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1 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 69. |
349. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to Lord [Weymouth]. |
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Entreats that his eldest son, entered at Cambridge by his
Majesty's indulgence the other day, may have a further respite
from joining his regiment until an immediate prospect of service
shall require it. At the same time has taken the liberty of accompanying this request with a letter to his son, which he must beg
Mr. Wood to forward to him the moment his Lordship shall be
of opinion that there may be any action in this kingdom, so that
he may be the best part of the way on the road before he (his
father) could even signify the occasion.—Dublin Castle. Holograph.
2½ pp. |
3 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 55. |
350. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
The Order of Council for an embargo on provisions from Ireland
is under the consideration of the Attorney and Solicitor General,
which prevented his sending it as soon as he promised, Orders
are given here to the regiments of Dragoons on the British establishment to complete their men and horses without loss of time.
The same orders are to be given in Ireland.—A draft. Marked
"Secret." 1 p. |
4 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 56. |
351. The Same to the Same. |
|
Agrees with him entirely as to the address, and has ordered it
to be inserted in this night's Gazette. Thinks his Excellency should
in answer express His Majesty's satisfaction at receiving such
marks of duty, loyalty, and affection, his attention to the welfare
of the city of Dublin, and his readiness to listen to and relieve
their wants and necessities. As to his letter of the 28th, he, Lord
Weymouth, cannot take upon him, in the present situation of
affairs, to delay those officers from repairing to their posts, but will
lay the matter before His Majesty.—A draft. Marked "Private."
1 p. |
5 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 10. |
352. Indenture made between Sir Joseph Ayloffe, of Whartons,
in the parish of Framfield, in the co. of Sussex, Bart., and Robert
Brounton, of Holborn, in the parish of St. Giles in the Fields,
in the co. of Middlesex, Gentleman, of the one part, and Thomas
Astle, of South Lambeth, in the co. of Surrey, Esq., of the other
part, granting to the last (for 21 years) the parcel of meadow
ground called Trumpington's Meadow, being at Great Toy, in the
co. of Essex, at the yearly rent of 3l. |
|
It is imperfect, and is endorsed "Treasonable—Col. Cecil's
papers." 1 p. |
5 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 62. |
353. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord
Weymouth. |
|
All last week there was a great run upon the bank of Sir Geo.
Colebrooke and Co., and on Saturday last it extended to Mr.
Neville and Co.; and on Sunday Colebrooke and Co. gave notice
they could not open on Monday. This very much increased the
demand upon Mr. Neville's bank, which, however, they were enabled
to stand. The merchants met at noon at the Tholsel, in order to
prevent these matters affecting public credit. His Excellency
summoned H.M.'s servants and others at the Castle in the evening,
when it was resolved to support the four banks now standing.
The principal merchants and traders have signed a resolution to
the same purpose, and Colebrooke and Co. have advertised they
will discharge their small notes in a few days. Mr. Neville has
stood the shock, so that this affair is nearly subsided. The causes
are those suggested in his last private letter. Has related the
exact state of things, in order that his Lordship may be prepared
against the high colouring which the views of party will not fail
to give to the situation of things here for the usual purposes. The
Guild of Merchants offered yesterday to deposit Government
debentures to the amount of 30,000l. to support Mr. Neville's bank,
which was the only one which appeared to be pressed. |
|
P.S.—Finds this evening that all apprehensions are at an end.
Understands that this event, instead of having any bad effect upon
public credit, will probably advantage it, as the restraint which
the bankers have for a long time been obliged to lay themselves
under, in order to be prepared for this expected distress, is now
removed. Holograph. Marked "Private." 3½ pp. |
| 30 Nov. & 7 Dec. |
354. Ordnance. |
|
Letter and report:— |
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Ordnance, v. 6, Nos. 10, 11. |
(1.) Lord Weymouth to the Lieut. General of the Ordnance. |
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Directing him to report on the state of the ordnance stores of
all kinds, and particularly the quantity of gunpowder ready for
use on any emergency; and also as to the quantity of stores abroad,
&c.; and as to the supply of the different articles necessary for the
demands which may possibly be made in case of a war with France
and Spain.—A draft. Marked "Secret." 1½ pp. |
|
(2.) The report, signed "H.S. Conway," and dated 7 Dec. The
quantity of powder in store, and what must be weekly coming
in, will be sufficient for any emergency. H.M.'s forts and garrisons
abroad appear not to be in want of any ammunition or stores,
except such as have been lately sent or are getting ready. Also as
to convoy. 2 pp. |
8 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 2, No. 36. |
355. Note to the Earl of Rochford from the merchants concerned
in the shipping trade to Ostend, asking leave to attend his Lordship on Monday morning to acquaint him of the detention of the
"Hunter" sloop, and of other difficulties relative to their trade by
the extraordinary ordinance of the Empress Queen concerning the
bills of health required.—John's Coffee House, Cornhill. 1 p. |
9 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 57 a. b. |
356. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Encloses an order in Council for an embargo on all ships and
vessels laden or to be laden in the ports of Ireland with provisions.
That this may be attended with as little inconvenience as possible
to the King's subjects in Ireland, the Commissioners of the Victualling will have orders immediately to contract for as much provisions as possible in Ireland.—A draft. |
|
Copy of the enclosure. 2½ pp. |
10 Dec.
Admiralty, v. 161, No. 36. |
357. The Same to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
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Encloses a copy of a letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
and of the Order in Council referred to therein for laying an
embargo upon all ships and vessels laden with provisions in Ireland.
Directs them to give orders to the Commissioners of the Victualling
to contract in Ireland for as much provision from thence as can be,
in order that this embargo may be attended with as little inconvenience as possible to H.M.'s subjects there.—A draft. 1 p. |
10 Dec.
Admiralty v. 162, No. 24. |
358. Commodore Proby to Lord Weymouth. |
|
Acknowledges his letter of Oct. 29, enclosing a duplicate of that
of the 16th, the original of which he has not yet received, &c.—"Pembroke," in Mahon Harbour. 2 pp. |
| 10 Dec. |
359. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Same. |
|
Two letters:— |
Ireland,
v. 438, No. 66 a, b. |
(1.) Encloses a letter, dated the 26th past, from Major Bayly, of
the 58th Regiment, to his Colonel, respecting the charge against him
by Capt. Osborne, which was the subject of a court-martial.—Dublin Castle. |
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Major Bayly's letter asks that the charge against him may be
plain and positive. 4 pp. or parts of pp., |
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Ibid., No. 70. |
(2.) In answer to letter of 27th past. Has this day signed a
proclamation for the further prorogation of Parliament to the 15th
of January next. If it should become expedient for it then to meet
for despatch of business, a proclamation may be issued giving
public notice thereof, as was lately done in Great Britain.—Dublin
Castle. 1½ pp. |
11 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 2, No. 87. |
360. "Ordonnance de l'Imperatrice Reine, du 27 Octobre 1770,"
concerning the precautions taken to prevent the plague reigning
in Poland from spreading to the Belgian provinces. |
|
Endorsed: "Recd from Mr. Blaquiere 11 Decr." —French.
6 pp. of print. |
11 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 11. |
361. Request of the Proprietors of the Black Lead Mine near
Seathwait, in the co. of Cumberland, for the promise of His
Majesty's pardon to any accomplice who shall discover the persons
who broke into the guard-house of the mine, and attempted to
carry away black lead from thence. The proprietors offer a reward
of 50l. ¾ p. |
28 Nov. & 12 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, Nos. 17, 18. |
362. Philip Stephens to Richard Sutton, Esq. |
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Two letters of the above dates respectively, relative to Thomas
Bland, a prisoner in Newgate, who petitioned for a remission of
his sentence on condition of serving His Majesty on board the flcet.
The Regulating Captains having caused him to be examined,
reported him to be a landsman, about 20 years of age, a stout able
fellow, and fit to serve His Majesty. 2 pp. |
12 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 19. |
363. —to Lieut. Col. Munster. |
|
H.M.'s Secretary-at-War has represented that his, Col. Munster's, commission as Governor of St. Philip's gives him a command
over the whole Island of Minorca when no Governor or Lieut.
Governor is there, which might be injurious to colonels who are
now going to join their regiments, and that for this reason it would
be expedient that he should not repair to his post. Is to acquaint
him, therefore, that the King dispenses with his attendance at
his post.—St. James's. A draft. 1 p. |
12 Dec.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 76. |
364. Robert Wood to Philip Stephens, Esq. |
|
Asks him to lay before the Lords of the Admiralty the enclosed
petitions on behalf of Abraham Maloch, Thomas French, William
Moore, and Henry Carce, prisoners in Newgate under sentence of
transportation, praying a remission of their sentences on condition
of serving on board the fleet.—St. James's. |
12 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III. pcl. 82, No. 28. |
365. Arrest on Board Ship. |
|
The Advocate General's private report to the reference made
to him and the Attorney General by the Earl of Rochford as to
the legality of serving an arrest or civil process upon Lieut.
Whiston on board a vessel at anchor near the Isle of Man. Upon
the whole, it did not seem to them that any peace officer of municipal jurisdiction only could legally execute an arrest on board the
ship in question, or any other ship, whether His Majesty's or not,
under the same circumstances, riding upon the sea. Delivered by
Dr. Marriott confidentially 12 Dec. 1770. 2½ pp. |
12 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 72. |
366. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord
[Weymouth.] |
|
In answer to his secret letter of the 3rd inst. relative to the
embargo on provisions in Ireland. Although, under the present
apprehensions of a war, it may be proper by an embargo to prevent
the enemy being supplied with provisions from Ireland, yet he
must state that for a considerable time past there has been a great
decrease in the exports of all kinds from Ireland, which has not
only reduced public credit to a very low degree, but has very much
affected, and, he fears, will more strongly affect, H.M.'s revenue;
and if the embargo be continued for any length of time, the con
sequences will be felt by all ranks of people throughout the kingdom,
and may sink the revenue so much below what it was estimated
to produce, as to increase the deficiency already apprehended in
the provision for the support of Government. Hence it will be
seen how much it were to be wished that this embargo were not
necessary at this time, and, if it be indispensable, of what importance it is that it should be continued for as short a time as
possible.—Dublin Castle. Holograph. Marked "Secret." |
|
Endorsed: "The navy will take 4,000 barrels of beef and 4,000
barrels of pork; and passed an Act to admit the importation of
Irish provisions." 3 pp. |
13 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 20. |
367. — to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
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The frigate which has been for some time destined for the
East Indies, to be forthwith got ready for sailing, to carry orders
to the Commander-in-chief of H.M.'s ships in those seas.—A
draft. 1 p. |
13 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 63. |
368. Earl of Rochford to Lord Weymouth. |
|
Asks for a letter of recommendation to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland for Col. Edward Dalton, now in the Austrian, but formerly
in the French service, who is desirous of going over to Ireland
before his pardon can be completed under the Great Seal, to visit
his mother, who is lying dangerously ill.—Whitehall. 1 p. |
|
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 28. |
Same date. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant, enclosing
a copy of the above, and desiring Mr. Dalton may have his Excellency's protection. |
13 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 65. |
369. Secretary-At-War (Barrington) to Lord Weymouth. |
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Directing that the 67th Regiment be placed on the Irish establishment from 25th inst. inclusive, though it may not have
returned to Ireland, in lieu of the 61th Regiment.—War Office. |
|
Endorsed: "Ld. Lieutenant wrote to on the subject of this
letter." 1 p. |
14 Dec.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1771–, pp. 28–30. |
370. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Two letters of this date:— |
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(1.) In answer to his letter of the 5th inst. recommending Dr.
Averell, who is nearly allied to the Provost, to succeed to the
vacant bishopric of Limerick. His Majesty received the recommendation in the most gracious manner, and is happy at this
opportunity of giving a very strong proof of his regard to the
Provost (whose steady conduct has so justly merited His Majesty's
approbation) by promoting so near a relation of his to this dignity. |
|
(2.) Encloses a copy of a letter from the Secretary-at-War.
Desires him to give orders for placing the 67th Regiment on the
Irish establishment accordingly. |
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Lord Barrington's letter, dated 13 December, also entered. |
14 Dec.
Isle of Man, 1761–74, No. 82 a, b.
The letter entered in Isle in Man Entry Book, 1765–1817, p. 54. |
371. Earl of Rochford to Governor Wood. |
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Encloses a copy of the report of H.M.'s Advocate and Attorney
General on the complaint against Lieutenant Whiston, which he
received but yesterday.—A draft. |
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The report. They were of opinion that there was no legal
authority to warrant the execution of the process on board the
ship riding at sea within the high-water mark; but legal arrests
might be made, and civil process executed, by the regular ministerial officers to whom such business belonged within any of the
ports or havens belonging to the Isle, &c., or between the lowwater mark and the high-water mark when the tide was out. But
the proper measures to prevent officers and others belonging to
H.M.'s ships from escaping on board such vessels at sea on purpose to
elude justice must be referred to the rules and regulations of the
Navy. 3 pp. or parts of pp. |
14 Dec.
Ordn. Entry Bk., 1761–75, p. 205. |
372. Lord Weymouth to the Board of Ordnance. |
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Enclosing an extract of a letter from the Lieutenant Governor
of Minorca, &c., relative to a demand for bedding for the troops
there.—St. James's. |
15 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 21. |
373. —to Sir E. Hawke. |
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The East India Company have sent orders to their homewardbound ships at St. Helena not to proceed from thence without
convoy; and they have represented the necessity of such convoys
sailing before Christmas, as they will be greatly distressed, should
their ships be detained at St. Helena. Directs him, therefore, to
appoint proper convoy.—A draft. Marked "Private." 1 p. |
15 Dec.
Dom Geo. III, v. 2, No. 38 a to d. |
374. Mr. Stanley to Mr. Porten. |
|
Encloses, according to his request, two certificates of the Commissioners of Customs, signifying that Messrs. Bates and Gascoigne
are the proper officers in the port of London for granting bills of
health. |
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Following this letter are a copy of a certificate from the Commissioners as above, and two forms, one of a particular bill of health
granted in London, the other of a general bill of health. The last
is in Latin. 2 pp. MS. and 2 print. |
15 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 64, a, b. |
375. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from the Secretary-at-War, proposing
that his Excellency should grant beating orders to such recruiting
parties of the regiments on the British Establishment as shall
apply for them. His Majesty wishes that this should take place
if it does not interfere with the service in Ireland. Is directed to
give no positive orders on this head till his Excellency's opinion is
known.—A draft. |
|
The original of the enclosure. 2 pp. |
16 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 22. |
376. "Extract of a letter from Captain Innis, Regulating Captain
at Dartmouth, to Mr. Stephens," containing intelligence from the
master of a schooner arrived at Dartmouth in 12 days from Vigo
in Spain, relative to the preparations of the Spaniards at Ferrol,
&c. 1½ pp. |
17 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 82, No. 29. |
377. Dr. Antonio Tourre to —. |
|
Refers to a letter of his, of the 4th Dec., in which he had represented himself to be a Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers in the
Spanish service, which he had quitted on account of grave discontent. Also, that, having fortified most of the Spanish establishments in the Pacific seas, and being thus acquainted with the
strength and weakness of that part of the world, and able to give
the most useful information to the enemies of the Spanish nation,
he had proposed to form new English establishments in advantageous situations left unfortified by the Spaniards, viz., at Nipe
and Bayahonde, two ports situated respectively on the east and
west of the Island of Cuba. His knowledge of the Spanish establishments in that part of the world renders him capable of
indicating numbers of other situations neglected by the Spaniards.
