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2 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 1 a, b, c. |
826. Earl of Shelburne to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
Lord Ravensworth having, during his, Lord Shelburne's, absence
from town, acquainted Lord Weymouth that he was in expectation
of an answer from his Excellency in regard to the request of
Lieut. Joseph Liddell Farrer, of the 61st Regiment, who purchased
his commission, and now desired to sell out at the Regulation price,
but that the thing would bear no delay, as Mr. Farrer had a
promise of a captain's commission in the East India Company's
service, and in that case would be obliged to go on board one of
the Company's ships on Monday or Tuesday last, Lord Weymouth
laid it immediately before the King, who gave his consent. Desiring his Excellency, therefore, to write an official letter for this
purpose, dated some days before the 25th of March, the day of
Lord Ravensworth's application. A draft, marked "Private." |
|
Also, the application from Lord Ravensworth, and a certificate
from General Gray, commanding the 61st Regiment. 6 pp. |
15 Feb. to 4 April.
Admiralty, pcl. 157, No. 18 a to j. |
827. Mediterranean Passes. |
|
A series of letters and reports about the misbehaviour of Peter
Horseman in connexion with a Mediterranean pass, an unjust
prosecution of three of the crew for offences alleged to have been
committed at Spithead, and the complications that arose out of
the same with the magistrates of Ostend,—Mr. Thomas Mortimer,
the Vice-consul at Ostend, having forwarded the passport to the
Lords of the Admiralty. |
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The pass was said to have been made out for another vessel of
the same name, which was sunk by the master to defraud the
insurers. 25 pp. or parts of pp. |
4 April.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 29. |
828. Earl of Shelburne to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
Encloses a copy of a memorial from Count Viry, representing
the desire of his Sardinian Majesty that orders may be given to
prevent the slaves employed in the works at Limpia from making
their escape on board the boats of any of H.M.'s ships, and also a
copy of a late letter from Mr. Potter, charged with His Majesty's
affairs at Turin, and of the enclosures therein, on the same subject.
It is His Majesty's pleasure that they give any orders thereupon
they shall think proper, and communicate them or their opinion,
so that an answer may be given to the Sardinian Minister, His
Majesty being inclined to show all the attention which the nature
of the case will admit. |
5 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 15 a, b, c. |
829. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Shelburne. |
|
Transmitting lists of nine Public and three Private Bills, sealed
this day in Council, forming the fifth and last transmiss of the
session. |
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The lists. 3¼ pp. |
5 & 6 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 44. |
830. Robert Wood to Sir J. Fielding. |
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"Lord Weymouth has been informed that Mr. Stuart, the wine
merchant, upon application to you for assistance against the mob
on the night of the illumination, had not met with that support
which he had reason to expect from the civil magistrate. Though
this account does not agree with what his Lordship had conceived
of your vigilance and activity, yet he has ordered me to acquaint
you with it, and to add that though, on the one hand, he relies
much on your zeal, and is ready to do justice to your diligence at the
time of the late riotous proceedings, yet, on the other, he thinks it
his indispensable duty to take notice of any remissness in a
magistrate upon whom so much of the public order and tranquillity
depends; and if Mr. Stuart's account of this matter be founded,
his Lordship desires that I will let you know it will very much
change that favourable opinion which he wishes to preserve of
you. His Lordship thinks it would be unfair towards you as well
as to the public to keep this matter from you, though Mr. Stuart
has not given it in as matter of formal complaint, but merely for
the Secretary of State's information. Lord Weymouth is willing
to suppose there must be some mistake in what he has heard. |
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"P.S.—As Lord Weymouth had taken every precaution that
could be imagined in order to support magistracy and give weight
to your proceedings, he is disappointed to find that there should
be any complaint; and though he despises clamour he must pay
attention to facts urged by a citizen of character; and I heartily
wish you may put it in his power to set you clear of imputation,
which is his wish also." |
|
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 80, No. 16. |
The reply to this letter is dated the 5th. |
|
Sir John Fielding gives a history of the transactions of the night,
and says that, to the best of his knowledge, and to the best of
his abilities, with unwearied attention, diligence, and application,
he has done everything in his power to preserve peace and good
order, and to detect offenders and bring them to justice, from the
beginning to the conclusion of the late unhappy disturbances. Is
sincerely concerned if in any respect Mr. Steward mistook his
meaning, and more so that Lord Weymouth should be dissatisfied
with his conduct as a magistrate. Unfortunate he has always
been; at present particularly so, when his warmest endeavours to
discharge a public trust with loyalty to his Sovereign, fidelity to his
country, and obedience to his superiors have been so far ineffectual
as not to secure him the confidence of those by whom he would
wish to be approved.—Bow Street. |
6 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 16. |
831. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Shelburne. |
|
Lord Frederick Campbell arrived last Thursday, from whom
his Excellency received such further lights upon the sentiments
of the King's servants as it was judged proper he should bring.
