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2 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163, no. 2. |
454. Earl of Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
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Signifying His Majesty's pleasure that a permission be made
out for the Chevalier de Foncenex, the King of Sardinia's Com
mandant of the Marine at Villa Franca, to have access to one or
more of H.M.'s yards, in order to improve his ideas by the English
manner of constructing ships, preparing magazines, and arranging
stores, as requested by his Sardinian Majesty. A draft. 1¼ pp. |
2 Jan.
Scotland, v. 25, No. 172. |
455. Scotch Representative Peers. |
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"State of the Election of the Earl of Stair as one of the 16
Peers." |
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It is a list of Peers who voted. It is stated that Lord Arbuthnot's list was void, the Sheriff Depute having forgot the Oath of
Supremacy, and that 15 Peers protested against Lord Newark as
not being a Peer. 1½pp. |
Scotland,
v. 47, No. 1 a, b. |
The Peers' protest against Lord Stair's election, and another list
of the Peers voting. [The protest is printed at length in the
Annual Register for 1771, p. 204.] 2½ pp. |
3 Jan.
Admiralty,
v. 163, No. 3. |
456. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
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Asking for directions as to whether certain transports were to
be discharged. 1 p. |
3 Jan.
Ireland,
v. 439, No. 1. |
457. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Transmits, for greater security, by the messenger charged with
the letter promised his Excellency from Lord North, a duplicate
of his, Lord Rochford's, letter of the 26th inst. Acknowledges
the receipt of his Excellency's several letters down to the 27th
December.—St. James's. A draft. 1 p. |
3 Jan.
Ireland, v.
439, No. 6. |
458. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Enclosing three memorials which were yesterday laid before
him and H.M.'s Privy Council in Ireland. They relate to the
inclusion of butter and fish among the provisions upon which an
embargo had been laid. The particulars of the memorials are set
out in full, and the Lord Lieutenant submits that a general
indulgence in respect of the exportation of these two articles
should be granted as in 1758.—Dublin Castle. |
|
Endorsed: "R. 14th at night." And "N.B. The three inclosures
"sent to the Lord President, Jan. 1771." 4½ pp. |
4 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 4 a, b, c. |
459. Mr. Stephens to Mr. Sutton. |
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Enclosing a state of the ships ordered to be fitted for service.
Directions were sent to the Navy Board for fitting the "Warwick"
in the manner proposed.—Admiralty, |
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The enclosures; viz., (No. 1) A state of the guardships fitted out;
and (No. 2) Ships of the line and frigates commissioned, &c.
1 small p. and 2 pp. brief size. |
5 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 5a, b |
460. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
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Enclose a copy of letter from Mons. Lemesurier at Guernsey
dated the 29th past, giving an account of the preparations of the
French in and about St. Malo. |
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The enclosure. 2 pp. |
5 Jan.
Admiratly,
v. 163, No. 5a, b. |
461. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Acquainting him with the King's entire approbation of the
measures taken to prevent, in case of a war, H.M.'s forts being
insulted, and the trade cut out of the harbours, &c. The military
points mentioned in his Excellency's of the 20th Dec. are referred
to H.M.'s military servants.—St. James's. A draft. 1¼ pp. |
5 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 3.
Law Officers Entry Bk., 1762–95, p. 170. |
462. The Same to the Attorney and Solicitor General. |
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Encloses for their opinion whether apprentices enlisted in H.M.'s
service may, when demanded by their masters, be legally detained
till the bounty money and other sums expended upon them be
repaid to the regiment, a copy of a letter from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland relating to the case of an apprentice enlisted and
demanded by his master; and also a copy of an opinion of Lord
Camden on a like question, and copies of two reports of H.M.'s
Attorney General in Ireland on the present case.—St. James's.
A draft. 1¼ pp. |
5 Jan.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75,
pp. 32–3. |
463. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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In answer to letter of 27th past, requesting His Majesty's permission to have some aides-de-camp above the usual number.