Offers his services to the English Government. His address is
under cover to Messrs Hillary and Scott, merchants in Liverpool.
French. 3 pp. |
17 Dec.
Scotland, v. 25, No. 170. |
378. Scotch Representative Peers. |
|
Copy of a letter from the Lord Advocate of Scotland, James
Montgomery, relative to the election of one of the Sixteen Peers
in the room of the Duke of Argyll. If voting by proxy should be
followed, fears that there may not be present at the election peers
inclined to vote for Lord Dysart sufficient to use all the proxies
that may be sent in his favour. Recommends the sending a list
in the election of one peer as is authorised in the election of the
sixteen. The peers in opposition to the election of Lord Dysart
have prepared a writing, which they call a Representation, which
has for its foundation a clause of the Scotch Parliament of 1641.
All the Acts of that Parliament, however, were rescinded at the
Restoration.—Edinburgh. 3 pp. |
18 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 67. |
379. Lord Weymouth to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
In answer to letters of 30th past and 10th inst. relative to the
court-martial demanded by Capt. Osborne. Encloses a copy of a
letter written to the Lieut. Governor of Gibraltar before the
receipt of his Excellency's second letter, and a copy of one since
written on that subject.—A draft. 1 p. |
18 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 68. |
380. — to Mr. Cooper. |
|
Asks for the opinion of the Lords of the Treasury on the
proposal contained in the enclosed copy of a letter from the Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland, to sell or exchange a part of an island near
Limerick, the King's property, in order to build a suitable barrack
and depô there.—St. James's. 1 p. |
18 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 76 a, b. |
381. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord
Weymouth. |
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Transmits a list of officers to whom leave of absence was granted
prior to the time of the late order for officers to join their corps;
to which is annexed a list of the names of those who now desire
to be absent for the reasons mentioned. Asks for directions in
regard to them. |
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The list enclosed, containing full particulars of reasons for
absence, &c. 2 pp. |
19 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 23. |
382. Preparations for War. |
|
"Intelligence from Cadiz, 19 Dec. 1770. Recd. from Mr. Atkin"son.—J. Robinson." Relating to the preparations for war
there. The letter which contained the intelligence is dated 15 Nov.
¼ sheet of paper. |
19 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 24. |
383. Minutes of Council,—present the Lord President, Earls of
Sandwich and Hillsborough, Lord North, Earl of Rochford, and
Sir Edward Hawke,— when it was agreed, amongst other things, to
recall Mr. Harris, (instructing him to give notice to merchants
in Spanish ports to retire,) and to declare to the Republic of Genoa
that the putting of France in possession of the Gulph of Spetia
would be looked upon as "an actual hostility" on their part.—A rough draft. 1¾ pp. |
20 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 77. |
384. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord
Weymouth. |
|
Two letters of this date:— |
|
(1.) Details the precautions he has taken for the defence and
security of Ireland in consequence of his Lordship's letter of the
9th past. Suggests that the Light Infantry should be drafted
from the several regiments to form a corps for the most exposed
part of the kingdom. Recommends Col. Smith for this service,
which ought not to be delayed if there be a prospect of a war;
for here lies the great correspondence for recruits, intelligence, and
pilots with France and Spain. |
|
As to a proper officer to command in Ireland, has endeavoured
to learn from Genl. Dilkes whether, considering his time of life
and frequent illness, he did not wish for some gracious marks of
His Majesty's consideration after such a length of service;
especially as he has so large a family. Was much concerned not
to find the General inclined to such terms as would be proper to
lay before His Majesty as a consideration for his quitting the
staff, though he was otherwise not averse from the idea of an ample
provision. Again recommends Genl. Hodgson for the command of
the army in Ireland. Represents how much the situation of the
staff in Ireland has embarrassed him. Recommends that a general
officer should be stationed at Cork, and another at Limerick, and
explains the reasons that make this necessary, &c.—Dublin Castle.
7 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 78 a, b. |
(2.) In answer to letter of 9th inst., enclosing the Order in
Council for an embargo on provisions in Ireland. Sends a printed
copy of a proclamation signed this day in Council, for carrying
H.M.'s orders into execution accordingly.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The proclamation is bound in before the letter enclosing it.
1 p. and 2 pp. of print. |
21 Dec.
Dom.Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 238. |
385. Earl of Sandwich to the Postmaster General. |
|
Two letters:— |
|
(1.) Asks that directions may be given for the staff of his office
to enjoy the privileges allowed them by Act of Parliament. |
|
The list, viz.:— |
|
|
Richard Phelps, Esq., |
Under Secretaries. |
|
William Fraser, Esq., |
|
John Larpent, |
First Clerk. |
|
Richard Shadwell, |
Senior Clerks. |
|
Francis Wace, |
|
James Wright, |
Clerks. |
|
William Taylor, |
|
Bryan Broughton, |
|
George Aust, |
|
George Cooke, |
|
Thomas Bidwell, |
|
Ibid., p. 239. |
(2.) Notifying that he has, pursuant to the Act, authorised John
Larpent and Richard Shadwell, Esqs., of his office, to endorse,
according to the specimens transmitted, all letters and packets
upon the business of the office, in order to pass free of postage.—St. James's. |
21 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 73. |
386. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Two drafts of this date:— |
|
(1.) Marked "Private." In answer to his private letter to Lord
Weymouth of the 1st inst. The King approved his Excellency's
reasons for requesting a further respite to his son from joining his
regiment, and expressed his satisfaction with his, the Lord Lieutenant's zeal, which will not suffer him to think of his son being
absent in a time of action. 1¼ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 74. |
(2.) Marked "Secret." The reasons contained in his secret letter
of the 12th inst. will be a strong inducement not to continue the
embargo on provisions in Ireland longer than the public exigency
makes it absolutely necessary. It having been, however, thought
expedient in the present critical circumstances to determine on this
measure, to prevent as much as possible any ill effects, the
Victualling Office will take immediately 4,000 barrels of Irish
beef, and as many of pork; and the Act for the importation of
Irish provisions has been renewed for the ensuing year. 1½ pp. |
21 Dec.
Ordnance, pcl. 3. |
387. Certificate from Hugh, Duke of Northumberland, Lord Lieut.
of Northumberland, as to the raising and training of the militia of
the county of Northumberland and the towns of Newcastle-upon
Tyne and Berwick-upon-Tweed, and a return of the state of the
Regiment. 1 large memb. |
21 Dec.
Ordnance, v. 6, No. 12. |
388. Genl. H. S. Conway to Lord Weymouth. |
|
Relative to the fortification of the island and fort of St. Lewis
in Senegal. Represents the expense, &c. of carrying out the plan
proposed by Gov. O'Hara, and the method adopted by the French
for its security, they having left it in a manner entirely to a naval
protection.—Little Warwick St. 3¾ pp. |
21 Dec.
Scotland, v. 25, No. 171. |
389. Circular to the Peers of Scotland. |
|
Many peers of North Britain having objected to the Earl of
Dysart as a candidate to be one of the Sixteen Peers to represent
that part of the United Kingdoms in Parliament, recommending
the Earl of Stair as a proper person to be chosen in the place
of the late Duke of Argyle. A draft. 1 p. |
23 Aug.
to 21 Dec. Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 25 a to m. |
390. Seizure of Port Egmont by the Spaniards. |
|
Copies and extracts from the correspondence between Mr. James
Harris, H.M.'s Chargé d'Affaires at Madrid, and Lord Viscount
Weymouth, relative to the expulsion of the English from the
settlement at Port Egmont in the Falkland Isles, by a force sent
for that purpose by the Governor of Buenos Ayres (25 b). Information of the sailing of this expedition was sent to Lord
Weymouth by Mr. Harris, on Aug. 23 (25 a). On Sept. 12 (25 b)
Lord Weymouth wrote to Mr. Harris, stating that the Spanish
Ambassador in London had made a communication of the same
intelligence to his lordship to prevent the bad consequences which
might arise from its coming through other hands, and detailing
what had passed on the occasion, and desiring him, Mr. Harris,
immediately to wait upon M. de Grimaldi, and tell that Minister
that, as the strongest instance of the sincerity of His Majesty's
friendship for His Catholic Majesty, and of his wishes to preserve
the peace, he was directed to repeat to him the contents of this
letter, and to ask whether His Catholic Majesty, by disavowing a
measure which his Ambassador in London acknowledged not to
have been authorised by his particular instructions, and by
restoring things to the precise state in which they stood before
Mons. Bucarelli undertook this rash expedition, would put it into
His Majeshty's power to suspend those preparations which, under
the circumstances, his honour would not permit him to postpone. |
|
Mr. Harris's reply was written on the 28th of Sept. (25 d), and
gives an account of his conversation with M. de Grimaldi, who
expressed his sorrow that the affair had taken place, and said that
the moment they had heard that it was intended, they had
despatched a vessel to prevent it, which unfortunately arrived too
late, but that still the conduct of Mons. Bucarelli could not be
blamed, as it was founded on the established laws of America.
The Spanish Minister twice in the conversation expressed their
desire for peace, as Spain had so little to gain and so much to
lose by a war, and said that he did not doubt that on laying
Mr. Harris's memorial before the King and his counsellors an
answer would be received which would be thoroughly satisfactory to
us, and at the same time save their honour. Two hours before
this despatch was written Mons. de Grimaldi informed Mr. Harris
that the King was resolved to do everything in his power to
terminate this affair amicably; that, therefore, he admitted our
demand, and consented to it in every point consistent with his
honour, which, as well as ours, was to be considered; but that as
this matter could only be determined in London, and not at
Madrid, orders had been given to prince Masseran to lay before
Lord Weymouth the several ideas which had been suggested on
this head, and that as they only differed in the terms, and not
essentially, he trusted some of them would be adopted. Mr. Harris,
though he begged to be told in general in what these terms consisted, was not made acquainted with them. Accompanying this
despatch, which was dated from St. Ildefonse, was a copy and
translation of the memorial (French) which he presented to
Mons. de Grimaldi on this occasion. |
|
In his letter of the 17th of October (25 g) Lord Weymouth
informed Mr. Harris that Prince Masseran had proposed a convention, in which he was to disavow any particular orders given
to Mons. Bucarelli upon this occasion, at the same time acknowledging that he acted in accordance with his general instructions, and
his oath as governor; and to stipulate the restitution of Falkland
Islands without injury to His Catholic Majesty's right to those
Islands, His Majesty being expected to disavow the menace of
Capt. Hunt, which was said to have given occasion to the steps
taken by the Spanish governor. This proposition gave the King
great surprise, and was not accepted. Lord Weymouth was
ordered to say that His Majesty adhered invariably to his first
demand, and that the manner of giving satisfaction by a convention was no less objectionable than the matter, for His Majesty
could not accept under a convention that satisfaction to which he
had so just a title without entering into any engagements in order
to procure it. Prince Masseran had no powers to proceed in the
affair except by convention, and Mr. Harris was therefore directed
to wait upon Mons. de Grimaldi, and, laying the whole of the matter
fairly before him, to demand a communication of His Catholic
Majesty's answer. In order to relieve him from the difficulties
of a commission of such delicacy (25 h) Mr. Harris was instructed,
after having verbally explained to Mons. de Grimaldi the substance
of Lord Weymouth's despatch, instead of delivering him a memorial on the subject of it, to tell him that he would, in order to
avoid mistakes, leave the original with him for his perusal, or send
him a copy of it. |
|
This despatch having arrived at ten o'clock on Sunday night,
Oct. 28, (25 i), Mr. Harris next day waited on Mons. de Grimaldi, and, after having endeavoured to show to him concisely the
great moderation with which His Majesty had acted, and the just
grounds on which his demands were founded, read the despatch
over to him twice, endeavouring to abide by the literal meaning as
far as he was able. By Mons. de Grimaldi's request he afterwards
sent him a translation of it in French, with the English original
annexed, by which the sense was to be determined. The Spanish
minister heard and answered Mr. Harris, with the greatest coolness
and temper, that he personally had nothing so much at heart as
an amicable accommodation; and that he felt the most sensible
concern to find that, after the concessions they had made, we still
remained unsatisfied. He affirmed that these were the sentiments
of His Catholic Majesty, who was most ready to make us reparation
in any thing, as far as was compatible with his own honour.
" I wish to God," added he, " I knew what you expect. I thought
" we had done so much that there remained nothing for us to do."
Mr. Harris's despatch of 7 Nov., from which the above is taken,
contains an account of what was further said by himself and
Mons. de Grimaldi on this occasion. He received no answer for
several days, but a few hours before writing this despatch he
was sent for by the Spanish minister, and told that Prince
Masseran had been empowered afresh to treat on this affair; that
the purport of his instructions were to express, 1st, His Catholic
Majesty's desire of coming to an amicable accommodation, and of
preserving peace; 2ndly, that His Catholic Majesty was disposed
to give every reasonable satisfaction for the insult His Majesty
thought he had suffered; and, 3rdly, that His Catholic Majesty
was moreover ready to come into any method regarding the manner
of giving this satisfaction which should appear most eligible to His
Majesty. That, however, at the same time that he agreed to these
three articles, he expected, 1st, that as he had gone so far to save
the honour of His Majesty, His Majesty would also contribute to
the saving his, as far as it did not interfere with the satisfaction
he received; 2ndly, that the affair be ultimately and decisively
terminated; and, 3rdly, that there should be a reciprocal and
authentical assurance of the whole being thoroughly accommodated. Mr. Harris thought that they seemed disposed to agree to
everything we demanded, except our not disavowing the menace
of Capt. Hunt. |
|
When this despatch was laid before the King he expressed
himself as perfectly satisfied with the manner in which Mr. Harris
had executed his commands upon a matter of so much delicacy.
