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| CONTENT WARNING | OFFENSIVE AND OPPRESSIVE LANGUAGE -
This catalogue entry and the letters it describes contain highly offensive and oppressive language. Some of the language has been included in the catalogue description to publicly reflect the attitudes of the time the letters were written. |
| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D3155/WH/3065 |
| Title | Volume containing papers relating to Jamaica, primarily dated 1721-1731, plus some earlier items copied into it |
| Date | 1715-1731 |
| Description | This volume consists largely of documents concerned with aspects of the governance of Jamaica in 1721-1723 and in 1731.
The appointment of Henry, Duke of Portland (1682-1726) as Governor is reflected in documents about his appointment and duties. There are also documents about the appointment of Charles Dubourgay [du Bourgay] as Lieutenant Governor, particularly about a requirement for him to be paid a salary of £1,000. There is a schedule relating to a contract with the South Sea Company for delivering enslaved African people to Jamaica.
Many of the 1731 documents concern communications between the Jamaican House of Assembly and Robert Hunter (1666-1734) who became Governor of Jamaica in 1727. There are references to the deployment of two regiments in Jamaica and to a scheme to attract men of these regiments to settle in Jamaica. In particular there are documents that illustrate recriminations between regimental officers and the Governor that followed the failure of an expedition led by Captain de la Milliere to put down a rebellion, part of what later became known as the First Maroon War.
List of contents
- Copy of a Representation by Commissioners of Trade and Plantations to Lord Townsend, 1 Apr 1715 (4 pages)
Proposes that British consuls should convene meetings of merchants at six-monthly intervals and prepare an account of trading conditions. In foreign locations where there is no resident consul a similar requirement should be made of the responsible minister. Jacob Astley, R Molesworth, Jo. Cokburne, J Chetwynd, Charles Cooke, P Docminique.
- Certified copy of Letters Patent for the Duke of Portland's commission as governor of Jamaica, original date 31 Oct 1721; copy date 2 May 1722 (15 pages)
- Certified copy of Instructions for Duke of Portland upon his commission as governor of Jamaica, original date 16 Mar 1721/1722; copy date 2 May 1722 (38 pages)
In 96 numbered paragraphs the instructions include: requirements relating to the work of the island council, financial management and the keeping of accounts, maintenance of good law-making, cultivation of land, maintenance of defensive “companies”, currency valuation, administration of justice, oversight of trade and religious observance, registration of births, christenings and deaths, oversight of shipping, safe storage of arms and ammunition and the submission of a map of the island and twice yearly reports of the number of enslaved persons.
- Certified copy of Orders and Instructions relating to trade and navigation for Duke of Portland upon his commission as governor of Jamaica, original date 16 Mar 1721/1722; copy date 2 May 1722 (26 pages)
In 23 numbered paragraphs the instructions include: requirements to be familiar with relevant specified legislation, to inspect shipping documents, to make a regular return of shipping, to assist customs officers, to fill vacancies that arise in the courts, to detect any attempt to pass off a foreign ship as British, to undertake particular duties in relation to the shipping of woollen goods, rice and molasses, and to intervene in clandestine trade by the East India Company in ships from Madagascar or beyond. The final page is a specimen form for the return of shipping
- Minutes of a Council held at St. Jago de la Vega [Spanish Town], 29 Jan 1722, marked “A report of the committee about my business” (3 pages)
Includes reference to appointment of Colonel Dubourgay [du Bourgay] as Lieutenant Governor
- Document relating to appointment of Colonel Dubourgay as Lieutenant Governor and to Governorship business 9 Mar 1722/23 (2 pages)
Appears to be an exchange between Colonel Dubourgay and the Duke of Portland
- Anonymous writing entitled “A representation concerning the state of Jamaica”, 1722 (4 pages)
The writer intends to travel to England to present his case. Alleges a failure of justice, particularly in relation to the recovery of debts. Complains of a shortage of white people in proportion to the number of black people. Registers concern about vulnerability to surrounding French and Spanish presence and advocates provision of military resources.
