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1 March.
Admiratly, v. 163, Nov. 24 and 25 a, b, c. |
558. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
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Two letters of this date:— |
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(1.) Relative to the two subjects of France impressed. Their
Lordships have given orders for their immediate discharge. 1p. |
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(2.) Conclude, after the orders for the restitution of Port Egmont,
that it will be unnecessary to continue in sea pay for the remainder
of the year the number of H.M.'s ships now in commission. The
number of men annually voted by Parliament for the sea service,
upon the plan of a peace establishment, since 1763, is not sufficient
to man such a number of ships as they think ought to be employed
upon distant services, leaving at the same time such a number of
men in the guard-ships at home as will enable them to proceed to
sea with the required expedition. Have prepared, therefore, and
herewith transmit, an abstract of H.M.'s ships at this time in commission, and an abstract or plan showing their opinion what
number of ships should be established in time of peace, with their
disposition. Ask for His Majesty's pleasure thereupon. This plan
is formed only for time of perfect peace, upon a supposition that
25,000 men shall be voted by Parliament for sea service. Have
not made any reserve therein for marines to guard the dockyards,
which may be as effectually secured by watchmen and warders
chosen from the workmen of the yards, as hath till with in the last
few years been the practice. Nor have they included any cutters
in this plan, it being found that the Revenue hath not received
any advantage by employing them, proportionable to the expense
of maintaining them. Propose, therefore, to pay off the greater
part, if not all, of them. |
|
The abstract of ships in commission and plan enclosed. They
are wrongly endorsed as "In the Lords of the Admiralty, 6 Mch.
1771." 10½ pp. |
1 March.
Channel Islands Entry Bk., 1761–98, p. 33. |
559. Earl of Rochford to Col. Bentinck. |
|
As to the enclosed petition of Nicholas Fiott. His Majesty has
expressed his inclination, as far as regards his Royal person, to
extend his clemency to the petitioner. Asks him, however, to lay
the petition before the Royal Court of Jersey for their opinion. |
1 March.
Dom. Entry Bk., vol. 24, p. 258. |
560. Edward Sedgwick to Mr. Adam Wiggan and Co., Carron
Wharf, near St. Paul's Wharf. |
|
Enclosing an extract of a letter from H.M.'s Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Denmark, stating that great part of the
cannon which that Government had purchased from the Carron
Company had burst on trial at the first firing.—Whitehall. |
1 March.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 38. |
561. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Relative to the resignation by Sir Robt. Rich, Bart., of the staff
as Major-General on the establishment of Ireland.—St. James's. |
1 March.
Isle of Man, v. 1, 1761–74, No. 86. |
562. —to Governor Wood. |
|
In answer to his letter of the 4th past, with the memorial of the
Keys of Man, states that he has sent copies to the Lords of the
Treasury, with copies of former letters and papers on the same
subject. Will not fail to give the earliest information of any
resolution that may be formed upon them.—Whitehall. A draft,
1¼ pp. |
18 Jan. to 2 March.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 8 a to f. |
563. Copies and extracts of letters from Messrs. Clark and Hayes,
at Cork, to Marquis D'Yranda, at Madrid, (one to Mr. L. Teissier,)
relative to beef and pork shipped from Cork for Spain. They are
probably copies of letters intercepted at the Post Office. See
Mr. Anth. Todd's letter to Mr. Porten, of 15 Jan. 1771 (No. 478.)—French and English, 13 pp. or parts of pp. |
2 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 53 a, b. |
564. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to "My
Dear Lord." |
|
The House of Commons being this moment up, and as reports
from Dublin, if they precede the accounts of Government, may for
a time have the same influence on the English side which those of
London have here to the detriment of H.M.'s Government, encloses
the proceedings of the Commons this day until he can send a more
circumstantial detail. The riots, which he looks upon as the
expiring efforts of a party, are subsided; and the tedious delays
and chicanery which have hitherto prevented their going upon the
business of the country seem to have tired even the Opposition, so
that he hopes they will soon proceed to business. Hears that the
address to His Majesty would have [been carried] nem. con. but
for the absurdity of one of the D. Leinster's friends; and Mr. Ponsonby seems at last to be sinking into his chair, after having
sacrificed his friends, who have depended so much upon his boast
of his numbers and the lenity of H.M.'s Government, when they
have found so long a time to consider the situation.—Dublin Castle.
A holograph. Marked "Private." Endorsed "R. 12th." |
|
The proceedings of the House of Commons on 2 March enclosed,
conatining an account of the amendments to the address, and the
numbers on the divisions. 3½: pp. |
3 March.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 2.
Entered in Dom. Geo. III., v. 11,p. 9. |
565. Affairs of Mr. Gill. |
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Arth. Holdsworth to Governor Byron. |
|
"When I had the honour of seeing you in December last at the
" Admiralty with Lord Howe, you seemed to express a desire
of befriending Mr. Gill and his son, of St. John's. I have therefore obtained a petition from the merchts. of Dartmo. and
Teignmo. in Mr. Gill's behalf, addressed to you, Sir, which, I
flatter myself, will meet a favourable reception from you, and
that your endeavours in his favour will be crowned with success.
I have requested Lord Howe to afford the poor man his assistance, which I doubt not of his Lordship cheerfully granting if
you shall think it necessary to ask the favour of his Lordship."—Dartmouth, 3 March. 2 pp. |
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 3.
Entered in Dom. Geo. III. v. 11, p. 11. |
A letter from Governor Byron to "My Lord," dated in Welbeck
Street, May 14th, 1771, and endorsed "Private," apparently written
in consequence of the preceding letter. Michael Gill, a man between
seventy and fourscore, yet enjoying the use of his faculties to
admiration, had resided at St. John's [in America] between 30 and
40 years,.—some part of the time as Judge of the Vice-Admiralty
Court, which he held by patent, most of it as a Justice of the
Peace, and the whole as a Judge in the Commission of Oyer and
Terminer. He was, in short, the Chief Justice and Chief Magistrate in the Island, and was indefatigable in the discharge of his
offices. Mr. Byron had found him to be a man of abilities and
integrity. He had a large family; but no salary nor allowance,
from Government or otherwise. The intention of Mr. Byron's
letter was to entreat his Lordship to use his influence to get some
annual allowance or stipend settled on Mr. Gill. 2 large pp. |
|
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 4. |
Following this letter is a memorial from the merchants and
adventurers in the Newfoundland fishery, in behalf of Mr. Gill and
his son, addressed to "The Honble. John Byron, Esq., Governor
and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland, &c." They ask his Excellency to confer on Mr. Gill's son
the post of naval officer. The memorial has numerous signatures.
1 large p. |
|
Ibid., No. 5. |
There is also a memorial from Mr. Gill to Mr. Byron, dated at
St. John's, Newfoundland, 19 Nov. 1770, setting forth his services, and praying an allowance, or the post of naval officer for
his son. 1 p. |
4 March.
Ireland,v. 439, No. 54 a, b, c. |
566. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Transmits the humble address of the House of Lords to the
King, which they attended his Excellency with this day; also a
copy of their Lordships' address to himself, and of his answer.—Dublin Castle. |
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The enclosures. |
|
Received 15th, "by Mr. Lee, at midnight." 1 p. and 4 larger pp. |
4 March.
Letter Bk. (Secretary's), 1771–75, p. 3. |
567. A Todd to J.P. |
|
A packet-boat is in readiness at Falmouth to sail from hence on
the 6th inst., and it is hoped she will be suffered to depart, as
there is another boat in harbour for the next month's mail, &c.
Is sorry to say there is no boat on this side, either for Carolina
or the West Indies.—General Post Office. |
5 March.
Admiralty, v. 163.
