|
1 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 26, p. 28. |
1120. Sir Stanier Porten to Sir John Fielding. |
|
Sending for inquiry, &c. a letter from Mr. Tindall, an attorney
at Chelmsford, and a printed one that had been sent to him by
the post.—St. James's. |
1 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 246. |
1121. John Pownall to the Committee of Merchants Trading
to Africa. |
|
To send instructions to their officers in the forts and factories on
the coast of Africa for preventing any protection being given to,
or trade carried on with, ships belonging to H.M.'s rebellious
subjects in North America, arriving on that coast, &c.—Whitehall. |
1 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 248. |
1122. The Same to Sir Stanier Porten. |
|
Enclosing a list of ships clearing out of the Thames in ballast,
carrying persons known to be disaffected to Government, who will
most probably be entrusted with letters for the rebels in North
America of a traitorous nature. Also minutes of an information
of a very extraordinary nature, &c., but not considered worthy of
much attention.—Whitehall. |
|
A list of the ships and suspected persons. |
1 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 47.
Entry Book, 1775–7, p. 87. |
1123. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
In regard to Lord Bellamont's proposal. His Majesty has
expressed in the fullest manner his very gracious approbation of
the laudable zeal and loyalty shown by his Lordship.—St. James's.
A draft. 1¼ pp. |
1 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 54. |
1124. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland to Lord Rochford. |
|
Acknowledging receipt of letters, &c. As to the migration
going on from Ireland to America. There are vessels now lying
at Cork and Limerick bound for America, having on board
numbers of young men, to the amount of nearly 100, indented,
as is given out, for servants, but who may possibly be intended
for the rebel army. There being no law in Ireland empowering
the detention of such persons, asks for instructions. |
Aug. to 2 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 339, No. 7 a to s. |
1125. Emigration to America. |
|
A number of papers, consisting of letters, reports of conversations, &c., connected with the efforts made to induce disaffected
shipwrights, who had been discharged for petitioning the King,
to emigrate to America. Visits were made to Woolwich by men
and women (the latter suspected to be men disguised), and money
offered and promises of support held out from "respectable persons
in the city." Proceedings were taken on behalf of the Government
to discover the persons who were thus privately acting a part
"obviously destructive of His Majesty's interest and the welfare of
the public in general." For this purpose two persons assumed the
character of shipwrights, acting as agents for a body of their
fellows. The papers consist chiefly of reports of the conversations
held with the captain of a vessel, who was to take out the
emigrants. Interviews were also had with Alderman Lee, of the
city of London, who was privy to the movement, and gave it his
countenance and support. An American merchant, named Searle,
was also concerned, and eventually made promises of money to
those who should go. Several of the papers are also incorporated
in the narrative, 31 pages long, (r) of the transactions of the
agents of the Government, which is among the papers. Several are
notes from Sir John Fielding, &c., the last written on one side of
a card, and dated 2 Sept. The pretended negotiations seem to have
fallen to the ground in consequence of the ship in which the men
were to go having been sold by the owners. |
2 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 44 a, b. |
1126. Mr. James to Sir Stanier Porten. |
|
As to a petition for an almshouse belonging to the Corporation
of the Trinity House.—Trinity House. |
|
The petition enclosed, from Samuel Batten, an aged and infirm
pilot. 2 pp. |
2 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 248. |
1127. J. Pownall to the Same. |
|
Sending copy of a letter from the Secretary to the Admiralty
relative to a sloop, with ordnance and military clothing on board,
detained—Whitehall. |
2 Sept.
Ireland, v.454, No. 49.
Entry Bk., 1775–7, p. 89. |
1128. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland. |
|
Announcing the appointment of Lieut-General Irwine, Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s forces in Ireland, to succeed the late
General Dilkes as Governor of Kilmainham Hospital, and the
removal of Major-General Hale from the government of Limerick
to that of Londonderry and Culmore Fort, vice Lieut.-General
Irwine.—St. James's. A draft. 1½ pp. |
2 & 4 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88, No. 19 a, b.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, pp. 395–9. |
1129. Association Of The Friends Of Liberty. |
|
Letters enclosing to the Secretary of State a circular, dated
29 Aug., signed "Thomas Joel," explaining the objects of an
Association of "Sincere Friends of Liberty," in opposition to the
"present arbitrary ministers," who are described as having "openly
violated and endeavoured to subvert" the constitution; and advocating the formation of similar associations in the country, to be
in correspondence with the London Committee. Replies were to be
directed to "John Wilmot, Esq., Globe Tavern, Fleet Street,
London." |
|
Also replies, acknowledging the receipt of the same, &c. |
|
The correspondents were, John Carruthers, Mayor of Nottingham, William Mathers, Mayor of Worcester, and the Hon. and
Rev. Mr. Craven, Burton Court. Mr. Craven (whose letter, in
original, with the printed circular, is in Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88,)
says,—"The oath of a magistrate obliges me to trouble you with the
enclosed treason, which I received by Friday night's post. I
detest republican principles, and, sooner than engage in such a
rebellious and unconstitutional association, I would exchange my
black coat for red, and spend my genteel independent fortune
in support of His Majesty's crown and dignity." This letter is
minuted "Read by the King." There is also an entry of a letter
from the Mayor of Worcester to Mr. Joel, stating that, the association appearing to him to be principally intended to recommend
and abet the rebellion existing in America, he had transmitted a
notice of it to the Secretary of State. |
4 Sept.
Scotland, pcl. 46, No. 172 a to d. |
1130. The Lord Advocate (Dundas) to Lord [Suffolk]. |
|
Immediately after H.M.'s proclamation for suppressing rebeltion came here, I was informed of ships taking in hundreds of
passengers for America, many of them carrying money, arms, and
ammunition with them. It is impossible to dive into the secret
intention of these emigrants; but though they are innocent, yet
there is great reason to believe they would, if landed in America,
be compelled to assist the rebels. I therefore reckoned it my
duty, as far as I could, to prevent these emigrations; and wrote,
and, indeed, in person applied, to the Board of Customs, and also
wrote to the sheriffs and admirals depute in the terms of the
letters enclosed. P.S.—Would suggest that opportunities should be
given to emigrants desiring it, to return in the transports from
America—Edinburgh. |
|
The three enclosures referred to. 5 pp. |
5 Sept.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 151.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 26, p. 29. |
1131. Sir S. Porten to P. Stephens, Esq. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from Capt. Frazer, H.M.'s Commissary at Dunkirk, relative to a brig arrived at that port direct
from Philadelphia.—St. James's. |
5 Sept.
Treas. and Cust., v. 3, No. 40. |
1132. John Robinson to [Sir S. Porten]. |
|
As to a ship suspected to have military stores for the Americans,
&c. Concludes:—I thank you for the account you give me that
there is no news from Graves. One likes to hear even that
nothing has happened; but that surely can't continue long with
him. A little time after his last despatch would, I trust, carry
him his orders, and he has much lost way to make up by his
activity. The situation of our troops too must grow every day
more and more uneasy. Some alternation, I should think, must
very soon happen. But these reflections are for others, not for us
subalterns. I will not therefore go beyond my last, lest I should
err, when I say I think much is to be done, even on the eve of this
campaign.—Sion Hill. 4 pp. |
6 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 26, p. 29. |
1133. Earl Of Rochford to the Mayor Of Leicester. |
|
You have acted with the greatest propriety in transmitting to
me a copy of the printed letter signed "Thomas Joel," as the circulation of papers of that inflammatory and seditious nature
ought to be discouraged as much as possible.—St. James's. |
|
Like letters were sent at the same time to the Mayors of
Shrewsbury, Salisbury, and Colchester, and the Town Clerk of
Lincoln. |
6 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 64. |
1134. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
|
As to the method of appointing Lieut.-General Irwine to be
Master of the Royal Hospital near Kilmainham.—Dublin Castle.