- French version of “A representation concerning the state of Jamaica”, 1722 (7 pages)
- "Scheme for Delivering some Negroes at Jamaica upon Contract with the South Sea Company", 15 Mar 1721/1722 (1 page)
Containing a table listing numbers, place of origin, characteristics and method of paymentpy of an additional instruction to the Duke of Portland, original date 21 May 1722; copy date 29 May 1722 (1 page)
Includes a requirement to pay Colonel Dubourgay a salary of £1,000
- Report by Colonel Charles Dubourgay of events in relation to the granting of a patent for cochineil [cochineal] cultivation, 17 May 1723 (3 pages)
Sets out a detailed account of visits, conversations and transactions in relation to the patent
- Proposals relating to expiry of current laws in October 1724, 1722 (4 pages)
Anonymous. Includes proposed financial measures.
- "The Assembly’s Address to His Excellency and his Answer 10, 11 and 12 Nov 1731" (2 pages)
Includes references to appointment of overseers of enslaved persons and to provision for officers and men of two regiments located in Jamaica
- Copy entitled "Extract of a Letter to his Excell'cy General Hunter from the Commanding Officer [Captain de la Milliere] of the Party lately sent out from Port Antonio in pursuit of the Rebellious Negroes", 8 Dec 1731 (2 pages)
Captain de la Milliere's account of the defeat on 30 November 1731
- Copy of letter from Ro[bert] Hunter, Spanish Town, to Colonel Cornwallis, 17 Dec 1731 (1 page)
Sending a copy of Captain de la Milliere’s letter and wishes to discuss "Measures for pursuing & Destroying the Rebel slaves"
- Copy of Governor Hunter’s resolution to the Council, 13 Dec 1731 (1 page)
Referring to the need for troops from regiments stationed in Jamaica to be sent to Port Antonio "for the Reduction of those Rebels"
- Copy labelled "A Representation to the Governor of Jamaica from Col'ls [Stephen] Cornwallis, [James] Fountaine [and John Hely] relating to state of the two regiments there, 15 Dec 1731 (2 pages)
Refers to the defeat of three raids and describes the difficult terrain encountered en route to the location of the rebels. Asserts that better access needs to be cleared to enable a successful operation, with better arrangements for the provision and transport of supplies
- "A Copy of General Hunter's Letter to Coll: Cornwallis, Coll: Fountain and Major Hely of December the 21st 1731" (3 pages)
A response to the representation of 15 Dec 1731. Asserts that alternative constructions are possible of the issues presented. Some of the measures proposed would be too time-consuming. An expedition by Peters, (overseer and guide), covered the ground successfully. Impractical to hold a court martial for de la Milliere. Questions the persistence of the officers.
- Copy of "Coll: Cornwallis, Coll: Fountain and Major Hely's Letters to his Excell'cy Gen'l Hunter of 25th December 1731" (3 pages)
Rebuttal of the assertions in Hunter’s letter of 21 Dec 1731. There were advantageous circumstances for Peters’ achievement. Confirms the writers’ commitment to effective action against the rebels and loyalty to Hunter’s orders and suggests enquiries to be made in relation to court martial of de la Milliere. Challenges allegations about the lack of persistence of the officers: Captain Bowen has acknowledged having given improper orders.
