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4 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 20. |
483. The Same to the Same. |
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Relative to the Ordnance establishment in Ireland. The idea
of putting the Ordnance in Ireland on the footing of that in
England was taken up by his Excellency's predecessor, and, under
his administration, confirmed by the King. No new plan has
been since adopted. Some arrangements only have been made
towards carrying the old one into execution; those before his
Excellency left England were laid before the King, and then had,
as he understood, His Majesty's approbation. The only obstacle
which remained was His Majesty's desire that the opinions of the
Irish Attorney and Solicitor General should be taken in order to
establish the legality of the plan. These having been obtained,
his Excellency thought himself justified in transmitting the papers
to Lord Egremont. Entreats his Lordship to represent these facts
to the King. Thus circumstanced, he had authorized the Marquess
of Kildare, as he imagined on good grounds, to expect it would be
carried into execution. The charge of the artillery on the new
plan, though not absolutely necessary in the present state of the
garrisons, is, notwithstanding, very proper for the field service, and
may be found necessary in case of a hostile attempt on the
kingdom. The old system, though more economical, was entirely
useless. There was no person in Ireland from whom, by his place,
any skill in the Ordnance duty could reasonably have been
expected, as they were wholly destitute of means for training men
in that exercise. The Marquess, upon the idea of the establishment taking place, has brought several persons of experience from
England, and has rendered the Ordnance, formerly little better
than a nominal, an effective department.—Dublin Castle. 3½p. |
5 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 13. |
484. Earl of Egremont to the Earl of Halifax. |
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His Majesty's pleasure is that an embargo should be forthwith
laid on all ships laden with provisions in Great Britain and
Ireland. A draft. 1 p. |
1762 [6 ?] Feb.
[Before 12th, pro-bably about 6th.]
Ireland, v. 427, No. 21 a, b, c. |
485. Earl of Halifax to the Earl of Egremont. |
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On a subject to which his Excellency has given great attention,
viz. the conduct which the Roman Catholics of Ireland are likely
to observe in case of an invasion, during the war with France and
Spain. The French interest with those of the same persuasion in
Ireland would never have found, he believes, during the war, any
essential support, but a different effect might be apprehended from
Spanish inclinations and connexions. In this light has attentively
examined the overtures made to him of Popish assurances. Has
now brought matters to a point worthy of His Majesty's notice.
Lord Trimlestown, so called, is the most sensible man belonging to
the Roman Catholic party. His character is good, and his weight
among them great. He is the man, of all others among them, most
to be depended on. After several conversations with him, he has
delivered to His Excellency an address which would have been
more explicit with regard to the object in view, but that he
apprehended such specification, in case of His Majesty's disinclination to accept the offer, might have some bad effect. Sends it by
special messenger. The substance of Lord Trimlestown's conversation is an assurance that all impressions in favour of the Stuart family
are worn out with the Irish gentlemen of consequence and fortune.
He appealed to their conduct in the last war, and challenged the
production of a single instance, from secret intelligence, or from the
evidence of Mr. Murray, the young Pretender's secretary, that
impeached the fidelity of one of His Majesty's Roman Catholic
subjects in Ireland. That the additional war with the King of
Spain, and the great consumption of men in the war with France,
beyond what England can well bear, in Germany, the East, &c.,
has suggested to His Majesty's Roman Catholic subjects that means
nay possibly be now struck out, whereby they may give public
proof of the sincerity of that loyalty they have so long ineffectually
professed: and that they have nothing so much at heart. On
being reminded of the legal ineligibility of Roman Catholic officers
to serve, without which his Lordship seemed to think no considerable body of men could be raised, he answered that their best
endeavours should be exerted for the King's service in any way
His Majesty should be pleased to direct. On so general an opening
many ideas crowded on his Excellency. Is a very ignorant
politician, to be sure, at present, but, amidst a variety of systems,
has thought of this offer in different lights. Exclusive of their
alliances, the English are engaged in two wars when almost
exhausted by one. |
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To the question whether, if His Majesty's allies, Russia, Hesse,
Portugal, or any other friendly power, wanted troops, he was of
opinion they could be raised, Lord Trimlestown said that what
the Roman Catholics of Ireland most wished for was to serve His
Majesty as Elector of Hanover, since they could not serve him
as King; but that, whatever His Majesty's orders were, they
would execute them to the utmost of their power. He likewise
added that the officers of the Irish brigades in France are so
disgusted with the service in which they are engaged, that if a
door were opened to them by His Majesty, they would crowd into
it. An offer of this sort at such a time would be suspicious unless
accompanied by every pledge of their sincerity; but, such as it is,
it is sent. If any system of this sort can be adopted, his Excellency
suggests, as the safest way, the formation of companies, one at a
time, which should be embarked with their officers, to be regimented
or disposed of as His Majesty shall think proper, in any part of the globe. |
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P.S.—The address is signed by the principal Roman Catholic
noblemen and gentlemen of fortune in and near Dublin, and by
one principal merchant for himself and the other merchants. His
Excellency is assured that it contains the sentiments of most of
the Papists of consequence in Ireland. Encloses also the circulatory
letter sent by the Heads of the Roman Catholic Clergy to the
priests of every parish in the kingdom.—Dublin Castle. |
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The address and circulatory letter. [The letter enjoins them
to loyalty, &c.] 9 pp. of MS., 2 membranes of parchment, and
1½pp. of print. |
7 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 32. |
486. The Same to [the Same]. |
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Lord Trimlestown, who purposes to embark to-morrow, will wait