2 pp. |
7 Sept.
Admiralty, v. 167, No. 7 a to n.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 85. |
1135. Lords Of The Admiralty to the Earl Of Dartmouth. |
|
Sending copies of three letters, and papers enclosed therein,
from Vice-Admiral Graves.—Admiralty Office. |
|
The enclosures:— |
|
(b.) Admiral Graves to Mr. Stephens (Boston, 24 July), as to the
proceedings and designs of the rebels, &c. The rebels have collected near 300 whaleboats in the creeks round this harbour, and
begin to make little expeditions upon the islands. A few days
ago 105 boats full of men landed on Long Island, and carried off
all the stock. One of their party was a seaman belonging to the
"Falcon," taken in Buzzard's Bay. Being placed as sentinel,
he concealed himself until the rebels had left the island, and then
swam to a canoe lying off, and so got on board the "Boyne." His
report confirms what we had before heard about the whaleboats.
From their lightness, and drawing very little water, they can not
only outrow our boats, but, by getting into shoal water and in
calms, must constantly escape. Various are the conjectures about
the design of the rebels in bringing so many whaleboats here.
Robbing the islands, &c., most certainly distresses the garrison,
but it is generally believed they were principally intended to land
a body of men in the night, at the most defenceless part of the
town, when a general attack should be made upon the lines,
hoping, with the assistance of disaffected people in town, to occasion
great confusion and terror, and finally defeat H.M.'s troops.
Others are of opinion that on a calm night they mean to surprise
one of the frigates, and to carry her by pouring in great numbers
of people. The very low complement of H.M.'s ships at present
makes the duty extremely hard. We are obliged to keep a
number of officers and men on flat-bottomed floating battery
boats, placed in shoal water, to flank Boston and Charlestown necks,
to man an armed transport and a sloop likewise for the army,
and occasionally to lend men to the transports to replace those
who desert. In the squadron, the frigates, sloops, and schooners,
are seldom without lent men on board. These draughts are from
the three large ships, which by that means are sometimes unavoidably left in a weak and defenceless condition. The 20-gun ships
and sloops, with their present low complement of men, are become
objects of the rebels' attention, who, in their large schooners and
sloops, fancy they shall succeed by boarding when the King's ship
is at anchor. |
|
(c.) Capt. Barkley, of H.M.S. "Scarborough," to Admiral Graves
(Piscataqua, 7 July), explaining how the rebels had quietly
obtained the money in the treasury at Portsmouth, belonging to
New Hampshire, amounting to 1,600l. or 2,000l., carrying it out
in great triumph. |
|
(d.) The pilot's account of the action between the "Margueritta"
schooner and the rebels at Machias. |
|
(e.) Affidavit of Jabez Cobb, master of a brigantine, on the same
subject. |
|
(f.) Account of the destruction of the lighthouse on Thatcher's
Island, commonly called Cape Ann lights. |
|
(g.) An account of ordnance stores wanted for the use of the
squadron, not in store at Halifax. |
|
(h.) Vice-Admiral Graves to Mr. Stephens (Bosto, 28 July),
as to a terrible fire like to have happened in H.M.'s yard at
Halifax, the insecurity of the magazine there, &c. "Never were
ships more wanted than at present for various services; in
particular, to seize everything intended for the support of the
rebles, or that may arrive and fall into their hands, and to
remain and form a proper force in different parts of this
harbour. The great number of whaleboats, with great pains
collected here, requires all possible vigilance on our parts to
prevent a surprise, and necessarily occasions a great deal of boat
duty." |
|
(i.) General Gage to Admiral Graves (Boston, 28 July), as to
the protection of the transports, &c. |
|
(k.) Admiral Graves to Mr. Stephens (Boston, 29 July).—In
regard to the applications from H.M.'s Governors along the
continent for ships of war, their Lordships, I trust, are fully
apprised that it is entirely out of my power to comply with any
part of their requests until reinforcements arrive from England,
and I am instructed concerning the measures Great Britain intends
to pursue in consequence of the revolt of her Colonies on this
continent. |
|
(l.) Lord Wm. Campbell to Vice-Admiral Graves (Charlestown,
30 June), as to the necessities of H.M.'s service, &c. If the fate
of this part of H.M.'s dominions depended on my procuring an
advice boat in this harbour, I firmly believe I could not effect, it,—to so low a pass is the authority of Government reduced in this
province. |
|
(m.) Governor Martin to Admiral Graves (Fort Johnston,
North Carolina, 8 July), as to the undefended condition of the
station, &c. H.M.'s sloop "Cruizer" is become my best asylum
in the present time of confusion, as I find myself able at once
to attend to the business of the province, and to communicate
with H.M.'s ministers and officers, which I could not do in any
place of security that I could find in the interior country, which
is the only part of this province not yet poisoned with disaffection and alienation from the King, and in a state of preparation to act offensively against H.M.'s Government. Explains
the reasons for his request for a larger ship of war, and the
expediency of establishing some regular and constant channel of
communication with the Southern Colonies. |
|
(n.) Sir J. Wright to Admiral Graves (Savannah, in Georgia,
27 June).—I now have not any vessel of war, and am clearly of
opinion that H.M.'s service will be better promoted by the
absence than the presence of vessels of war in this port. On the
subject of military forces being at present sent to this part of the
continent, I have written fully to the General. Perhaps Capt.
Tollemache may give you some little alarm about two or three
canoes from Carolina in this river, waiting, as report says, to take
some gunpowder from a vessel daily expected here. But I
acquaint you that they are sent upon a smuggling party of goods
into their own colony, by private directions from their committee.
They mean to procure some gunpowder, and I should not be
displeased if, under the appearance of some violence, they purchased
such an article, as it is intended to make good the contract made
by Mr. Stuart and myself with the Indians, both Creeks and
Cherokees, the latter of whom it will be more convenient for the
Carolinians than the people of Georgia to supply. 29 pp. or parts
of pp. |
| 8 Sept. |
1136. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland |
|
Two letters:— |
|
Ireland, v. 454, No. 60. |
1. As to a proposal from Colonel Wm. Style, of the 1st Regiment
of Foot Guards, to raise a number of able-bodied young men from
his estate in the county of Donegal, "inhabited by several thousand
souls," to serve His Majesty in North America. If his Excellency
sees no reason why the Colonel's plan should not be carried into
execution, he is to give the necessary orders to William Knox,
Esq., at Killcadon, near Strabane, agent to the Colonel, allowing
him the same terms of recruiting as have been granted to Lord
Kenmare.—St. James's. A draft. 2¼ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 61 a, b. |
Following this are the "proposals" of Colonel Style, and a
memorandum signifying the King's approval, &c. 1½ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 62. |
2. As to the impropriety of repeated articles inserted in the
Dublin Gazette, which being published by authority must naturally
make an impression. I send enclosed the Gazette of the 2nd
of this month, with a mark on the article which, taken from a
common newspaper, appears so extremely improper to be published
by authority. I should have known nothing of it, if it had not
been particularly mentioned to me. I am persuaded you will
think it necessary to take some steps either to contain the writer
within proper bounds, or not to permit him to make use of the
words, "Published by authority." |
|
The Kings wished I would hint to you the badness of the
recruits, and of some of the draughts last sent to America. |
|
P.S.—I am at present laid up with a violent rheumatism;
excuse, therefore, my not writing in my own hand.—St. James's.
