/66. Acknowledges the receipt of a despatch sent on 1 April confirming an act passed in September 1780. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, Folios 319-320. 15 Sep 1783. CO 37/38/67. Acknowledges Lord Frederick North's appointment as Secretary of State. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 1, Folios 321-322. 15 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/68. The court proceeding related to Timothy Casey's case, and a memorial from Major William Anstruther and Captain Waldron Kelly in Casey's defence. Also see folios 317-318. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 3, Folios 323-330. 18 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/69. Gives further information concerning the public papers given to him by Lieutenant Governor Bruere. Explains that the absence of certain papers and instructions had led him to make incorrect judgements. Mentions a letter received from the commissioner of sick and wounded stating objections to the agents of prisoners on the island. Refers to a letter on the matter that was sent to Lieutenant Governor Bruere but which had not been passed on to him. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 4, Folios 331-332. 15 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/70. Reports that Lieutenant Durnford of the Corps of Engineers had completed a military survey of the island. Comments on the defence of the island suggesting that a garrison be posted on the island. Mentions that the island's 'blacks' could cause problems and were not easy to deal with due to local customs. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 5, Folios 333-334. 15 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/71. Gives information concerning the role and £500 salary of Agent Henry Tucker; encloses a transcript from the record of the Assembly of 7 and 8 July 1779 concerning Tucker's salary. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 6, Folios 335-338. 30 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/72. Responds to the disallowance of an act for limiting the duration of Assemblies. Also comments on additional instructions from the King concerning the position of Governor. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 7, Folios 339-340. 30 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/73. Acknowledges the receipt of letters concerning an order regulating the trade and commerce between the West Indies and the United States of America, a copy of the King's speech to Parliament at the close of the last session, and the announcement of the birth of a princess. William Browne, Governor of Bermuda, No. 8, Folios 341-342. 30 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/74. Report on a survey made of Bermuda for military purposes. Andrew Durnford, Sub Engineer and Lieutenant, Folios 343-348. 20 Oct 1783. CO 37/38/75. Requests directions concerning the prospect of being appointed as captain for the forts of Bermuda; encloses copies of forms related to this position. George Bruere, former Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, Folios 349-352. 28 Jan 1784. CO 37/38/76. Reports ordering the ship Joseph to Halifax with the settlers for Nova Scotia which reduced the number of soldiers in Bermuda to 200. Adds that the ship had been ordered to return to Bermuda immediately to transport the 'invalids' to England; encloses memorials of Lieutenant Dunn and (?) Grant [not included in volume]. Major William Anstruther, Royal Garrison Battalion, Folios 353-354. 8 Dec 1783. CO 37/38/77. Remarks on the advantage of Bermuda's position for trade in general and especially for enabling trade between the West Indies and Canada. Also comments on its military situation with relation to the United States of America, the West Indies, and South America. Andrew Durnford, Sub Engineer and Lieutenant, Folios 355-356. 21 Mar 1784. CO 37/38/78. A memorial requesting a £159 fee for conducting crown prosecutions from December 1778 to March 1781; encloses a record of crown prosecutions conducted from December 1778 to April 1779 and a certificate signed by George Bruere. William Brimage, former Attorney General of Bermuda, Folios 357-360. 27 Sep 1784.

Notes

• AMDigital Reference:CO 37/38.
• CO 37.

Original version

Reproduction of: Bermuda, 1780-1784 : Despatches, 1780-1784.

Location of originals

The National Archives, UK

Copyright note

Images including crown copyright images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

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