upon him, and give all the satisfaction he is able with respect to
the general disposition of the Roman Catholics of Ireland, and
their address presented to his Excellency.—Dublin Castle. 1 p. |
8 Feb.
Admiralty, pcl. 148, No. 6 a, b. |
487. Report of the Attorney General on the complaint of
Prince San Severino, Envoy Extraordinary from the King
of the Two Sicilies. [See Earl of Egremont's of 18 Jan.] |
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Is of opinion that there is no colour to say that the privileges of
the Prince have been infringed by the arrest. The protection of a
foreign minister can be extended only to the immediate attendants
of his embassy, and to his domestic servants, but not to the subject
of his own or any country, who comes occasionally to the place
where he resides on commercial or private affairs. |
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The affidavit of Nicholas Marchetti enclosed. 2½pp. |
9 Feb.
Admiralty, pcl. 148, No. 7. |
488. Mr. J. Clevland to Chas. Jenkinson, Esq. |
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If recruits, either of cavalry or infantry, are to be sent to
Germany this spring, it is full time to think of transports for
them, there being very few in pay that are not disposed of.
As the wind is now fair to carry the colliers out of the river, if
they are not detained directly it will be found difficult to procure
a sufficient number in six weeks.—Admiralty Office. 1½pp. |
9 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 19. |
489. Earl of Egremont to the Earl of Halifax. |
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Transmitting the King's answers to the dutiful and unanimous
addresses of the two Houses of Parliament in Ireland. His Majesty
very much approves the timely precautions his Excellency is
taking for the security and defence of that kingdom. As to
such officers as are members of the House of Commons in England,
the King has observed such a constant unanimity in Parliament
during the course of the Session, that His Majesty judges it totally
unnecessary to detain any officers merely on account of their
attendance there. A draft. 3 pp. |
11 Feb.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 23. pp. 134, 136, & 137. |
490. Earl of Bute to the Lord Justice Clerk. |
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The King has commanded that a pardon shall pass under the
Great Seal of Great Britain (under which, according to the Attorney
General, it is necessary in that case it should pass) to Arch.
Macdonald, condemned for high treason. If his Lordship thinks
that he could be usefully employed in raising volunteers in the
Highlands, and if with that view any proposals are made, they
are to be transmitted to His Majesty. |
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Same date:—A letter nearly word for word to Lord George
Beauclerck. Also same date:—The same to the Lord Justice Clerk;
that as Archibald Macdonald will not be able to defray the expenses
of his pardon, the King has given orders to pay the fees as soon
as it is passed, which will be in about a fortnight. |
12 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 25. |
491. Earl of Halifax to Earl of Egremont. |
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The vote of confidence for 200,000l. passed the House of Commons yesterday, without a negative or a single word of objection,
which, as there is no answering for the humours of individuals,
especially as the demand came in addition to large supplies granted
before, was more than his Excellency could have expected. His
Majesty's business in the Parliament being thus virtually at an
end, he will in a few days trouble his Lordship with a letter
requesting His Majesty's permission for his return as soon as the
session shall be closed.—Dublin Castle. Marked "Secret." 2 pp. |
12 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 26. |
492. The Same to the Same. |
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Makes the request to His Majesty that he will confer the
dignity of an Irish peerage upon his Excellency's old friend
Mr. Francis Vernon. His family is ancient and respectable, his
real and personal estate very considerable, his zeal, and attachment
to His Majesty's Government well known, and his character
wholly unexceptionable. He, Lord Halifax, has lived in uninterrupted intimacy with him ever since his return from his travels.