"Private." A draft. 1½ pp. |
8 Sept.
Treas. and Cust., v. 5, No. 27 a to d.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 87. |
1137. John Robinson to Mr. Pownall. |
|
Enclosing copies of a letter from the Deputy Collector of the
Customs at Greenock, and a paper sent therewith, said to be the
resolution of the Convention of Williamsburg in Virginia, dated
27 June last, with a letter from the Commissioners of Customs in
Scotland.—Treasury Chambers. |
|
The enclosures.—Relative to the demand made by the gentlemen
officers in Williamsburg upon Captain Nathaniel Carpenter, Naval
Officer, and all other officers acting under the Crown, for the
moneys in their hands, &c. 7 pp. |
9 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 63. |
1138. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland. |
|
Captain Skene to have leave of absence, and his application
for leave to retire will be transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief
at Boston, that the senior officer on service may have power to
purchase Captain Skene's company.—St. James's. A draft. 2 pp. |
|
The letter to the Commander-in-Chief sent accordingly, dated
12 Sept., entered in Military Entry Bk., vol. 28, p. 313; and
Captain Skene's application on p. 314. |
10 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 95. |
1139. Edmd. Fanning to John Pownall, Esq. |
|
Asking for his countenance and support to an application for
a salary for him (Fanning) as Surveyor General of lands in the
province of New York out of the quitrents collected by the
Receiver General. His office is one from which he has not had
one penny profit. He will not be able, with the greatest economy,
to support himself by the fees of office, but without such a salary
as he requests, must leave it, and return to North Carolina for a
subsistence.—New York. 2 large pp. |
11 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 250. |
1140. J. Pownall to Philip Stephens, Esq. |
|
Enclosing an extract from a paper of observations delivered
by Lieut.-Colonel James, who brought the last despatches from
Boston.—Whitehall. |
12 Sept.
Isle of Man, v. 2, 1775–83, No. 11. |
1141. Richard Dawson, Lieut.-Governor, to Lord—. |
|
Has made H.M.'s proclamation for suppressing rebellion and
sedition public in every town and parish in the island. A spirit
of loyalty and zealous attachment to His Majesty's person and
government actuates every rank and degree of people in the
island, and they have nothing so much at heart as to be able to
manifest their dutiful affection to His Majesty and his august
family, and their utter abhorrence and detestation of all traitorous
and seditious conspiracies.—Isle of Man. 1 p. |
12 Sept.
Post Office, pcl. 6, No. 12. |
1142. Hugh Finlay to Anthony Todd, Esq. |
|
I imagine General Carleton's whole attention has been taken
up in preparing against an attack from the rebels who have
attempted to land at St. John's. |
|
Our couriers between Quebec and Montreal depart from hence
twice a week. The letters they carry scarce defray the expense
of the riding work; but, seeing that the conveniency of the posts
weekly is felt by the mercantile body, and in short by the whole
province, and saves the expense of many expresses to Government,
I shall continue it as long as it does not bring the office in debt.
In all probability we shall be shut out from all communications
from any one part of the world after the middle of November
until the middle of May, unless letters can be conveyed from the
station of the packet-boat (wherever that may be) to Halifax,
in Nova Scotia, there to be put under Governor Legge's care.
He could find some trusty Indians or Acadians to carry a mail
across to Quebec, but as ('tis said) there's many Whigs (as they
are called) in Nova Scotia, great caution should be used by the
couriers. I cannot see any other method for the Government
despatches than the following, laid before General Gage. The
couriers will cross over from the River des Loups to the Lake
Timisquata on the height of land, then down the River Madawaska
to St. John's River, following its stream to its mouth. This route
is practicable in all seasons, though difficult in the fall and early
in the spring. Couriers may be despatched from Quebec. A
trusty person at the mouth of St. John's will receive all despatches
from Canada or Halifax. The Canadian couriers will leave their
packets there, and will take up those for Canada; the expresses
from Halifax will carry back the packets from Quebec. |
|
We have heard nothing from England for a long time, nor
have we had any vessel from Boston since I arrived from thence.
The known passes are so blocked up that we can expect news
from New York and other parts of the continent only by way
of England.—Quebec. 3 pp. |
13 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88, No. 20. |
1143. Earl of Suffolk to the Lord Advocate of Scotland. |
|
In answer to letter of 4 Sept. His Majesty saw with great
pleasure the seasonable and effective steps he had taken in
conjunction with the Solicitor General to check the emigration
from the northern parts of the island. The expedient of affording
means of return to those who have become sensible of the folly of
quitting their native country has already, in some measure, been
adopted on the suggestion of the Lord Justice Clerk—St. James's.
A draft. 1¼ pp. |
15 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 2, No. 52. |
1144. Anthony Todd, Secretary, to the Earl of Suffolk. |
|
The letters for Gibraltar are sent at present through France,
which we account and pay for to the Intendant General of the
Posts at Paris. In these times of peace we send not a single
letter to Gibraltar, or any part of Spain, by any other channel.
The five packet-boats conveying the Lisbon mails, which are made
up at this office every Tuesday night, sail on an average every ten
days from Falmouth, but carry no other letters than for Portugal.
In the war with Spain we sent of necessity letters for Gibraltar to
our agent at Lisbon, who forwarded them by private ships; and in
that course we could easily forward from hence every Tuesday
night any letters which the Dutch post-office thought proper to
send hither for that purpose, as they now send and receive some
few letters to and from Lisbon, which in all are not half a dozen
in the week. One boat to Gibraltar could answer no good purpose
whatever; nor could half a dozen, though at the expense of 1,000l.
each, be so effectual as sending the letters twice a week through
France; nor would the postage of all letters whatever to and from
Gibraltar defray one tenth of the charge of even a single boat.—General Post Office. 2 pp. |
| 15 Sept. |
1145. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
|
Two letters:— |
|
Ireland, v. 454, No. 79, a, b. |
1. Enclosing the proceedings of a court-martial on Cornet and
Adjutant Thomas Henry Mann, of the 9th Dragoons, for disrespectful behaviour to the Commanding Officer and Major of the
Regiment at Kilkenny, and sentenced by the said court-martial to
be suspended from pay and duty for one month only. As His
Excellency was not satisfied with this sentence, he directed the
court-martial to revise the same, the proceedings on which revision
he also encloses.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The proceedings of the second court-martial only, which was
confirmatory of the first. 2½ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 80. |
2. Marked "Separate."—On the same subject. His Excellency
submits that Lieut.-Col. Preston had been guilty of a breach of
duty, and deserved reprehension; that certain officers of the regiment named, who had signed, and allowed to be entered on their
proceedings, a paper which contained expressions which would be
irregular in any individual, but which became very reprehensible,
if not criminal, when delivered in a body, deserved to be severely
reprimanded; and that the sentence, taken altogether, or in any
light, was insufficient and full of error.—Dublin Castle. 2pp. |
16 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 255. Treas. and Cust., v. 5, No. 29. |
1146. J. Pownall to Mr. Robinson. |
|
Enclosing an extract from a letter from Josiah Martin, Esq.,
Governor of North Carolina, dated 17 July, stating several charges
of misbehaviour in Mr. Dry, Collector of the Customs at Port
Brunswick, in that province.—Whitehall. |
16 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 85 a, b, c. |
1147. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
|
Transmitting a letter from Mr. Sackville Hamilton, Secretary to
the Commissioners of the Revenue, and a letter enclosed therein
from Mr. Gahan, Post Surveyor of Waterford, relative to the brig
"Sally," now detained there with ordnance stores, and proposing that
she be sent to England under convoy of the "Wasp" sloop of war.
There being reason to suspect that the iron ordnance on board may
be intended for the service of the rebels in America, and there
being no law in force in Ireland justifying her detention, has
given orders that if the captain of the "Wasp" schooner, now in
Waterford, will consent to go, the brig may be allowed to depart
under his convoy; if not, that she is to be detained pending instructions from England. It is absolutely necessary that no time
should be lost in obtaining a law in Ireland for empowering. the
Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council to prohibit the exportation
of gunpowder, &c., similar to the Act 29 Geo. II. Has therefore
given directions for heads of a Bill to the like purport to be
prepared, which will be moved as early as possible in the
approaching session of Parliament. |
|
The enclosures. 6½ pp. |
16 Sept.
Ireland Entry Bk., 1775–7, p. 101. |
1148. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
A letter as to successions, concluding,—There remains only for me
to add that the king could not but express a surprise at the great
impropriety of so many officers requesting to retire when on the
verge of embarking for foreign service, and has only condescended
at this period to the late applications, as they will be the last that
regard the said five regiments; but should there be any applications
from the officers of the 15th and 37th, ordered to embark early
next spring, it is expected they will be made at a more decent
time, for otherwise His Majesty will not be disposed to hearken to
them.—St. James's. |
18 Sept.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 153. |
1149. F. Willes to P. Stephens, Esq. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from Consul Logie, together with
that of a letter accompanying it, upon what had lately happened
to H.M. sloop "Zephyr" at Tangier.—St. James's. |
19 Sept.
Admiralty Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 154. |
1150. Sir Stanier Porten to the Same. |
|
In reply to letter of yesterday. The Mayor of Kingston-upon-Hull has transmitted to Lord Rochford the printed letter directed
to Mr. Walton, of which mention is made by Lieut. Runsiman,
whose zeal is very commendable.—St. James's. |
14 & 20 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 403. |
1151. Letters respectively transmitting and acknowledging the
circular signed "Thos. Joel," from and to Sir Wm. Loraine, Kirk
Harle. |
19 & 20 Sept.