Request granted. Officers recommended for that service approved
of.—St. James's. |
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A list of the aides-de-camp, &c. |
6 Jan.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 11, p.1. |
464. Edward Savage to Lord—. |
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Forwarding the opinion of Lord Chief Baron Foster, as he at
different times did that of my Lord Chief Justice Annaly and
Mr. Baron Scott.—Barr Hall. |
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Mem.—That the enclosure was "Chief Baron's opinion in favour
of Edward Savage." |
7 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 6. |
465. Lords of The Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
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In answer to his letter of the 3rd inst. [see "Admiralty Orders"
in Tables]. H.M.'s frigate "Thames" is ordered to be got ready. |
7 Jan.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 275. |
466. Earl of Rochford to the Lord President. |
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Enclosing a copy of a letter from M. de Mello, the Portuguese
Minister, on account of a Portuguese ship detained in Ireland in
consequence of the late embargo.—St. James's. |
8 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439. No. 4a, b. |
467. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Enclosing a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury
to Mr. Sutton, signifying the Lords of the Treasury's approval of
his Excellency's proposal in his letter of 12th Nov. last, to dispose
of or exchange part of an Island belonging to His Majesty, near
Limerick, for other land properly situated for building a spacious
barrack and depôt, &c. He is to give the necessary orders accordingly. His Majesty entirely approves of his opinion not to forego
this opportunity of providing for his service on such desirable
terms on account of any private applications.—St. James's. A
draft. |
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The original letter from Mr. John Robinson, a copy of which
was enclosed in the above. 2½ pp. |
| 9 Jan. |
468. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
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Two letters:— |
Ireland,
v. 439, No. 8. |
(1.) As to the meeting of Parliament. H.M.'s principal servants
whom he usually consults were unanimously of opinion that in order
to give full time for "our" friends to assemble, and for receiving
instructions from England as to any particular points which His
Majesty might desire to be laid before Parliament, and also because
it° has been usual to give not less than 40 days' notice, it should not
sit before the 26th of next month. They also expressed their earnest
wishes that this might not be considered as an ordinary Sessions,
when the regular committees of accounts, supplies, and ways and
means are to be appointed, but as summoned for a particular
occasion, upon an emergency, and to sit as short a time as possible.
Has, accordingly, signed 'a proclamation proroguing Parliament
till the 26th of next month, then to meet for despatch of business.
Asks whether His Majesty has any particular points in contemplation which he would have his Excellency recommend to the
Parliament in Ireland, what parts of the plan submitted by his
Excellency for the defence of the country should be carried into
execution, and whether His Majesty entertains any thoughts of
augmenting the army here. In this latter case, begs it may be
considered whether the Act of 1768 should be altered; for it is
understood that by that Act no more than 15,325 men can be
kept up in Ireland in time of peace; and, therefore, if there is no
war, and the army is to be augmented, it is apprehended that the
Act must be altered, but that if there should be a war, it may be
augmented without any alteration. But if the Act is altered, the
next point is how the army is to be augmented; whether by
address of the British Parliament, by address of the Irish Parliament, or by a new Loan Act. Urges further the necessity of
raising light infantry, as being best adapted both for the defence
of the southern and western parts of Ireland, and for the suppression of the frequent insurrections ("for they deserve no better
name") in the country. This would allow of the enlisting of a
very useful, well proportioned man, perhaps more capable of fatigue
than those of larger growth, whom the present recruiting orders
never comprehend in service. Recommends, therefore, that the
regiments on the establishment should be equalized with those in
England, the standard lowered, and the augmentation be made by
companies of light infantry. Makes suggestions also as to the
increase of the Royal Irish Regiment of Artillery.—Dublin Castle.