No. 26 a, b. |
568. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Send a copy of a letter from the Commanding Officer of the
"Tweed," in reply to the order from Rear Admiral Buckle, Commander-in-chief of H.M.'s ships at Portsmouth, for the discharge
of Le Beau, one of the French subjects mentioned in his (Lord
Rochford's) letter of the 28th past, stating that the man is under
confinement for having dangerously wounded one of the boatswain's mates as he lay asleep in his hammock, and that the order
has not been complied with until it is seen whether the wounded
man dies or not. |
|
The enclosure. 2½ pp. |
5 March.
Ordn. Entry Bk. 1761–75, p. 225. |
569. Earl of Rochford to the Board of Ordnance. |
|
Directing them to report on the enclosed extract from the Lieut.Governor of Gibraltar, proposing the purchasing and demolishing
certain houses built on the line wall, for completing the fortifications of that place, and likewise the building a general hospital
for the use of the garrison.—St. James's. |
6 March.
Admiralty, v. 163. No. 27 a to e. |
570. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Send a copy of a letter from Capt. Proby, Commander of H.M.'s
ships in the Mediterranean, and of its enclosures; viz., a letter
from Mr. Consul Fraser at Algier, relative to certain gratuities
usually paid to the Turks by the captains of H.M.'s ships who
come to take in provisions at that port, and which had been
refused by Capt. Braithwaite, of the "Liverpoole," whereby great
discontents had arisen, and been carried so high as to occasion
complaints to the Government; and Capt. Proby's answer thereto;
as also some intelligence he had received from Cadiz. As it hath
not been usual for captains of H.M.'s ships to pay expenses of this
kind, their Lordships suggest that the Consuls at the several ports
of Barbary should defray them. |
|
The enclosures.—The intelligence from Cadiz relates to the naval
force in the port, &c. 10 pp. or parts of pp. |
| 6 March. |
571. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Two despatches of this date, with enclosures. |
|
Ireland, v. 439, No. 55 a to d. |
(1.) Marked "Secret and confidential":— |
|
Mr. Lees, his private secretary, will deliver this letter; and as he
has been present at the debates in the House of Commons every
day since the Session began, and has been employed in his Excellency's confidential transactions, his Lordship is referred to him
for a more minute account of particulars. He, the Lord Lieutenant,
used the utmost care and attention that there might not be one
single word in his speech which could show that His Majesty bore
any resentment to the House of Commons on account of the vote
of the last Session, or which could have the smallest tendency to
revive the subject of originating money bills, or in the least be
construed to find fault with their conduct, or to call on them to
justify themselves. This he did that Parliament might see His
Majesty's moderation and goodness, and his earnest desire to meet
them upon the footing of concord and friendship. And the
language which his Excellency held to every individual was, that
all resolutions proposed and all attempts made to disturb the quiet
of the Session by reviving the old subject, should be opposed with
all the strength of Government, as he apprehended that if the
House of Commons should enter into a justification of themselves,
His Majesty might think himself under necessity of justifying
himself also, which would introduce an altercation that could be
productive of no real advantage to the kingdom, and might end
very disagreeably. Upon this excellent ground Government fought,
and succeeded on every division. The addresses to the King and
to his Excellency were, undoubtedly, combated in certain respects,
and by that means Opposition has delayed them beyond the usual
time. It was impossible to prevent troublesome motions from
being made under the name and colour of privilege; but they were
prevented from taking effect by great majorities, so that there was
the best prospect of bringing everything to the wished-for conclusion. In this situation, on Saturday last, Mr. Pery proposed an
amendment to the address to the King, which H.M.'s servants in
the House of Commons immediately agreed to without any opposition. The enclosed copy of the minutes of that day will show in
what the amendment (marked with his pen) consists, from which
his Lordship will judge whether it be not an artful justification of
what the House voted last Session, and a fresh, though indirect,
assertion of their right to originate money bills; and whether it be
not a precedent, to be quoted in any new Parliament hereafter, to
show that the House of Commons never meant to give up that
right. The servants of the Crown, who permitted it to pass so
quietly, contend that it is a submission on the part of the House
of Commons, and an acknowledgment of their having committed
an error, or at least that it may fairly be construed as an apology.
He (the Lord Lieutenant), however, cannot but wish it had been
kept out of the address. His Majesty must, as usual, return an
answer. If no notice should be taken therein of their tenaciousness,
may it not be inferred that he has given up the point? Submits,
therefore, whether it will not be advisable for His Majesty to treat
it as an apology in his answer. The enclosed draft will show what
his Excellency means. The Lord Chancellor, to whom alone he
has communicated it, concurs with him in opinion that he ought
to mention it for consideration whether it may not be proper for
His Majesty, in order to prevent any conclusion or inference to
the prejudice of the rights of the Crown from the wording of
this amendment, in case a general answer only is given, to give
some answer showing how he construes or understands it, but so
framed as to avoid, if possible, altercation. The servants of the
Crown, who suffered this amendment to pass without opposition,
are unanimous in calling it an apology and submission, and wonder
that he should hesitate a moment in thinking as they do. Perhaps,
after all, this is the most advisable way of getting rid of it; and
the gentlemen before mentioned must support their own ideas if
His Majesty shall take the affair in the same light that they do.
Finds from their discourse that they wish His Majesty to return
a general answer, without taking any notice of the amendment.
It is to be considered that H.M.'s answer, whatever it may be,
will, according to the usual forms, be followed by an address of
thanks, which leaves the last word with them. Will be so cautious
not to commit himself upon the subject, that though, when an
address to His Majesty has been presented to the Lord Lieutenant
in order to be transmitted to England, it has always been usual
for the Lord Lieutenant, upon receiving it, to say that he will forthwith transmit this dutiful and loyal address, he will only say that
he will take the first opportunity that this address shall be transmitted to be laid before the King, without giving it the usual appellations. Whether this amendment has merit or demerit, neither
belongs to him. It was not communicated to him; he knew
nothing of it till he was informed it had passed. Hears it was
scarcely the business of a minute; but must own that, considering
the majority Government was possessed of, and how much he had
laboured to prevent the most distant revival of the affair, it
astonished him to find it met with no opposition. Yesterday, the
day for the Speaker and the House to attend his Excellency in the
usual form with their addresses to His Majesty and himself, was
informed, about an hour before the meeting of the House, that the
Speaker had determined to resign the chair, because, as he considered any address to his Excellency, after what had passed, as a
giving up of the privileges of that House, he did not think he
could, consistently with his character, attend his Excellency with
it. The enclosed copy of the minutes of yesterday will show that
the information was true. The parting blow to his Excellency in
the Speaker's letter does not give him a moment's concern. His
reason for resigning is too shallow and flimsy to make any impression, even on the minds of his own following or of the public; but
perhaps he thought it less disgraceful to allege anything rather
than the truth, which is, that Government had fairly driven him
out of the field, and that he anticipated by a voluntary resignation
what his inability in his station and the complaints of his friends
would in a short time have made an act of necessity.—Dublin
Castle. |
|
The three enclosures mentioned.—The first is an account of the
proceedings of the House upon the report of the addresses to the
King and the Lord Lieutenant, the amendments proposed thereto,
and the numbers on the divisions. The amendment to which
exception is taken by the Lord Lieutenant in his letter was added
at the end of the fifth paragraph, and is as follows:—"And we beg
" leave to assure Your Majesty that as nothing can give us greater
satisfaction than Your Majesty's approbation of our conduct, so
nothing can affect us more sensibly than any mark of your Royal
displeasure, and that we are incapable, even in thought, of attempting anything against Your Majesty's authority or the rights of the
Crown of Great Britain, from whence, we own with the utmost
gratitude, we derive our principal protection and support. |
|
" We acknowledge with the most perfect submission that we are
ever tenacious of the honour of granting supplies to Your Majesty,
and of being the first movers therein, as they are the voluntary
tribute of grateful hearts to the best of monarchs; and we most
humbly beseech Your Majesty will not permit our zeal in this
particular to be construed into an invasion of Your Majesty's