Post Office, pcl. 6, No. 13. |
1152. Hugh Finlay to [? Anthony Todd]. |
|
The army under General Gage at Boston cannot be of much
service there; it would require a very great force to penetrate any
way into the country. Every American able to bear arms will
take the field; they will avoid meeting the King's troops openly,
will harass and pick them off from behind trees, hedges, or any
cover, and will ever take possession of the ground left by the
King's troops. The provincials, by handling arms, will become
soldiers. They seem not to foresee the great misery that their
non-importation and non-exportation will occasion among them.
I am inclined to think that they entered into this association more
with a design to cause troubles and commotions in England than
from a conception that they can subsist for any time without our
manufactures. The agreement not to export their produce will of
itself bring them to implore Britain to permit them to send it out;
thousands must starve else. As long as the King's troops act
against the rebellious colonists, they will hang together, and be
obedient to their leaders. If the troops shall be withdrawn the
people will have nothing to divert their attention from their
situation; they will more forcibly feel the sad distress that nonexportation will inevitably spread in every province: every man
will think for himself, they will become discontented, and will
insist on making up the affair with the mother country. I am
persuaded that after they are left to reflect coolly on their conduct
they will return to their duty. They, no doubt, at present imagine
that they will be supplied from Holland and France; indeed, it
will hardly be possible wholly to hinder this; yet it will be as
impossible for the Americans to get a twentieth part of what
they'll want. A few ships of war can block up all their
principal harbours, and a chain of small cruisers can do the rest.
Necessity is the mother of invention. They will become expert in
many manufactures, but without money in the country the manufacturer will find but little encouragement. Without foreign
trade they'll have no money. |
|
Every soldier on the continent would be well employed to drive
the rebels from this province. The provincial troops have executed
their plan so far. A body of them have gone round our works at
St. John's, and have taken post on Sorrel River. By this means
they cut off all communication with our little army by water, and
they are now endeavouring to cut off the communication between
St. John's and Montreal. If they succeed, our troops at St. John's
can have no supply of provisions from any quarter, as the rebels
are posted also at Isle aux Noix. We are not above 500 strong at
Quebec. We lately had 900 Indian warriors in our interest;
they have made their peace with the provincials, and are about
returning to their homes. The rebels have nothing to fear from
the Canadians; nine in ten are in their interests, and heartily
wish them success. How have we been deceived in the
Canadians! Many Englishmen in this province have taken
infinite pains to set the Quebec Act in a most horrid light to the
Canadians, and they have succeeded but too well. The Canadians
look upon the rebels as their best friends. I shall not be surprised
if many join them. We are in a bad situation in this place. They
walls are in bad repair; in many places an enemy may easily
enter the town. We have no cannon mounted. We have not a
single armed vessel in our harbour. General Carleton, in whose
military abilities we have great confidence, is at Montreal. Our
Lieut.-Governor (Mr. Cramahé) and Col. McLean are doing everything in their power to put the town in a proper posture of defence.
The British militia amount to 300, many of them well-wishers to
the rebels. The Canadians muster about 600; few of them, I fear,
willing to use their arms in defence of Quebec. I cannot suppose
the provincials can bring artillery against this place. They know
our strength, and I imagine they intend to take the town by
assault. If they cannot effect it this fall, they will quarter themselves in the parishes round the town, and intercept all our supplies.
If they cannot take us by assault nor starve us out, we hope to be
reinforced from England very early in spring, for we can expect
no assistance from the Canadian peasantry. Many of them have
told me that they look on this rebellion only as a quarrel among
Englishmen, in which they are no way immediately concerned,
but that hereafter they'll reap great benefit if the colonists shall
succeed in their plans. They have the notion that if the rebels
get entire possession of the country, they'll be for ever exempted
from paying taxes. If one asks them what will become of them
when the British forces re-take the town in the spring, they answer
that everything will be settled before that time; for that when
the Ministry find Quebec in the hands of the Americans, they'll
readily comply with every American demand. My opinion on the
whole is this: Unless our troops at St. John's can join us here,
the rebels will starve us; and even if they do, the flying parties of
our enemies will intimidate the Canadians so much that no provisions will be brought to town. If the 500 at St. John's shall be
able to join us, the rebels will not be able to enter the town unless
hunger shall force us to abandon it. We are about 6,000 souls in
Quebec. Perhaps the Canadians may return to their duty; in
that case we have nothing to fear from the combined force of North
America with such a General as our Governor at our head. |
|
20 Sept.—There is advice from Montreal that the party on the
Sorrel consists of 150 Canadians, headed by one Duggan, formerly
a hairdresser of this place, and one James Livingstone, son of an
Albany Dutchman, who resided long in Montreal. It is not known
whether there are any provincials with them; it is supposed there
are. It is imagined that it was this band of villains who fired on
an artillery battean loaded with stores for St. John's; they killed
the men, 11 in number, and took her. Since the Governor's
proclamation offering pardon to the Canadians of Duggan's party,
many of them have deserted him, and they hourly expect to see
Duggan and Livingstone brought dead or alive into Montreal.
General Schuyler, commanding the expedition against this country,
has commanded the parishes on the Sorrel or Richlieu River, &c.
to send 50 men from each, armed and properly provided, under
pain of having fire and sword carried among them on refusal. I
hope this mandate will open the eyes of the Canadians. The
rebels could not have done us greater service. |
|
Extract of a letter I received to-day from Montreal:—"The
behaviour and appearance of our militia surpasses my most
sanguine expectations, both as to numbers and conduct. Courage,
loyalty, and cheerfulness are conspicuous in their countenances,
and they do their duty cheerfully. I cannot help likewise
expressing the pleasure I feel at the appearance of the peasantry
returning to their duty."—Quebec. 4 pp. folio size. |
21 Sept.
Admiralty, v. 167, No. 14 a, b.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 91. |
1153. Lords of The Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from a person at Philadelphia,
29 July to 1 Aug., giving an account of the proceedings of the
rebel provincials.—Admiralty Office. |
|
As to the proceedings of the Congress. They purpose discharging all His Majesty's Governors from the continent if the
last petition to the throne is not received, and the prayer complied with. They continue building row-boats (dimensions, &c.,
described). They intend attacking H.M.'s sloop "Nautilus," which
arrived in this river last week. Of this intention I apprised
Capt. Vandeput, of the "Asia;" and one Dr. Drummond, of the
Customs, found means to give Capt. Collins timely intelligence.
Dare I presume to ask what Government is about? Is this fine
and opulent country to be lost to England ? I much fear it will
be, from the great increase of their troops; and the slow and small
supplies from home of navy and army. General Gage blocked up
in Boston, and insulted, and Kept at bay. England, indeed, must
be fallen very low, thus braved and bullied by a parcel of antimonarchial Presbyterian Republicans, our Royal master both
there and here spoke of with as little respect as a culprit at the
Old Bailey; yet ye endeavour to reconcile by lenity and tenderness
a set of wretches who are using all their might to shake you off,
and occasionally quote the States of Holland, who, by a long
struggle and a steady perseverance, shook off the tyranny of
Spain. This is the doctrine preached from every fanatic pulpit.
