"Joseph Barker (BARK-1), Island of New Providence, merchant, bound on a voyage to New England. Wife: Hannah (BARK-2), all estate. Exors: wife, with assistance of Capt. Richard Holloway.(HOL-1) Wit: Cadwallader Jones (JO-1), Gilbert Ashly (AS-1), Thomas Bulkley (BUL-1).
D: 5 Oct. 1691."
It was common practice that an individual traveling by ship made his will. [Makes some statement about the safety issues.] Here, a merchant of the "New Providence" [Bahama Island : the terms used varied depending on who was writing the documents and who they believed actually had the rights to these islands.] Was planning a trip to "New England". [Most likely the Boston area.] Perhaps he was trying to establish trade with this area. This document shows that our Cadwallader (JO-1) and Thomas Bulkley (BUL-1) were both serving together as a witness of this will dated Oct. 1691. It also shows that there were "merchants" actively involved in trade along the colonial coast as far north as "New England".
Additional directives were given from the Lords Proprietors during this same month. Dated Oct. 23, it reads:
"Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas to Colonel Cadwallader Jones. (JO-1) You will apply all our perquisites to the fortification of the Islands. We do not understand the people's petition that they may hold their land always at the same rate, for we disclaim all power to raise rents when land is once granted. We see that factious people have told the people of Providence that we have done injustice to the people of Caroline, by changing their constitutions. They were altered for the people's advantage only. We have appointed Colonel Philip Ludwell to be Governor there. signed: Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton." [Col. Entry BK., Vol. XXII, p. 200.]