Received the 22nd. 5 pp. |
Ireland,
v. 439, No. 9a, b. |
(2.) Enclosing the proclamation for proroguing Parliament re
ferred to in the preceding letter. |
|
The proclamation. "R. 22nd from Sr. R. Wilmot." 1 p. and
1 large p. of print. |
9 Jan.
Ordnance, v. 6, No. 13. |
469. Earl of Rochford to the Lieut. General of the
Ordnance. |
|
The King having approved of a proposal of Rear-Admiral Lord
Viscount Howe to fit out H.M.S. "Warwick" with guns of a
particular construction, and to furnish her with the necessary
stores, he, the Lieut. General, is, in as secret a manner as possible,
to concert with his Lordship the best manner of carrying the said
plan into execution.—St. James's. A draft. Marked "Secret"
1 p. |
8 & 10 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163,
Nos.7, 8a, b. |
470. [R. Sutton] to Mr. Stephens. |
|
On the subject of the letter of the Lords of the Admiralty of
the 3rd inst. Lord Rochford desires to know the precise time
when the contract for the transports expires.—St. James's. Dated
the 8th. A draft. 1 p. |
|
Reply to the same, with a list enclosed, containing the required
information.—Dated the 10th. 2 pp. |
10 Jan.
Dom. Entry Bk.,
v. 25, p.276. |
471. The Same to the Marshal of the King's Bench
Prison. |
|
Asking whether he considers it necessary that the detachment
of H.M.'s Guards should be continued any longer on duty at the
King's Bench Prison.—St. James's. |
11 Jan.
Ireland,
v. 439, No. 5. |
472. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
In answer to his letter of 27 Dec. His Majesty is satisfied that
it will be improper to draw off a number of Protestants from those
parts of the country where the great manufactures are carried on;
and although it may be to be wished that means were found to
make the Roman Catholics of Ireland of use to the King's service
on urgent occasions, yet, as the law now stands, it appears to His
Majesty a matter proper only for the wisdom of Parliament to
determine; and for this reason his Excellency's wish that the
recruiting parties should be restricted to Papists cannot be
complied with. However, now that the necessity of recruiting
the army is so pressing, his Excellency is to authorise the
recruiting parties of the marching regiments on the British
establishment to beat up in the three provinces of Leinster,
Munster, and Connaught.—St. James's. A draft. 2 pp. |
11 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 10. |
473. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl
of Rochford. |
|
Acknowledging receipt of letter of 21st past. Has the greatest
satisfaction to find that the reasons which he submitted have such
weight with His Majesty and his Ministers as to be a strong
inducement not to continue the embargo longer than the public
exigency absolutely requires it.—Dublin Castle. "R. 22nd fm.
Sir R. Wilmot." 1 p. |
12 Jan.
Admiralty,
v. 163,
No. 9a, b, c. |
474. Lords of the Admiralty to the Same. |
|
Send a copy of a letter dated the 10th inst., from Rear-Admiral
Spry, at Plymouth, and of some intelligence, enclosed by him,
received from a person just arrived there from Roscoe, near
Morlaix, where he resided three years. |
|
The enclosures. The intelligence relates to certain preparations
by Spain and France, supposed to be for an attack on Ireland or
Scotland. There is also a list of outlawed Irish smugglers, who
were constantly passing from Roscoe to the coast of Cornwall and
the North Channel, and who gave the French intelligence of
everything doing in England. 4¾ pp. |
12 Jan.
Admiralty,
v. 163, No. 10. |
475. Mr. Stephens to Mr. Porten. |
|
Relative to the mention in an official letter of some artillerymen
intended to be conveyed to Gibraltar.—Admiralty. 1p. |
14 Jan.
Admiralty,
v. 162, No. 22. |
476. Earl of Rochford to Commodore Proby. |
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Giving him instructions for his proceedings in case of a rupture
and an attempt upon Gibraltar, the situation of affairs between
Great Britain and Spain being more critical than ever. Directs
him to forward letters to Consul Fraser at Algiers and General
Mostyn. A draft. "No. 1." 3 pp. |
15 Jan.
Admiralty,
v. 163, No. 13a, b. |
477. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Enclose a copy of a letter from Capt. Gower, of H.M.S. "Pearl,"
dated 1 Dec. last, at Gibraltar, giving an account of several rich
ships being lately arrived at Cadiz from America; that the
Spaniards were marching all their troops toward Gibraltar, &c. |
|
The enclosure. 2½ pp. |
15 Jan.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 1. |
478. Anth. Todd to Stanier Porten, Esq. |
|
Has already met with a packet from Mr. Lewis Tessier to Messrs.
