In-letters and orders received by the Navy Board
Extracts of three letters [dated 25 September; 29 October; 9 November 1694 but combined into a single document] sent by Colonel Russell, Governor of Barbados, to the Committee for Trade and Plantations.
25 September 1694: Colonel Russel suggests that Barbados should have a Sloop or Brigantine of the type built in Jamaica of cedar or whitewood. He claims that these vessels are excellent sailers and the wood from which they are constructed is resistant to attack by worm. He estimates that such a vessel would not cost more than £1,000, fully equipped and would require a crew of 70 men. It would be useful in protecting inter-island trade from the French and for monitoring their activities in Martinique.
Colonel Russell also suggest that merchant ships bound for Barbados would be willing to give passage to Royal Navy seamen free of charge, in return for their own crews being indemnified against being impressed.
He also asks for hauling-down gear to be sent out to him so that vessels might be careened and points out the general want of naval stores there.
29 October 1694: Colonel Russel reports that the TIGER [TYGER], which sailed from Barbados on August 30th, has returned after being dismasted in a storm. He also again draws attention to the shortage of naval stores and equipment making it difficult to refit the TIGER. Signed by Colonel Russell, Governor of Barbados.
9 November 1694: Colonel Russell recounts the difficulty refitting the Tiger in Barbados due to the lack of naval stores there. The merchants of Barbados showed reluctance in supplying stores upon the Captain of the Tiger's bills drawn on the Navy and were only induced to do so upon Colonel Russell's proposing that the Assembly pass an Act whereby money would be lent to the King for the maintenance of Naval ships there.
25 September 1694: Colonel Russel suggests that Barbados should have a Sloop or Brigantine of the type built in Jamaica of cedar or whitewood. He claims that these vessels are excellent sailers and the wood from which they are constructed is resistant to attack by worm. He estimates that such a vessel would not cost more than £1,000, fully equipped and would require a crew of 70 men. It would be useful in protecting inter-island trade from the French and for monitoring their activities in Martinique.
Colonel Russell also suggest that merchant ships bound for Barbados would be willing to give passage to Royal Navy seamen free of charge, in return for their own crews being indemnified against being impressed.
He also asks for hauling-down gear to be sent out to him so that vessels might be careened and points out the general want of naval stores there.
29 October 1694: Colonel Russel reports that the TIGER [TYGER], which sailed from Barbados on August 30th, has returned after being dismasted in a storm. He also again draws attention to the shortage of naval stores and equipment making it difficult to refit the TIGER. Signed by Colonel Russell, Governor of Barbados.
9 November 1694: Colonel Russell recounts the difficulty refitting the Tiger in Barbados due to the lack of naval stores there. The merchants of Barbados showed reluctance in supplying stores upon the Captain of the Tiger's bills drawn on the Navy and were only induced to do so upon Colonel Russell's proposing that the Assembly pass an Act whereby money would be lent to the King for the maintenance of Naval ships there.
Record Details
| Item reference: | ADM/A/1820/260 |
|---|---|
| Catalogue Section: | Public records: records of the central administration of the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy |
| Level: | PAGE |
| Extent: | 1 page |
| Date made: | 1694-09-25 |
| Creator: | Navy Board, In-Letters And Orders |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London |