With this kind of language they spirit each other up; the power of
Britain is despised; the King, Lords, and Commons reviled, except
a few, who, by their speeches in both Houses, have stimulated
those ruffians to continue a rebellion which would have been
quelled last fall if men and ships had been then sent. The
Congress have declared their disregard to charter rights; they
value them not; the charter of Nature is what they contend for,
and what they will attain ere they sheathe the sword. |
|
July 30th.—A report of an insurrection at home. Lord North
fled to France, the Lords Mansfield and Bute fied to Scotland.
Nothing could exceed the rejoicings on this event but the news of
this day, July 31st, from Barbadoes, by letter to Messrs. Willing
and Morris, which says that on receipt of the account of the
skirmish at Lexington, stocks fell ten per cent.; a mob arose,
headed by John Wilkes, Governor Johnson, Edmund Burke, and
Lord Effingham; and that the Parliament house was destroyed,
with Lord Mansfield's and Lord North's. The joy on this report
is beyond credit. This day, 1 Aug., there is some addition to this
news; viz., that there is 50 million due to Holland, and are in
hopes (by their intrigues) that the States-General will make
demands immediately, by which means a total bandruptey must
happen to England, and, of course, its tyranny cease. It's
astonishing how this news is taken down by all sorts and conditions of people; with what arrogance they assume the being of
consequence enough to ruin the national credit of England.
These pieces of in telligence are sent from England by the incendiaries mentioned in my last. There are more of these
villains sent from Boston. They frame these reports to keep up
the spirit of rebellion. The fanatic preachers, Ewing and Williamson, are preaching sedition and rebellion amongst the Independent conventicles through the kingdom. They travel for this
purpose, although their pretence is to collect money for erecting
a seminary at Newark. |
|
The Congress adjourns this week to Hartford in Connecticut,
which is to be the seat of government. This day Dr. Benjamin
Franklin was appointed Postmaster-General of the continent, and
writs are issued for calling a new Assembly at Massachusetts by
Hancock, President of the Congress. |
|
Also as to the smuggling of gunpowder and other warlike
stores, and the issue of dollar bills, &c. The writer concludes:—I have some property here, and should it be discovered I undertake a communication of these transactions home, my life and
property would be the forfeit. Many of my acquaintances would
write, but those considerations stop them. 5½ pp. |
21 Sept.
Admiralty, v. 167, No. 15, a to q.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 92. |
1154. Lords of The Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth. |
|
Enclosing copies of letters and papers from Vice-Admiral
Graves.—Admiralty Office. |
|
The enclosures (all copies):— |
|
(b.) Adml. Graves to Mr. Stephens (Boston, 17 Aug.).—Successes of the rebels [detailed in enclosures described below]. and
movements of various ships of the squadron. On complaints of
a very serious nature against Capt. Macartney, of H.M.S.
"Mercury," &c., conceiving it unsafe to entrust the command of
H.M.'s ship any longer with him, I ordered the "Kingfisher"
to Virginia, and have sent Lieut. Greene in her, with directions
to put Capt. Macartney under arrest. |
|
I transmit copies of three of a parcel of rebel letters taken from
two men who came lately from Philadelphia; the rest are chiefly
written on domestic and trading subjects. |
|
As to Lieut. Knight, of H.M.'s schooner "Diligent," he must
have been totally unacquainted with the dispositions of the
people of Machias, and the fate of the "Margueritta." The rebels
having possession of the "Diligent," not only deprives the
squadron of her assistance, but will, I fear, for some time hinder
the publication of such of Mr. Des Barres' draughts as wait only
for the soundings. |
|
(c.) Capt. Linzee, of the "Falcon," to Vice-Adml. Graves (Nantasket Road, 10 Aug.), detailing an unsuccessful attempt to take
two schooners off Cape Ann, and to fire the town, resulting in the
loss of two boats; his master-gunner, sixteen seamen and seven
marines having been taken prisoners, and his lieutenant wounded. |
|
(d.) The midshipman's account of the loss of the lighthouse at
the entrance of Boston harbour. In regard to this, Adml. Graves
says,—(b.) As the lighthouse island, with thirty men, was judged
capable of being defended against a thousand, it was extremely
unfortunate the party of marines made so little resistance, for in
less than half an hour a great reinforcement arrived; but, I am
sorry to say, it appears to me the party were intent only on
escaping, although the marine officer was at the reduction of
Belleisle, and accounted a brave and experienced officer. The
marines, when drawn up to defend the island, (d) were in great
confusion, and many of them in liquor, and totally unfit for
service. Lieutenant Coulthurst, in command, was killed. |
|
(e.) Lord Dunmore on board H.M.'s sloop "Otter," in Virginia,
17 July, to Admiral Graves, asking for the removal of Capt.
Macartney. |
|
(f.) Reply from Adml. Graves to Lord Dunmore, 7 Aug. |
|
(g.) Capt. Montagu, of the "Fowey," to Adml. Graves (Charlestown River, 7 Aug.).—On Capt. Macartney's arrival at York he
came and asked me the state of the country, and if I went on
shore. I answered that I looked upon the people to be in a state
of rebellion, and thought it was dangerous to go. The next day
(12 July) Capt. Macartney came on board the "Fowey" to wait
on Lord Dunmore, and afterwarde went on shore to wait on the
President of the Council. On his return Capt. Macartney told
his Lordship that he was to dine with the President that day.
His Lordship told him it was imprudent, as the President was a
man disaffected to Government, and that at his house he would
probably meet some who were then under arms and in actual
rebellion, and used many arguments to show the impropriety of
accepting the invitation, but without effect, as he went and dined
with the President, and at the time there were three or four
hundred armed men in the town. |
|
(h.) Benjamin Harrison to Genl. Washington (Phila., 21, 23,
and 24 July).—Proceedings of the Congress, reinforcements,
appointments made, supplies, &c. Indeed; my friend, I do not
know what to think of some of these men (the members of
Congress). They seem to be exceeding hearty in the cause, but
still wish to keep everything amongst themselves. Our President is quite of a different cut—noble, disinterested, and generous
to a very great degree. |
|
I have had no further account from our country about the
Governor, except that he is still at York Town with three menof-war. He, Montagu, and Foye, went the other day by water
to his farm, and were within three or four minutes of being all
taken by Capt. Meredith, with 70 men from Hanover, who are,
with about 150 from other counties, guarding Wmsburg from
any attempt that he may make with his boiled crabs. Meredith
says his intentions were to carry his Lordship to Wmsburg to
put into the Pale, and promise him protection, to convince him
and the world that no injury was intended him. However, as
he missed his stroke, I dare say he will be charged with intending to murder him. |
|
We have an imperfect account of an attack on N.Y. by
some of the Over-Lake Indians. I hope it is not true. Indeed
(between you and I) I give very little credit to anything from
that quarter, and wish I could say I had no reason to be suspicious of those people. We yesterday received despatches from
Georgia. They are come into the Union, and have appointed
delegates to the Congress. They have even done more; they,
with the So. Carolinians, armed a vessel, and have taken a ship
with 140 bbs. of King's powder, which they have divided betwixt
them. As I was in the pleasing task of writing to you a little
noise occasioned me to turn my head round; and who should
appear but pretty little Kate, the washerwoman's daughter over
the way,—clean, trim, and rosy as the morning. I snatched the
golden, glorious opportunity; and, but for that cursed antidote to
love, Sukey, I had fitted her for my General against his return.