The latter was informed on the 23rd of Nov. (25k) that his
intelligence was the more interesting as Prince Masseran's language did not look like accommodation. On the 28th he was
directed, as the Prince continued to hold a language which
gave very little reason to expect just satisfaction, to take such
method as he should think most advisable to apprize as privately
as possible the Lieut. Governor of Gibraltar of this uncertain state
of affairs, and that Genl. Cornwallis and other officers belonging
to that garrison had been ordered to their posts. He was directed
also to apprize H.M.'s consuls at Cadiz, Alicant, and other ports
of Spain, of the danger of a rupture, in order that they might take
proper precautions as to their papers and effects; giving, however,
as little reason as possible to the Court of Madrid to suppose that
there was a want of confidence in His Catholic Majesty's good
faith with regard to the time stipulated by treaty for the removal
of the persons and effects of both Crowns, which His Majesty, on
his part, would religiously observe. |
|
On the 21st Dec. Mr. Harris was ordered by Lord Rochford to
return home with all convenient speed, after taking leave in the
usual manner, all negotiations having been for some time at an end
with the Spanish ambassador in London. |
|
The papers (none of which are originals, but appear to have
been copied out at a subsequent time) consist of the following:— |
|
Mr. Harris to Lord Weymouth,—St. Ildefonse, Aug. 23. (An
extract.) |
|
Lord Weymouth to Mr. Harris,—St. James's, Sept. 12. |
|
The Same to the Same, Sept. 14. |
|
Mr. Harris to Lord Weymouth, with one enclosure,—St. Ildefonse, Sept. 28. |
|
Lord Weymouth to Mr. Harris (two letters), Oct. 17. |
|
Mr. Harris to Lord Weymouth, with one enclosure,—Escurial,
Nov. 7. |
|
Lord Weymouth to Mr. Harris,—St. James's, Nov. 23. |
|
The Same to the Same, Nov. 28. |
|
Lord Rochford to the Same,—St. James's, Dec. 21. (An extract.)
38 pp. or parts of pp. |
21 Dec.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 20. |
391. Earl of Rochford to Commodore Proby. |
|
Informing him of the recall of Mr. Harris from the Court of
Madrid. A draft. ¾ p. |
21 Dec.
Circular Bk., 1761–86, pp. 80, 81. |
392. Circulars from Lord Rochford to (1) Lord Cathcart, Lord
Visct. Stormont, Sir Joseph Yorke, Sir Andrew Mitchell, Sir
Jno. Goodricke, Messrs. Gunning, Keith, Wroughton, Cressener,
Devisme, Gordon, Woodford, Langlois, and Swallow; Governor
Wood, Lord Justice Clerk, Duke of Argyle, and Messrs. Irvine,
Wallace, Corry, Fenwick, Wolters, and Mathias. |
|
Announcing his removal from the Northern to the Southern
Department. Has only to thank them for the punctuality of their
correspondence, &c. Last paragraph is worded differently to the
the last six. |
|
(2.) Earl Harcourt, Lord Viscount Townshend, Mr. Murray,
Sir Hor. Mann, Hon. Mr. Walpole, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch,
Genl. Cornwallis, Col. Boyd, Lieut.-Genl. Mostyn, Genl. Johnstone,
Commodore Proby, and Sir John Lindsay. |
|
With same intelligence. Desires them for the future to address
their letters to him. |
|
(3.) Mr. Harris, Sir John Hort, Sir John Dick, Messrs. Richie,
Catt, Frazer, Fraser, Barker, Sampson, Traill, Munro, Jamineau,
Whitehead, Hardy, Hollford, Bomeester, Pasley, Marsh, Beawes,
Ruiter, Udny, Whitham, Taverner, Sargent, Wilkie, Bankes, Miller,
Davison, and Cheap. |
|
Same intelligence and direction. |
21 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 82, No. 30 a to d. |
393. "Papers and Narrative relative to the Marquis D'AuBarede's Plans and Schemes. 21st Decr. Recd. from
Mr. L. Macleane, J.R." |
|
This is a lengthy and minute narrative of what occurred
between Mr. L. Macleane, when one of the Under-Secretaries of
State in the Southern Department, and the Marquis D'Aubarede,
who had resided in England above four years under the various
names of Guiller, Caffaro, and Bernard, and in whose character
Mr. Macleane had perceived "such a mixture of romance, know"ledge, indiscretion, abilities, meanness, seeming frankness, credu" lity, and perseverance," that it was impossible to come to any
fixed ideas concerning him, or to say whether he was a man to
be trusted, or an impostor,—a man endeavouring to impose upon
others, or a man who had been much imposed upon himself. This
narrative Mr. Macleane drew up, thinking it likely that, on the
then appearance of a rupture with Spain, D'Aubarede would
renew his application to be employed by the Administration in
raising a revolt in Mexico. His papers, if genuine, might be of
great service in any attempt on Mexico, even if no confidence
were reposed in the man himself. |
|
The following is an outline of Mr. Macleane's narrative:— |
|
In Oct. 1766 the Earl of Shelburne directed him to see two
foreigners, calling themselves Bernard and Vignoles, as his Lordship did not think it right that they should have it in their
power to say that they had opened themselves to any of H.M.'s
Ministers. Lord Chatham had before received a letter from
Bernard, to which he returned no answer, not liking the character
of the bearer, Vignoles. Mr. Macleane was told to be very circumspect, and to say nothing which could imply the countenance
of Administration, but yet to procure, if possible, their papers
and intelligence in the fullest manner; and to keep them in
suspense, as if dubious whether to make the matter known to his
Lordship or not. As the business would be entrusted to no other
person in the office, he was to see them as privately as possible,
mention the subject to nobody, and copy the papers with his own
hand; and if he gave money, to do it as from himself by way of
loan, taking care to act so as to leave Administration clear in
disavowing every sort of knowledge of the matter, in case it
should come to the ears of the Spanish Ambassador. |
|
Acting on these instructions, an interview was granted to
Bernard and Vignoles, at which the former desired Mr. Macleane
to acquaint H.M.'s Ministers that he was an officer of rank, family,
and long service who came authorised by the people of Mexico to
propose a treaty, offensive and defensive, and an exclusive privilege
of commerce with England, provided His Majesty would aid them
to throw off the yoke of Spain (which they deemed insupportable),
and would agree to their forming themselves into a sovereign
republic. Mr. Macleane absolutely refused the request, or to give
him any encouragement whatever, on the score of the sincere
desire of the Administration to maintain peace; but finally, on
Bernard's leaving his papers, promised to give them a cursory
reading. He directed the men to call for the papers at his house
on the Saturday following, but stated his intention to mention the
matter to no person whatever, convinced that it was a business
with which the Administration would have no concern. The
papers left by Bernard were: 1st, a relation of the grounds on
which the project was formed, and of the steps already taken in
prosecution of it; 2nd, a plan of operation; 3rd, a plan of commerce; and 4th, a manifesto intended to be published in Mexico.
Mr. Macleane's narrative gives a summary of the contents of these
papers. The first contained an account of the manner in which
Bernard had come to be engaged in the enterprise, and of the
grievances that all classes of Mexicans suffered at the hands of
the old Spaniards. Incidentally, it is mentioned that a scarcity
of coin had begun to be felt, owing to the increase of exportation
and rise in the price of quicksilver, the latter reason also occasioning a decrease from 19 or 20 millions to 10 or 12 millions in
the quantity of dollars carried to the mints while the mines were
still capable of yielding a much greater amount without hazard of
being exhausted. It is also stated that two of the principal
nobility, and a Recollet Friar of great weight and credit in the
country, were selected to carry a memorial home to lay these
grievances regularly before the Spanish Administration; but the
affair coming to the ears of the Viceroy, he forbad the two
grandees to leave Mexico. Thereupon two merchants were privately instructed to supply their place, and they passed over under
a pretence of commercial affairs, accompanied by the Recollet Friar.
As soon as these merchants began to open the nature of their commission at Madrid, they were commanded to be silent, and ordered
to finish their commercial affairs, and depart immediately for
Mexico, under penalty of being taken up as seditious persons, and
severely punished. It was on this menace that the two merchants unbosomed themselves to Bernard, and introduced the
Recollet Friar, representing the settled determination of the
Mexicans to throw off the Spanish yoke, but allowing that they
found themselves totally at a loss to form a new system of
government, owing to the great ignorance in which they were
kept by being debarred from all communication or intercourse with
foreigners and even deprived of all means of political instruction from books. They said, however, that they were convinced
that their nobility would never submit to a monarchical government, being composed of families equally powerful and jealous of
one another. Being also unacquainted with the nature of military
operations, and in great need of a proper person to direct and
conduct them in those matters, they entreated Bernard to undertake the conduct of their affairs, both civil and military, as they
had discovered him to possess the requisite talents, with which
they confessed themselves to be totally unprovided. They pressed
him to form a plan of government, to pass over to Mexico, and
to take the management of the revolution, their party being a
thousand to one, and offered, in the name of their countrymen,
to make the command of the army and the government of La
Vera Cruz hereditary in his family, with the title and dignity
of Duke. This offer he accepted, after having convinced them,
with great difficulty, that the assistance of England was absolutely
necessary to ensure success. When this was first proposed to
them, the deputies had been startled, thinking it dangerous both
to their religion and liberty, asserting that they had no occasion
for foreign assistance, and that they would be courted by the
different powers of Europe as soon as they stood forth an independent state, opening their ports to universal commerce. But
he set them right in regard to the disposition and principles of
the English, which he showed to be favourable to liberty in
general, and founded on a knowledge of the true interests of
trade. Finally they agreed on certain articles to be offered to
England (which are given). Everything having been settled,
the deputies sailed for La Vera Cruz, the 1st of September 1765.
Bernard afterwards received from them a letter containing the
expressions of concurrence and approbation agreed upon. |
|
The second paper contained an account of the province of
Mexico and a plan of operations, describing the situation of La
Vera Cruz (by which, there being no other port of any safety on
all the immense eastern coast of Mexico, the kingdom was shut
up, "as a bottle is by a cork"); the roads, climate, &c.; character
of the Indians and Creoles; the number and condition of the
Spanish troops there, &c. This paper stated that in 1763 the
Court of Madrid sent to Mexico Don Juan de Villalba, a Lieut.General, with four Major Generals, and 60 officers of inferior
rank, besides non-commissioned officers in proportion, to form a
national militia of 30,000 men; but the plan in 1766 had not
been carried into execution, the Mexicans having refused to
furnish either men or money. Villalba quarrelled with the
Marquis de Cruillos, the Viceroy; and the Court sent out Don
Joseph Galves as mediator, but, he being likewise charged with the
task of raising new taxes, his arrival only added to the confusion;
for the differences increasing between the Viceroy, the General,
and the Mediator, the people took advantage of the quarrel and
did nothing. The same paper contained a minute account of
the plan of operations proposed by Bernard, who represented
Don Felix Ferias, the governor of Vera Cruz, (which was to be
the first object of attack,) to be an officer of small capacity, who
had owed his promotion to his being brother-in-law to Toussain,
the King's first valet-de-chambre. Among other things, it was
proposed to raise a Foreign Roman Catholic Regiment in Germany,
as there would be a danger of entirely disgusting the natives,
should the first attempt to enter the interior parts of the country
be made by troops of any other religion. The deputies were very
earnest on this head, as the only sure means of gaining the confidence of the clergy, who were principally concerned in the conspiracy. Bernard thought two chaplains necessary, who should
say mass in the country with great pomp, twice a day, particularly
on the march from La Vera Cruz to Mexico. To this memorial,
in which the military operations seemed to be detailed in a
perspicuous manner, Mr. Macleane says there was annexed an
exact itnerary of the roads, and a list of the principal nobility
engaged in the cause, whose names, as well as those of the three
deputies, were given at large. |
|
The third paper was an essay on the commerce of Mexico,
giving an account of the disadvantageous manner in which it was
carried on, with the remedy proposed; viz., the establishment, out
of a part of the revenue of the State, of a bank for the immediate
and first purchase of all cargoes arriving at La Vera Cruz, with
subordinate magazines at all the principal towns of the Republic,
which should supply the goods wholesale to the merchants at 10
per cent. profit on the first cost at La Vera Cruz. The advantages
to arise from the scheme were set forth, with the checks necessary
to prevent abuses. Among these, was one to prevent all undue
practices of the Director General of Commerce at La Vera Cruz, by
giving him an appointment, exclusive of being lodged, sufficient to
put him above temptation, and too valuable for him to risk its loss.
The plan of regulating the commerce was also fully described.
Bernard further represented that by this extensive commerce,
chiefly carried on by payments in specie, and by the large loans
which the Mexicans would be ready to furnish for a very small
interest (as there was then no such thing in Mexico as letting out
money to interest), such a hold might be got of the country as would
ensure a continuance of their fidelity for ages. He said the clergy
and religious communities had more money locked up in their
coffers than would furnish a loan of eighty millions. In a note to
his narrative, Mr. Macleane says that this statement of the riches
of the religious communities in the Spanish colonies was confirmed by an intercepted letter of 27 Sept. 1767 from the
Spanish Ambassador at Paris to Prince Masserano, running thus:—"According to accounts transmitted to Lovera, the affair of
seizing the Jesuits at the Havannah was managed with so
much address that they got possession of all their papers before
they had time to burn one. Among them were found many
billets from their female penitents, which prove the different
methods taken by these spiritual fathers to comfort their
daughters in confession. Yriarte adds, that during the forty
years that Order had been established, in that city alone they
had enjoyed 600,000 dollars yearly rent. The number of
individuals never exceeded twenty-four, so you may judge how
much they must have laid up." |
|
The fourth paper was in the form of a manifesto, setting forth
the grievances they laboured under, and the part which the King
of Great Britain was to take on behalf of the Republic, with a
subjoined sketch of the new form of government proposed. |
|
On the attentive perusal of these papers, which were copied
and delivered to the Earl of Shelburne, it appeared to him that
there were sufficient grounds to prosecute the matter further.
