Philip Davys; 31 August, 1652


Examination on the Interrogatories of David Kirke, in Baltimore vs. D. Kirke.

Maryland Historical Society, Calvert Papers, 174/200.
Published in Louis D. Scisco, "Testimony Taken at Newfoundland in 1652", Canadian Historical Review 9 (1928) 239-251, see 248-249. Revised by P.E. Pope.


The answer of Philip Davies, inhabitant in Ferryland, to exam- ination upon the Interrogatories ministered on the part and behalf of Sir David Kirke, Tuesday the one and thirtieth of August, 1652.

1 To the first [re the personal bias of the witness], she answers that she came here to be examined by order of the Commissioners and hath no share nor interest in either nor doth she think to get any benefit by either of them and therefore cares not which of them do prevail. She knows Sir David Kirke a little too well and wisheth she had not known him. As for the Lord of Baltimore [Sir George Calvert, Lord Baltimore], she know [knows him]; but for the young Lord [Cecil Calvert, Second Lord Baltimore] she never did know. And for recompense she expects none but labour for her pains.

2 To the second [re previous coaching of the witness], she answers that she was never instructed or taught by any one before she came to be examined in this cause. And, as for suits or pretenses [claims], she hath none against Sir David, as is mentioned.

3 To the third [re extent of personal knowledge of the Calvert business], she answers that she was here in them years '38 [1638] and '39 [1639] but did not see the young Lord of Baltimore at that time. Only the Lord of Baltimore had possession in the Land [Newfoundland], by a patent which he had from King James [King James I].

4 To the fourth [re personal knowledge of the use of Calvert properties], she answers that she was here when Sir David Kirke came over but the Lord of Baltimore was not here then. And she saw some boats that Captain Hill [William Hill] had here but she never saw any boats that the Lord of Baltimore had here.

...2

5 To the fifth [re personal knowledge of Calvert's patent and of receipts from Kirke's imposition], she answers that she saw the patent that the Lord of Baltimore had for to take the Land [Newfoundland] in his possession. And that she never knew but once that ever Sir David Kirke did take imposition, which was the first year, being from the French, in the harbour of Trepassey; which imposition was taken by his brother, Captain Lewis Kirke, [and] John Ballewe, for which Sir David Kirke did command his ships for to go and receive, as above said.

The mark X of Philip Davys