Grand and Labhard at Paris; and encloses an extract from one
therein, from Messrs. Clark and Hayes at Cork, as it treats of
provisions going from thence to Spain. Will without fail attend
to the instructions given him on this subject.—General Post Office.
1 p. |
15 Jan.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 2. |
479. Copy of a letter from Francis Rinaldi, at Naples, to
Mr. Francois de Borres, advising him of the arrival in safety of
certain tuns on board the ship "Britannia," &c. French. 1 p. |
16 Jan.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 84, No. 1. |
480. Samuel Lee. |
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Petition to the King from Samuel Lee, one of the Corporation
of Surgeons in London. |
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It is a lengthy and particular narrative, of 14 pages, brief size,
of which the following is, in short, the substance. |
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Mr. Lee established a hospital near Westminster Bridge for the
cure of indigent persons suffering from ruptures, which was first
supported by public subscription, an influential committee being
named; but subsequently all meetings of subscribers were dropped,
in consequence of the order of Lord Ligonier, the Commander-inchief, by which soldiers were admitted, and payments of two
guineas made for each cure effected. Before this happened,
however, by agreement with Lord Ligonier, and with the
approbation of King George II., the hospital had been established as a military one, Mr. Lee receiving an allowance of
200l. a year (which by the agreement was to be for life), and
two guineas for each soldier cured as before. This arrangement was carried out till King George the Second's death,
when it was so far modified that Mr. Lee was to receive no fee
from the regiments for the cure of each individual soldier, but
instead to have his annual allowance raised to 300l. The warrant
did not show on the face of it that the allowance was to be for
life; but, to prevent any misunderstanding, Lord Ligonier lodged
in Mr. Lee's hands a letter to the Secretary-at-War stating in
what manner the pension was granted, and that the understanding was that it was to be for life. In 1766 Mr. Lee applied to
Lord Barrington, then Secretary-at-War, for the warrant for his
allowance for 1765, which was granted to him, with an intima
tion, however, that this was the last he was to expect. This
warrant Mr. Lee refused to accept, and, assisted by Lord Ligonier,
used every effort to induce the Secretary-at-War to carry out the
agreement entered into with Lord Ligonier as Commander-inchief, but without success;—Lord Barrington saying that the
warrants gave no evidence of any such agreement, and that the
Commander-in-chief had no business with or authority in transactions relating to public money. This provoked the reply from
Lord Ligonier, (p. 6) that, whatever Lord Barrington's ideas might
be, he was constitutionally no more than first clerk or secretary
to the Commander-in-chief, it being inserted in his appointment as
Secretary-at-War that he should obey all such orders as he should
from time to time receive from the Commander-in-chief; and that
if it were not so (p. 7) it would be the business of the public to
make army agreements with the Secretary-at-War, and not with
the Commander-in-chief, who by that means would be reduced to
a mere cypher, and his own secretary act as supreme. |
|
Every application producing no redress, Lord Ligonier (p. 7)
"nobly consented to an action being brought against himself"
by Mr. Lee. He had, however, first offered his Lordship a general
release, well knowing that, the agreement having been made on
behalf of the Crown, his Lordship could never have meant to pledge
himself. This action was defended by the Solicitor to the
Treasury, (p. 8) but not at the instance of the defendant, Lord
Ligonier. The result of the trial was that Mr. Lee accepted a
verdict by consent for one guinea damages and costs, and the
warrant for 1765 referred to, in full satisfaction of all demands
against Lord Ligonier or the Government at that time. |
|
Mr. Lee represents that Lord Barrington himself had been
formerly one of his supporters, having, when one of the Lords of
the Admiralty, succeeded in getting him employed in the cure
of the pensioners at Greenwich who suffered from rupture.