Mr. Macleane was therefore directed to spin the matter out, to
consider every step accurately, to see neither Bernard nor Vignoles
often, but to keep a watchful eye on them both, particularly on
Vignoles, whose character and manner of life in England, where
often, but to keep a watchful eye on them both, particularly on
Vignoles, whose character and manner of life in England, where
he had subsisted for several years without visible means of
support, rendered him very suspected. On these accounts, as well
as to give time to copy the papers, Mr. Macleane let several weeks
pass without seeing either, putting them off on various pretexts,
except on one occasion for a few minutes, to demand of Bernard his
real name and a state of his services, which he gave at once without
hesitation. By two passes, one from the Due d'Ossun, the French
Ambassador at Madrid, the other from the Marquis de Grimaldi,
Secretary of State for Spain, it appeared with authenticity that
he was then a Colonel in the French service, and Marquis
d'Aubarede. He also handed in a state of his services from the
time when he was made Lieutenant in the Regiment of La Sarre
in 1729. [They are set out fully in the narrative, but need not be
here given.] But in 1758, after having been many years unemployed, when the French East India Company, alarmed at the
news from Mr. de Lally, resolved to supersede him, he, the Marquis
d'Aubarede, was named to succeed him. The Due de Bellisle
approved of the choice, and promised him the Cordon rouge, and
the rank of Brigadier General in France and Major General in
India. However, his departure was delayed for some time, under
various pretexts, and at last he was totally laid aside through the
intrigues of M. Bertin, the new Controller General. Afterwards,
when the loss of Pondicherry and the ruin of the French East
India Company had raised a universal clamour against M. Bertin,
he pitched upon M. d'Aubarede as the object of his resentment
and cast him into the Bastille, where he lay for nine months,
without its being known for most party of the time what had
become of him. At the same time he was deprived of his deputy
government of Bedfort. Then he went to Spain with his kinsman,
the Marquis de Crillon, who introduced him to the King. At
Madrid he was promised the government of Louisiana, but after
fifteen months daily attendance was told he could only be made
Deputy Governor. This he rejected, and it was precisely at this
interval of disgust that he became acquainted with the two
Mexican merchants. This account of himself he supported in
conversation by such ready and pertinent answers as inclined one
very much to believe it. His account of Corsica was full, clear,
and exact, and he foretold the expense of blood and treasure it
would cost France to reduce it. In his conversations on Spain
and the Ministers at that Court for the time being he was very
instructive; and his answers to particular questions arising from
circumstances occurring at the time showed that he was a man of
that inquisitive temper that peries into everything. Mr. Macleane
gives two instances of this;—one relating to the character of a
French officer at Madrid, named De Mouriez, who was known to
have given in a plan to the Spanish ministry for the surprise of
Gibraltar, from whose designs, by the account D'Aubarede gave of
him (set out in the narrative at length), there could be no great
danger, though Gibraltar was at that time far from being impregnable. The second instance was in connexion with the news
that Portugal had dispossessed the Spanish by force of Nova
Colonia, which the latter had refused to evacuate. |
|
From the end of October to the middle of November, Mr. Macleane took care to avoid a meeting with D'Aubarede or Vignoles,
though they made many attempts to gain admittance. About
this time, Mr. Macleane, from a person being set to watch his
house, discovered that the Spanish Ambassador had got some
scent of his visitors. He, therefore, used every endeavour to find
out who Vignoles was, and discovered, among other things (set
out in the narrative), that he was a man of letters and intrigue,
that it was likely that he acted as a spy for the Court of Vienna,
that he corrected D'Eon's works for the press, and that a very
close intimacy subsisted between them. This showed that he was
a very critical repository for such a secret as D'Aubarede's, and
that he would certainly make a merit of revealing it to the
Imperial, if not the Spanish, Ambassador, unless he expected to
gain more by his silence. In this opinion Mr. Macleane was fully
confirmed by the perusal a few days afterwards of the following
intercepted letter from the Marquis de Grimaldi to Prince Masserano, dated at Madrid, the 3rd Nov. 1766:—"Your letter of the
".… of last month relative to the fiction of Guiller, in which
you enclose a copy of one of your letters to Mr. D'Eon, and in
which you mention what the courier from Vienna had brought,
who, we thought, would pass to Count Seilern with orders from
his Court on this subject, requires an answer. The King, being
informed of the contents of your letters, orders me to tell you
that your reflections are very judicious for not delivering to
Vigniola the letter of Cobenzel, in order not to discover to him
that D'Eon informs us of everything, and not to engage us to
give him money. His Majesty would, moreover, have you
pursue your plan, and press D'Eon that he may declare the two
Peruvian companions of Caffaro, who, he supposes, are in Spain,
&c." This letter though dark at the time, afforded some light
afterwards towards discovering the bungling manner in which
D'Aubarede conducted himself on his arrival in England, and the
unjustifiable confidence he had reposed in improper persons, if he
really acted by authority from the Mexican deputies; and in the
end it served as a clue to the whole business. Three things
appeared evidently from this letter: 1st, that D'Eon acted as a spy
for the Court of Spain; 2nd, that Vigniola was not privy to this;
3rd, that Vigniola had not been as yet directly applied to, nor
received money from Spain. "Vigniola" certainly means
Vignoles, and not the Venetian Resident, who could not be
supposed to be in a situation to receive money from the Spanish
Ambassador, or to act in concert in this business with D'Eon.
Having more than once observed D'Eon go into Vignoles' house
in Warwick Street, Mr. Macleane had no doubt the letter referred
to them, and therefore determined to take Vignoles by surprise
by asking him abruptly what intercourse there could be between
him and D'Eon. His answer proved convincingly that there was
more between them than an intimacy on subjects of literature.
Mr. Macleane afterwards gave neither of them an interview, till,
on repeated importunities, he agreed to meet them at Vignoles'
house in the country, being curious to see in what manner they
lived, near Battersea, and whether he could learn anything
relative to them in that village. He succeeded so far as to draw
a confession from D'Aubarede "that he had endeavoured to make
D'Eon a party in the plot on his first arrival in London; that
they had never met, but that he had been rather too communi"cative to him by letter; however, that by the assistance of
Vignoles, all had been set to rights; and that D'Eon was rather
apprehensive of a plot against himself, at the instigation of the
Comte de Guerchy, than against Mexico or Peru." To this
Mr. Macleane replied that his indiscretion was a matter of no
import to the English Administration, who knew not a syllable
of him or his plan, and who entertained no sentiments but the
most amicable towards Spain; but that the best step he himself
could take would be to set out for Russia as speedily as possible.
For three weeks after this Mr. Macleane was pestered with letters
and applications to receive a detail of everything that had passed
between D'Eon and D'Aubarede or Vignoles since D'Aubarede's
arrival, and at length received it. Mr. Macleane only gives a short
abstract of this defence of Vignoles, having, as he says, annexed it,
with a letter and queries of D'Eon's in his own handwriting,
by way of appendix. [These papers are not now forthcoming.]
This defence of Vignoles details how, having acted as an agent
between D'Eon and D'Aubarede, he became connected with the
latter; states the means employed by them to deceive D'Eon, and
get back the papers which D'Aubarede, under the name of Guiller,
had sent to him, when they discovered by intercepted letters
from Prince Masserano to D'Eon that the project had been disclosed by D'Eon to the Spanish Ambassador; and relates the proceedings of Vignoles and D'Aubarede during this time, chiefly as
to the devices they had recourse to to deceive and get rid of D'Eon.
To do this more effectually it was pretended that D'Aubarede's
real name, which had before been given as Guiller, was Caffaro,
while the scene of the threatening revolution was changed from
Mexico to Peru. Among the incidents of the story is an account of
a visit paid by Vignoles to D'Eon on the 28th of August, in the
morning instead of the evening, when D'Eon seemed rather disconcerted, and, being asked the reason, said that M. Durand,
Minister of France, visited him often incognito of a morning, and
that it was not expedient he should see him, Vignoles. "I am,"
says he, "in a good way with the King, but as Mr. Durand is
under the protection of the Duke of Praslin, visiting me may
expose him to some mishap, for you know he is quite in the
power of the Choiseuls. M. Durand is, nevertheless, my friend,
and endeavours to restore me to favour. Although Guerchy
returns, yet it is only for this session; and I tell you as a friend
you will see me Minister of France, perhaps Ambassador at this
Court, in due time. Therefore, my dear friend, let me entreat
you to conduct this affair of Guiller to a happy end, because,
through Durand, I can make it known to France, which must
ensure both our fortunes." From letters from the Spanish
Ambassador to D'Eon, intercepted by Vignoles, he and D'Aubarede
learnt that the Spanish Ambassador was anxious to get more
information of the affair, and was pressing D'Eon to endeavour to
obtain it. He was, therefore, supplied with some false information
relative to the supposed impending rebellion in Peru, and a fictitious description of the appearance and disguise of Caffaro. |
|
This defence, in which he discovered many inconsistencies, had,
Mr. Macleane says, on the one hand, too much the air of an
improbable and lying romance, while, on the other hand, it
corresponded with several intercepted letters which it was impossible Vignoles could have known anything of. The copies of
Prince Masserano's letters to D'Eon, opened and copied by Vignoles,
tallied with such as his Excellency had written to the Marquis de
Grimaldi on the same subject. The papers in D'Eon's own hand
(in the appendix) also gave strong testimony in favour of Vignoles'
story. Was it then wrong to conclude that D'Aubarede had
played the fool in trusting D'Eon; but that Vignoles had in some
measure extricated him from his dilemma by betraying D'Eon,
who believed him his friend ? Had Count Cobenzel's letters been
given to Vignoles with a little money, of which Prince Masserano
appears too sparing, they would, in all probability, have found him
as ready to serve Spain as D'Eon, and of course they would have
got much sooner than they did at more of the secret. This,
however, says Mr. Macleane, was not the only instance in which
Prince Masserano showed a backwardness to have any of the
foreign ministers intermeddle in this business, for he was just as
averse to the French minister taking any part in it as the
Imperial. "Yet it is very astonishing that Count Cobenzel should
be applied to for a letter desiring Vignoles to assist D'Eon, and
afterwards they should keep this letter back 'lest it should let
'Vignoles know that D'Eon acted as a spy for Spain, or engage
'them to give money.'" |
|
After this, on Dec. 21, D'Aubarede wrote a letter to D'Eon
(which he communicated to Mr. Macleane), telling him that, having
offered the plan to the English Administration they had rejected
it, wishing every prosperity to the inhabitants of Peru, but totally
declining anything which could interrupt the peace with Spain;
but, nevertheless, insinuating that many events might happen in
the course of ten or twelve years; and that he himself was about
to return to Peru with one of his associates at Madrid, while the
other came to London to confer from time to time with him
(D'Eon) and Vignoles. The last step taken to break off all correspondence with D'Eon was the inserting a paragraph in the
papers "That one Caffaro had been detected in an attempt to
"kidnap D'Eon, but, being discovered, he had found means to
"make his escape." |
|
Seeing that the Spanish Ambassador had been alarmed by
D'Eon's imperfect account, Mr. Macleane endeavoured to discover
whether their apprehensions ran most for Peru or for Mexico.
D'Aubarede said that he knew from the Marquis de Grimaldi
himself, when he was in favour at Madrid, that the ministry
entertained very great apprehensions for Peru, which induced
them to send an officer of M. Boucarelli's rank, much against his
inclination, to Buenos Ayres. He said the regiments sent to
America were no defence to Mexico, which nothing could protect
but a superior fleet at the Havanna. Being told that the Prince
of Croix had put the country into a perfect state of tranquillity,
he replied that the prince of Croix was a man of no abilities nor
penetration, and that in giving such an account he only fulfilled
the orders of Spain, which were to spread these reports most where
they had most to fear. To show this he related an anecdote
relative to the state of the Havanna. When this city was besieged
in the last war. M. de Grimaldi told the Due de Choiseul that it
was impregnable. This could not be through ignorance, for no
person knew better than M. de Grimaldi that for 30 years the
Governors of the Havanna had written that they could not hold
out 24 hours if attacked by an enemy disembarking either at
Bacarunao or at Sivarimar, and directing their force against the
quarter of La Luz. These facts appeared when Don Diego Tabares,
a Major General and an excellent officer, was, by order of the
King, who wished to make an example, brought to a court-martial
for the loss of the place. The process lasted 18 months, and the
General was only exiled a few months, because he had not saved the
King's treasure. |
|
For some months after this D'Aubarede remained quiet at
Vignoles' house in the country, D'Eon seeming to have totally
lost sight of the affair. Now appeared on the scene a certain
Durand, who at last had procured leave to go to Mexico through
the interest of Madame la Croix, wife to the Governor of Galicia,
who was concerned with him in a smuggling adventure. Up to
this time D'Aubarede had not mentioned a word about money.
The First hint of it was in Vignoles' defence; and after opening
matters to D'Aubarede, and learning from him that his estate was
in Dominique, and the produce annually remitted to France, a
country on which he said he did not then, dare to draw, Mr. Macleane lent him from time to time up to 200l., enjoining secrecy,
since it might hurt him. Mr. Macleane, if it were known. Thus
it stood favourably enough for D'Aubarede in regard to money
matters, when he proposed that in order to send a trusty messenger to Mexico, the English Administration should associate
with Durand and Madame La Croix in the smuggling adventure
up to 2,000l; and that he, D'Aubarede, should bring his wife and
family to England. This, Mr. Macleance says, savoured too much
of playing a double game,—a dukedom in Mexico or a pension in
England,—and therefore he answered without hesitation that such
a step could not be taken without the knowledge and consent of
the Administration, and that his resolution was unalterably taken
never to mention the affair to them. Having reported this to Lord
Shelburne, Mr. Macleane was directed to lay the papers relative
to this business before Sir James Gray and Mr. Porten, who were
so well acquainted with the affairs of Spain; and, in accordance
with their advice, D'Aubarede, after repeated solicitations, was told
by Mr. Macleane that the latter would take the risk upon himself
of permitting him to bring over his wife and family, provided they
would live very retired, and wait the issue of events, and that he
would continue to lend him, without the knowledge of Government,
at the rate of 125 guineas per quarter, but refused to have anything to do either with Durand or his smuggling adventure.
Durand accordingly arrived with D'Aubarede's wife and family
about the latter end of July 1767. |
|
From the first Mr. Macleane disliked this Durand, and, by an
intercepted letter from the Prince de Masserano to the Marquis de
Grimaldi, learnt that Durand had been in communication with the
Spanish Ambassador and betrayed D'Aubarede. Mr. Macleane
contrived to have an interview with Durand, and by some abrupt
questions surprised him into confessing that he had been visiting
the Spanish Ambassador and receiving money from him, and that
he had seen Ottamendi frequently on the subject; but he, nevertheless, strenuously affirmed that he had been in a manner forced
into the Spanish Ambassador's, and had endeavoured to mislead
them. He gave Mr. Macleane an account (set out at length
in the narrative) of what passed between the French Minister,
the Spanish Ambassador, the Count de Lavagne, Signor Ottamendi,
and himself, from which, Mr. Macleane says, it was easy to see that
D'Aubarede was betrayed, and that the Spanish Ambassador knew
everything Durand could tell him. Durand mentions in this
account, that, after evading direct answers as best he could, he was
entreated to use every means to come at D'Aubarede's most intimate
secrets, and to carry his letters to Signor Ottamendi before taking
them to Mr. Macleane, in which there was no risk, as "Ottamendi
"was of approved fidelity, and very dexterous at opening and
"resealing a letter." |
|
Mr. Macleane got rid of Durand in a civil manner, and went
directly to D'Aubarede, who, upon having everything unfolded to
him, exclaimed that all was lost, and threatened to cut Durand's
throat; but, seeing Mr. Macleane's surprise at this, proposed he
should be instead kidnapped and sent to the East Indies.