royal authority, than which nothing can be more distant from
our thoughts; and we beg leave to assure Your Majesty that Your
Majesty's rights are equally dear to us as our own, as we are
sensible that our happiness depends upon the preservation of
both inviolate." |
|
Mr. Ponsonby's letter of resignation in the second enclosure is as
follows:— |
|
" Gentlemen, when I had the honour of being unanimously
elected to the chair of the House of Commons, I entered on that
high office full of the warmest sentiments of loyalty to His Majesty,
and firm determination to dedicate my whole endeavours to preserve and transmit to my successor inviolably the rights and
privileges of the Commons of Ireland. |
|
" But on the last day of the last Session of Parliament, his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant was pleased to accuse the Commons of
" a great crime, which, I am confident, was far from their intentions,
as it ever was and ever shall be far from mine,—that of entrenching
upon His Majesty's royal power and authority and the just and undoubted rights of the Crown of Great Britain; and as it has pleased
the House of Commons to take the first opportunity after this
transaction of testifying their approbation of his Excellency by
voting him an address of thanks this Session, and as the delivery
of such approbation to his Excellency is incidental to the office of
Speaker, I beg leave to inform you that as such thanks seem to
me to convey a censure on the proceedings and a relinquishment
of the privileges of the Commons, my respect to them must prevent
my being the instrument of delivering such address; and therefore
I request you may elect another Speaker, who may not think such
conduct inconsistent with his honour." 18 pp. |
|
Ireland, v. 439, No. 56 a, b. |
(2.) Marked" Private and confidential." |
|
In reply to the private and confidential letter of the 18th past,
relative to the plan for adding a tenth company to each regiment
in the Irish army. Encloses a copy of the estimate which he
directed to be prepared, stating the numbers of the infantry upon
the Irish establishment, and the numbers which will stand upon it
according to the new plan, and specifying as well the additional
charge which will be created by it upon the establishment, as the
immediate saving of half pay, &c. Points out the several totals
of savings and increased expenditure respectively by the new
plan. On the whole, the annual additional expense is calculated
to amount to 3,467l. 10s. 0d. As to the communication of this
measure to Parliament, must say that, upon the settlement of the
present establishment of the army in Ireland, greater objection was
made to the mode than to the number; and that in the debates of
Parliament it was very strongly urged that although the number
fixed upon might be proper, if not necessary, it might be formed
upon a plan of better economy, by reducing some of the regiments
to save the heavy charge of officers, and by augmenting the
remainder with private men. And this opinion seemed to be so
general, although the whole plan was adopted, that he would be
very apprehensive the present scheme would not be approved of,
though it might not be rejected. However, as the whole additional
expense appears to be very inconsiderable, if His Majesty judges
it necessary that the plan be carried into execution, his Excellency
would rather consider it as a measure not of sufficient consequence
in point of expense to be communicated to Parliament, but to be
effected by H.M.'s letter during the interval of Parliament. This
plan renders unnecessary a particular answer to his Lordship's
letter of the 8th past, relative to the succession of seconded officers
to vacant commissions. It was his full intention, before receiving
this letter, to have recommended those officers as vacancies should
occur, unless some extraordinary case should prevent it. —Dublin
Castle. |
|
The estimate enclosed. 8 pp. |
|
Both despatches received" the 15th, at midnight, by Mr. Lee." |
8 March.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 28. |
572. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Relative to the frigate selected to carry a dispatch to H.M.'s
Consul at Cadiz. 1 p. |
8 March.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 9. |
573. —— to Earl Harcourt and Mr. Harris. |
|
Relative to the question of disarmament which, since the Spanish
Ambassador has delivered the duplicates of His Catholic Majesty's
orders for the restitution of Port Egmont, it is natural all the
powers which had taken the alarm should now prepare for. Gives
an account of a conversation had with the French and Spanish
Ambassadors on this subject, when he (the Earl) proposed that the
1st to the 10th of April next should be fixed for it. Directs them
to repeat the same to the ministers they confer with, and to inform
not only the ministry, but other persons of weight and consequence
in France [and Spain], of His Majesty's pacific disposition. In
case the proposals should be adopted, recommends to them to
desire a communication of the orders whenever they are issued,
and at the same time to endeavour to procure all the intelligence
possible concerning their execution. |
|
The Spanish and French Ambassadors expressed some surprise
on learning that the number of the peace establishment of Great
Britain would be 25,000 men, and took notice of the English fleets
going to the East and West Indies. It was replied that they had
set the example; that France was daily sending out regiments to
the Mauritius and to their West Indian Islands; that Spain was
doing the same to her settlements in America; and that, independent of every suspicion of their having any ill designs, it would
never be prudent for us to let our navy be so low in time of peace
as it had been. They (Earl Harcourt and Mr. Murray) are to
adapt their language accordingly.—St. James's. A draft. 5½ pp. |
8 March.
Criml. papers, v. 14, 1770–75, p. 36. |
574. Edward Sedgwick to Edward Clerke, Esq., Deputy
Sheriff for the co. of Oxford. |
|
In answer to his letter of the 5th inst. Assures him that no
mistake has been made in the office with respect to the name of
the convict in Oxford gaol who was ordered to be detained from
transportation till further order. The enclosed papers will show
that Lee Elkengton is the name, and apparently the only name, of
the convict whom Mr. Justice Naires, as recorder of Oxford, tried
there, and recommended to mercy on account of his youth. As it
is of consequence that the identity of the person should be clearly
ascertained, desires him immediately to take the proper measures
for that purpose.—Whitehall. |
| 8 March. |
575. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Two letters of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v.439, Nos. 48 & 49. |
(1.) Signifying His Majesty's approbation of the speech at the
opening of Parliament, &c. |
|
(2.) Giving H.M.'s permission for the election of the Duke of
Gloucester to be Chancellor of the University of Dublin, &c.—St. James's. Drafts. 2 pp. |
| 8 March. |
576. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Two letters of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 439, Nos. 58 and 59 a, b, c. |
(1.) Recommending the newly elected Speaker of the House of
Commons of Ireland to be appointed of H.M.'s Privy Council in
Ireland. |
|
(2.) The House of Commons having this day attended him with
their address to the King, transmits the same, with his Excellency's
answer; also a copy of their address to himself, and his answer.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures. |
|
Both received 19th March. 7 pp. |
8 March.
Ordnance, v. 6, No. 15. |
577. Lieutenant-General and Principal Officers of the
Ordnance to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
In answer to letter of the 5th inst. as to the new establishement
of the marching regiments of Foot. Also enclosing warrant of
4th Jan. last to be cancelled.—Office of Ordnance. 1p. |
9 March.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 31. |
578. Commodore Proby to the Same. |
|
Acknowledging the receipt of letter of 29 Jan., enclosing the
London Gazetteof that day, and announcing the appointment of
Lord Grantham to be H.M.'s Ambassador to His Catholic Majesty.—"Pembroke," in Gibraltar Bay. 1½ pp. |
| 11 March. |
579. Earl of Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, pp. 82, 83. |
Two letters of this date;— |
|
(1.) To inform them of the resignation by the King's Attorney
General of his place of Auditor of Greenwich Hospital. |
|
(2.) As to the sailing of the frigate "Tweed" with despatches
for the Consul at Cadiz. |
11 March.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 84. |
580. Stainer Porten to Mr. Stephens. |
|
Enclosing warrants of pardon granted to the convicts on condition of serving in the navy. The applications for the same were
received during the late pressing occasion of manning the navy,
though the reports of their trials could not be obtained so as to
have their pardons made out sooner.—St. James's. |
11 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 57. |
581. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Mr. Lees, his private secretary, being blown back again, his
Excellency is under no small concern at the suspense His Majesty
and his servants may be in with regard to the state of things in
Ireland. Nothing extraordinary has happened since he wrote last,
except the vote of the Commons to thank Mr. Ponsonby for his
services in the chair, notwithstanding his most ill-judged and
unfortunate letter. The candour and moderation of the friends of
Government in the House has been applauded by everybody; and
it proves to all mankind that the steps taken have proceeded
necessarily from his conduct, and not from any personal animosity.
