George III: November 1768

Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1766-9. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1879.

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'George III: November 1768', in Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1766-9, (London, 1879) pp. 381-388. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/home-office-geo3/1766-9/pp381-388 [accessed 28 March 2024]

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November 1768

2 Nov.
Ireland, v. 434, No. 87.
1023. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
As it appears extremely advantageous to H.M.'s service that some persons of considerable rank and property should be brought forward, to mark out to the opponents of Government the fixed resolution of the King to distinguish and protect those who have given His Majesty's measures a firm and honourable support, requests his Lordship to recommend to the King Mr. Thomas Dawson, late member for the county of Monaghan, Mr. William Henry Dawson, of the Queen's county, and Mr. Bernard Ward, member for the county of Downe, for the dignity of Barons of Ireland. They are all gentlemen of very considerable property, ancient Protestant families, and of characters and conduct highly respectable. His Excellency had not the least connexion with these gentlemen but what arose from His Majesty's service here, in which they bore a very honourable and distinguished part. The Mr. Dawsons are not of the same family; but should His Majesty disapprove the creation of two gentlemen of the same name at the same time, Mr. Dawson of the Queen's county (who was the last who received hopes of this recommendation) would most cheerfully wait for this mark of Royal favour upon a future day, although he would vacate a seat for a very able friend of Government now out of Parliament. There is one person more whose merits must be laid before the King. In his despatch of 8 Dec. last, his Excellency transmitted memorials from Mr. Sentleger Sentleger and Mr. John St. Leger, in which they both solicited the title of Doneraile. As each of them thought he had the better ground to hope for this mark of Royal favour, he, the Lord Lieutenant, declined making any representation thereupon, but told them that he left it to their conduct during the session to merit this favour of the Crown. Mr. Sentleger Sentleger tried different methods to draw his Excellency into an engagement, and voted at length against the Augmentation. He was closely connected with Lord Shannon. Mr. John St. Leger acted the very reverse, and gave His Majesty's measures a very hearty and useful support. These memorials were laid before the King by Lord Shelburne; and, should His Majesty determine that the pretensions of the former are not superior either by blood or inheritance, his Excellency hopes he will distinguish so honourable a conduct as Mr. John St. Leger's.
Enters thus into particulars that his motives may be known, and the special advantage it will be to H.M.'s affairs at this time to give mankind here this fresh proof that the counteance and support of the Crown is to be obtained by honourable services, and not through the recommendations of such servants who, holding the first offices and emoluments, have accustomed themselves to expect that they are to extend their respective followings, whilst they distress and defeat its most salutary measures.—Leixlip. "Private." 3¾ pp.
2 Nov.
Scotland, v. 46, No. 157.
1024. Col. Jas Adolphus Oughton to [Lord Rochford].
Acknowledging, in the absence of Lord Lorne, his letter notifying his appointment as Principal Secretary of State for the Northern Department.—Edinburgh. 1 p.
4 Nov.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 192.
1025. Earl of Rochford to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Enclosing a copy of the letter written by His Majesty's command to Sir Joseph Yorke, in consequence of his letter of the 1st inst., enclosing a copy of one received from the Directors of the East India Company, and other papers, relative to the violent and unjustifiable proceedings of the Dutch on the Island of Java.—Whitehall.
4 Nov.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 194.
1026. The Same to the Postmaster General.
Pursuant to the late Act, has authorized George Brown and Jeremy Sneyd, Esqrs., of his office, to endorse, according to the specimens transmitted herewith, each letter or packet on the public business of the office, and to seal it with his seal, &c.
4 Nov.
Ireland, v. 434, No. 90.
1027. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Enclosing a memorial from Lieut.-Gen. Dilkes, requesting to be appointed to succeed Major-Gen. Marcus Smith, who died yesterday, after a few days' illness, in the command of the 63rd Regiment of Foot. Gen. Dilkes's rank and service are too well known to His Majesty to need a particular description of them. Will only, therefore, add a testimonial to his constant application and zeal, and recommend him to His Majesty's favour.—Dublin Castle.
Mem. "Genl. Dilkes's memorial is kept by His Majesty." 1¼ pp. and a slip.
10 Nov.
Ireland Correspnce., 1761–70, p. 180.
