Friday, May 27, 2016

CJ (#56) From The House of Commons 1695

The political environment that surrounded Cadwallader Jones (JO-1) can be found in the  "Manuscripts of The House of Lords", dated 1695 - 6, No. 1022 :

"The House of Commons also, the same day, resolved upon the following Association to be signed by their Members:--

'Whereas there has been a Horrid and Detestable conspiracy, Formed and Carried on by Papists, and other Wicked and Traiterous Persons, for Assassinating his Majesty's Royal Person in Order to Incourage an Invasion from France, to Subvert our Religion, Laws and Liberty: We whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, do Heartily, Sincerely, and Solemnly Profess, Testify, and Declare, That his present Majesty King William is Rightful and Lawful King of these Realms.  And we do Mutually Promise and Engage to stand by and assist each other to the utmost of our Power, in the Support and Defence of his Majesty's most Sacred Person and Government, against the late King James and all his Adherents.'  [Much more is written...see page 208 - 210 , Manuscripts of The House of Lords, 1695/6.]

At any rate, you can begin to understand the difficulty that our Cadwallader (JO-1) faced during his time in the Bahama Islands. [1690 - 1695] He was appointed Governor under James II, and was a Catholic.  He was facing a Puritan [Protestant] governor from a settlement that had been formed under Puritan forces.  Who held the frying pan, and who started the fire?

CJ (#55) A Commission in 1694

The examination of Turlagh Sulivan (SU-1) found in Colonial Papers 1700 p. 278, reports the following:

"Examination of Turlagh Sulivan (SU-1), of Pensylvania, who sailed in 1694 on the Dolphin, Richard Want (WAN-1), Commander, who declared he had a Commission from Gov. Jones (JO-1) of Providence against the French.  The ship sprang a leak and Capt. Every (EV-1)took them on board and landed them at Providence.  Every (EV-1) took no prize after he came on board, but some of the crew gave him 200l. as a reward for services he did for them."

A "Commission" was given to private citizens, who were owners of vessels, whom the government in times of war commissioned to proceed against the enemy, who, if captured, the commission entitled them to be treated as prisoners of war.  Called "Privateering" in those days, it was a legitimate business.  A Royal Governor could grant a private captain licenses and expected to share in their spoils.  It would seem that our Cadwallader (JO-1) was in this business during 1694.