The victory in favour of Mr. Pery for the Chair (whose abilities
were so superior to any other candidate) has given great satisfaction, and marks the strength of Government, especially as his
Excellency could not take any steps in his favour before prevailing
on Lord Tyrone to relinquish his views and numbers for Mr. Beresford. The envy which would have followed a young man so
likely soon to be at the head of the Revenue, holding the Chair at
the same time, the effect it would have had on the first families
and friends to Government, and the revival of an idea that English
Government would again fall into the hands of contractors, were
so strong that his Excellency was obliged to urge this in the
strongest manner to Lord Tyrone, and to request him to withdraw
his brother, though a very respectable man. He did so, and
supported Mr. Pery in the handsomest manner; for which reason
must most carnestly recommend it to His Majesty to bestow
some mark of his favour on Mr. Beresford, which will make Lord
Tyrone extremely happy, and be of great use to H.M.'s affairs
next Session. It is the idea of these two great offices, the
Revenue and the Chair, being incompatible, to which Lord Tyrone
submitted; and as he has by this means given Government a most
able and grateful man (from his own declarations to Government)
in the Chair, his Excellency really thinks his Lordship's merit
deserves some mark. Will leave to private letters and other pens
to estimate the value of these events, and will hope that in case
the amendment to the address, which Mr. Ponsonby makes the
great cause of his resignation, should appear to H.M.'s servants,
and in his wisdom, such as will, consistently with a due regard to
his rights, admit of an answer which will close this matter, then
this short Session will appear to have been equally honourable and
useful to English government. |
|
"As the wind is shifting, I write this in so great a hurry, I
have not time to look it over."—Dublin Castle. A holograph.
Marked "Private." |
|
Received 15th, at midnight, by Mr. Lee. 4 pp. |
11 March.
Militia, pel. 3, Nos. 28, 29. |
582. Militia; Deputy Lieutenants, &c. |
|
Certificate from the Deputy Clerk of the Peace of the qualifications of Deputy Lieutenants in the Militia of the county of
Northumberland, &c. 1 large memb. |
|
Also certificate of the qualifications of the several Commissioned
Officers in the same Militia. 1 large memb. |
11 March.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 3. |
583. G. Charles to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
His Lordship having, in reply to a letter presented to him on
17 November last, signed by the principal heritors of the parish
of Fordoun in Kincardenshire, and on his rule of granting the
preference in such cases to the principal heritors, promised his
favour towards them in the nomination of a successor to the
present minister, who is in a very decaying state of health, his
Lordship is now entreated to recommend the present case in point
to the Earl of Halifax.—Leicester Square. 1 p. |
12 March.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 286. |
584. Earl of Rochford to the Lord President. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter just received from the Earl of
Holdernesse, with the extract from a letter to his Lordship from the
Mayor of Dover, upon the alarm of some large orders from France
and Flanders for cattle of various species.—St. James's. |
12 March.
Letter Bk. (Secretaries), 1771–75, p. 1. |
585. Anthony Todd to John Pownall, Esq. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from the Governor of Georgia to
the Deputy Postmaster General of Carolina, for the Earl of Hillsborough's information, as it appears extraordinary to this Board
that the Governor of a province should be so indifferent to the
correspondence of his people as to desire no more mails might be
sent, even to the capital, until a postmaster should be appointed.—General Post Office. |
|
The letter entered, from James Wright to Peter de Lancey, Esq.,
dated Savannah, in Georgia, 1 Dec. 1770. |
|
The Governor appears to have had difficulty in getting any one
to take charge of the mails, and says that, after enquiry, he did not
believe there was a man in the place fit to be entrusted that would
act unless some salary were allowed. He indicates one Hugh
Ross, the clerk of their market, bearing a very good character,
who would act with a small salary, or would try it for six months,
but not otherwise. He closes his letter with the request referred
to in Mr. Todd's letter. |
13 March.
Odnance, v. 6, No. 16. |
586. Mr. Boddington to Mr. Sutton. |
|
Sends a draft of a warrant for reducing the Royal Regiment of
Artillery.—Office of Ordnance. 1 p. |
15 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 61. |
587. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Acknowledging letter of 8th inst. with H.M.'s permission for
election of H.R.H. Duke of Gloucester to be Chancellor of the
University of Dublin.—Dublin Castle. 1 p. |
16 March.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 29. |
588. Philip Stephens to Stanier Porten, Esq. |
|
All Sir Robert Harland's ships are now at Spithead. The
detaining him a day from proceeding on his voyage may be the
loss of a season.—Admiralty. 1 p. |
15 & 18 Mar.
Dom. Geo.III., pcl. 84, No. 5 a, b. |
589. Earls of Rochford and Halifax to the Attorney
and Solicitor General. |
|
Asking for their opinion as to the interpretation to be put
upon a clause in H.M.'s proclamation of the 8th inst., relative to
the apprehension of John Wheble and R. Thompson.—Whitehall.
A copy, dated 15th March. 2½ pp. |
|
Copy of the report, signed "E. Thurlow. Al. Wedderburn," dated
18 March. Of opinion that this being a process used in the
matter of contempts to the House of Commons for bringing such
delinquents before that House, it will be sufficient for their Lordships (upon notice from a magistrate of their being secured) to
send an account to the Speaker, or to lay the same before His
Majesty, that he may acquaint the House of it by message. 3 pp. |
18 March.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 30. |
590. Mr. Stephens to Mr. Porten. |
|
Sends underneath, as desired, a list of the ships going out with
Sir Robert Harland, with the names of their commanders.—Admiralty. 1 p. |
18 March.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 85. |
591. Earl of Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
The King, having appointed Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Harland
to be Commander-in-chief of his ships in the East Indies, directs
them to give Sir Robert orders to correspond with and to obey
all orders from H.M.'s Principal Secretary of State for the Southern
Department. |
18 March.
Dom. Geo. III. v. 11, p. 10. |
592. La Marquise De Rigaud De Vaudreuil to Lord
[Hillsborough]. |
|
Stating that land in Canada belonging to her had been sold to
a certain M. de Lobiniere, charged with a life annuity to her
husband and herself, which annuity was all she had to live upon,
"jointes aux effects de la bontés de S. M. Britme." Of this annuity
they had not received a penny. They therefore wished to re-enter
upon the property, for which purpose they would be obliged to
re-sell it, and knock it down to themselves, but then the King
could exact the duties of lot and sale. She prays to have these
remitted, in case they should be obliged to come to this extremity.