1028. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Acquainting him with a change and succession in the command of the 4th and 5th Regiments.—St. James's.
11 Nov.
Circular Bk., 1761–86, p. 70.
1029. The Same to the Ministers, Consuls, &c. in his Department. (Same as under Oct. 21, except Mr. Norton and Commodore Spry.)
Circular announcing the birth of a Princess.
12 Nov.
Admiralty, v. 156, No. 44 a, b, c.
1030. Commodore R. Spry to the Earl of Shelburne.
Acknowledges letter of 26 July. Immediately wrote to the Emperor of Morocco such a letter as he imagined most likely to succeed, and bring him back to a sense of his own interests, which is the first and principal object considered in the court of Morocco. This, after being shown to and approved by General Cornwallis, was sent by the Vice-Consul of Sallee. Knows not what the event will be, but the Emperor cannot help explaining himself one way or other, which is preferable to the present uncertain state. The enclosures are copies of the letter to the Emperor, and one to his Minister for European affairs. They will stand highly. in need of his Lordship's utmost indulgence, but he hopes it will be considered that he has been bred a seamen, and little used to a correspondence without the limits of his own profession. He has, however, endeavoured to adapt his style to the temper of the man, and the present circumstances of affairs in that country, and is inclined to think things will be restored to their former footing; but if not, he will be answerable that little damage shall be done to H.M.'s trading subjects, if provided with two or three good sailing frigates in addition to his present squadron, at the same time drawing whatever cattle and provisions shall be wanted for the support of Gibraltar from the Emperor's dominions, without paying any duty for them, as well as harassing and keeping his whole coast in constant alarm.—" Jersey," Gibraltar Bay.
The enclosures, addressed respectively to the Emperor and Mr. Samuel Sumbel, Mequinez. The shutting up of the communication between Gibraltar and the Emperor's dominions arose from an additional duty of 25 per cent. laid on exports to Gibraltar, in contravention of the treaty concluded two years before. The Commodore represents what an ill return it was for the treatment of the Morocco Ambassador in England, when he was not only received with the highest distinction, but the ship which carried him over was, by His Britannic Majesty's order, perfectly repaired and made as good as new, and fitted out and supplied in the most complete manner with all kinds of stores, provisions, ammunition, and rigging to the amount at least of 30,000 "pesas duros." What must the King think when told that one of his ships of war coming to Tetuan has been refused to purchase a single bullock, sheep, or fowl for the relief of her company, by the express order of his Imperial Majesty, in violation of treaties, and in breach of that ancient and strict friendship which has for so many years subsisted to the mutual benefit of both nations? The Commodore further details what has been done, and what he is willing to do, to prevent contraband. After his Imperial Majesty has considered these things, the Commodore flatters himself that his resentment, which seems chiefly pointed at Gibraltar, will subside, and that his Majesty will not suffer our enemies to gain their ends by persuading him to distress Gibraltar, with the view that it may one day fall into their hands, after which they will no longer court his Majesty's friendship, nor want his assistance. But this is a vain and idle surmise; for not all the Powers in the Mediterranean combined will be able to wrest it from the King his master, while His Majesty's fleets command the sea. Intimates also that the latter has other friends, who daily supply the garrison, which now feels as little want as when his Imperial Majesty's ports were open.
The Commodore tells Mr. Sumbel, in confidence, that the 25 per cent. duty on cattle, &c., exported to Gibraltar, will never be submitted to, though at the same time His Majesty would be sorry to break with so old an ally as the Emperor; and also the secret that, if driven to the necessity, he would get whatever cattle he pleased out of the Emperor's country without paying any duty at all. But this he will never attempt until compelled to do so. 15 ½ pp.
14 Nov.
Isle of Man, v. 1, No. 65.
1031. Mr. John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to [Lord Rochford].
Acknowledging his Lordship's letter of 21st ult., signifying his being appointed H.M.'s Principal Secretary of State for the Northern Department, &c.—Isle Man. "No. 1."
17 Nov.
Ireland Correspnce., 1761–70, p. 181.
1032. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Acquainting him with His Majesty's commands in regard to the 9th and 34th Regiments.
19 Nov.
Ireland, v. 434, Nos. 92, 93.
1033. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Acknowledging his letters of the 10th inst., as to changes in the command of the 4th and 5th Regiments, and announcing the birth of a Princess.—Dublin Castle. Separate letters. 2 pp.
