SIR EDMUND PLOWDEN.
In your publication (Vol. iv., p. 319.), one of your correspondents has given some interesting particulars relative to Sir Edmund Plowden, New Albion, &c., and expresses the hope that Americans will hereafter do justice to the memory of one really deserving their respect. I am desirous of doing something to vindicate his memory and claims; and to this end should be greatly obliged if your correspondent would favour me with some additional facts. To get at these, I will put some of them in the interrogative form.
When and where was Sir Edmund born?
What is the evidence that he was in America from 1620 to 1630? If so, where (in what localities), and what capacity?
He says that his sister married a son of Secretary Lake, then in office; but Lake was turned out several years before 1630, and Lord Baltimore took his place, I think. Nor was Wentworth made Earl of Strafford till after the time of the petition.
He is said to have served five years in Ireland: in what capacity?
Who were Viscount Musherry, Lord Monson, Sir Thomas Denby, (Claiborne I know of), Capt. Balls; besides Sir John Laurence, Sir Bowyer
Worstley, Barrett, &c.? Where did these parties "die, in America," in 1634?
Is the Latin original of the character in existence? There is an omission in the bounds given in the paper referred to: can I get an extract from the original entry of limits?
Did the charter ever pass the Great Seal?
Would it be valid, if only passed under the private seal?
Can the date of the grant to Danby be ascertained?
Are there any memoranda of Plowden's six years' residence as Governor of New Albion (I have some of his residence in Virginia)?
Can I get more definite facts about the misconduct of Francis?
The license for alienation, &c. is stated to have been obtained 15th of Charles, 1646; but the 15th of Charles was 1640. When did he arrive to attend to his property, and when was he imprisoned in the Fleet?
Who was Beauchamp Plantagenet, the author of the tract on New Albion, published in 1648?
Who were Robert Evelin, Captain Young, and Master Miles, mentioned in that tract?
Can you give me any additional facts, dates especially, of events and births, deaths, &c.?
I know not into whose hands these Queries will come; but I can say that, if they are answered, the cause of historic truth and justice will be served; and I shall have the aid I want towards correcting the misrepresentations and errors that have been accumulating for years on this point.
S. F. Streeter, Sec. Md. Hist. Soc.
Baltimore Md., March 2, 1854.
P. S.—I should like to inquire, through your publication, if any one can give me the family of Mr. Claiborne; and any facts in his history not stated in our works?