Mr. Vernon wishes to have the title of Viscount, if His Majesty
has no objection, but, if there be any, he will think himself happy
in that of Baron. Has been pressed by various gentlemen of
great fortune in Ireland to intercede with His Majesty for peerages,
but will be able to avoid troubling the King with any of them
during this session. However, there are three advances to be
laid before His Majesty. The first in favour of Lord Viscount
Sudley, who requests to be an Earl; the second in favour of
Lord Headfort, who requests to be a Viscount; and the third in
favour of Lord Courtown, who wishes to be an Earl. All three
are men of considerable estates, and thoroughly devoted to His
Majesty's service. The last is on the point of marrying his son to
Miss Brudenell, a near relation of Lord Cardigan's, and is on that
account more anxious for the honour.—Dublin Castle. Marked
"Private." 3 pp. |
15 Feb.
Ireland, 427, No. 27. |
493. The Same to the Same. |
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Relative to the embargo on provision ships.—Dublin Castle.
1 p. |
16 Feb.
Admiralty, pcl. 148, No. 8. |
494. Mr. J. Clevland to Robert Wood, Esq. |
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The Navy Board has informed the Lords of the Admiralty that
Mr. Randell, their agent for transports, has ordered the "Noble
Bounty" and "Ranger" to be fitted out and sent to Spithead to
carry 200 soldiers to Senegal, at the rate of two tons to a man.—Admiralty Office. 1 p. |
16 Feb.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 23, pp. 138–57. |
495. Earl of Bute to the Lord President. |
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Several gentlemen, the assignees of Jeronimy Clifford, deceased,
presented a petition to His late Majesty on June 27th, 1759,
complaining that the said Clifford had been unjustly deprived of
certain plantations and effects which he possessed in Surinam, in
South America, by the Dutch Governor and Council of that
colony, and that he had sustained other damage by a long
imprisonment and other unjust proceedings carried on against him;
that no reparation had been made to him during his life, and
therefore praying His Majesty's interposition with the States
General, that satisfaction be made to them as representatives of
the said Clifford. The petition was referred by the Earl of
Holdernesse, then Secretary of State, to the Attorney General, who
made his report thereon on the 21st of last December; but as it
was addressed to the King in Council, it ought properly to have
been first presented to that Board. Enclosing the petition and
the other papers. |
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Mem.—A schedule of the several papers sent is entered at
page 158. |
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The report, petition, &c., are also entered. |
16 Feb.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 23, p. 157. |
496. The Same to the Assignees of Jeronimy Clifford. |
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Whenever the affairs of the latter have been in deliberation on
former occasions, the orders given thereupon have been made by
the King in Council; and as, on perusal, he finds that their
petition is also addressed to the King in Council, he has transmitted it to the Lord President, with the several papers relating
to it. |
16 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 28 b, c. |
497. Earl of Halifax to the Earl of Egremont. |
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Asks for His Majesty's leave to return into his Royal presence,
and power to appoint the Lord Primate, the Earl of Shannon, and
John Ponsonby, Esq., Speaker of the House of Commons, Lords
Justices during his absence. Transmits a copy of H.M.'s Royal
letter in the usual form for these purposes.—Dublin Castle. |
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The enclosure, being copy of a letter sent to the Duke of
Bedford on a similar occasion. 4 pp. |
17 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 29. |
498. The Same to the Same. |
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As to promotions, &c. In the course of these preferments no
officer whatsoever, however recommended, and by whatever parliamentary interest his pretensions may have been supported,
has gained more than one step. It was not without considerable
difficulty that his Excellency has been able to adhere to so
essential a rule. As to the changing of officers from Cavalry to
Infantry, and vice versd, promotions were made indiscriminately
from one service to another by all his predecessors.—Dublin
Castle. 2½pp. |
18 Feb.
Ordn. Entry Bk., 1760–76, p. 84. |
499. Earl of Egremont to Lord Ligonier. |
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Directing him to give the proper orders for the 200 men going
to Senegal to embark at Spithead on board the transports. |
18 Feb.
Passes, 1760–84, p. 26. |
500. Earl of Bute to Prince de Galitzin. |
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Thanking him for the despatches from Sir [Joseph] Yorke,