Mr. Macleane having given him to understand that Durand would
meet with the same protection and safety that any other stanger
found, advised D'Aubarede rather to think of withdrawing himself and family, as it was impossible to supply them longer with
the means of subsistence, and as there was more than ever reason
to conceal his ill-conducted project from the Ministry, and advised
him to return to France and make his peace as best he could.
His answer was that he had seen enough of the Bastille, and did
not covet to die there, and that he would continue in England,
living as quietly as possible, till such time as his innocence might
appear. He then went away in an agony too striking to be
counterfeited, and which seemed to bode no good to Durand, for
whose safety, Mr. Macleane says, he had some apprehensions, notwithstanding the caution he had given; but, to his utter astonishment, he found some days after (such was this man's credulity) that
Durand had convinced D'Aubarede in their first interview that he
was totally innocent, that he had misled the Spanish Ambassador
in every point, and that he would continue faithful to the last.
Durand made many attempts afterwards to get admittance to
Mr. Macleane's house, but in vain. At length he disappeared
totally, and was never heard of after in London. Mr. Macleane
still having some doubts in consequence of D'Aubarede's first
declaration of vengeance, made some inquiries about him after his
departure, and found he had disappeared simultaneously with a
French gentleman with whom he had been particularly intimate
for some weeks, without paying for his lodgings, and taking away
with him everything of consequence. |
|
In a note Mr. Macleane says that the disgrace into which
Madame la Croix fell with the Spanish Ministry immediately
after Durand's information showed that Durand's intelligence was
full, and that it was attended to in Spain. |
|
Things remained in this situation when Mr. Macleane left the
office, about three months before Lord Shelburne's resignation, and
the matter passed finally into Mr. Wood's hands. At last
D'Aubarede was told "That 200l. would be given him to carry
him away; that it was astonishing he should think of persisting
in a project which had never met with any encouragement; and
that he might depend upon it that he would never receive
another shilling, nor be heard again on the subject. " He was
thunderstruck at this declaration, said it was cruel to throw him
off after allowing his wife and family to come over. "If 500l. a year
was too much for a person of his rank, and who might still be
so useful, give him half, give him a quarter. "Mr. Macleane
replied that he could not say he had been deceived, having always
been told that Administration knew nothing of him or his plan,
and that the money given him was at his, Mr. Macleane's, own risk.
"Indeed," said Mr. Macleane, "I was obliged on leaving the office
to tell what I had done, but it was disapproved, as I always
knew it would be when known. This being the case I thought
the Administration particularly indulgent to myself in repaying
the money I have given you, and particularly beneficent to you
in giving you 200l. over and above to carry you out of the
country." D'Aubarede, however, still persisted that he had not
been betrayed by Vignoles or Durand. |
|
After this Mr. Macleane as industriously avoided any intercourse
with him as he endeavoured to bring it about. On Paoli's reception
he upbraided Mr. Macleane with his being left to misery and
contempt, while a person of not half his consequence to the country
was caressed and supported. He plagued him with letters, always
unanswered. At one time threatened to complain to the King
and to every branch of Administration; at another to take out a
statute of bankruptcy against Mr. Macleane for the arrears of his
pension as he called it. Finding nothing would draw a reply, he
became so insolent in the streets that Mr. Macleane was obliged
to tell him that there were madhouses in London, and that it was
plain that he was determined to force his way into one of them. |
|
Mr. Macleane concludes his narrative by saying that he was of
opinion that the man might be found useful in case of a Spanish
war, and that his paper were certainly valuable in case of an
attack on Mexico, and showed that the country would fall an easy
conquest to a proper force. |
|
To this narrative are annexed original French letters from
D'Aubarede to Mr. Macleane, of 18th, 19th, and 21st Dec., and
the covers of two, consisting of a sheet of paper folded square, like
a small modern envelope. In these he represents himself in great
distress, with writs out against him, and obliged to remain in
hiding in Spring Garden, while his wife, having sold all she had,
lay on a bed of sickness without money or credit. Among debts
owing was a nine months' bill for his son, who was at the Military
Academy at "Petit Chelsea." There is also a paper, without date,
relative to the certainty of the success of the revolution, &c. The
last letter has an account of what was owing him for arrears of
pension. |
|
The narrative consists of 74 large pp. of Ms.; the letters, &c.,
16 pp. |
22 Dec.
Admiralty, v. 161, No. 37. |
394. Lord Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
With orders to retain in H.M.'s service certain marines taken
on board two of the East India Company's ships, and to grant
fresh protections on the request of the Company, for the number
of men necessary to man their ships now preparing, &c.—St. James's. A draft. 2 pp. |
22 Dec.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 2, No. 39 a, b. |
395. Lord Hillsborough to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Sends a copy of a second memorial presented by the Agent of
Jamaica on the subject of the protection given in the Island of
Cuba to slaves deserting from Jamaica.—Whitehall. |
|
The petition enclosed, signed by Stephen Fuller, Esq., Agent for
Jamaica, on behalf of the planters. 2½ pp. |
22 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 79 a to d. |
396. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to Lord
Weymouth. |
|
Upon the subject of the right of apprentices to be discharged
who have enlisted without the permission of their masters. The
insertion in the oath taken by recruits before the attesting
magistrate that they are not apprentices, has not had the effect
expected from it. A case of this kind arising, it was submitted
to the Attorney General of Ireland for his opinion whether the
apprentice could not be punished for the imposition. He reported
that the apprentice was not punishable, but that the master had
no right to demand his discharge. This being directly contrary
to the opinion of Lord Camden when Attorney General, the
matter was referred back to the Irish Attorney General, but he
adhered to his former opinion, and gave his reasons for differing
from Lord Camden. He recommended, however, that apprentices
so enlisting should, for the interests of trade, be given up as a
matter of favour, on the bounty, &c. being repaid; and further
suggested that there might be statutes in England not known in
Ireland, which might alter the case. His Excellency encloses
Mr. Tisdall, the Irish Attorney General's, two opinions, and a copy
of Lord Camden's, for His Majesty's pleasure thereon.—Dublin
Castle. |
|
The enclosures. 10pp. and parts of2 pp. |
23 Dec.
Council Office, pcl. 20. |
397. Mr. Gildart, Town Clerk of Liverpool, to the Earl of
Rochford. |
|
Transmits, by order of the Mayor, a petition of the merchants
and traders of Liverpool respecting ships under orders of quarantine in the port, requesting that some more effectual means may
be taken to prevent the pestilential disorder now raging in some
part of Europe being brought in by persons and goods. Asks that
the petition may be laid before His Majesty in Council. ¾ p. |
18 July to 25 Dec.
Admiralty, v.161, No. 38 a to z and aa to yy. |
398. Naval Preparations. |
|
A number of letters between the above dates, containing
orders for manning and fitting out and despatching ships, &c. to
North America, West Indies, Gibraltar, Minorca, Cadiz, &c., announcements of the carrying out of these orders, states of the
naval preparations at different times, &c. |
|
They consist of the following:— |
|
Lord Weymouth to the Lords of the Admiralty, 18 July, 16 Aug.,
and 7 Sept.; Lord Rochford to the Same, 19 Sept. and 21 Sept.;
and Lord Weymouth to the same, 2 Oct. All drafts. |
|
Lords of the Admiralty to Lord Weymouth, 6 and 8 Oct. |
|
Lord Weymouth to the Lords of the Admiralty, 9, 10, 16, and
19 Oct. Drafts. |
|
Lords of the Admiralty to [Lord Weymouth], 19 Oct., with one
enclosure; and 24 Oct. |
|
Mr. R. Wood to Mr. Stephens, 26 Oct. A copy. |
|
Lord Weymouth to the Lords of the Admiralty, 26, 29 (two), and
30 Oct., and 1 Nov. |
|
Mr. Ph. Stephens to Robert Wood, Esq., 6 Nov., with one enclosure. |
|
Lords of the Admiralty to Lord Weymouth, 8, 13, and 16 Nov.;
and 21 Nov., with two enclosures. |
|
[Lord Weymouth] to Lords of the Admiralty, 21 Nov.
A draft. |
|
Lords of the Admiralty to Lord Weymouth, 27 Nov. |
|
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Fraser, 28 Nov., and two enclosures. |
|
Lords of the Admiralty to Lord Weymouth, 30 Nov. (two) and
3 Dec. |
|
Lord Weymouth to the Lords of the Admiralty, 4 Dec. Draft. |
|
Lord of the Admiralty to Lord Weymouth, 5 Dec. |
|
Lord Weymouth to the Lords of the Admiralty, 17, 21, and 22
Dec. Drafts. |
|
Lords of the Admiralty to Lord Rochford, 25 Dec.; and 25 Dec.
with two enclosures. |
|
Lord Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty, 26 Dec. and
28 Dec. (two). Drafts. |
|
64 pp. or parts of pp. |
25 Dec.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 273. |
399. Leave of absence for six months from Lord Weymouth to
Mr. James Wright, clerk in his office, appointed secretary to the
Governor of Minorca. |
25 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 80. |
400. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Acknowledging the receipt of the letter informing him of his
Lordship's succeeding Lord Weymouth in the Southern Department.
Will, for the future, address his letters to his Lordship, &c.—Dublin
Castle. 1 p. |
24 and 26 Dec.
Dom.Geo.III., v. 2, Nos. 40, 41. Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24,p. 240. |
401. Francis Steward, Mayor of Weymouth, to the Earls of
Sandwich and Rochford. |
|
Gives an account of a ship from Stettin which attempted to
come into the harbour yesterday to repair some damage she had
sustained. The tide surveyor, being in Portland Road on duty,
could not speak with her time enough to prevent a pilot boat
with four pilots and four people of the town going on board to
their assistance, which they did in ignorance of the place she
came from, and the necessity they would be under to perform
quarantine. The ship, being refused admittance into the port, is
brought up in Portland Road, where 'tis supposed she can be
repaired by her own people. The people who so imprudently
went on board her are now in a small vessel moored in a creek
some distance from this place, where they may remain with con
venience and safety till their Lordships' pleasure is known. —Weymouth, 24 Dec. 2pp. |
|
Reply from the Earl of Sandwich, dated the 26th, informing
him that he would receive instructions for his further conduct
from the Council Office, and signifying approbation of the prudent
measures taken. A draft. 1 p. |
26 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 75. |
402. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Relative to the meeting of the Irish Parliament, now standing
prorogued to 15th of Jan. next. It is not to meet for the despatch
of business on the day fixed by the prorogation, but as soon after
as his Excellency shall think convenient. A draft. 2 pp. |
26 Dec.
Ireland, v. 438, No. 83. |
403. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to Lord [Rochford]. |
|
His Lordship will receive by this post an official letter recommending the Rev. Dr. Berkeley to be Dean of Limerick. He is
son to the famous Tar Wate Bishop of Cloyne, and is a very
respectable man, and possessed of considerable preferment in Eng
land, the principal part of which, viz., a prebend of Canterbury,
and chancellorship of Brecknock, in Wales, he is to resign for this
deanery, in favour of the Rev. Dr. Young, who is his Excellency's first chaplain, and who chooses rather to take a small
provision in England than to reside in Ireland. Has not until
now had any opportunity of conferring any mark of his regard
upon Dr. Young. His great object has been the promotion of the
King's service, and to that he has given up almost everything
civil, military, or ecclesiastical, that has fallen within his gift.
Trusts, therefore, there will be no objection to this commutation
of preferment for Dr. Young. The deanery is of much greater
value than the prebend and the chancellorship which Dr. Young is
to receive in return, and he would have been a very valuable
acquisition to the country if he [had consented to remain].
However, as he is determined to stay in his native land, his
Excellency has it exceedingly at heart to make this provision for
him. Asks, therefore, his Lordship's assistance that this deanery
may be granted to Dr. Berkeley.—Dublin Castle. A holograph.
3 pp. |
26 Dec.
War office, v. 25, No. 2. |
404. Earl of Rochford to the Secretary-At-War. |
|
Directing that two regiments of foot should be sent to each of
the ports of Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham. A draft. ¾ p. |
27 Dec.
Dom.Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 12. |
405. Mr. Justice Parker to Richard Sutton, Esq. |
|
Has not been the Northern Circuit for 18 years, and knows
nothing of the convicts who have signed the petition returned
herewith. Mr. Justice Gould has frequently gone that circuit, but
Mr. Baron Perrott and Mr. Justice Aston went it last summer.—South Weald. 1 p. 1 |
|
There is no petition. |
| 27 Dec. |
406. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Four letters of this date:— |
|
Ireland, v. 438, No. 84. |
(1.) Marked "Secret." —Relative to the meeting of Parliament,
now standing prorogued to the 15th of January. There is a general anxiety amongst gentlemen for His Majesty's determination on
this point. They represent that the suspense in which they are
kept very greatly inconveniences their private affairs; and he is
satisfied that they speak truth. Proposes, therefore, that if Parliament is not to meet, the next prorogation may be extended to
a very long day; or, if it is to meet, that he may be enabled to
give the earliest notice of it, and to take steps for collecting the
friends of Government on the first day of the Session. His Majesty
is the best judge whether it may be necessary to call upon this
kingdom for any extraordinary service. If it is, the meeting of
Parliament is unavoidable; and, indeed, putting that particular
emergency out of the question, the revenue is so much sunk
within this year, and, from the best information, will probably
continue to decrease to such a degree, that, without a fresh vote
of credit, he does not see how the little expenses for putting the
kingdom into some appearance of defence can possibly be defrayed
without postponing payment of many branches of the civil and
military establishments. Cannot help repeating that, for himself,
if the rights of the Crown are thought to have been already
sufficiently asserted, he can see no reason why the Parliament
should not meet for the business of Government as well as that of
the kingdom. Whatever experiments particular men or parties
may choose to make with private views, he is still of opinio that
the majority of the House of Commons will never push things to
a dissolution; their own immediate interest is too much concerned;
and if they should, they will have only themselves to blame. It is
far from being the general disposition of the kingdom to applaud the
late unnecessary steps which obliged the Crown to prorogue them.