She also asks for letters of recommendation to expedite their affairs
in Canada.—St. Germain. (French.) |
19 March.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 33. |
593.Commodore Proby to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
In answer to letter of 12 Feb. Capt. Moutray sailed for England
some days before it was received. —" Pembroke," in Gibraltar
Bay. 1 p. |
19 March.
Admiralty Entry Book, 1766–84, p. 85. |
594. Earl of Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
The Levant Company having represented the danger of their
affairs in Turkey, and requested His Majesty to grant them two
frigates for the protection of their trade, and for the purpose of
bringing off the persons and effects of the British merchants in
case of necessity, directs them to order two of H.M.'s frigates to
be prepared for that service. |
19 March.
Ordnance, v. 6, No. 17 a, b. |
595. Lieut.-General and Officers of the Ordnance to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Relative to the applications for arms and accoutrements for
militia regiments, the inspection of the arms, &c.—Office of
Ordnance. |
|
A copy of a former letter, dated 8 May 1770, on the same
subject. 4½ pp. |
20 March.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 259. |
596. Earl of Halifax to the Postmaster General. |
|
Enclosing a list of the persons in his office, that they may
enjoy the privileges allowed by Act of Parliament. |
|
The list. [Same as that under date 22 Jan., substituting only
William Fraser, Esq., for Mr. Stanhope as one of the under
secretaries.] |
20 March.
Mil. Entry Bk., v.27, 1760–81, p. 321. |
597. Mr. Porten to Mr. D'Oyly. |
|
Enclosing, as desired, Lord Barrington's letter of 28 Dec. last,
together with the list annexed. The King's warrant also, in
consequence of the letter of 28 Dec, has been returned by the
Board of Ordnance and cancelled.—St. James's. |
20 March.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 4 a, b. |
598. Riot at Dumfries. |
|
A letter signed by the provost of Dumfries and several others,
representing their "miserable situation," all the lower class of
people, as well as the trades, being against allowing meal to be
shipped from the town. They give particulars of the tumults,
&c. They were greatly surprised at the "present spirit," considering how peaceable the inhabitants of the burgh and neighbourhood had ordinarily been, so that for 50 years there had been no
mobbing, except once, to speak of. They had been at great pains
to quiet the minds of the people, and to convince them of their
errors. There was no scarcity nor dearth in the country, and
meal was selling at a price between 18 and 20 pence per stone.
They ask that application might be made to the Commander-inchief in Scotland to continue the troops there till the confusion
should be over. |
|
Enclosed is a copy of an advertisement warning "the whole
" inhabitants of Dumfries, and others who have hitherto been
" guilty of engrossing, forestalling, and transporting of corn or meal
" from this port to desist from such
" sinful practices, under the penalty of having their houses burnt
" to the ground, and punished in their person in proportion to the
office they bear; viz., if a magistrate, with mutilation, and if a
" tradesman, to have his ears cut off at the cross." It was put up,
the night before, at the entry of the King's Arms Tavern in
Dumfries. |
|
On the back of the letter is "Lord Advocate of Scotland's
" papers relative to a riot at Dumfries." 2½ pp. and a slip of
paper. |
21 March.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 84, No. 6. |
559. Oliver Macallester to Lord — |
|
Refers to his petition, left about a month ago for his Lordship's
perusal. His Lordship knows he was sent for by his Majesty or
his minister to render him and the nation service, and that it was
upon promises of receiving a reward adequate to his services that it was
voluntarily came over, and performed by his discoveries more than
was imagined or expected,—yet is he still. unrecompensed. Was
never Watson's prisoner, and cannot, by any construction of any
principle in law or equity, be looked upon in that light; nevertheless, Watson has, under that pretence, defrauded him of near half
the sum allowed him by His Majesty for his support, though he
never ate or drank at Watson's cost, but always at his own. Was
desired by Mr. Robinson to make this application. Has served
His Majesty, and hopes still to serve him and his Lordship in the
most effectual manner if a rupture with the enemies of the nation
should take place. Has this to add, which he is ashamed to
mention, but the truth must out: it is that a certain member
of the House of Commons said to him, about three years ago,
"Mr. MacAllester, Lord Halifax is more obliged to you than to any
man in England," Never enquired into his reason for saying
so. Asks his Lordship to order Watson to pay what he has thus
unjustly detained. 2 pp. |
21 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 62. |
600. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant Of
Ireland. |
|
Four despatches of this date:— |
|
1.Marked "Secret and confidential." |
|
His Excellency's packet by Mr. Lees was received the 15th
inst. late at night; and his secret and confidential letter being
referred to the consideration of those servants whom His Majesty
trusts in his most secret affairs, everybody present was struck
with the amendment to the address of the House of Commons as
conveying an artful justification of their vote of last Sessions; but
it appeared to them to be so worded as very well to admit of His
Majesty treating it as an apology. The danger of its being hereafter quoted as a precedent of the King's acquiescence in their
assertion, should His Majesty take no notice of it in his answer,
has led to the adoption of one of the modes proposed by His
Excellency with little alteration. The acquisition of so able a
Speaker of the House of Commons, and so useful a friend to
Government, as Mr. Pery is likely to prove, gave everybody here
great pleasure. Relative to Mr. Beresford, the King, in consequence of Lord Tyrone's handsome acquiescence, desires his
Excellency to point out what mark of royal favour he would wish
to be conferred on that gentleman. The candour and moderation
of the friends of Government in not opposing the vote of thanks to
the late Speaker must do them honour with the public, and form a
strong contrast to his ill-judged resolution of not being the instrument of conveying the thanks of the House to his Excellency.—St. James's. A draft. 3 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 63. |
(2.) Marked "Secret and separate." |
|
In answer to the paragraph of his Excellency's secret and confidential letter of the 28th February relative to the addition of the
10th companies to the regiments of foot in Ireland. Asks whether
he wishes to receive the King's letter for carrying this plan into
execution, so as to make use of it during the present Session. Has
given a letter to Mr. Barry, an Irish officer in the French service,
recommending him to his Excellency's protection. He is a particular friend of the French Ambassador's, who interests himself
strongly for him, and answers for his conduct. Has His Majesty's
directions, however, to recommend to his Excellency to be watchful of Mr. Barry's proceedings while in Ireland. A draft. 1½ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 64. |
(3.) Marked "Private." |
|
Has reserved himself in this private letter to say that in case
his Excellency should think that the latter words of the King's
answer to the address of the Commons (which will be received in
his Lordship's public letter of this date) might draw a question
upon the address of thanks from those who may wish to combat
them by a more direct assertion of the right of the House, another
form of answer signed by His Majesty is enclosed in this private
letter, which his Excellency may perhaps think more consistent
with the King's desire of avoiding the revival of the old subject,
and which, though more gracious towards the House of Commons,
considers the amendment as an apology for an overflowing of
zeal (on which they seem to wish to throw it), and not as a justification of their conduct; but his Excellency is entirely at liberty to
use either of them according to his judgment. He is to return
whichever he does not use. A draft. 2 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 65 a, b, c. |
(4.) The public letter referred to in the preceding, enclosing the
answers to the addresses, and copies of enclosures. 3½ pp. |
|
[The letter also entered in Ireland Entry Book, 1770–75, p. 38,
and the answers in King's Letter Book, Ireland, 1765–76, p. 235.] |
21 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 67. |
601. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Enclosing a letter from the Provost of the University of Dublin
to H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, notifying his election to be
Chancellor of the University. The Provost would set out from
hence without loss of time to attend his Royal Highness with his
diploma of election; but as the Parliament will soon meet again,
and his assistance is of very material assistance to H. M.'s service,
his Excellency requests His Royal Highness to permit him to
detain the Provost till the next recess, expected to take place early
in the month of May.—Dublin Castle. Received the 27th. 1½ pp. |
22 March.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 32. |
602. Commodore Proby to the Same. |
|
Acknowledging the receipt of his letter of 19th of Feb. and its
enclosures.—"Pembroke," in Gibraltar Bay. 1 p. |
22 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 69. |
603. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
[Same]. |
|
Several private letters lately received from London have
mentioned an Act shortly to be passed by the British Parliament
for recruiting the military forces of the East India Company, and a
plan adopted by English Government for forming a regiment for
that service, to consist of three battalions, one of which is to be
raised in Ireland. Earnestly hopes that if such a scheme be in
contemplation, he may be permitted to recommend gentlemen
from hence for commissions in the Irish battalion. In the arduous
work in which he is at present engaged, his Excellency stands in
need of every aid that can be given him for promoting the success
of that great object. Is constrained to lay himself under
"obstacles" which it is excessively difficult for him to satisfy;
must therefore seize every opportunity that affords a prospect of
fulfilling any part of his engagements. The gentlemen of Ireland
are so desirous of getting their relations and dependants into the
army, that he can very much oblige several very powerful friends
of Government by gratifying them with commissions. By this
means, too, the Irish complement will be raised with much more
ease and expedition than by any other method. His Majesty is
the best judge how far he (the Lord Lieutenant) has or has not
withstood the usual encroachments of parliamentary interests upon
the military merit of his officers from the recommendations he has
transmitted. Humbly hopes that this opportunity of forwarding
the success of H.M.'s Government in Ireland will be deemed the more
reasonable, as the officers of the tenth company are to be taken from
the seconded and half-pay list. Since Mr. Pery's election to the
chair, matters have gone on very smoothly. The House is adjourned
to April 30th. The bills sent up from both Houses to the Privy
Council are under consideration, and will be transmitted in three
or four days.—Dublin Castle. A holograph. Marked "Private."
