The Blisland Grievances- 1677

 

To the Honorable Herberte Jeffries Esq'., Sir John Berrie Knighte, Francis Morrison Esq', his Majesties Commissioners appointed to Enquire into, and to make report to his most Excellent Majesty of the Grievances and pressures of his Majesties Subjects of this his Majesties plantation of Virginia.

We his Majesties most obedient and Grateful Subjects being Some of ye Inhabitants of the parish of Blisland, in the County of New Kent, in obedience to his Majesties Condescension and submission, doe humbly present to you, honors these following Grievances and pressures.

We present as an insupportable Grievance the great taxes imposed upon us yearly, especially the sixty pounds poll which for two years together was levied upon the Country, over and beside all ordinary and Legal [levys?] for the public, County and parish,

We present as a most Heavy Grievance the late frequent Horrid and barbarous Murders Committed and perpetrated upon our fellow Subjects by the perfidious Indians, the Manifold Rapines and depredations by them Committed upon our stocks and estates, and still Expecting release, but no order was taken but only that we should draw together at Least tenne able men to one house, Whereupon ensued the Lamentable burning of Houses, and Several Killed [by] the Indians, in adventuring to go to there plantation to make some Corn.

We present as a grievance the Great exactions of sheriffs, although the Complete Salary of Ten in the Hundred be raised with ye Levy, yet in Case a man hath not tobacco ready at his own house, he will not receive it at any other place without the allowance of Ten pounds more for every hundred more

We present as a grievance, the selling of strong drink at any place where the County Court is kept during the Court day or what time the Court shall sit or Continue, it breeding Matter of protraction in the County affairs, to the great expense and Loss of time to those that live remote

We present as a manifest Grievance the fort Duties Mentioned in the printed book of Acts of Assembly Levied upon the ships for and towards a Magazine, it being as we Conceive for the use of the public, notwithstanding when we are at any time Called fourth by public authority upon any Military occasion, we are forced to find our selves Ammunition upon our private Charge, nor can we understand, who have, or to what use employed the said Ammunition so raised to so Necessary and good intent

We present as a great grievance the imposition of two shillings the Hogshead, we humbly Conceive if Narrowly Looked into, and employed according to the true intent and Meaning of the express words of the act, it would Lessen the Levy and give Much Credit to the public Dated the 2nd day of April 1677 we the subscribers have set our names or Marks