brought by his courier from the Hague, expressing regrets at his
departure, and sending the passport requested. (French.) |
18 Feb.
Scotland, v. 25, Nos. 63, 64. |
501. The Lord Justice Clerk to C. Jenkinson, Esq. |
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Acknowledging the receipt of a printed copy of the papers
relative to the rupture with Spain.—Edinburgh. |
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Similar letter from Lord George Beauclerck. 2 pp. |
19 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 31. |
502. Earl of Halifax to the Earl of Egremont. |
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Transmitting the Bill for Septennial Parliaments, passed by the
Council by a majority of one vote only, so that his Excellency
was in danger of being forced from that neutrality which his
situation made advisable. As this measure, even by those who
principally supported it in the House of Commons, was rather
carried from a compliment to their constituents, or from an
adherence to imprudent engagements, than from any conviction of
its utility, its fate in the Council was extremely uncertain. Its
popularity has diminished as the probability of its being passed
into law has increased. If approved by the Crown, and sent back
to the House of Commons, it will not be prudent, and hardly
possible, for his Excellency to adhere any longer to the plan of
indifference, though he will not be responsible for the success of
his endeavours, as his neutrality has left every one at liberty to
from his own engagements. The Bill is in reality grateful to no
party, and is particularly unacceptable to several of those who
appeared in the House of Commons most sanguine in its favour.
They who would gladly have thrown upon the Privy Council here,
or upon the Crown, the unpopularity of rejecting it, are extremely
alarmed at the alternative to which they are reduced. Nevertheless, if returned, they will, he thinks, rather suffer the discredit
of throwing out this law, than the inconvenience which will accrue
to themselves from passing it. For this purpose, parties are forming
in both Houses, and he thinks that in one of these places it will
be rejected. Also if the Crown countenances a law which
certainly detracts somewhat from the Royal prerogative, it will
strongly confirm a suspicion, artfully and industriously propagated,
which, however idle, will be believed, that this Septennial Act is
meant only as a preliminary step to a union. If a limitation of
Parliaments in Ireland should really be thought advisable by His
Majesty, the most likely method of reconciling all parties would
be to extend the term of limitation from seven to fourteen years.—Dublin Castle. 5 pp. |
20 Feb.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1761–70, p. 9. |
503. Earl of Egremont to the Earl of Halifax. |
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His Majesty has ordered the proper commission to be prepared
to fix the succession to Capt. Nairne, as requested in the memorial
of Lieut. Col. Horn Elphinstone, of the 1st battalion of the Royal
Regiment of Foot, transmitted by his Excellency. |
23 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 33. |
504. The Same to the Same. |
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Conveying His Majesty's approbation of his conduct and services
as [Lord Lieutenant of Ireland], and complimenting him thereon.
The address and circulatory letter of the Roman Catholics of
Ireland are a high compliment to his Excellency's administration,
and a convincing proof of his attention to encourage and establish
unanimity among His Majesty's subjects of all denominations.
His Majesty designs to employ his Roman Catholic subjects of
Ireland in the service of his ally, his Most Faithful Majesty the
King of Portugal, who is threatened with a Spanish invasion. Such
men are to be selected as, from their suspected religious principles,
are least to be trusted with the defence of Ireland. A draft. 7 pp. |
27 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 36 a. |
505. The Same to the Same. |
|
Relative to his Excellency's request to return to England at the
close of the session. His Majesty is disposed to comply with his
request the moment it is consistent with the good of the service
and security of Ireland, but at the same time finds it necessary to
suspend an answer in the now critical conjuncture. A draft.
2¾pp. |
27 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, 36 b. |
506. The Same to the Same. |
|
Conveying His Majesty's approval of Mr. Francis Vernon being
made a Baron; also His Majesty's compliance with the requests
in favour of Lord Viscount Sudley, Lord Headfort, and Lord
Courtown. A draft. Marked "Private." 1½p. |
27 Feb.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1761–70, p. 10. |
507. The Same to the Same. |
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According to his Excellency's request, has moved His Majesty
to appoint William Grant, cornet in Sir Charles Howard's Regiment
of Dragoons, to be captain in the 59th Regiment of Foot, vice
Captain Markham. His Majesty has ordered the proper commission
to be prepared. |
28 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 41 a, b, c. |
508. Earl of Halifax to the Earl of Egremont. |
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Transmitting the address of the [Irish] House of Commons
relative to the augmentation of the Lord Lieutenant's salary, and
his answer thereto, refusing it for himself, but accepting it for
his successor. |
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Soon after his arrival in Ireland, he found the augmentation a
common topic of discourse; but as the idea seemed very general,
and he gave no encouragement to have it particularised, it gradually
died away, and was, as he imagined, quite forgotten, when
suddenly he found it revived, brought into a definite proposal, and
ready to be introduced into Parliament. This he knew only two
days before it was moved, and the only use he made of the
information was to desire Mr. Hamilton's absence from the House.