Received 29th. 3½ pp. |
23 March.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 31. |
604. Php. Stephens to Stanier Porten, Esq. |
|
In answer to his letter of the 11th inst., inclosing H.M.'s
warrants of pardon to nine convicts under sentence of transportation in Newgate, on condition of their serving on board the
Royal Navy. The Lords of the Admiralty will order them to
be taken from prison, and disposed of on board some of H.M.'s
ships accordingly; but they hope proper directions will be given for
washing and purifying the said men, and furnishing them with
new and wholesome clothing proper for seamen, before they are
discharged from prison. Their Lordships express their wishes
that no more convicts may be ordered on board H.M.'s ships, as such
persons may not only bring distempers and immoralities among
their companies, but may discourage men of irreproachable
characters from entering into H.M.'s service, seeing they are to be
ranked with common malefactors.—Admiralty. 1½ pp. |
23 March.
Dom.Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 262. |
605. Militia. |
|
Circular, signed either by Mr. Sedgwick or Mr. Fraser, to the
clerks of the peace for the several counties named, referring them
to the Militia Act passed in the ninth year of his present Majesty,
as it did not seem to be understood by the clerks of the peace in
general that they were under an obligation to transmit accounts
of the qualifications of deputy lieutenants and commissioned
officers in the militia left with them.—Whitehall. |
23 March.
Dom.Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 263. |
606. Wm. Fraser to —. |
|
Enclosing a copy of Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General's report
on the case of the five felons who lately escaped out of Lancaster
gaol.—Whitehall. |
23 March.
Isle of Man, v. 1, 1761–74, No. 87 a, b. |
607. John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to Lord Halifax. |
|
Relative to the office of water-bailiff of the Isle of Man, which
in the time of the Lords proprietors (who, out of economy, accumulated offices to make up a competency for a proper person to
execute the principal one) always went with that of collector, but
with a separate commission. States the course taken with regard
to this office when the Isle became vested in the Crown, and the
various circumstances that ensued, which ended in Mr. Lutwidge, the
Receiver General, being granted a constitution for the office by the
Lords of the Treasury, with a salary of eighty pounds. Points out
the confusion in the executive part of the law with respect to
serving actions and processes on shipboard, &c., created in like
manner by the former method of accumulating offices. At the
Admiralty Court in the Isle of Man the water-bailiff in his former
and civil capacity presided as judge, and determined many causes
of consequence, subject to appeal to the Governor and to His
Majesty in Council. But now that Court wears the appearance
of a Revenue office, derived from the Lords of the Treasury, though
the constitution which the Receiver General showed him, Mr. Wood,
"implies no such jurisdiction, nor any power of deputation, but
"merely for a ministerial office like that of the same denomination
"in England." The Receiver General, however, by virtue of this
constitution, without enrolling it, or taking any of the oaths
required or accustomed, thought proper, before his return to
England, not only to depute one to act as judge in the Admiralty
Court, (who, without having produced his deputation, or having
taken the usual oath, now hears and determines causes,) but also to
appoint three others to serve processes within the Admiralty
jurisdiction, contrary to his, the Governor's, instructions issued to
the proper ministerial officers for that purpose, all which deputations are given to Revenue officers. Far be it from him to
question the powers or any act of the Lords of the Treasury,
but he humbly apprehends that the office and jurisdiction of
the water-bailiff have not been sufficiently explained to them.
Cannot avoid representing the confusion and clashing of jurisdictions likely to arise from diverting the course of law with respect
to the Admiralty Court out of its known and ancient channel.
For the jurisdiction being now derived from the Board of Treasury,
and these deputations being granted by the Receiver General as
water-bailiff to Revenue officers only, teach people that this office
"is entirely Revenue," in which he, the Governor, never interferes.
Asks for directions, therefore, how to proceed in case of an appeal,
disputes, &c.; and, in case of the death or resignation of Mr. Lutwidge, who resides in England, or of his deputies here, how the
jurisdiction and aid of this court (which admits of no recess or
vacation) can be kept up and obtained for the relief of the
subject.—Isle Mann. |
|
A paper stating the "Jurisdiction of the water-bailiff of the
"Isle of Man," enclosed. |
|
Received 1 April. 5 closely written pp. |
24 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 70 a, b, c. |
608. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Transmits a copy of a letter to Sir George Macartney from the
Secretary to the Trustees of the Linen Manufacture in Ireland, in
which is enclosed a copy of a letter written by order of the
Trustees to Mr. Ellis, their agent in London, relative to the application made by the Scotch and Manchester people to the Parliament of Great Britain for an increase of premiums upon the
exportation of chequers, &c. The bounty granted last Session
of Parliament on the British chequed and striped linens operates
greatly to the disadvantage of Ireland; and if the British manufacturers should obtain the further bounties now proposed, the
exportation of the Irish low-priced linens to the Plantations would
be thereby totally prevented. Recommends, therefore, in the most
earnest manner, the request of the Linen Board, and hopes that
his Lordship, in a matter of such vast importance to the trade of
Ireland, will use his influence not only that no further bounties
may be granted on British cheques or striped linens, but that the
halfpenny already granted thereon may be taken off, unless the
Irish cheques be allowed to be imported duty-free into Britain,
and be entitled to receive the same bounty on exportation from
thence.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures. |
|
Received 6th April. 5 pp. |
25 March.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 35. |
609. Commodore Proby to the Same. |
|
Acquainting him that Capt. Moutray, of H.M.S. "Emerald,"
has put into Cadiz, contrary to orders received at Spithead,
and to those he, the Commodore, gave him, when he delivered
to him his despatches for his Lordship, &c.—"Pembroke," in
Gibraltar Bay. 1½ pp. |
26 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 66 a, b, c. |
610. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Enclosing a paper of information lately laid before him. Though
the person who gave it appears not much to be depended on,
transmits it for enquiry into this supposed general disaffection of
the Papists, to which the probability of an invasion from France
or Spain might be a natural encouragement, Gives particulars of
the man's antecedents.—St. James's. A draft. |
|
Following this letter is one from Mr. Grey Cooper at the
Treasury to Mr. Sutton, upon this matter, and a paper containing
the information referred to, signed "Luke Jones." He deposes to
the wide expectation among the Roman Catholics of Ireland as to
an expedition of French and Spaniards to land in the west of Ireland
in a bay in the co. of Kerry, whereupon they intended to join
them with 40,000 men. 5 pp. or parts of pp. |
27 March.
Channel Islands Entry Bk., 1761–98, p. 36. |
611. The Same to Col. Bentinck. |
|
Sends H.M.'s commission of Commander-in-chief in the Island
of Jersey in the absence of the Governor. His Majesty expressed
his approbation of his, the Colonel's, zeal in taking the appointment,
without any emolument, for the purpose of completely establishing
the tranquillity of that country, in which he has already made so
great a progress. |
|
The commission is also entered. |
27 March.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 289. |
612. Receipt, signed by the Earl of Rochford, for a quarter's
allowance (125l.) from the Post office to the clerks of his Office of
Secretary of State. |
| 27 March. |
613. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Three despatches (with enclosures) of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 439, No. 71 a, b. |
(1.) Enclosing a list of the sixteen bills sealed this day in
Council, and transmitted by this messenger. One private bill was
sealed at the same time, and will be transmitted as usual by the
persons concerned therein.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The list enclosed, with a note opposite each entry, whether
passed, and with what amendments. 3½ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 72 a, b, c. |
(2.) Relative to certain of the bills referred to above. The bill
"To prevent the distilling of spirits from wheat, &c," took its rise
in the House of Commons from the mention in his Excellency's
speech of the present scarcity of corn. Has not the least doubt
that the great quantity of corn consumed for some years past in
distilling a most pernicious spirituous liquor called whiskey,
universally drunk by the lower class of people, has not only
corrupted their morals, but in a great measure occasioned the
scarcity complained of. This Act is therefore proposed as a remedy,
and is copied verbatim from an Act of the sixth year of George III.