Mr. Dodington was also a great supporter of his; but Dr. Cockburne and others in the medical profession appear to have been
much opposed to Mr. Lee, not withstanding that Dr. Cockburne
(p. 9) was one of those who examined the pensioners who had
been under Mr. Lee's care, and certified to the apparently
beneficial effects. Mr. Lee says (p. 10) that many unfair practices
were made use of upon the pensioners by Dr. Cockburne and
others, and that reflections were cast on Lord Barrington and the
Admiralty Board by Mr. Jarvis, auditor to the hospital. Mr. Lee
thereupon wrote a narrative of the whole, which Mr. Dodington
transmitted to Lord Barrington, and in reply to which his Lordship wrote, on 4 July 1752, that the matter required the strictest
enquiry, as there were many witnesses of the unwillingness shown
by Dr. Cockburne and others on this occasion, and said that if
business of consequence, and the company staying with him,
some of whom had come a long journey and through bad roads
to see him, had not prevented him, he would immediately have
gone to town that no time might be lost. In this letter Lord
Barrington further says that he had transmitted the narrative
in a letter of his own to the Admiralty, where every man was
convinced that Lee could do more for the relief of ruptured persons
than any other man living, and was very desirous therefore that
he should be employed, supported, and protected at the hospital.
Also, if the narrative said true, that the Lords of the Admiralty
had been used with great impertinence by Mr. Jarvis and
Dr. Cockburne, but that he suspected this part of the narrative
more than the rest; for "Jarvis, tho' he is mad, is a madman of the
"civil and gentle kind; and Cockburne, like most of his countrymen, is as abject to those above him as he is insolent to those
below him. Besides, if I am not mistaken, the Admiralty can
turn him out;—a consideration which I am persuaded no resentment or passion could make him forget." |
|
Lord Barrington later (p. 12) wrote an account of Mr. Lee's
transaction; for which, and his national reflections on Dr. Cockburne, some of the faculty were so much exasperated that a
pamphlet was soon after published, in which his Lordship's
narrative is called "this mushroom brat of too lively imagination,"
and is said to have vanished away like a ghost on a sudden, and,
far from maintaining its pretensions to almost immortality, to
have been ashamed to show its face in open day light, and therefore scarce to have deserved even that transient animadversion.
This not answering its purpose, Lee says no diligence was
spared, no are left unpractised, every ear of quality was besieged,
every toilet haunted, and the mistress of it alarmed with some
dreadful account of the petitioner, while their physical emissaries
were instructed to roar out in every coffeehouse "impostor,"
"bribery," "quackery," &c. In consequence of this defamation,
Lee brought (p. 1) three actions, in which verdicts with considerable damages were recovered in the Court of Common Pleas
against Mr. Ranby, one of H.M.'s serjeant surgeons, Dr. Cockburne, and Mr. Allen, surgeon to the Royal Hospital, Greenwich,
for opposing Lee, and publicly declaring before the then Lords of
the Admiralty and others that no man could be cured of a
rupture. At these trials (p. 12) Lord Barrington attended, and
gave evidence in support of Lee's abilities. Lee hints that the
taking offence on Lord Barrington's part was attributable to the
circumstance that he, Lee, had never troubled his Lordship after
he had refused to sign a certificate testifying to an examination of
men who had been under Lee's care, unless a recommendation for
an application to Government for the establishment of a military
hospital were left out. This certificate was signed (p. 2) by Lords
Halifax and Ligonier, Mr. Geo. Dodington, and others. |
|
The petition closes (p. 14) with a prayer that His Majesty would
order the payment of his annuity or other relief, for the honour
of the Crown, in support of the authority of a Commander-inchief, public faith, common justice, and the welfare of poor soldiers
so well deserving of mankind. It contains lists of men in both
services who had been under Mr. Lee's care, and were reported
cured, with the age of each, and the time each had been suffering
from rupture.—Arundel Street. |
16 Jan.
Dom. Entry Bk.,
v. 25, p. 276. |
481. Earl of Rochford to the Lord President. |
|
Enclosing a copy of a letter from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
together with three petitions enclosed in it, on the subject of the
late embargo in that kingdom.—St. James's. |
16 Jan.
Militia, pcl. 3, No. 27. |
482. Militia. |
|
Certificate of the qualification of John Ward Thong, an ensign
of the militia for the co. of Huntingdon, transmitted by the clerk
of the peace for the said county. 1 memb. |
17 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 164, No. 3. |
483. Earl of Rochford to the Lords of the Admiralty. |
|
Directing them to despatch immediately one of H.M.'s frigates
to intercept the ship "Telemachus," which cleared out of Cork with
a cargo of pork, with orders to deliver it at Ferrol, and then
proceed to St. Ubes, in Portugal. As soon as he is made acquainted
with the name of the officer to be employed on this service, his
Lordship will send a warrant empowering him to search the said
ship, and seize her papers. A draft. 1¾ pp. |
17 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 13. |
484. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Recommending Lieut.-Genl. Edward Sandford to succeed to the
colonelcy of H.M.'s 9th Regiment of Dragoons on the Irish
establishment, rendered vacant by the death of Lieut.-Genl.