Thought it unnecessary, as everybody was before engaged in their
elections, to communicate till his Lordship's arrival the determination of His Majesty that the Augmentation should be laid before
Parliament. No instructions from other counties have hitherto
followed the example of those from the county of Dublin; and
as most of the assizes have been held, has great hopes that
the acclamations upon the gracious marks of His Majesty's
favour will not be turned into an opposition to this measure
calculated for its preservation. Nothing shall be wanting on
his part to carry His Majesty's orders into execution exactly
as he is commanded. Nor will he again trouble His Majesty's
servants with any further representation, however earnestly it is
the general wish of every person here, from the highest to the
lowest, that this Parliament should instantly be dissolved, and the
Augmentation be proposed in the next, which might meet in the
month of June or July next, where men would be at liberty to
act freely, and where no other material business need be gone
into. Can have no doubts when he receives His Majesty's commands; and hopes to be pardoned if, when he humbly laid before
him the sentiments of the principal persons and circumstances of
Ireland, he has appeared tedious. The only motive for being so
particular was that His Majesty might the better judge of the
event. Will esteem it one of the most fortunate periods of his
life if any credit which he may have derived from the high
situation assigned to him, or from the communication of the most
gracious marks of the King's Royal favour to the people, may
enable him to contribute to the success of His Majesty's service.
Begs his Lordship to assure the King of his dutiful submission
to His Majesty's commands on all occasions. For his own particular, he will never think himself at liberty to distinguish
between climate or situation when His Majesty shall think fit to
employ him.—Dublin Castle. Marked "Private." 3 pp. |
7 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 178. |
832. Earl of Shelburne to Lord Hillsborough. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from the Earl of Rochford, H.M.'s
Ambassador at Paris, and of the memorial therein mentioned of
Mr. Le Jeune, concerning a suit which he has depending in the
Court of Chancery of the Island of Grenada, to be recommended,
if his Lordship shall think proper, to the Governor of the said
Island. |
7 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 3.
Entered in Ireland Correspnce., 1761–70, p. 143. |
833. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Relative to the request that Capt. French, the tenth captain of
the 48th Regiment, who purchased all his commissions at a higher
price than what is established by the late Regulations, may have
leave to sell at the regulated price. His Majesty has not thought
proper to comply with the same, and cannot permit tenth company
officers to sell out as if they were actually serving in the regiments
in which they were reduced. A draft. 1¼ pp. |
Between 2 Feb. and 9 April.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1766–71, p. 17. |
834. Robt. Wood to Mr. Sutton. |
|
Enclosing an extract from Sir Joseph Yorke's letter of the 26th
past, relative to a proposal of the Greffier to submit the disputes
subsisting between the two Consuls at Algiers to an amicable
adjustment. Asks for Lord Shelburne's opinion whether that idea
is to be adopted or rejected. |
12 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 17. |
835. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Shelburne. |
|
Acknowledging the receipt of his Lordship's private letter of the
2nd inst. as to Lieutenant Farrer. Had before received a letter
on the same subject from Sir Robert Wilmot, and had directed
that the commanding officer of the regiment should as soon as
possible lay before him a memorial for the purpose aforesaid;
which has not yet been done, from a difficulty of finding a proper
person to purchase the colours. The moment the succession is
settled, will transmit it in proper office form. 1½ pp. |
13 April.
Church Bk., Scotland, 1761–89, No. 88. |
836. Earl of Glasgow to Lord Weymouth. |
|
It is his duty to state that, having been appointed H.M.'s Commissioner to the last meeting of the General Assembly of the Church
of Scotland, he appointed their next meeting for 19 May 1768.