Thinks better of the numbers for Government than when he last
despatched Mr. Allen from hence. The principal servants of the
Crown have declared they were very agreeably surprised with the
state of the numbers made out for the first opening of the Parliament, and they had no doubt of being made much stronger afterwards. At the same time, it must be understood that the several
arrangements he proposed by Mr. Allen will be absolutely necessary to confirm the numbers for Government; and that if the
gentlemen who have relied on English Government these two last
Sessions be not obliged, or if change be made which may shake the
confidence of that force now formed for Government before the
Parliament is assembled, his Excellency is of opinion that H.M.'s
Government in Ireland must relapse to contractors, and hereafter
depend upon their support, and not its own natural strength.—Dublin Castle. 5 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 85. |
(2.) Upon the subject of his aides-de-camp. Recommends gentlemen to fill the vacancies, &c. |
|
A list of his Excellency's aides-de-camp enclosed. 3 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 86. |
(3.) Relative to the Secretary-at-War's proposal that beating
orders should be granted in Ireland to recruiting parties from the
marching regiments on the British establishment, &c. Submits to
His Majesty that the trade and manufactures of Ireland are almost
totally carried on by the Protestants, the number of whom is so
very small in proportion to the number of Papists, that it has ever
been considered of infinite prejudice to the kingdom to take away
any considerable number of Protestants, upon which account they
have always been spared; and when there has been an absolute
necessity for augmenting the forces in Ireland by levies in the
kingdom, it has mostly been upon condition of their being obliged
to serve in Ireland only. Suggests that the number wanted for
the augmentation of the British regiments should be raised from
among the Papists in the provinces of Leinster, Munster, and Connaught. 3 pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 87. |
(4.) Holograph. Marked "Private."—Asks for an answer to his
letter of the 28th Nov., containing the names of several gentlemen
of the army and other establishments who have seats in the Irish
Parliament, and requesting that, until absolute necessity required, they in Ireland should not be deprived of their support.
Mr. Allan will wait upon his Lordship to state the alteration it
will make in the numbers if Parliament is to meet. Col. Clements, who presents this, has asked for this letter to mention that
he, the Lord Lieutenant, wished him to stay for that answer, but
as it has not arrived, they have both thought it proper for him to
set out immediately for London, there to receive his further
destination.—Dublin Castle. 2 pp. |
27 Dec.
War office, pcl. 25,No. 3. |
407. Lord Barrington to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Relative to the repair of the King's house at Winchester, for the
use of the troops.—War Office. 1 p. |
28 Dec.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 274. |
408. Receipt from the Earl of Rochford for the quarter's allowance from the Post Office for the clerks in his office. |
29 Dec.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 25. |
409. Commodore Proby to Lord Weymouth. |
|
Agreeable to an application from Lieut. Governor Boyd, has
brought from Minorca two companies of Artillery, which were
landed here yesterday. On his arrival received letters from
Mr. Wood, and on the 15th his Lordship's letter of 16th Oct.,
enclosed to Sir H. Mann. Encloses two letters, one from Sir H.
Mann, the other from Sir John Dick.—"Pembroke," in Gibraltar
Bay. 1½ pp. |
29 Dec.
Isle of Man, 1761–74, No. 83. |
410. John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to Lord [Sandwich]. |
|
Expresses his joy and satisfaction upon This Lordship being
appointed Principal Secretary of State for the Northern Depart
ment. Should any application be made relative to the office of
water bailiff of the Isle, asks his Lordship to suspend his opinion
in the matter till he, the Governor, is able to transmit a proper
state of it.—Isle Mann. 1 p. |
29 Dec.
Scotland, pel. 46, No. 163. |
411. Thomas Miller, Lord Justice Clerk, to the Same. |
|
In answer to his letter of Dec. 20th, announcing his appointment
as Principal Secretary of State for the Northern Department.—Barskiming. 1 p. |
30 Dec.
Dom.Geo.III. pcl. 82, No. 31 a, b. |
412. Arth. Murphy to Mr. —. |
|
Relative to the case of Capt. Ferguson, convicted before Mr.
Baron Parker of the murder of a boy on board his ship, bound
from Antigua to Norfolk, in Virginia. He was charged with the
murder of three whites and one black, and for the last tried in
Virginia, and acquitted. Mr. Murphy, who was asked by the
person to whom he writes for a statement of his opinion of the
case, was apparently the counsel who defended the prisoner. |
|
Annexed is a statement, by Capt. Ferguson, of circumstances
in his favour, drawn from the evidence against him. 7 pp. |
31 Dec.
Admiralty, pcl.160. No. 26 a, b. |
413. Export of Provisions from Ireland. |
|
A letter, signed "Vigilator," and addressed, from Cork, to
Sir Edw. Hawke, sending copies of letters which the writer had
written to the Lord Lieutenant and Lord North. They contain
intelligence of the sailing of a vessel from Cork, with a cargo of
provisions for the Spanish fleet at Ferrol, showing that the proclamation for an embargo on provisions to foreign parts was
ineffectual. "Vigilator" urges the Lord Lieutenant to lay "an
" embargo on all parts, except with convoy," and threatens, in case
his intelligence is slighted, to make it public. 1 p. |
|
With this anonymous letter is an extract from a letter from
"Clark and Hayes," to Marquis d'Yranda, Madrid, acknowledging
receipt of letters, and stating that a vessel had sailed for Ferrol
with a cargo of beef on 27 Nov. They state that the Christmas
fêtes had caused them much embarrassment, because the Customs
officers were always then in the country. The "administrateur"
with whom they were in league (liés) had given his permission,
but as he could not compel the clerks and officers to work during
the holidays, it was necessary to detain four in town who were
absolutely required, and, besides ready money, to keep open table
for them through the week. They send the bill of lading of the
cargo of the "Telemaque," [the vessel alluded to in "Vigilator's"
letter].—French. 2 pp. |
31 Dec.
ChannelIslands, v. 15, No. 3. |
414. "Remonstrance de Jean Bailhache, habitant de l'Isle de
Jersey, à Monsr. Lt. Col. Bentinck." |
|
He asks for compensation for a loss suffered in 1758 while
executing a commission from the Commandant-in-chief, Thomas
Burges, Esq. French. 2 pp. |
19 Jan. to Dec. 1770.
ChannelIslands, pcl. 14, 8 a to z and aa to au. |
415. Jersey. |
|
Continuation of papers relative to the settling of the affairs of
the Island of Jersey, inquiry into grievances, &c. which followed
upon the disturbances that occurred on the 28th Sept. 1769, when
the mob broke into the court-house. [See Calendar of Home
Office Papers, 1766–69, No. 1361.] |
|
As arranged between Col. Bentinck and Lieut.-Governor
Ball (8 e), the former — being master of the French language (8 f), and thereby able to converse with the people, while
Mr. Ball did not speak it (8 g)—delivered a speech at the head of
the different regiments of militia in the Island, in which (8 g),
after remonstrating with them, and showing the ill consequences
which would follow a continuance of the tumultous nocturnal
assemblies of which accounts had been received, he pointed out
that the proper method for obtaining a redress of grievances was
to present petitions to the King in a legitimate way through the
channel of the States or Governor of the Island. These remonstrances (8 f) were allowed by the Lieutenant Bailly, as well as by
everybody else, to have produced the desired effect of restoring perfect tranquillity and good order all over the country, as the people
lived in hopes that their petitions would produce an enquiry into
their grievances, which was all they desired. When a petition was
presented to the Lieutenant Governor (8 e) from the town and
parish of St. Helier's for transmission to England, in order to be
laid before the King and Council, the contents of Lord Weymouth's
letter of the 24th October 1769 to the Lieutenant Bailly (a copy
of which had been sent to the Lieutenant Governor) determined
him to give it as his opinion that all petitions would come more
consistently through the channel of the States; and with a view to
strengthen his argument, and induce them to act with the greatest
propriety and decorum, he read Lord Weymouth's letter to the
gentlemen who waited upon him with the petition, who thereupon
changed their first intention. In order to inform the States of
all this, and to give an opportunity for the petitions of the
different parishes to be presented to them before he transmitted
copies to England, he called them together. This information is
taken from the speech which he delivered on the occasion. In his
letter to the Governor [Lord Albemarle] (8 d), transmitting copies
of these petitions (for the consideration of which the States were to
meet on the 29th Jan.) he speaks of the people as well disposed,
and only anxious to get some redress for the hardships they
thought they suffered; and says of the poor inhabitants in general,
that the King could not have more loyal and better affected
subjects. To [Lord Weymouth] (8 f) he strongly represented the
necessity of sending over proper persons to examine into the real
state of affairs, as all other steps could be but palliatives, and
would not accomplish the re-establishment of the affection and
confidence between the magistracy (or rather three or four ruling
men) and the people, which had been totally lost. In this letter
he also says that everybody was agreed that the sending over
Royal Commissioners, who would have been applied for long
before had not the people been alarmed with a report as to the
expense, would be the most effectual, if not the only, step to
accomplish every good object. |
|
In consequence of the communication to the public of Lord
Weymouth's letter above referred to (8 a, b, and c), petitions were
presented to the States, to be by them transmitted to [Lord Weymouth] for His Majesty's consideration. Letters were also written
direct to [Lord Weymouth] by the committees of the town, St.
Mary's, and St. Ouen's parishes, which were sent by one Major
Corbet (8 a, dorse), a man of the fairest character, and perfectly
well acquainted with the affairs of the Island (8 d), in which they
offered, in behalf of themselves and their fellow subjects, their
sincerest thanks for those "truly noble sentiments of justice and
humanity so strongly recommended" in his Lordship's letter to the
Lieutenant Bailly, which had been communicated to them on the
2nd Jan. by the Lieutenant Governor, and had immediately pro
duced the most salutary effects, and asked for an impartial enquiry
into the unsettled affairs of the Island. |
|
In the meanwhile, in obedience to the King's Order in Council,
(8 h), the Lieutenant Bailly had been taking affidavits against
some of the persons concerned in the attack upon the Royal
jurisdiction on the 28th Sept., which he sent to the Lord President, together with some other affidavits relating to the threats
and mutinous proceedings carried on since that time. He represented to Lord Weymouth that he had been grossly abused and
exposed to the public resentment in taking these affidavits in
compliance with the King's commands; and that his proceedings
in that respect had been branded with the most opprobrious
appellations, while attestations had been taken in opposition
thereto by a notary public. Also that, in consequence of the
Lieutenant Governor having thought proper to render public an
extract of Lord Weymouth's letter to him, the Lieutenant Bailly,
relating to his receiving petitions, of a prior date to the Orders
in Council concerning the rioters, (which extract had been dispersed in different parts of the Island, and construed to the
magistrates' disadvantage), he had been particularly abused and
threatened for not himself rendering it public, although he had
paid due regard thereto by a public declaration of his readiness
to receive petitions, &c. In the same letter he attributed the
grounds of the rioters' proceedings to the prevailing desire of
having the King's tithes leased out upon their own terms, as was
the case after the riot in 1730, and to the taxation of the wheat
rents for 1768 at about 4s. 9d. per bushel, occasioned by a bad
crop and unfavourable harvest, the taxation having been made
according to usage and the orders of the Royal Commissioners. He stated that the petitions from the several parishes
had been signed, in contempt of the King's authority, "by
threats and other means," at tumultuous assemblies held at
cyder-houses without the approbation and participation of their
constables, who presided at all regular parish meetings, and who
were their representatives in the States; and that these petitions
had been brought to the meetings ready prepared, copies of that of
the town of St. Helier's having been industriously dispersed in
the country parishes and agents appointed to procure "signs,"—several parishes, however, as well as the greatest number of persons
of property, having declined interfering. The contents of the petitions in general he described as tending to the hurt of the public
interests, to the impeaching and lessening His Majesty's rights and
revenues and the property of private persons, to the subverting of
the constitutions of the civil jurisdiction established by Royal
authority, and to the alteration of some of the ancient laws and
customs of the Island. The principal articles were the taxation of
the wheat rents, the payment of the King's tithes, the small fines
for obstructions in the highways, and the enjoyment, for a year
and a day, of the estates of such as died without children, granted
by the ancient customs of the Island to the King and private
lords of fiefs. |
|
These petitions, being addressed to the King (8 h), were offered
to the States with an "unbecoming" endorsement requesting that
they would transmit them without taking them into consideration.
This the States resolved they could not consistently do; but liberty
was left to the promoters of the petitions to transmit them in the
way they first intended, to defray the expense of which money
was raised in St. Helier and elsewhere. Rumours were circulated,
after the return of the Lieutenant Bailly and the two Jurats from
England, that they had met with a very cool reception from the
King's Ministers, and had been sent back in a hurry, and that the
orders of the King in Council, which they brought with them, had
been supposed or forged by them. |
|
A petition, signed by the inhabitants of St. Helier, and "prepared, promoted, and encouraged by half-pay officers of the
Army and Navy, and by some of the most wealthy merchants,"
was also (8 j), after having been delivered to the Lieutenant
Governor "in contempt of His Majesty's civil authority," brought
into the Assembly of the States for them to transmit without
taking it into consideration; but the States declined doing this
in the manner required. It was then brought by Mr. John Durell,
the Constable of St. Helier, to the Lieutenant Bailly for transmission by him; but he refused to interpose. He describes it as
calculated to answer private views, and as being to the prejudice
of the general interest of the Island. |
|
The petitions thus refused by the States and the Lieutenant
Bailly (8 n), the Lieutenant Governor transmitted to [Lord Weymouth] by the desire of the people, being convinced that it would
be the surest means of preserving the public tranquillity, and also
be in accordance with the intentions and directions contained in
his Lordship's letter to the Lieutenant Bailly (which for the peace
and happiness of the country he said he could wish the latter had
paid more attention to). He was, moreover, of opinion that the
apparent peaceful submissive behaviour of the people gave them
an additional claim. |
|
Ten people (8 n), were taken up and committed to jail on the
Lieutenant Bailly's information. Amongst them was a person of
some property, one Mr. Gruchy, "a notorious troublesome bad
character of a man, universally detested," who, from the proofs
brought against him, did by no means appear innocent. But as
to the "nine poor wretches" who were denied bail, they were at
last brought before the Court and examined, when the Lieutenant Governor said he must naturally suppose no very material
guilt could be proved against them, as he found that, though on
the mere accusation in general terms of the Deputy King's Procurator, no kind of bail was judged sufficient to prevent their
being kept in close confinement 12 days, yet when the witnesses
against them had been produced and examined, those "nine poor
creatures" were all released upon only finding the "trifling"
security of about four guineas for their appearance and good
behaviour. From this Col. Ball "flattered" himself that the
Procureur's most heinous charge against them, viz., pour avoir
tenu une conduite seditieuse, menaçante, et injurieuse contre
la jurisdiction depuis le 28 Septembre dernier, would at last
dwindle away to a few unguarded expressions or trifling irregularities, which might probably all have been prevented had Mr.
Gruchi been taken notice of immediately when the informations
were got against him, instead of being suffered to go on in seducing and deluding "those poor wretches," who knew no better.