21 Nov.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 80, No. 55.
1034. Petition of the Dean and Chapter of Bangor for leave to elect a Bishop.
24 Nov.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, pp. 169–76.
1035. Lord Weymouth to the Lords of the Treasury.
Sends a copy of a letter from Prince Masserano, the Spanish Ambassador, and also one to General Conway, dated 28th Nov. 1765, referred to therein, as containing more fully the advantages which, he says, would result to the King's subjects, and to those of the King his master, as well as to the public revenues of the respective kingdoms, if wines the growth of the Canary Islands were permitted to be imported immediately into the British colonies in America without obliging them to be first landed in England, in the same manner as wines from Madeira and the Azores. As this is a matter in which the revenue is concerned, and as he does not find from the books in his office that anything has ever been done upon it, desires their Lordships to take it into their consideration.
The enclosures are entered. (French.)
24 Nov.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, pp. 176–181.
1036. The Same to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the East India Company.
On the subject of those papers which they put into his hands relative to the very unjustifiable behaviour of the Dutch towards the Company's servants in India, and to the taking possession of the Island of Balambamgan.
As to the first, His Majesty gave directions to have it immediately represented to the Dutch Ministers through his Ambassador at the Hague. Sends a copy of the memorial which his Excellency laid before the States General on that occasion.
As to the taking possession of the Island of Balambamgan, His Majesty highly approved the Company's attention to the extension of their trade, and expressed his readiness to promote every commercial object which shall appear advantageous to their interests by a continuation of his protection. As the plan is not sufficiently open for H.M.'s servants to form a just judgment on its utility, so His Majesty trusts entirely to the Company's knowledge of their own affairs for what it may produce in a commercial view. But, considering it in a political light, His Majesty is extremely surprised to find the East India Company desire his protection to a measure upon which he has never been consulted, and to hear, for the first time, that they have ordered their servants to take possession of an Island without the least information of any other right upon which that measure is founded, except that of utility, nor any account by which His Majesty might judge whether it can interfere with the subsisting treaties with other States, or give umbrage to those Powers with which he is upon terms of amity. If, therefore, they are apprehensive that any objections may be made by any European Power to this measure, or that it can be considered as an infringement of the rights of any Power in India, it will be highly proper for them to transmit without delay the orders they have given upon this occasion, with such descriptions of the Island, and such informations relative to it, as induced them to take possession of it, with the dates of all papers, &c., in order that His Majesty may judge whether it will be proper for him to grant the Company his protection and support on this occasion.
"The memorial presented by Sir Joseph Yorke relative to Captain Netherton's affair on the coast of Java."
24 Nov.
Ireland Correspnce., 1761–70, p. 181.
1037. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
His Majesty's commands are that the 13th and 39th Regiments each be allowed to recruit with 50 Irish Protestants.—St. James's.
25 Nov.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p.43.
1038. The Same to the Lords of the Admiralty.
Encloses a copy of a letter from Mr. Walpole, charged with H.M.'s affairs at Paris, dated 12th of last month, by which, and the papers therein referred to, their Lordships will see there is great reason to suspect that the ship "Revolution," whose captain and crew have been imprisoned by the Admiralty officers of Granville, was wilfully sunk in order to defraud the insurers. An advertisement inserted in the "Gazette" of 18th Oct. not having produced anything, and the captain and crew still remaining in prison, desiring their Lordships to take any necessary steps for the discovery of the truth of the matter.
25 Nov.
Ireland, v. 434, No. 95.
1039. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Acknowledging letter of the 17th inst. relative to the 9th and 34th Regiments,&c.—Dublin Castle. 1½ pp.
26 Nov.
Isle of Man, v. 1, No. 66.
1040. Mr. John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to Lord [Rochford].
Upon the 24th had the honour of his Lordship's letter of the 11th inst., giving the agreeable account of the Queen's being happily brought to bed of a Princess.—Isle Man. 1 p.
28 Nov.
Admiralty, v. 156, No. 45a, b, c.