Requests to be recommended to His Majesty to be continued in the
office of High Commissioner for this year.—Edinburgh. |
13 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 54. |
837. Secretary-at-War (Barrington) to the Same. |
|
There are at Newcastle four companies of Brudnell's, and one at
Gateshead, a suburb of Newcastle. There is also a squadron of
Waldegrave's dragoon guards at Newcastle, and a company of
invalids at Clifford's Fort, which is in the neighbourhood. Is very
desirous that a whole regiment should always be at Newcastle,
but there are such demands everywhere for troops to assist the
civil magistrate that he does not know from whence such a force
can conveniently be taken. The magistrates of Newcastle seem
well contented with the number of troops now there, but there
will often be fresh riots in that country till some proper example
is made by punishment of the offenders. |
13 April.
Ireland, v. 433, Nos. 20 a, b, and 21 a, b. |
838. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Shelburne. |
|
Transmitting addresses of thanks to the King upon the return
of the Bill for limiting the duration of Parliaments, from the High
Sheriff and Grand Jury of the county of Kilkenny, and from the
Sheriff, Grand Jury, and freeholders of the county of Down.
Separate letters.
|
|
The addresses are also bound in. 2 pp. and 2 membs. |
12 and 14 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, pp. 47–51. |
839. Duke of Northumberland to H.M.'s Principal Secretaries of State. |
|
Has received within these few days several letters from Newcastle, giving an account of a very riotous spirit having broken
out among the sailors and other persons in that place and its
neighbourhood, who have committed many outrages, a continuance
of which is still greatly to be apprehended. His Grace enters into
full particulars. The Mayor and other magistrates of Newcastle,
and the justices of Northumberland and Durham, have been very
vigilant and active on this occasion, but it is their united request,
in which his Grace joins, that a regiment might be quartered and
continued in Newcastle and the neighbourhood.—Northumberland
House, 12 April. |
|
Reply from Lord Weymouth, dated the 14th, enclosing a copy
of the letter written in consequence to the Secretary-at-War,
directing him to give orders for detaining the troops at Newcastle
and the neighbourhood which are now there, and to report whether
the present disposition of the troops in that part of the world may
not admit of an alteration which may answer the purposes of
support to the civil magistrate. |
|
The letter referred to. |
13 and 14 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, pp. 51–4 |
840. The Same to the Same. |
|
Submitting whether it may not be expedient that certain arms
belonging to the Middlesex militia, deposited in the vestry rooms
and other places of little security in Westminster and the neighbourhood of London, should be removed to the Tower, in case
there should be reason to fear a renewal of the mobs and riotous
assemblies. |
|
Lord Weymouth's reply, dated the 14th. It is highly improper
that arms should at any time be deposited in places of little
security, and particularly at present when so riotous a disposition
appears among the populace. But as there are objections to depositing those arms now in the Tower, his Grace is to take all
possible precautions for the present by giving the necessary orders
for particular attention and vigilance upon this occasion; and in
case of an attempt by the populace to posses themselves of the
arms, is to call out the military, orders having been issued to the
Secretary-at-War to support the civil magistrate upon every
necessary occasion. |
14 April.
Criml Papers, 1766–70, p. 222. |
841. Lord Weymouth to John Calcraft, Esq. |
|
Is extremely sorry to find that any expectations of mercy should
have been raised in the mind of the unhappy young man who was
found guilty of forgery at Pool. Did not delay a moment laying
before the King the petition in the condemned's favour; but His
Majesty was clearly of opinion that no reference should be made
to the Judge, nor any respite sent, in a crime of so dangerous a
nature, particularly in a commercial country, unless there appeared
some new circumstances which could not have come to the
Judge's knowledge to authorize it. |
14 April.
Dom Entry. Bk., v. 25, p. 47. |
842. The Same to Lord Onslow. |
|
The same as that of March 29th to the Duke of Northumberland,
with some verbal changes. |
14 April.
Ireland, v. 433. No, 13.
Entered in Ireland Correspace, 1761–70, p. 146. |
843. [Earl of Shelburne] to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
Relative to Lieut.-Col. Chenevix's proposal as to a mode of
creating a fund for pensions for widows of officers of the Royal
Irish Artillery. His Majesty did not come to any immediate
determination thereupon. A draft. 1½ pp. |
19 April.
Ireland. v. 433. No. 26 a, b, c. |
844. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Shelburne. |
|
The House of Commons met this day, when Lord Frederick
Campbell presented his Excellency's message concerning the
Augmentation, a copy of which is enclosed, and which is to be
considered in a Committee of the whole House on the 2nd of May,
on which day the House is to be called over. As there was no
business depending. Lord Frederick had directions, in order to
prevent any disagreeable motions that were expected, to signify
his Excellency's pleasure to the House to adjourn till May 2.