He proceeds to give the reasons of his course of action, pointing
out that, having considered everything lenient and ingratiating proper, not only for the sake of measures themselves, but
also because he thought that the disposition of a first session of a
new Parliament might communicate something of its bent and
tendency to every succeeding one, he thought it better, for the
service of the King, not to convert the good temper of Parliament
to any private purposes. On the occasion nothing could have
been more graceful or more flattering. Though he received great
honour from the unanimity with which the House came to the
resolution, he received more in the little differences which arose
in the discussion of it. They only concerned the mode in
which this proof of their regard might be conveyed most honourably to him. Some of the members who have been usually in
opposition offered to agree to whatever was proposed, either as a
gross sum, or as an increase of the appointments of his office,
provided that increase was confined to his administration. But
those who knew him better, particularly his friends, entirely
suppressed this proposal. Is clear in these two points: 1st, that
the office wants, and ought to have this augmentation; and 2nd,
notwithstanding the undoubted good intentions of the House, and
the probable good intentions of the proposers, his compliance might
hereafter be perverted to take off from that effect which he has
experienced from the general plan of his conduct. Also the
offices on the Irish establishment are but few, and these, being of
old creation, are provided with low and inadequate salaries. The
general course of applications, therefore, in this country is for
additional salaries. Has by him several applications well supported, and to a great amount. Had he accepted the offer,
therefore, he must either have complied with many of these
applications, or denied to others what he had accepted for himself,
much to the disadvantage of his reputation. Wishes his Lordship
to be persuaded that there is no man further than himself from
proposing a vain popularity as the end of his actions. Considers
nothing but its effect in government, which he daily experiences
to be no weak aud inconsiderable support.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The resolution and answer referred to. [Copies of these
enclosures are also to be found in the parcel entitled, Ireland,
pcl. 426, Nos. 2 and 3.] 10½pp. |
28 Feb.
Ireland, v. 427, No. 42. |
509. The Same to the Same. |
|
Expressing his pleasure in His Majesty's approbation conveyed
to him, and returning his acknowledgments for the high favour.
Will immediately convey to the heads of the Roman Catholic
persuasion the King's acceptance of their proffered service. Can
return no answer as to the proposal for them to join the service of
Portugal, as he does not know the terms offered. Lord Trimlestown is in England, and his Excellency has written to him to wait
on the Secretaries of State. Imagines that the terms which the
Roman Catholics will consider reasonable, will be that the officers
and men shall receive pay at least equal to that of soldiers on the
Irish establishment; and that, on the conclusion of the war, the
officers shall be entitled, not to half-pay, which, unless paid by
Portugal, would be illegal, but to some indemnification instead.
Will comply with the King's pleasure as to the regiments.—Dublin
Castle, 4pp. |
28 Feb.
Admiralty, v. 147. |
510. Captain Archd. Clevland to Earl of Egremont. |
|
One Mr. Sumbel has written to him, by direction of the Emperor
of Morocco, to say that His Imperial Majesty's Ambassador has
gone to Santa Cruz, in Barbary, to embark for England. The
Ambassador is a Moor of great distinction, and is accompanied by
a Jew of great confidence. Encloses a letter from the Emperor to
the King. Will proceed to complete the business on which he
has been sent, about the middle of April, when the season of the
year will be favourable.—Gibraltar. |
|
Translation of the Emperor's letter annexed. Is glad the treaty
of peace is ratified; but complains of the neglect with which he has
been treated by the English since his accession, so different to the
treatment experienced by his immediate predecessors. Owing to
this neglect, has entered into treaties with other nations, who
supply them with goods. The only commerce now carried on is
the supplying of provisions to His Majesty's subjects, particularly
the garrison at Gibraltar. |
|
Another letter, or copy, apparently from the same, and on the
same subject, with comments in the margin, explaining some
sentences really to mean " a deficiency in presents, &c." 7½pp. |