- Copy Resolution of the House of Assembly 5 Feb 1731 (1 page)
Provides for non-commissioned officers and men of the two regiments stationed in Jamaica who wish to remain on the island to become settlers; on condition that they remain for three years
- Copy of General Hunter’s speech to the Assembly, 1731 (1 page)
Confident that the Assembly will provide for the two regiments currently in Jamaica. Recommends that Bills due to expire in the near future should be renewed now. Commends provisions to do with credit, trade and security and assures the Assembly that he will seek royal approval for any appropriate Bills
- Personal narrative about appointment of the writer (presumably Colonel Dubourgay) in 1721 as Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, addressed to “M. & G.”, undated (6 pages)
Includes reference to determination of salary. Asks to be excused from the rest of the council meeting: it would not be appropriate for him to be present
- "Humble Address to the Sovereign from the Assembly of Jamaica", undated (2 pages)
Expresses thanks for deployment of two regiments. Asks for permission for those that are willing to remain in Jamaica as settlers
- Statement of “Encouragement” to be offered by the Assembly to soldiers willing to settle in Jamaica, undated (1 page)
Acknowledges receipt of royal approval. Sets out financial, settlement and housing provision to be made |
| Extent | 1 volume (approx. 25 items) |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Archive Creator | Wilmot-Horton family of Osmaston and Catton, Derbyshire |
| Administrative History | ASSIENTO
An Assiento of was an agreement by the Spanish government to allow foreigners to sell enslaved people to its colonies. In 1713, Great Britain signed its rights under the agreement over to the South Sea Company, as a means of funding government debt. The scheme indicates that enslaved Africans were being transported from "Cape Coast [later in Ghana], Whydah [later Ouidah, Benin Republic] and Jaquin [later Godomey, Benin Republic]" and Angola.
FIRST MAROON WAR, 1728-1740
Like so many terms and names used to describe individuals and communities of African descent, ‘Maroon’ was originally used as a derogatory term to describe individuals who escaped their enslavement from the 16th century. The term is particularly associated with individuals in Jamaica, some of whom escaped during the Spanish occupation of the island, and their descendants who two centuries later continued to challenge the system of enslavement imposed by the British occupiers.
The conflict between 1728 and 1740 came to be known as the First Maroon War. The British occupiers, including but not limited to the enslavers, regarded the Maroons as rebels not to be tolerated. In opposing the British forces, the Maroons took advantage of hilly, densely vegetated, remote and therefore inaccessible parts of Jamaica, moving rapidly and making extensive use of ambush tactics.
In 1731, two British regiments had been sent to Jamaica to strengthen British forces available to the governor of Jamaica, Major General Robert Hunter. In November a British officer, Captain de la Milliere, led an unsuccessful expedition against the Maroons.
Ultimately, the British recognised defeat and sued for peace. Treaties were signed with the Maroon communities in 1739 and 1740. |
| Format | Document |
| Physical Description | Hard-covered volume |
| Copies | A digital copy of this item is available on the public computers at the record office. |
| Related Material | See D3155/WH/2571 for appointment of Charles du Bourgay as Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, 1721.
Further correspondence about the victory of the rebels in defeating Captain de la Milliere’s party sent to quell the rebellion and about settlement of soldiers willing to stay in Jamaica is held at East Riding Archives, Beverley. See items referenced DDSB/6/9, DDSB/6/3/13, DDSB/6/3/20, DDSB/6/3/31 and DDSB/6/3/33
Further material relating to the victory is available in the State Papers Colonial, held at The National Archives. See 'America and West Indies: December 1731, 11-20', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 38, 1731, ed. Cecil Headlam and Arthur Percival Newton (London, 1938), pp. 369-387, items 550. See also pages 208-215 for material about British deployment of two regiments and settlement of soldiers willing to stay in Jamaica. Available online at www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol38 (British History Online, from the Institute of Historical Research, University of London). |
| Term | Slavery |
| Slaves |
| Ethnic groups |
| Forced labour |
| Oppression |
| Letters (documents) |
| Rebellions |
| Colonialism |
| British Empire |
| Acknowledgements | With thanks to Roger Jennens, Cataloguing Volunteer for the additional description provided, October 2021. |
| Useful Links | https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2021/10/29/a-maroon-victory-in-jamaica-improving-our-catalogues/ |
| Archivist Note | Catalogue description revised, with substantial detail added, October 2021.
Additional Administrative History added 19 May 2022. Details of the First Maroon War and the engagement of November 1731 are taken from a blog post 'A Maroon victory in Jamaica & improving our catalogues', published on 29 October 2021. See Useful Links. |