But this was opposed on the pretence that the Militia Bill could
not be considered; and though no instance could be produced of
a negative given to a message of this kind coming in form from
Government, the House was divided upon it; it was, however,
carried in the affirmative,—80 to 46. Wishes he could
form any judgment of the success of the main question; but at
present there is a strong appearance of opposition to it. Believes
many who wish well to His Majesty's service will be afraid to
support it, on the eve of a general election, with that zeal that
they would exert at another time. Will use, however, every
means in his power to engage them to the support of it.—Dublin
Castle. |
|
A copy of the message, and a report of the proceedings of the
House of Commons on April 19. 5½ pp. |
21 April.
Ireland, v. 433. No. 28 a, b. |
845. The Same to the Same. |
|
Encloses a copy of a message delivered to the House of Lords
this day concerning the Augmentation, when Tuesday the 3rd of
next month was appointed for taking the same into consideration,
when all the Lords in town are to be summoned to attend. Immediately after this the Lord Chancellor signified his Excellency's
pleasure to the House to adjourn itself till Monday the 2nd of
next month, which was carried on a division, —contents 28, noncontents 7. Nothing extraordinary passed, but that, after the
division was told, Lord Mountmorres gave notice in form that
some of the Lords in the minority intended to protest. Finds
upon enquiry that this was the first division in the House of Lords,
as well as in the House of Commons, upon a message for adjournment signified in form from the Lord Lieutenant. |
|
The message. 4 pp. or parts of pp. |
21 April.
Treas Entry Bk., 1763–75, p. 228. |
846. The Earl of Shelburne to the Lords of the
Treasury. |
|
Encloses the copy of a letter from the Count du Châtelet, the
French Ambassador, containing a complaint of the captain of the
French vessel, the "Marianne," of Nantes, stranded near Laugharne,
in Carmarhthenshire, that he has not met with the assistance he
expected from the officers of the Crown, and that an exorbitant
salvage has been exacted from him. Suggests measures to be
taken in consequence, &c. |
23 April.
Church Bk., Scotlan, 1761–89, pp. 92–8. |
847. Earl of Glasgow, H.M's Commissioner to the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland. |
|
Instructions, private instructions, and additional private instructions. [Similar to those of previous years.] |
|
A letter from Lord Weymouth, enclosing the above, and his
commission, &c. |
23 April.
Church Bk., Scotland, 1761–89, p. 99. |
848. Mr. Robert Wood to Thomas Bradshaw, Esq. |
|
Asking him to move the Lords of the Treasury to order the
usual warrants for the salary of the Commissioner, and His
Majesty's annual gift for propagating the Reformed Religion in the
Highlands and Islands. |
23 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 24.
Entered in Ireland Correspace, 1761–70, p. 147. |
849. Earl of Shelburne to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
Acknowledging receipt of letters, &c. His Majesty received the
addresses transmitted very graciously. |
23 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 25. |
850. The Same to the Same. |
|
His Excellency will have received by the return of the messenger such Bills as have been approved in Council. The Bill for
the better securing the liberty of the subject has not been thought
proper to be returned, from the opinion of all H.M.'s law servants
that its provisions are not yet safe in Ireland, where the Roman
Catholic religion is still so prevalent, and where there is not yet
such a check on riots and disorders, which are but too frequent
from their not being, in certain cases, capital offences as in England
by stat. 1 Geo. I. cap. 5., whereas in Ireland they remain only
misdemeanours at common law. This Bill likewise goes further
than that sent over in 1766, by transcribing from the Act of
31 Car. II. certain clauses declaring it false imprisonment where
any inhabitant or resident of Ireland shall be sent prisoner to
England or elsewhere out of Ireland, and giving damages not
under 500l., with the exception only of such resident being sent
for trial to another country if he should have committed a capital
offence there. The established course of the Courts of Justice
with regard to the writ of Habeas corpus is also, as the law now
stands, very easy in practice and salutary to the subject. A draft.
"Private." 2½ pp. |
23 April.
Let Bk., Sec.'s 1766–71, p. 18. |
851. Robert Wood to Mr. Francis. |
|
Lord Weymouth, on hearing the account of the behaviour of the
Sheriff's officers relative to the orders they had received to arrest
Mr. Wilkes, expressed much surprise at the shameful and negligent
manner in which that matter has been conducted. As his Lordship has already spoken to the Attorney General on that head, he
makes no doubt but all proper attention will be paid to it, and
that he, Mr. Francis, will have directions how to proceed.—St. James's. |
8 to 25 April.