In this same letter transmitting their petitions, Col. Ball again
represented the necessity of an enquiry in order to quiet the minds
of the people, who were the only defence of the Island that could
be depended upon, so that they might be induced in time of war
to undergo again those fatigues and hardships which their situation
naturally subjected them to, with that spirit and alacrity for
which they had hitherto been justly remarkable. With the
petitions he enclosed the reasons (8 o) given by the town and
parish of St. Helier for the steps they had taken. They bore a
fifth part of the taxes of the whole Island. |
|
On Feb. 16 [Lord Weymouth] informed Lord Albemarle (8 p)
that the Lieutenant Bailly had not paid such attention as could
be wished to the instructions he had given him as to transmitting the petitions of the people, and that he found it his duty, on
the suggestion of the Lieutenant Governor, to take the King's
command in regard to an enquiry without loss of time. Lord
Albemarle, in reply (8 q), approved of the step, saying he was sure
there was something wrong in the administration of government
in the Island, and expressing the hope that a strict enquiry would
be made into the conduct of the magistrates. This reply he sent
by Major Corbett who had lately come from Jersey, whom he
spoke of as capable of giving any information that might be desired of him, and whom his Lordship furnished with all his papers
to lay before Lord Weymouth. |
|
On the 20th of March Mr. Lempriere wrote to Lord Weymouth
to defend his conduct in not having rendered public his Lordship's
letter, as he had no directions to do so, and thought a part of it
relating to the troops to be of a private nature, and as he had
publicly declared their readiness to receive petitions when properly
and legally presented, a declaration afterwards confirmed by the
States. He said he never intended to "oppose that the pretended
grievances suggested since the insurrection against the Royal
"Court should be taken into consideration". His enemies had
not been able to lay any particular matters to his charge; but he
could have wished that the petitions had been signed and presented in a regular and legal manner, and not in disregard of Her
Majesty's civil government in the Island. His enemies in England
strongly clamoured against him, and aimed at procuring his dismission with disgrace from the office of Lieutenant Bailly, which
he had held for 13 years under the preceding Lord Granville, with
his particular approbation. At his Lordship's decease he was
chosen Judge Delégué, and afterwards continued in the "said
office" by the then Lord Granville during his good behaviour, in
the discharge of which duties his services had been acknowledged
by his superiors in England and by sundry acts of the States of
Jersey. He hoped he should not be condemned or dismissed with
ignominy unheard; not that he was desirous of holding much
longer an office by the exercise of which his private fortune had
been prejudiced and his state of health impaired, but that he could
not submit tamely to a disgraceful dismission, conscious as he was
of having acted with uprightness, impartiality, and integrity. |
|
On the 30th of April following (8 s) he again wrote to Lord
Weymouth, to remind his Lordship that he had not learned
whether any of his letters had come to hand, or whether his proceedings had met with approbation; also stating that the Lieutenant Governor had asked the opinion of the Royal Court in
regard to sending back the troops, but that the Jurats were of
opinion that before taking this step some further Orders in
Council were necessary on the occasion of the "insurrection" on
the 28th Sept., for the better support of the dignity and authority
of the Royal jurisdiction, and for preventing in future any daring
riotous attacks upon the King's judges in the Island. He again
speaks of the continued ungenerous and sinister suggestions of his
enemies in England, and expresses a wish that they might be
directed to make proper and legal charge of their clamorous
insinuations, "the result of a spirit of party and faction," as he
had nothing more at heart than to have his conduct and proceedings as a public magistrate examined, when, if it should appear
that he had deviated on any occasion from the character of a
gentleman and the duty of an upright judge, he asked to be
loaded with disgrace. It had been given out that a "certain halfpay officer," who had notoriously fomented the clamours against
the Civil Jurisdiction, was endeavouring to get himself appointed
Lieutenant Governor. He believed, however, that Col. Bentinck,
who was going to England, would make a true report of the state
of matters. The reply to this letter is not with these papers, but
bound in the succeeding volume of the series, (Channel Islands,
vol. 15, No. 20). It is dated June 5, and marked "Private." His
Lordship explains that he could not make any official answer to
his (Mr. Lempriere's) letters, until he knew the result of His
Majesty's taking their contents into consideration in Council,
which the business of Parliament had until then prevented, but
that his affair was to come on immediately. In the meantime
(considering Mr. Lempriere's letter of the 30th April as private)
his Lordship assured him that his suspicion of any cabals against
him and the peace and welfare of Jersey were without foundation,
or, at least, that his Lordship knew nothing of them; that there
had been no application from any "half-pay officer," and that
nothing of that kind would be listened to, and that his
conduct would be examined in Council with the greatest impartiality. At the same time his Lordship observed, "in this
private manner," that, however favourable his ideas of Mr. Lempriere's honour and integrity were, the latter had not paid all that
attention to the rights of the people that could be wished, and
that a milder and more accommodating spirit, with a becoming
readiness to transmit every subject of complaint, might have prevented the general outcry which had been raised against him.
His Lordship repeated the recommendation contained in the official
letter of the same date, viz., to give every assistance in his power
to Col. Bentinck, who had been authorized to inform himself of the
reasons and foundations of the disturbances, for transmission to
His Majesty, and to take that friendly advice which that officer
was very much disposed to give him, as in the short account
of things which he had furnished he had shown great candour
towards him. |
|
Previous to this, on 10 May, (8 t) Lord Albemarle submitted
to [Lord Weymouth] a paper suggesting the most effectual means
of restoring peace and tranquillity to Jersey, the first article of
which, as it depended entirely upon him as Governor, had already
taken place. This article was, (8 u) a change of the mode of
receipt, by a receiver being appointed with a fixed salary. The other
four articles were:—(1) the appointment of a King's advocate with
fixed salary; (2) the grant to Lieut. Governor Ball of leave to quit
the Island for a few months on account of his state of health, and
the sending over of a proper person, unconnected with the Island,
with powers and instructions to call to his assistance such of
the members of the States as he should think fit, to proceed to a
particular enquiry, by oath, examination, or otherwise, according
to the custom of the Island, into the state of the civil and military
Government, and to enter into a very minute examination upon
the spot into the many grievances so much complained of, as also
the most likely reliefs and remedies; (3) something by way of a
Riot Act, not to extend beyond fine and imprisonment, to be put
in force on any emergency, as there was not existing in the Island
any fixed authority to oppose riots by force of arms; and (4) His
Majesty's pardon for the past irregularity. For the post of Commissioner Lord Albemarle recommended (8 t) Col. Bentinck, who
had been indefatigable in acquiring a thorough knowledge of the
state of the country, had been already of great service in re-establishing, by his prudent and impartial conduct, quiet and good
humour among the inhabitants, and was universally respected there. |
|
Col. Ball, the Lieut. Governor, having died (8 w), Col. Bentinck
was directed on 6 June to proceed at once to Jersey in order to
enquire into the causes of the riotous and illegal proceedings of the
people, and to report the result of his enquiries. Lord Weymouth
recommended to him the utmost coolness and impartiality. If he
should perceive that those who were guilty had acted more from
ignorance and passion than from a spirit of independence and an
impatience of legal government, he might give them reason to
expect much from His Majesty's lenity. As stated above, Mr. Lempriere was directed (8 x) to give Col. Bentinck every assistance. |
|
On the 20th June (8 y) Lord Weymouth sent to Lieut.-Col.
Bentinck a commission, signed by the King, empowering him to
act as Lieut. Governor of Jersey; an Order in Council, addressed to
him, authorizing and directing him to examine into the matters
contained therein, and report his opinion on the whole to the
Committee of H.M.'s Council; and another Order from the Council
to the Bailiff and Jurats of the Royal Court of Jersey to stay any
prosecutions against the persons concerned in the attack on the
28th Sept. 1769. The prosecutions, however, mentioned in Col.
Bentinck's "last" letter, had been stopped (8 a a) upon his
representations before the receipt of the Order in Council for that
purpose. |
|
(8 z.) Among these papers is a memorial to Lord Weymouth,
received in June, from the principal inhabitants of Jersey, praying
that a short day might be fixed to take the petitions of the people
of the Island into consideration. |
|
On the 7th of July (8 a b) the proper oaths as Commander-inchief were administered to Col. Bentinck. Then, the States being
assembled, after reading to them his instructions, &c., he endeavoured, by the strongest motives he could think of, to persuade
them of the necessity they were under, as representatives of the
whole Island, of giving him every assistance in their power, and
then suggested that a committee of three from each body of the
States would be of essential service in aiding him in his enquiry.
At the same time he desired them themselves immediately to
relieve all such grievances complained of as should be found reasonable, and in the power of the States to remedy, and for that
purpose to meet twice a week, or oftener if necessary, and to use
his apartments for their meeting. A committee was in consequence chosen, and at their first meeting Col. Bentinck recommended to their serious attention some articles which he thought
more particularly necessary to be immediately proceeded upon. |
|
In the letter of 14 July giving this information, Col. Bentinck
represented to Lord [Weymouth] that he laboured under many
additional difficulties and disadvantages for want of some proper
impartial person to assist him in explaining and enforcing the
proposals which he constantly found it necessary to make to them.
This was properly the duty of a King's officer, but he was debarred
from all such assistance, as the Procureur (the only King's officer)
usually resided in England, and his Deputy (whom the Colonel
did not take upon him to blame in general) was in noways a proper person, nor at all adequate to the task required, which was, if
possible, more perplexed and intricate than he had before thought it.
He sincerely wished he could discover that views of self-interest
and resentment for disappointed expectations had lost more of
their influence over those whose particular province and duty it
was to second his efforts, and that, instead of looking back on what
was past, they would turn their eyes towards what was to come.
Thus circumstanced, he requested that a second King's officer or
Avocat du Roy should be as soon as possible appointed, with
proper powers, so that he could be of essential service to him.
This was looked upon by all unprejudiced people in the Island as
one of the most desirable and most reasonable objects of the petitions; in which view the Lieutenant Bailly also agreed. One of the
enclosures in this letter (8 a d) is headed "Reasons tending to prove
"the necessity to fill up the place of King's Advocate in Jersey." |
|
In the speech which Col. Bentinck addressed to the States
(8 a c) he laid the blame of the petitions presented by the people
being drawn up with irregularity on the members themselves, in
that they had not put themselves at the head of their parishioners,
and there considered with them what the real grievances were,
but had left the framing of the petitions to the least capable and
poorest among the people, and then when they were presented to
the States with all possible humility, to be laid at the foot of
the throne, had rejected them for want of some formalities. The
third enclosure in Col. Bentinck's letter is the act of the States
(8 a e) appointing a committee to consider the petitions. |
|
Col. Bentinck's proceedings met with the approbation of His
Majesty (8 a f), but his recommendation of the appointment of an
Avocat du Roy was not immediately acted upon. In order to
assist him in explaining and enforcing the proposals necessary to
be made to the committee, a duty which belonged to the Procureur,
it appeared much more reasonable to restore that office to activity
by obliging the person who filled it to attend to the duties of it,
or to name one in his stead, than to appoint a second King's
officer. He was therefore desired (July 25) to reconsider the
matter, and report his opinion whether, if the officer of the Crown
or a proper deputy could not do the business, it might not be
better to send an impartial person from England, unconnected
and unprejudiced, rather than run the risk of jealousies and a
rivalship by having two, without any advantage from the addition,
if one was to continue to reside in England. |
|
The next letter (8 a g) from Col. Bentinck is dated 5 Aug.
By this time his repeated and earnest applications to the States
of the Island to induce them to concur with him in suitable
measures, had been productive of essential good in relieving some
of those grievances which were most universally and apparently
most justly complained of in the petitions. Three of the Jurats,
viz., Mr. Charles Hilgrove, Mr. Daniel Messervy, and Mr. James
Lempriere, being incapacitated, the first by old age, the second by
repeated paralytic attacks, and the third by both together, from
ever attending the public business again, applied through Col.
Bentinck for an honourable dismission from office, free from expense
(the dread of which only had prevented their making the application long before), and with the indulgence of the continuance of
the little dignities and privileges enjoyed by the Jurats, as the
only recompense for long and faithful service in a post of great
trouble and not the least salary. Col. Bentinck represented that
there was nothing which the Island then stood more in need of
than having the Bench of Jurats properly filled, and that the
introduction of three or four respectable characters in court at
that juncture would in all probability (a result which he feared
could never be accomplished in any other way) renew the dignity
and popular confidence so necessary to themselves and the whole
community. He thought these elections should take place before
the troops were recalled, else disturbances might occur, as, amongst
the numberless causes of the dislike and diffidence of the chief
magistrate and his dependants which the people generally assigned, the part formerly acted in elections seemed to be none of
the least; and if, therefore, those elections should be delayed till
after the departure of the troops, it would be next to impossible to
persuade the people that the same was not intended again. |
|
Almost everything he heard or saw tending to confirm him in
the opinion that the administration of public matters in the Island
had been for a good while past very defective, and even absurd in
many cases, he urged the States to lend him their assistance (in
accordance with repeated but totally unregarded directions from
King and Council) in collecting a proper code or system of political
government out of that immense chaos of ordinances which had
from time to time been made, and with which all their books of
record were stuffed, the legislative power having at times been executed by the States, at other times by the Court. The Lieutenant
Bailiff promised to lend a helping hand on the occasion, and the
States had also appointed their best lawyer for the purpose, with
whom Col. Bentinck was constantly employed in picking out and new
modelling such a collection as, being approved of by His Majesty and
Council, would form a suitable system of political government for
the county. He said that it had been a long continued practice to
make new laws, often diametrically opposite to other laws, and
to put them into execution, without repealing the others; and that
three times a year, at their Sessions or Cours d'Heritage, all laws,
though never so old or obsolete, were in general terms confirmed,
so that a person might happen to be punished for disobedience of
one law to-day, and to-morrow meet with the same fate for the
opposite. This perpetuating laws and ordinances of their own
making was in direct contradiction to orders of the King and
Council, which expressly said that such Acts as were made in their
Assembly were but provisional ordinances, and had no power
nor property of law until confirmed. |
|
In answer to Lord [Weymouth's] letter of 26 July, Col. Bentinck
stated that the Procureur had arrived, and that, having the other
lawyer under his immediate direction, he hoped to be able to get
through the business without further help; but that he met daily
fresh motives to confirm him in the opinion that it would be
of essential advantage and the highest consequence to the peace of
the country, for the place of King's Advocate to be again filled up.