The present Lord Chief Baron Foster was counsel to the Commissioners of the Revenue when the above Act was passed; and it will
be seen by the enclosed paper, containing a copy of the case laid
before him by the Commissioners for his opinion, and his answers
to the several questions put to him, how inadequate that Act
was to the good ends for which it was intended. Encloses also a
paper from Mr. Beresford, one of the Commissioners of the Revenue,
which, at the same time that it proves his application and know
ledge in business, and how worthy he is of a seat at that Board, also
shows clearly not only that the Act will be useless in its present
shape, but that there is the greatest probability that it will occasion
a loss of 12,000l. to H.M.'s Revenue during the short time it is to
remain in force. Recommends this paper for serious perusal. It
is a very able performance, and states every part of the Act in the
fullest and most comprehensive manner that could be desired.
The bill is undoubtedly, with all its imperfections, very popular,
and would give general content and satisfaction throughout the
kingdom. Would, without any hesitation, if it were to endure
for any length of time, advise the rejection of it; but as it is to
expire so soon, and as there is a power in the Lord Lieutenant and
Council to suspend its operation as they shall think fit, His
Majesty is the best judge whether he will not at this juncture forego
the consideration of the loss to the revenue in order to gratify his
faithful subjects in Ireland in a point which they have exceedingly
at heart. At the same time, in saying this, he is not actuated by
any particular views of credit which he might gain by the passing
of the bill, nor afraid of being rendered unpopular by the rejection
of it. In answer to the enquiry how it happens that a bill of this
kind, not likely to produce any benefit to the public, and at the
same time injurious to the revenue, should have been permitted
to pass the House of Commons, can only say it was not with his
privity or consent. Had in his speech declared that the greatest
economy must be used to make the existing duties answer the
expenses of Government till Christmas next, and had no idea that
the servants of the Crown, with so great a majority in the House,
would suffer those duties to be diminished, or any part of the
revenue to be applied to purposes for which it was not originally
granted. But not only has this Act escaped their attention, but
another for granting a premium on the carriage of corn coastwise
has been introduced amongst the temporary statutes to be revised
with several others; which premiums must be paid out of the
subsisting revenue, there being no provision in the Act for that
purpose. The first Act for granting this premium, amounting
annually to 3,200l., expired in June last. Has not heard of any
inconvenience from the expiration of it. If it is to pass now, the
premium must be paid out of the subsisting revenue, which was
granted for other purposes, and which with all possible care will be
very barely sufficient to pay the establishment to the meeting of
Parliament. Thinks this Act might very well be postponed. |
|
The mutilation which H.M.'s Hereditary Revenue in Ireland
has undergone for some years past, and the continual grafting of
premiums thereon for the payment of bounties of different kinds,
are objects of very serious importance, and it is high time a stop
should be put to them. Has taken every opportunity of expressing his disapprobation of such proceedings. But it is a
principle generally avowed that the Hereditary Revenue should
be curtailed as much as possible, in order to compel the Crown to
ask supplies from the Parliament here, and thereby reduce His
Majesty in some measure to a state of dependence on them for the
means of supporting the expenses of Government. Has already
had some conversation with Mr. Pery, the new Speaker, on this
subject, and imagines from what has passed that in the next
Session of Parliament due care will be taken at least to provide
funds for the payment of bounties. To facilitate this, submits
whether it might not be advisable for his Lordship in a formal
official letter to signify to him that His Majesty had taken notice
of the diminution of his Hereditary Revenue, and of this practice
of granting premiums without providing funds for them, and that
His Majesty disapproved thereof, &c. |
|
Remarks also on another Act amongst the temporary statutes,
viz., that "For continuing and amending the several laws relating
" to the workhouse of the city of Dublin." Is of opinion that
the duties granted therein should not last for so long a time as
21 years, and should be limited to the 24th June 1772, as by the
grant of duties for any considerable length of time an independence
of the Crown is created, which should by all means be avoided.
Possibly attempts may be made next Session to abridge the usual
term of giving the supplies for the public service, and in that case
it will be a powerful argument in the mouths of "our" friends to
urge that it cannot reasonably be expected that His Majesty will
consent to grant duties for private purposes for a term of years if
he is to be abridged in the usual time of receiving the supply. |
|
Cannot help saying that if the servants of the Crown had been as
attentive to these three Acts as, in his opinion, they ought to have
been, they might all have been parried till another Session. Is
unwilling to suspect them of any design, but it will be extremely
necessary that these gentlemen should be told, before the opening of
the next Session, that in all matters relating to H.M.'s Revenue they
should take an active and firm part in concert with and aid of the
Commissioners of the Revenue, and that no opponent of Government
should be suffered (as lately) to frame bills and conduct matters
affecting the Revenue without the inspection of those who ought
from their station to protect it to the utmost.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosures. Mr. Beresford, in his communication, shows in
detail how ineffectual the working of the Act would be, and, in
conclusion, says that it was the Act of 5 Geo. 3. (from which this
was copied) that set up the fraudulent stills in Ireland. Previous
to that Act there had been in Cavan District not 50 ten-gallon
stills, in Dublin not above 150. There were then in Dublin 2,000,
in Cavan 1,700. The advantages of fraud appeared so great under
the former Act that it set up those stills; and the impunity with
which they carried on that trade before, not one single detection,
prosecution, or conviction having been made under that Act,
would most certainly increase the evil beyond measure, or at least
increase the expense of collection by the increase of officers necessary to watch such practices. The revenue arising from the distillery amounted to 24,000l. a year, and by this Act Mr. Beresford
imagined it would diminish about 12,000l. 25 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 73. |
(3.) Marked "Secret."—In answer to the secret and confidential
letter of the 21st inst. Is greatly pleased to find that H.M.'s con
fidential servants considered the amendment to the address in the
same light as he did. Whatever construction might have been
put upon the meaning and design of it whilst it was recent, it
seems now to be very well understood, and his Excellency is
satisfied that recourse will be had to it hereafter as a precedent.
Thinks the answer from His Majesty, which evinces in the
strongest manner that His Majesty took notice of such assertion,
and did not mean to acquiesce in it, is become the more necessary;
for which reason he prefers the answer enclosed in the official
letter to that in the private letter, herewith returned. ["Cancelled
by His Majesty,"—margin.] Will take a proper opportunity of
pointing out a suitable mark of royal favour for Mr. Beresford.—Dublin Castle. 2 pp. |
|
All received 8 April by an Irish messenger. |
27 March.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 5. |
614. Col. Hepburn to Lord —. |
|
Asking that the Crown presentation to the parish of Fordoun, in
the co. of Kincardine, vacant by the death of Mr. Forbes, might
be given to Mr. Alex. Burnett, minister at foot of Dee, a person
recommended by Sir James Nicholson of Glenbervy, and Lord
Monbodo, two of the principal heritors of the parish.—London. |
26 and 28 March.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 10 (a to f). |
615. Papers relating to the Island of Jersey. |
|
(a.) "A few hints touching the Corn Laws of Jersey most
humbly submitted." It gives an account of the grievances arising
from the manner of fixing the corn rents, the payment of the
labourers in corn instead of money, &c. |
|
(b.) "Copy of the Report of the Lords of the Committee, for
" His Majesty's approbation of a new code of Laws for the Island
" of Jersey, for settling the rights of the offices of Procureur and
" Advocate in that Island, and for extending His Majesty's pardon
" to all such as may have been concerned in any unwarrantable
"proceedings with respect to the Riots there from the 28th of
" Sept. 1769 to the 31st December 1770."—Dated 26 March 1771.