Criml. Papers, 1766–70, pp. 188–222, 223–4, and 228–40. |
852. Proceedings as to a Reprieve. |
|
Letters, reports, and affidavits relating to the case of three
soldiers, John Styles, James Oliver, and James Owen, who were
convicted before Mr. Justice Willes at Exeter, and sentenced to
death, for a rape, attended with many atrocious and affecting circumstances. It finally comes out that in one particular regarding
herself the prosecutrix had committed perjury on the trial, but
nothing appears to lessen the atrocity of the crime. The Judge,
nevertheless, desired to prevent "so dreadful a carnage" (p. 188)
as the death of the three criminals, but could not point out any
one for mercy. At first the clergy and gentlemen of the army at
Exeter were very much at variance with each other on the
occasion (p. 189), but afterwards worked in concert (p. 234), and
at last were so fully convinced of the prosecutrix's perjury that
they most ardently and sincerely wished His Majesty's mercy
might be extended to all the prisoners rather than be confined to
any one or two of them (p. 239). The last letter (p. 240) from
Lord Weymouth to Mr. Justice Willes concludes thus:—"His
Majesty well remembers that under your last reprieve their
execution is fixed for Monday the 2nd of May next, but as you
suggest nothing, he has no further orders to give on that head."
Indeed, throughout, it is clearly shown that His Majesty would
do nothing without an explicit opinion from the Judge as to which
of the prisoners should have mercy shown to him or them; which
opinion the Judge said he could not give. |
|
The details of the crime, and many other circumstances, are fully
set out. |
25 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p.74. |
853. Lord Weymouth to the Secretary-at-War. |
|
Directing him to give orders for carrying into execution the
alterations proposed in the Quartermaster General's report relative
to the disposition of troops, in order to have a regiment in the
town and neighbourhood of Newcastle. |
26 April.
Ireland, v. 433, No. 27. |
854. Earl of Shelburne to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
Writes only to acknowledge the private letters of the 6th and
19th inst. His Majesty is entirely satisfied with his zeal, and is
persuaded that nothing will be wanting on his Excellency's part
towards carrying his orders into execution. Has nothing left to
add, except sincere wishes for the success of this measure of the
Augmentation. A draft, marked. "Private." 1½ pp. |
27 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 178. |
855. The Same to Lord Hillsborough. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter just received from Mons. du Châtelet, the French Ambassador, in favour of Mr. de Cazenove, who
has some concerns in H.M.'s Island of Grenada. His Lordship, if
he shall think proper, is to recommend him to the protection of
Mr. Melvill, H.M.'s Governor, and to such assistance as he may
properly afford him towards the recovery of his just debts. |
28 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 80, Nos. 21 a, b, c. |
856. Grey Cooper to Richard Sutton, Esq. |
|
Encloses copies of two letters relating to the French ship wrecked
on the coast of Wales.—Treasury Chambers. |
|
The enclosures. They relate to the ship "Mary Ann," wrecked
at Laugharne, and plundered by the inhabitants. It was imagined
that the prosecution of the wreckers was the business of Lady
Maud, the lady of the manor. 3½ pp. |
29 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 80, No. 22. |
857. The Attorney General to Lord Shelburne. |
|
Asks for the communication of any information from Ireland
that may be proper for perusal in settling the Public Irish Bills
now lying before him and the Solicitor. 1 p. |
29 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 80, No. 23. |
858. Sir Robert Wilmot to the Same. |
|
Relative to the insertion of the word "Royal" in the Bill for
building an Exchange in the city of Dublin. 1 p. |
29 April.
Treas Entry Bk., 1763–75, pp. 231–5. |
859. Earl of Shelburne to the Lords of the Treasury. |
|
An unavoidable expense has been incurred in the management
of H.M.'s affairs at Algiers since 14 Dec. 1765, beyond the usual
charges of that Consulship, particularly from the accession of a
new Dey, and from Mr. Sampson having been sent out from
England with the full salary and extraordinaries, and the length
of time elapsed before his arrival there. Explains the several
demands that have been made, and what part His Majesty has
allowed.—Whitehall. |
30 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 80, No. 24. |
860. Oporto Merchants. |
|
Representation by the Committee of Oporto Merchants of the
grievances arising out of the King of Portugal's edict of 16 Jan.
last, which is a confirmation and extension of the power granted
to the monopoly company of Alto D'Ouro, thereby enhancing the
price of wines.—London. 1½ pp. |
30 April.
Ireland, v. 433, Nos. 34, 35 a, b. |
861. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Shelburne. |
|
Has received the letter of the 23rd inst., &c.—Dublin Castle.
1 p. |
|
Another letter, transmitting a memorial recommending an
exchange. |
|
The memorial. 2 pp. |