For this post, to which no salary was annexed, he strongly recommended Mr. John Durell. |
|
His Majesty agreed to the dismission of the Jurats as requested
(8 a h), and thought it reasonable that they should enjoy the
benefits which their long service entitled them to. These privileges
(8 a j) consisted only in having any causes of theirs pleaded at
Court before other people's, and, if they were not gentlemen born,
in their children having that rank from their fathers dying judges,
which was an object in Jersey. The formalities of their dismission (8 a h) had to be gone through at the Council Office, and
the expense of it paid for them. Mr. Fraser promised that Lord
Weymouth would endeavour to obtain "some addition" in lieu of
their privileges if Col. Bentinck could not point out how they
might continue to enjoy them; but the Colonel replied (8 a j) that
this was out of the question, as there was no kind of salary attached
to the place of Jurat. |
|
On the 20th Sept. Col. Bentinck despatched his report to the
Clerk of the Council in Waiting (8 a i). In his letter to Lord
Weymouth of this date, he says, that as there was no such thing
as meeting with an unprejudiced person in Jersey on whom he
could rely, he had taken all possible means to get at the truth of
things from his own observations and researches, which at least
prevented his being partial or prejudiced. Also, that he had made
it a point to give the most favourable construction to all matters,
and not by any means to say all that might have been said on the
different subjects. In a letter to Mr. Fraser (8 a j), also of this
date, expressing his satisfaction at finding that his conduct had
been so far approved of, he says that he most anxiously wished it
might in the end contribute something at least towards delivering
the "little country" from the "most tyrannical oppression and
slavery." |
|
A violent fit of sickness, from which Col. Bentinck wrote on
10 Oct. (8 a k) to say he was just recovering, delayed the completion of the collection of political laws mentioned in his report.
He suggested the advisability of his coming over to England, as
such a step, considering the very peculiar and quite original circumstances of most things in Jersey, might even prevent some
difficulties as well as save a great deal of trouble; and he said he
could be answerable that everything would remain perfectly quiet,
whilst the people knew that he was still concerned in their affaris,
notwithstanding that, upon his leaving, the command would fall
upon a "poor superannuated helpless captain of invalids." In
reply (8 a l) he was, however, directed to transmit to the Council
the collection of political laws, when completed, and then to send,
for the King's information, his opinion whether the presence of
the five companies was any longer needed; and was informed, that,
if it should not be, His Majesty would then signify his pleasure as
to his returning with them. He answered on the 28th Oct. (8 a o),
the collection of political laws being only that night completed,
that he was more and more confirmed in his sincere opinion, that
whenever the determinations from His Majesty in Council should
be established in the Island, and the election of the three Jurats
(the work of one day) have taken place, the five companies
would then be no longer necessary, as the country would all
most cheerfully submit to whatever was determined, and that even
with the utmost gratitude, as it was not possible for any set of
people to have higher ideas of loyalty or a truer attachment to
their Sovereign than the inhabitants of the Island were in general
inspired with. But he was forced to confess, notwithstanding his
very anxious impatience to get the battalion together, at hand and
ready in every respect on the then prospect of a war, that his
leaving the Island with the five companies, until the people saw
some things established by Royal authority, might be of dangerous
consequence. He, therefore, repeated his suggestion that he should
be ordered over to clear up any difficulties that might arise when
his report and the collection of political laws should be taken into
consideration, and then return to Jersey to have them established
and executed, and to bring away the five companies. |
|
The Royal Court having met, gave their opinion in writing
(8 a p) that some bad consequences might attend the ordering
back the troops at that juncture, before the further orders had been
issued in Council and put into execution in the Island for the better
support of the authority of the civil government and the future
security of the magistrates. On this occasion Mr. Charles Lempriere (8 a. m) also wrote to Lord Weymouth, enclosing Acts of
the States, and representing that the magistrates could not think
themselves in a situation to carry on the King's business and the
public affairs of the Island with the requisite weight and safety,
and in a proper manner, before some exemplary punishments had
been decreed against some of the persons principally concerned in
the riot, and the necessary orders made for restoring dignity and
respect to the magistracy and due obedience to the laws; that they
had readily concurred in promoting every measure of Col. Ben
tinck's, and had waited with the greatest deference and patience
for the further signification of His Majesty's pleasure; and that if,
in consequence of the clamorous suggestions thrown out against them
by factious and designing persons, any doubts should be entertained
as to their conduct as magistrates, they earnestly desired that their
proceedings might undergo a fair and legal examination. |
|
Contrary winds having prevented the sailing of the vessel, Col.
Bentinck on the 2nd Nov. (8 a q) added a postscript to his letter,
to say that the "political laws" were quite ready, and would be
transmitted by the same opportunity as the letters. He again
urged the necessity of his presence in England, in order to the
settlement of the affairs of Jersey, so that H.M.'s Ministers and the
Privy Council might not be in the future so continually plagued
about the little spot as they had been in the past, and would surely
be still more plagued were things suffered agains to fall to the level
he found them at. In regard to the riot of the 28th Sept. 1770
(sic) he suggests that if two or three of the ringleaders were to be
taken notice of particularly, or even to be thoroughly frightened,
it might have a very good effect. |
|
On the 22nd Nov. (8 a s) Col. Bentinck informed Lord [Weymouth] that the collection of political laws had been "again
transcribed," and were to be despatched to the Council by the
same conveyance as carried his letter. He took the opportunity
of conveying some informations as to the proceedings of the
Spaniards at Bilboa and Cadiz, and the warlike motions on the
"neighbouring coast," and said he was confident that even in time
of war he could contrive a scheme to procure constant reliable
information of every transaction on the French coast all the way
from Cherbourg to Brest, and even further, if required; for no
place could be so well calculated as Jersey was to answer that
purpose even on the most extensive plan, provided the person who
undertook it were master of the French language, and of a competent skill in military affairs, so as to prevent misapprehension,
as also of sufficient dignity and such respectable character as to
induce individuals to confide their lives in him. |
|
On the 22nd Dec. (8 a t) Lord Rochford, having succeeded Lord
Weymouth, replied to Col. Bentinck's letters of Oct. 28 and
Nov. 22, enclosing H.M.'s Orders in Council of the 19th Dec.,
containing a free pardon to all persons concerned in the riotous
proceedings in Jersey on the 28th Sept. 1769, and another order
of the same date, permitting and approving the resignation of
Charles Hilgrove, David Masservy, and James Lempriere, Esquires,
and ordering a new election of three Jurats immediately, after which
Col. Bentinck was to come over in order to clear up any difficulties
that might arise when the collection of political laws should be
taken into consideration. The transmission of intelligence by him
was commended. |
|
The last paper, undated (8 a u), is headed "Form of the Report
" that was to be given of the Jersey affairs by the Commissioner."
It recommends the erasure from the books of record of the names
of those upon whom, for small offences and errors of judgment,
capital fines had been inflicted, this being looked upon in the family
as a mark of infamy; and a general free pardon for all concerned
in the riot on the 28th Sept. 1769. The same paper contains a
" Copy of a memo. Major Corbet gave Lord Albermarle for the
appointing Mr. Thomas Durrell, King's advocate;" and a memorandum as to the contents of petitions of the principal merchants
and inhabitants. |
|
Schedule of the papers:— |
|
a, b, c. |
Jan. 19. |
Committees of Parishes to "My Lord."—3
letters. |
|
d, e. |
" 22. |
Lieut.-Gov. Ball to "My Lord;" and speech
to the States. |
|
f, g. |
" 23. |
Do. to "My Lord;" and Col. Bentinck's speech to the militia. |
|
h, i. |
Feb. 2. |
Mr. Charles Lempriere to Lord Weymouth;
and acts, &c., and list. |
|
j, k, l, m. |
" 8. |
Do. to Do. and affidavits. |
|
n, o. |
" 10. |
Lieut.-Gov. Ball to "My Lord;" and "Reasons
" of the Inhabitants, &c." |
|
p. |
" 16. |
—to the Earl of Albemarle. A draft. |
|
q. |
" 19. |
Earl of Albemarle to "My Lord." |
|
r. |
Mar. 20. |
Mr. Charles Lempriere to Lord Weymouth. |
|
s. |
April 30. |
Do. to Do. |
|
t, u. |
May 10. |
Earl of Albemarle to "My Lord;" and
"Means proposed, &c." |
|
v. |
June 5. |
Mr. Cottrell to Mr. Fraser. |
|
w, x. |
June 6. |
Lord Weymouth to Lieut.-Col. Bentinck, and
to Mr. Lempriere. |
|
y. |
" 20. |
Do. to Do.; [also entered in Channel Islands Entry Book,
1761–98, p. 24.] |
|
z. |
" — |
Memorial of principal inhabitants of Jersey. |
|
aa. |
July 2. |
Lieut.-Col. Bentinck to Lord Weymouth. |
|
ab, ac, ad. |
" 14. |
Do. to Do.; with
speech to the States, Reasons for appointment of Advocate General, and Act for a
committee. |
|
a f. |
" 25. |
Lord Weymouth to Lieut.-Col. Bentinck. A
draft. This letter, but dated the 26th, is
also entered in Channel Islands Entry Book,
1761–98, p. 27. |
|
a g. |
Aug. 5. |
Lieut.-Col. Bentinck to Lord Weymouth. |
|
a h. |
Sept. 8. |
Mr. W. F[raser] to Lieut.-Col. Bentinck. |
|
a i. |
" 20. |
Lieut.-Col. Bentinck to Lord Weymouth. |
|
a j. |
" " |
Do. to Mr. Fraser. |
|
a k. |
Oct. 10. |
Do. to Lord Weymouth. |
|
a l. |
" 18. |
Lord Weymouth to Lieut.-Col. Bentinck; also
entered in Channel Islands Entry Book,
1761–98, p. 29. |
|
a m, a n. |
" 27. |
Mr. Charles Lempriere to Lord Weymouth;
and Acts enclosed. |
|
a o, a p. |
" 28. |
Lieut.-Col. Bentinck to Lord Weymouth; and
opinion of the States. |
|
a q, a r. |
Nov. 2. |
Do. to Do.; and
his letter to the Council. |
|
a s. |
" 22. |
Do. to "My Lord." |
|
a t. |
Dec. 22. |
Earl of Rochford to Col. Bentinck. |
|
a u. |
— |
" Form of the Report, &c." |
|
130 pp. or parts of pp. |
Dec. 1770.
Dom. Geo. III.,
pcl. 82, No. 32 a, b. |
416. Mr. Archibald Winter to Mr. — |
|
Giving an account of an attack upon a Mr. Wilks, of Brothertoft, in the co. of Lincoln, the brother of the person to whom
the letter is addressed, who was shot by some persons unknown,
through the window, while sitting at his fireside.—Brothertoft. |
|
Annexed is a copy of an advertisement offering a pardon to
any accomplice who did not fire the gun, and a reward of 100l.
from Sir Charles Frederick for the discovery of the persons
concerned. 3 pp. |
1770.
Channel Islands, v. 15, No. 2. |
417. Jersey. |
|
" Translation of a petition comprehending every article
" prayed for by the Jersey people, with reasons in support of it,
" and a summary of the said petition." |
|
The reasons are grouped under the sub-headings of, and give
much information about, the Exportation of Corn, a free Importation, the High-roads, the King's Tythes, the Office of Constable,
the Office of Jurat, the necessity of two Officers for the King,
Abatement on the Rents, Fines, Regulations for the Market, and
the States of the Island. 6½ large pp. of print. |
|
A MS. copy of part of the above, with an endorsement stating
that it was signed by 1,633 of the principal merchants, &c. of the
Island, is in Channel Islands, pcl. 14, No. 9. |
In or after
1770.
Dom. Geo. III.,
pcl. 82, No. 34. |
418. Copy of the petition of John Pons and Andrew, Syndic of
the Island of Minorca, complaining of the conduct of the Lieut.Governor in suspending the building of the new barracks for the
soldiers in Minorca, accusing him of appropriating the estanque
or farm on brandy, &c. In the margin are remarks in answer to
the articles of complaint. The paper is probably one of a series,
being endorsed "No. 2." 10 pp. |
? About
1770.
Admiralty pcl. 160, No. 27. |
419. "Points unanswered in Lieut.-Governor Johnston's correspondence." Relating to the affairs of Minorca. 3½ pp. |
? About
1770.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 28. |
420. — to Genl. Cornwallis. |
|
A rough draft relative to a dispute about stores supplied to
the garrison of [Gibraltar ?]. Parts of 2 pp. Undated, but
Gen. Cornwallis was Governor of Gibraltar from 1762 to 1770. |
? About
1770.
Admiralty, pcl. 160, No. 29. |
421. — to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
Signifying His Majesty's pleasure for orders to be sent to the
Commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean to cause a frigate to
call from time to time at Algiers, —Mr. Fraser, H.M.'s Consul
there, having stated that since the peace purchased by the Danes
of the Algerines, that regency has appeared extraordinarily elated,
and has showed such a suspicious disposition towards Great Britain
as may be productive of serious consequences. A draft, undated
and unsigned. |
? About
1770.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 82, No. 33. |
422. Memorial of Robert Kirke, late Consul at Algiers, to the
Right Hon. Frederick, Lord North, First Commissioner of the
Treasury, and Treasurer of the Exchequer, setting forth his services, &c., and praying for payment of salary, &c. due, and for
appointment to an office in His Majesty's service. Annexed are
copies of promotions, certificates, &c., referred to in his memorial,
and the translation of a letter from the Dey and Divan of Algiers
to His Majesty in his favour. Lord North was appointed to these
offices Feb. 6, 1770. 7 pp. large size. |
? 1770.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 82, No. 35. |
423. Memorial of Teresa Cornelys to His Majesty, for a patent
for the exhibition of musical dramatic entertainments, by private
subscription of the nobility and gentry. Represents her labours
since her coming to London in 1759, when, discovering "that the
" most extensive, most opulent, and most important city in
" Europe was the only one of note that had not a settled enter
" tainment for the select reception and amusement of the nobility
" and gentry," she established such an institution under the
auspices of the Duke of York, whose death placed her under the
urgent necessity of thus throwing herself at His Majesty's feet.
The paper has been placed to the date above, as she speaks of
herself as having struggled with " a siege of troubles during a
" longer period than the siege of Troy." 1¾ pp. |
? 1770.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 82, No. 36. |
424. Memorandum relative to New Gaming Houses. |
|
They were:— |
|
One in the Strand, said to be the assembly of Mons. Champenny,
Minister from the Elector of Cologne, where about 300 persons,
some of the better sort of tradesmen, and common gamesters, far
below a person in his Excellency's character to admit, had been
nightly assembled for the three weeks past. |
|
Another, fitting up in Golden Square as the assembly of Baron
Hasland, Minister of the Elector of Bavaria. |
|
A third in Suffolk Street, near the Haymarket, said to be for
the assembly of Mons. Sambony, Minister from the Prince of Hesse
Darmstadt. ¾ p. |
Between 1768 and 1770.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 82, No. 37. |
425. — to General Cornwallis. |
|
Upon his representations of the use it might be of to establish
a perfect good understanding with the Emperor of Morocco, that
Mr. Logie should wait upon that Prince in person to deliver the
King's letters and presents, His Majesty has allowed 200l. for
that purpose, but has given the Consul instructions not to
encourage the Emperor to expect the visit to be repeated annually.
A draft, undated. But Lord Rochford, Secretary of State, 1768–75,
is mentioned, and Gen. Cornwallis was Governor of Gibraltar,
1762–70. 1¼ pp. |