7¼ pp. |
|
(c, d, and e.) Copies of the separate orders in Council of
28 March, establishing the recommendations contained in the
above report.—6 pp. or parts of pp. |
|
(f.) A paper endorsed "Observations, No. 4. Articles proposed
" and humbly submitted as being thought essentially requisite
" towards the future prosperity and security of the Island of
"Jersey." They refer respectively to the manner of commencing
prosecutions; the administering of oaths by the Jurats; the weight
of the "official oath" taken by constables, centeniers, and others,
in the decision of the guilt or innocence of accused persons; the
appointment of curators for the administration of the goods of
persons "being simple, weak, extravagant, or out of their senses;"
the right of an accused person to employ an advocate "so that
" not only the prisoner himself, but even all those who are present
"at his trial, may be convinced of the justice of his sentence;"
and the appointment of two supernumerary lawyers, "so as not
" to augment, however, for the future, the number established, but
" to be reduced again to its original number of six when vacancies
" shall happen, as that number may be sufficient when the places
are occupied by proper persons;—which can surely not be said
" to be the case just now, when two out of the six are super" annuated and on the point of dotage, another of the very lowest
" birth and a tradesman by profession, consequently not exactly
" educated for the purpose, acting as deputy Procuror, a place of
" the greatest power and consequence in this country,—his son,
" another lawyer, never as yet having attempted to act, and the
" two remaining nephews of the Lt. Bailiff, one of which
dislikes the profession, and therefore seldom acts, wanting
" to give up his place, which I imagine he only keeps till the
" Lt. Bailiff can fix upon a person to answer his purpose, which
" he may recommend to Lord Granville to fill up that place; from
" all which it is evident that there only remains at present one
" single lawyer properly qualified to discharge the duties of that
" station, which is of the greatest importance here, as few of the
Jurats can be supposed to know much of the law themselves."
The writer further suggests that "qualified fines," in the case of
which one part of the fine went to the Crown, and the other for the
benefit of some public building, and to which the idea of infamy
(though without the least foundation) had become attached, should
for the future be no more dishonouring than the common fines, and
that the "amende honorable," consisting in the criminal imploring
the pardon of God, of the King, of the court, and of the party injured, and at the same time confessing that the fact of which he was
found guilty had been maliciously perpetrated (which punishment
stigmatised the individual with infamy, and in a manner disgraced
his family) should thenceforward no more be inflicted for trivial
misdemeanours, but only as an alleviation of crimes liable to
corporal punishment at the discretion of the court. The other
articles relate to the fixing of the amounts of fines, the mode of
passing new laws, the prevention of delay of justice, and the
establishment of some fixed authority to oppose riots by force of
arms. 3 pp. closely written. |
28 March.
Channel Islands, Entry Bk., 1767–98, p. 37. |
616. Earl of Rochford to Mr. Lempriere. |
|
As the different new appointments and the orders of Council
which Col. Bentinck carries over with him must sufficiently prove
the very particular attention that has been paid to the concerns
of Jersey, as well as His Majesty's clemency in granting his pardon
for what is passed, he will therefore only take notice upon this
occasion that His Majesty expects his Royal Court and the other
his civil officers to do their utmost towards attaining every good
purpose that is intended. Of this his Lordship can entertain
no doubt, from the testimonies Col. Bentinck has given of the
readiness the civil magistrates and he, Mr. Lempiere, in particular,
have always shown to assist him. As a mark of His Majesty's
entire approbation of his conduct, Col. Bentinck has now received
an honorary commission of Commander-in-chief in Jersey, in the
absence of the Governor. |
28 March.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 68. Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 40 |
617. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
The Duke of Gloucester approves entirely of his Excellency's
request about detaining the Provost of Dublin till the end of the
Sessions; and as in the beginning of May his Royal Highness will
be set out on a tour, he wishes the Provost to transmit the diploma,
without putting himself to the trouble of a journey on purpose, to
which his Royal Highness would be sorry to oblige him, being
thoroughly sensible of Mr. Andrews's attention and readiness to
pay him that compliment.—St. James's. A draft. 1p. |
28 March.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 6. |
618. A. Edmonstone to Lord — |
|
Recommending Mr. John Davidson, minister of Old Kirkpatrick,
to succeed to the Crown presentation of the parish of Cardross, in
the co. of Dumfries, vacant by the death of Mr. Edmonston.—Argyll Street. |
29 March.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 30. |
619. Earl of Rochford to Commodore Proby. |
|
On the subject of the gratuities demanded by the officers of the
port of Algiers from Capt. Brathwaite, and refused by him. The
Consuls at the different ports of Barbary have been directed to pay
these gratuities for the future, and Mr. Consul Fraser to pay those
demanded from Capt. Brathwaite, in order to remove all cause of
discontent.—A draft, No. 3. 1½ pp. |
30 March.
Admiralty v. 163, No. 32.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 87. |
620. The Same to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
In answer to their letter of March 6 concerning the gratuities
to the officers of the port of Algiers. Consul Fraser as well as
H.M.'s other Consuls in Barbary have been directed to charge
such gratuities for the future in a contingent bill. A draft.
1¼ pp. |
30 March.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 88. |
621. The Same to the Same. |
|
Encloses a petition received from Col. Bentinck, Commander-inchief in Jersey, to whom it was recommended by the magistrates
there, who testified the truth of the facts stated. Asks for their
Lordships' opinion whether the recommending the petitioner to the
King's bounty for a gratuity of 40l. may not be a proper encouragement to seafaring persons in that Island to exert themselves in
assisting H.M.'s fleet on future occasions. |
30 March.
Criml. Papers 1767–72, p. 265. |
622. R. Sutton to Mr. Akerman. |
|
Informing him that His Majesty has signed a warrant of pardon
for Thos. Erskine, on condition of his transporting himself for
7 years.—St. James's. |
30 March.
Ordnance, v. 6, No. 18. Ordn. Entry Bk., 1761–75, p. 237. |
623. Earl of Rochford to the Lieut.-Genl. and Principal
Officers of the Ordnance. |
|
In answer to letter of 19th inst. His Majesty approves of their
ordering such inspection of the arms and accoutrements of militia
regiments, or suggesting such directions as may seem proper to them
for keeping the said arms and accoutrements in better condition for
the future.—St. James's. A draft. 1¼ pp. |
30 March.
Scotland, v. 47, No,7. |
624. G. Charles to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Asking him to put into the hand of the Earl of Halifax,
according to promise, the name of the person recommended by
Lord Arbuthnot, Mr. Middleton of Seatoun, and other principal
heritors of the parish of Fordoun, to succeed to the living of the
said parish. |
|
The person recommended was the Rev. Mr. Alexander Leslie.
1 p. and 4 lines. |
[? About Mar. 1771.]
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 11. |
625. Information relative to one Francis Dellon, a fraudulent
bankrupt, originally a merchant at Turin, finally an insurance
broker in London, but residing in Cork, the London business
being managed by an agent. |
|
Dellon engaged in a scheme for sending French ships to the
coast of Guinea for slaves, and from thence to the French Islands
in the West Indies. |
|
French and Spanish houses were in constant correspondence
with him for provisions for Brest, Cadiz, &c. He is said to have
been in constant correspondence also with one Lewis Teissier
[whose name appears in this year in connexion with the shipping
of provisions from Ireland for Spain]. Undated. 2½ pp. |