We were obliged to part, but not till we had contrived to meet
again. If she keeps the appointment I shall relish a week's longer
stay. I give you now and then some of these adventures to
amuse you, and unbend your mind from cares of war. |
|
Details of the proceedings of the Congress. I think it high
time there was end of it; we have been too long together. |
|
Edmond Randolph is here, and has the greatest desire to be
with you. He has begged of me to say something in his favour,
and that, if you can with propriety, you will keep one of the
places now in your gift for him. He is not able to support
himself, or he would not ask this of you. He is one of the
cleverest young men in America, and, if Mr. Read should leave
you, his place of Secretary can't be better supplied. This deserving young man was in high repute in Virginia, and he fears
his father's conduct may tend to lessen him in the esteem of his
countrymen. He has taken this method, without the advice of
his friends, to raise him into favour, as he is determined on the
thing. I am sure our good old Speaker will be much obliged for
any favour you can show him. I could not avoid an application
of this kind on this occasion, well knowing that a most valuable
young man, and one that I love, without some step of this sort,
may, from the misconduct of his parent, be lost to his country,
which now stands much in need of men of his abilities. |
|
Reported that Bob Mckenzie was killed at Bunker's Hill. Is
it true ? I had a great friendship for him formerly, but can't
help saying I shall be glad to hear the news confirmed. |
|
Also introducing favourably Capt. Thos. Price, of a company of
riflemen from Maryland. He has a large family, which he has
left merely to forward the service. |
|
(h.) Jno. Adams to James Warren, Watertown, Philadelphia,
24 July. |
|
(i.) The Same to Mrs. Adams, Philadelphia, 24 July. [The last
two letters are printed in the Adams's Life of John Adams.
vol. 1, pp. 248, 249.] |
|
(k.) Lieut. Jno. Knight, of the "Diligent," to Adml. Graves,
(Cambridge, 10 Aug.,) notifying the seizure of his ship, &c., at
Machias. |
|
(l.) List of H.M.'s ships and vessels in North America under
the command of Vice-Adml. Graves. |
|
(m.) Adml. Graves to Mr. Stephens (Boston, 19 Aug.).—Proceedings of the vessels of the squadron detailed. I enclose a copy of an
affidavit sent me by Gov. Legge, which I do purposely to assure
you that only what relates to H.M.'s schooner "Diligent" and the
Philadelphian sloop is true. It is even suspected that the Philadelphian was intended for Machias, and not for Halifax, and
that the story of her being taken away, like so many other false
reports, is calculated to serve a particular purpose. |
|
Other details; also the reasons given by the rebels for an expedition to Nova Scotia; and as to the necessity for stores and provisions
from England. No accounts from England later than 8 June. |
|
(n.) Deposition of Thomas Lowden, master mariner, made at
Cornwallis, 7 Aug., as to American privateers on the coast,
preparations for an expedition to Nova Scotia, &c. |
|
(o.) Governor Legge to Vice-Adml. Graves (Halifax, 3 Aug.). |
|
(p.) Adml. Graves to Mr. Stephens (Boston, 19 Aug.). As to
the difficulty of victualling the squadron. Entire dependence for
supplies must in future be on Great Britain. |
|
(q.) Alexr. Brymer to Adml. Graves (Boston, 16 Aug.). As to
termination of contracts for supplying the squadron. 43 pp. or
parts. |
22 Sept.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 94. |
1155. Lieutenant-General. J. Irwine to Lord Rochford. |
|
In acknowledgment of a letter to be more particularly answered
at another time, and stating the precautions he had taken relative
to the embarkation of troops at Cork.—St. Woolstans. "Read by
the King." 2 pp. |
23 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88, No. 21 a, b. |
1156. Jno. Sherwood to Sir Stanier "Porteen." |
|
As to certain convicts on a transport ship whom he desired
should be brought on shore to be tried on a capital charge. |
|
P.S.—"I am in hopes we shall have a respectable meeting on
Monday at Mile End to oppose that illegal meeting."—Public
Office, Shadwell. |
|
Draft of reply, expressing the difficulty of giving an opinion on
the case, &c. 2 pp. |
25 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 45. |
1157. Major Watson to Mr. Robinson. |
|
A French gentleman, now in England, is doing his utmost to
engage and inveigle a number of the best ironfounders to enter
into his service. A very considerable work is intended to be
erected and carried on upon the canal. of Languedoc (where this
gentleman has a considerable estate), under the protection and
with the support of the French Government. He has engaged
one of the most able workmen in the kingdom, who is now using
his endeavours to procure others to accompany him.—Hanover
Street. 1½ pp. |
25 Sept.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 95 a, b. |
1158. Thos. Waite to Sir Stanier Porten. |
|
On the subject of a missing report relative to the right of the
Crown to the Deanery of St. Patrick's, Dublin. Enclosed, a copy
of the order of the Government in Ireland for prosecuting His
Majesty's claim in 1749.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosure. 4½ pp. |
25 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 90. |
1159. Sir S. Porten to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
It being of very great importance that every possible effort
should be made to secure a passage to Quebec of such part of the
five regiments as is ordered to proceed to that place, communicates,
in the absence of Lord Rochford, who is gone for a few days to
St. Osyth, such information as has been received respecting the
practicability of effecting this service. As the season is far
advanced it is to be expected that the transports will, at the
entrance of the river, meet with strong N.W. winds; but the
troops must not be discouraged by this circumstance, as the ships
may, notwithstanding, work up to the Isle of Bec, or possibly to
Hare Island, at both of which places there is good and safe
anchorage, and in the neighbourhood of which the troops
may be landed and marched by land through a settled country to
Quebec.—St. James's. A draft. 3 pp. |
26 Sept.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 96. |
1160. Lieutenant-General Irwine to Lord Rochford. |
|
Mentioning the successions recommended by him to the Lord
Lieut. in consequence of the sudden death of Lieut.-Col. Pope,
of the 2nd Horse. Also as to the embarkation of the troops
at Cork. I confess I had indulged a little vanity, hoping to
have been able to observe that an embarkation from hence had
not commonly been executed more expeditiously; but by your
Lordship's despatch, which came between Sunday night and
Monday morning, I am under dreadful concern lest my zeal has
been prejudicial to the King's service as being contrary to His
Majesty's views. (States the steps taken by him in consequence).
I shall be extremely mortified if I have unfortunately been the
cause of marring any wish of the King's, and must entreat your
Lordship to stand between me and His Majesty's displeasure, as
it was over-eagerness to serve him whom, of all things, I wish
to please, that has been the occasion of this misfortune.— Dublin
Castle. 4 pp. |
26 Sept.
Ireland, v. 455, No. 2. |
1161. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
|
Relative to his recommendation of Mr. Loftus, one of his
aide-de-camps, (who is a very old lieutenant,) to a troop in the
1st Regiment of Horse. Exclusive of Mr. Loftus's worth, there is
one other consideration that cannot but have very great weight with
his Excellency; viz., that it may give an opportunity of obliging
Lord North, by appointing Capt. Hamilton, a near relation of
Lady North's, to be one of his aide-de-camps in the room of
Capt. Loftus.— Dublin Castle. "Private." 2 pp. |
27 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 89. |
1162. Fran. Gildart, Town Clerk, to Lord Dartmouth. |
|
Enclosing an address to the King from the inhabitants of the
town.—Liverpool. 1 p. |
13–28 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, Nos. 76 a to f, 77 a to g, 78 a, b, 82, 91, 94 a, b, c.
Ordn. Entry Bk., 1775–80, p. 38.
Treas. Entry Bk., v. 2, 1775–83, p. 15.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1775–7, p. 105.
Adml. Entry Bk., 1776–84, p. 155. |
1163. Seizure at Waterford. |
|
Letters and enclosures relative to the seizure at Waterford
of the brig "Sally," from Chester, with a large quantity of iron
ordnance on board. The ordnance was for the use of the Government, in part of a contract of the Board of Ordnance with Mr. Anty.