1041. Commodore R. Spry to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Alludes to his letter of the 12th inst., enclosing those he wrote to the Emperor of Morocco and his principal minister, since disgraced. ["Not yet received"—marginal note.] The day before yesterday the messenger arrived from Morocco with the enclosed letter from the Emperor (wherewith he sends an English translation done here). As General Cornwallis and he are of opinion that it is not in their power to comply with his Imperial Majesty's extraordinary demands, hopes to receive orders for his future proceedings. As for cattle, has not the least doubt he could procure whatever might be wanted from the Emperor's rebellious subjects on the coast of Reef, which lies between Tetuan and Cape Tres Forcas, should such a step be thought necessary. Waiting further orders, will put to sea to protect our trade and watch the motions of the Emperor's cruisers, should he send any to sea, though apparently he has not the least intention of committing hostilities. Will also go off Faro, and attempt to get a temporary supply of fresh provisions from the Portuguese, returning to Gibraltar by the time an answer to this letter may be expected.
Congratulates his Lordship on his removal to the Southern Department.—Gibraltar Bay.
The Emperor's letter in Arabic, and the translation. He says:—I think nothing of the additional duties laid on provisions, and could excuse them without regret, but that the motive for my persisting therein is because the fault proceeds from you; for if the Christian Marajan had not been guilty of contraband there would be no cause for discord between the two nations.* * * Had you sent a great man of your nation, endowed with good sense, to treat with me on the subject, I should in all probability have been satisfied. * * * You are not to flatter yourselves that by writing letters upon letters you will reduce me to more favourable terms than what I have proposed, for letters alone are only toys for children. Men of sense would have sent a great man to my presence on the occasion, with whom I might have canvassed the matter, and settled it to mutual satisfaction. This still may be done if you judge it proper. * * * If your Consul was good for anything, he might have taken upon himself to settle the matter in the bud, before it blew to such great length; but, poor simple man that he is, he's fit for nothing but to amass the salary that he receives from the King, to serve his own family purposes, without regard to his master's service. I must tell you that you have been the first promoters of the grievance in question, for you were piqued at my demand of the nine thousand mexicos, and in consequence thereof you hastily sent one of your frigates to the ports of Tetuan, Tangier, and Larache, with orders to the trading vessels not to load any goods if the additional duties were laid on them; and further, that if any vessels were already loaded with goods that had paid the additional duties, they were to unload them, and come away empty. Men of sense would not have acted thus rashly; for had you not been too precipitate in sending those orders to the trading vessels, I might possibly have countermanded my order respecting the additional duty. I deny that I gave orders against the ships of war taking their stock of provisions duty free, * * * it was you that would not allow them to take provisions from my ports, though exempted from all kinds of duties.
The account of my having stopped the communication with your garrison is now spread all over Europe; wherefore, were I to send for your vessels and suffer them to load agreeable to the former rule or standard, what would the world think ? Why, all Kings would say that I could not live without you; that the want of those duties I was used to receive for the provisions and goods taken away by your vessels lessened my revenues; and that I had no princely honour in me, but that I would sacrifice my honour and dignity for the lucre of a little money. This circumstance would highly offend me; don't you think it would ? I have now to propose three things for accommodating the differences: that you give your note for payment of the nine thousand mexicos; that you conform to the additional duties; or deliver up the Christian Marajan who committed the contraband. You have your choice of either of the above articles, * * * * What I have said are the words of a high and powerful Prince who is not to be trifled. with. 10 pp. and a large sheet.
28 Nov.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 181.
1042. Lord Weymouth to Peter Michell, Esq., Secretary to the East India Company.
Transmitting an extract of a letter of the 17th October, from Mr. Murray, H.M.'s Ambassador at Constantinople, with a copy of the Italian translation of a letter from the "Bacha" of Babylon to the Porte, referred to in the above extract, to be laid before the Directors for proper steps to be taken thereupon. This letter from the Bacha is to the same purport with that of the "Sheriff" of Mecca, which Mr. Murray transmitted last year; but as it is of a later date Mr. Murray says the same reasons and promises which the Company gave on that occasion will not content the Porte, and that an answer is now necessary. Their letter of the 17th inst., in answer to the demands of a supposed Sheik of a convent of Dervises near Madras, has been sent to Mr. Murray.
30 Nov.
Ireland, v. 434, No. 96.
1043. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Relative to the appointments and discipline of H.M.'s forces in Ireland, &c.—Dublin Castle. 2 pp.