LEISLER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOES.

A, 1689 23 November in fort William

Most honored sir the Governor of Barbadoes -- Whereas wee being in just feares to suspect some ill designe by the late Lieut: Governor & severall persons of prin^^ note & others of them in authority within this government popishly & evilly afFeeted, tending to the destructione of their Ma^'es loyall protestant subjects here, for fear they should effect and bring to pass some wicked designe. The Inhabitants by the encouragement of the prince of orange (now our gracious King) his 3 declarations for their security have secured the fort for their Mamies, King William & Queen Mary wherein the country has appointed me Commander in Chiefe till further orders from their Ma^'es^ which charge I have executed hitherto to the service of their Mamies & have God be thanked -- brought all things in such a posture tliat next God we are in a capacity of defence, only we are daily occupyed by some popishly & evill affected people which puts us upon many inconveniences & straits & obliges me to have a watching eye over all so it is that the 3^ of november in the niglit arryved here a sloope from Barbadoes commanded by Cap^" Benjamin Blagg he gave me an accompt that six dayes after his departure frem Barbadoes he mett with a french ship he tooke him & keept him for 48 hours & sold the ship to an Irish who was on aboard the s'^ frenchman of warre wherein they permitted the s'' Blagg