Bacon, but it was suspected in Ireland to be for the use of the
Americans. On 21 Sept. Lord Rochford wrote to the Lord Lieut.
of Ireland, directing that the vessel should be allowed to proceed
on her voyage. See also No. 1147, ante. |
28 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 88. |
1164. Charles Irving to Mr. [Pownall]. |
|
Giving an account of the situation in respect to trade, having
made a tour through some of the principal manufacturing towns
in England. The exports of Birmingham ware are considerably
greater than in any former period. In the adjacent places in
Warwickshire and in Staffordshire the nail trade seems less brisk
than formerly, but any spare hands from that branch find full
employment in other hardware manufactories. Derbyshire is at
present much more flourishing in the silk-throwster way, and in
the manufactory of woollen stockings, than formerly, which is
evident from the number of machines lately erected in both these
branches. The fine pottery manufacture in Derby is also greatly
increased. In Lancashire, the Manchester cotton manufactories
are in the most flourishing situation. The improvement in their
cut velvets, velverets, and other goods, has opened to them a
market even at Naples, Messina, &c.; which, perhaps, is not only
owing to their cheapness, but likewise to an improvement they
have lately made in their taste of patterns. In Yorkshire, particularly in Halifax, Bradford, and Leeds, the coarse cloth manufacture was never known in a better state, or a greater number
of hands employed, and more extensive schemes projected. At
Leeds, likewise, the pottery work is so highly improved, both in
composition and elegance of figure, as to make it an object of
considerable export. At Whitby ship-building and the making of
sailcloth continue to be as extensive as formerly; and at Hull a
greater tonnage of shipping is just now employed than ever was
known.—no doubt occasioned by the vigorous state of the manufactures in Lancashire and Yorkshire, chiefly shipped from this
port. This flourishing condition of the manufactories in general
is not a little owing to two causes, viz., the great improvements in
machinery and cheapness of fuel; to which may be added the
universal practice of cultivating potatoes, which are experimentally
found to be the cheapest of all food. Presumes it is owing to the
great consumption of our commodities on the Continent that
the interruption of commerce with America has been little felt.
2¼ large pp. |
28 Sept.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 92 a, b.
Entry Bk., 1775–7, p. 107–9. |
1165. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
As to the court-martial on Cornet and Adjutant Mann, of the
9th Dragoons. The King observes that the said Cornet having,
in presence of all the officers in quarters, asked pardon of the
Lieut-Colonel, this humiliating step cannot be looked upon but as a
mortifying penance, and therefore the Court might with good
ground have declined trying him at all, considering him already
punished; that, as the charge was entered upon, the court-martial
is to blame for sentencing him in a manner much too slight for the
crime, and that the officers of the 9th Regiment have been at
least inadvertent in signing the paper. His Majesty's pleasure,
therefore, is that the Court be dissolved, and that Cornet Mann
be immediately dismissed from the Royal service, though with
permission to sell at the regulated price, as more particularly explained in the enclosed paper, which is to be notified to the parties
through the Commander-in-Chief, instead of being given out in
public orders.—St. James's. |
|
The enclosure. Drafts. 5 pp. |
25 March to 29 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 26, pp. 7, 22, 33. |
1166. Clerks In The Secretary of State's Office. |
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Receipts for the post-office allowance for the clerks of Lord
Rochford's Office.—St. James's. |
29 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 90. |
1167. Is. Midgley, Mayor, to Lord Dartmouth. |
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Transmitting an address to the King from the body corporate of
the town.—Beverley. 1 p. |
29 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 265. |
1168. J. Pownall to Wm. Eden, Esq. |
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Intelligence that Messrs. Constant and Son at Rotterdam,
and Mr. John Hodgson at Amsterdam, do largely supply H.M.'s
rebellious subjects in North America with arms and ammunition,
pretending to clear out for St. Eustatia.—Whitehall. |
29 Sept.
Ireland, v. 455, No. 12 a, b. |
1169. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
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Enclosing a copy of a letter from Capt. Allen, Aide-de-Camp to
the Commander-in-Chief, who had sent him to Cork, &c.—Dublin
Castle. |
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The enclosure.—The transports of the 27th did not sail with the
other regiments when the order was given, and on going on board
Capt. Allen discovered the reason. Col. Massey, almost all the
officers and non-commissioned officers, and several of the private
men, were in Cork—the men of one transport much inclined to
mutiny, without officers,—no ammunition, notwithstanding the
order for completing to 60 rounds a man,—some of the chests with
arms still in Cork,—neither muster rolls nor embarkation returns;
in short, this regiment had not obeyed a single order since they
embarked. They must sail the next morning at 6 o'clock. 3 pp. |
29 Sept.
Treas. and Cust., v. 5, No. 31 a, b.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 101. |
1170. John Robinson to J. Pownall. |
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Transmitting some information relative to Bermuda, as that
island, in the present circumstances of the war in North America,
may, perhaps, be a safe and proper place for a hospital, and from
the happiness of the climate peculiarly serviceable in recovering the
health of the sick and wounded.—Treasury Chambers. |
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The enclosure, describing the situation, natural features, &c. of
the island. 3½ pp. |
30 Sept.
Ireland, v. 455, No. 9. |
1171. Lieut-General Irwine to Lord Rochford. |
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As to the steps taken to convey to the regiments sailing from
Cork the King's orders changing their destination, &c.—Dublin
Castle. 1 p. |
Aug. and Sept.
Post Office, pcl. 6, No. 14 a to s. |
1172. American Rebellion. |
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Extracts or copies of letters opened at the Post Office, and sent
to the Secretary of State's Office. |
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(a.) 4 Aug. John Hyndman, London, to Mr. Robert Gilchrist,
Port Royal, Virginia.—Here the language is altogether hostile, yet
I am clearly of opinion that very moderate terms on your part
would be accepted, as Administration must be sensible of the
fatal consequences to a country whose very existence depends on
commerce. ½ p. |
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(b.) 17 Aug. Wm. Moss, Savannah, in Georgia, to Messrs. John
and Thomas Hodgson, at Liverpool, detailing the circumstances
under which the captain of a brig from Senegal was allowed to
land slaves by the Council of Safety, and the proceedings of
the Council, who seized certain rice belonging to a merchant
refusing to sell. "This is liberty." 2 pp. |
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(c.) 17 Aug. The same to Messrs. Hugh Hindley, Leigh, and
Co. at Liverpool.—Everything in this province at present seems to
be in the greatest confusion, no business going on, everything put
a total stop to. The province is, as it were, kept in the dark,
having neither intelligence lately from home nor from Philadelphia.
People are in a very uneasy state, not knowing what will be the
fate of either one party or the other. ¾ p. |
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(d.) 30 Aug. John Leland, Wiccomoc in Northumberland county,
Virginia, to Mr. Henry Lalande, No. 10, Charing Cross.—Everything here has to me a melancholy aspect; nor are we to expect
anything better until your ministry alter their measures, for I
verily believe the Americans are determined to hold out to the last
extremity, and they are, I fancy, more powerful than ever was
imagined. ½ p. |
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(e.) 4 Sept. Jon. Hudson, Baltimore, to Messrs. Wooldridge and
Kelly.—As to purchase of a ship, cargo of tobacco sent, &c. 1 p. |
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(f.) 6 Sept. Communication from Baltimore, unsigned, to
Mr. H. Randall, Globe Court, Fetter Lane. "Please to insert the
following," relating to the "anarchy and confusion" which resulted
from the grant by the committee of the town to Mr. Hudson [writer
of preceding letter ?] of an indulgence to take in his cargo after the
10th of the month. 1,200 men are ready to come from the forest
next week to prevent the ship from loading; so that God only
knows how this matter will end, especially if the town companies
support the act of the committee. In consequence of the above
indulgence two or three others have applied for the same favour,
and have obtained it, so that we are afraid the credit of this
province will be much injured by this strange association. |
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"The Same to Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Woodfall, the printers."
2 pp. |
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(g.) 9 Sept. John Ashburner, Baltimore, to James Gildart,
Esq.—Quantity of wheat unsold. The country people will soon
begin to feel the effects of non-importation. |
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(h.) 9 Sept. Messrs. Brown and Cornthwait, Baltimore, to
Geo. Croker Fox at Falmouth.—Proceedings of the Congress. The
Congress has the hearts of the people, and they follow its
resolves even to admiration; no law was ever so dreaded or so
strictly followed as those of the Congress. It has made upwards
of a million of money in paper dollars, which passes as current as
the best gold; nay, people are fonder of it. How we are to trade
after this is very uncertain. It's certain we cannot to Great
Britain or the West Indies. The continent cannot, or at least
will not, lie more than 6 or 12 months without trade; but how it
will be opened is yet a secret,—we heartily hope by a repeal of those
detestable Acts of Parliament. If so, all will end well, and be
exceeding pleasing to the continent. We have had an extraordinary season for wheat, &c. 2¼ pp. |
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(i.) 10 Sept. John Hipkins, Virginia, to Messrs. John Hyndman
and Co.— We have had 12 hours of the most violent wind and rain
here that I ever knew (the 3rd instant). It has destroyed great
part of the tobacco, and done great damage to the shipping. The
ships of war at Portsmouth are high and dry; one of which, and a
tender, I am informed, were burnt a few days ago by the Volunteer
Company of the adjoining county, much against the inclinations
of the committee, who twice endeavoured to put out the fire and
prevail on the men to desist, but to no purpose. I am convinced
if matters are not settled next summer that the Union will be
everlastingly at an end. Here the people are united almost to a
man, provisions of all kinds plenty, a woody country, very
numerous, and daily gaining experience in the art of war. "His
Majesty," I expect, in the course of 12 months, will have 200,000
men in America as well trained and fit for service as any in the
whole world. And why should we not be as free as any other
people ? If we are to lose our freedom it matters not who our
King be. "My sincere wish is, that may His Majesty have a long
and prosperous reign, and ever prove true to the nation." 1¼ pp. |
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(k.) 10 Sept. Alexr. Campbell, London, to Dr. Archd. Campbell,
Norfolk, Virginia.—Both have been in the wrong; and had the
Americans here, or those who style themselves, but cannot think
them, friends to America, had they, instead of striving to foment,
strove to bring about a reconciliation with the parent state, they
might have got what America wanted, which was to give up the
idea of taxation,—that I ever was against. 2½ pp. |
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(l.) 13 Sept. Anthony Todd to John Pownall, Esq. (Secret.)—This has been one of the busiest mornings in my life, and of all my
people, to inspect, I may fairly say, over 100 of the letters in the
New York mail, from all which I have only been able to take the
few extracts herewith, of no manner of consequence; nor can one
expect much more, as you may observe even thereby that the
caution is excessive. I enclose also three letters to myself by this
mail in original. 1½ pp. |
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Attached are the two following, viz.:— |
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(m.) 5 Aug. John Antill, New York, to Anthony Todd—We
are in general confusion here, and I think the storm thickens.
The Congress has appointed Dr. Franklin Postmaster-General of
North America, and the different posts will be soon established, so
that I suppose in a few days we shall have nothing to do. God
only knows what will be the end of it. I expect nothing more
than to be turned out of the Government in a short time. 1 p. |
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(n.) Extract from the journal of a packet-boat.—Intelligence of
the burning of Fort Johnson by the people of North Carolina, and
of Governor Martin having been obliged to take refuge on board
H.M. sloop, "Cruizer." ½ p. |
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(o.) 18 Sept. Thos. Skinner, Savannah, to Mr. James Hare,
London.—As to the proceedings of the "Gentlemen of the Committee," &c. We begin to feel the ill effects of stopping up the
port, bread being excessive scarce, and flour in town nearly consumed,
&c. In respect of news from the northward, we have been totally
in the dark for many months. 1 p. |
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(p.) 25 Sept. M. Smith, Savannah, to Rev. Mr. Ml. Smith,
No. 37, Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields.—By very accident
I happened to hear of Vine's arrival, In consequence of which I am
now in Savannah with a boat and hands to carry her home. She
has been here a week, and very hospitably received by the ladies
of the place. The happiness of seeing her was in some measure
interrupted from the distracted situation of the province in which
I reside, where the whole power is in the hands of the licentious
rabble, and nothing seen or heard of but anarchy and confusion. The Governor has been treated with such insolence by
our all-powerful Council of Safety that he found his personal
safety required his flying. He is now on board the sloop of war
with the secretary, whom they have absolutely determined in
Committee to put to —. The Judges and other King's officers
were a few days ago disarmed and confined to their houses; the
consequence of which is that the Courts of Judicature are entirely
shut up, and no business either civil or criminal done. It is further
determined to suffer no man on any pretence whatever to be
neuter in case of the landing of troops, which they expect in the
course of next month from Boston. The Government party are
strictly watched, not suffered to associate one with another. My
brother will inform you of the necessity I laboured under of signing
the Association. However, Lord William Campbell is perfectly
satisfied with the resistance I made, and the necessity of the case,
as they were so stupid as not to consider me a King's officer,
notwithstanding every argument I could make use of. Having
been under the necessity of refusing some orders from the Committee in my official capacity with respect to arresting a man, I
am now reduced to the utmost difficulties, they having declared
me inimical to the liberties of America, and with two or three
more deprived of every advantage, declaring that as we had
insinuated that our signing was the effect of compulsion, we were
no longer considered as persons to be trusted. I would prefer
being with my family in Boston, where they would have some
protection, than at Beaufort; but God's will be done. Having a
few days ago been treated extremely ill by one of the Committee,
(though contrary to my notion of duelling), obliged to call upon
him with a brace of pistols, the presentment of which the gentleman could not stand, the result of which was an abject concession;
this has procured me temporary ease. Thus you see a man now
has nothing left but the exertion of his spirit. The emoluments
of my office are now at an end, but it is the case of numbers
besides myself. Don't fear with respect to Vine. She shall
share the same fortune with us. Would to God you would wait
upon Lord Sandwich; he promised me a commission. Do urge
him now. Tell him how I am oppressed, and my inclination to
signalize myself in the service of my King. If he will give me a
lieutenant of marines' commission, even on half-pay, I will join
any forces that may be sent here, and every party that can be
made in favour of Government, as I hope, as people grow
dissatisfied with these transactions (which is now the case), we
shall soon begin openly to declare ourselves. I could have had a
captain's commission in the provincial army lately raised in this
province, but I refused it; and I am further convinced, had I
accepted the offer, I should have been in high favour, as they
wanted men who had been in a military life. Depend on it,
I am in favour with the Governor, having had the honour of
dining with him, and much conversation on these matters. I have
wrote in such haste and apprehension of my letters being seen
that I am afraid you will hardly read it. 6 pp. |
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(q.) 27 Sept. Willing, Morris, and Co., Philadelphia, to Messrs.
Wm. Baynes and Co.—At present nobody dare move in the export
from the places left free by the Act of Parliament, as the people
at large seem disposed to exportation totally; but their folly
will be their punishment, and we shall not be surprised to see a
different disposition prevail on this point in a short time. 1¼ pp. |
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(r.) 29 Sept. James Tilghman, Philadelphia, to Wm. Baker,
Esq., Hill Street.—As to the alarm of the Western Indians at
Pittsburgh, upon finding a garrison of 200 men there, appointed
by the Convention of Virginia, and as to the distressed situation
of the inhabitants beyond the Laurel Hill for want of a line of
jurisdiction, said to be a matter of contest between the Pennsylvania and Virginia delegates. 1 p. |
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(s.) 30 Sept. Robert Proud, Philadelphia, to William Proud,
Hull.—Nothing further than threats has yet happened to me.
The enclosed newspaper, alluding to the piece respecting Huni and
Kearsly, will give thee some idea, though imperfect, of what in part
has since been transacted in this city; in reading which it ought to
be considered that where freedom of public meeting and speaking
is entirely taken away, and where no man dare speak a word in
contradiction of the most flagrant falsehoods or grossest perversions, printed under the influence and direction of such as have
the power in their hands, so for me to contravene or question the
veracity of any part of such a publication as that respecting the
conduct of Hunt and Kearsley as there represented, in order to
make it look odious, &c., would, I suppose, on being known
here, put me in danger of my life. I therefore say nothing of it,
and hope thou wilt in part understand my meaning. I have been
frequently told I am to be served in the same manner, and several
others in this city; which, I suppose, is noised about by way of
menace, rather to intimidate than anything else; but the above
affair, and the mere character of the persons who are threatened,
have made such a ferment and raised such an opposition in the
city that 'tis apprehended such a conduct has received a stop for
the present. Also as to the bearer of the letter, Christopher Carter,
born at Newby-Wisk. 2 pp. |