Whitley.—Dublin Castle. "R. 25th fm. Sir Rt. Wilmot."
1½ pp. |
18 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 164, No. 3. |
485. Earl of Rochford to Mr. Harris. |
|
Signifies the King's pleasure for his return to Madrid, the King
having reason to believe that Prince de Masserano has orders to
make fresh propositions of satisfaction for the injury done to His
Majesty at Falkland Islands. Directs him to lose no time on his
journey. A copy. 1¾ pp. |
18 Jan.
Ireland pcl. 426, No. 45. |
486. Embargo on Provisions in Ireland. |
|
A paper docketted "Reason why the embargo laid on salted
"provisions in Ireland is of no effect." The writer affirms that
the penalties of the bonds taken could not be enforced, as there
was no Act of Parliament to empower the Crown to lay the
embargo, that the French and Spaniards were fully supplied with
Irish provisions for 12 months, and that beef was cheaper in
Bordeaux (and a much greater quantity there for sale) than at
Cork. "In case of war a remedy can be effectually pointed out
"to distress the enemy in this very essential point of victualling."
1½pp. |
18 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 14. |
487. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Has received his letter of the 8th inst. on the subject of the
proposal relative to the King's Island, near Limerick. Will give
the necessary orders accordingly. —Dublin Castle. "R. 25 fm.
Sir R. Wilmot." 1p. |
21 Jan.
Ireland. v. 439, No. 21. |
488. The Same to the Same. |
|
Enclosing a memorial delivered by Lieut.-Col. Eyre Massey,
commanding the 27th Regiment of Foot in Ireland, and asking
that it may be laid before His Majesty.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The Memorial is not with the letter. "R. 4 Feby. at night, fm.
Sir R. Wilmot." 1p. |
22 Jan.
Circular Book, 1761–86, p. 81. |
489. Circular from the Earl of Rochford to:— |
|
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, H. E. Mr. Murray, Sir Horace Mann,
Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Genl. Cornwallis, Col. Boyd,
Lieut-Genl. Mostyn, Genl. Johnston, Commodore Proby, Sir
John Hort, Sir John Dick, Mr. Harris, Mr. Richie, Mr. Catt,
Capt. Frazer, Mr. Monor, Mr. Jamineau, Mr. Whitehead,
Mr. Hardy, Mr. Hollford, Mr. Bomeester, Mr. Pasley, Mr.
Marsh, Mr. Beawes, Mr. Udny, Mr. Whitham, Mr. Taverner,
Mr. Wilkie, Mr. Bankes, Mr. Miller, Mr. Davision, Mr. Cheap. |
|
Giving an account of signature of the declaration disavowing,
on the part of his Catholic Majesty, the expedition against Port
Egmont, &c. |
22 Jan.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 11,pp. 2–7. |
490. Thos. Hutchinson, Governor of [Massachusetts Bay], to
Lord [Hillsborough]. |
|
The disorders in the colonies do not seem to have been caused
by the defects in the forms or constitutions of government. They
have not prevailed in proportion as one has been under a more
popular form of government than another. They must be attributed to a cause, common to all the colonies,—a loose, false, and
absurd notion of the nature of government, spread by designing,
artful men, setting bounds to the supreme authority, and admitting
parts of the community, and even individuals, to judge when those
bounds are exceeded, and to obey or disobey accordingly. These principles prevailing, there can be no interior force exerted, and disorder
and confusion must be the effect; and when there is no apprehension
of force from the supreme authority, the effect is the same in the
distinct parts as in the whole. Under these circumstances,
measures for reforming the constitution of any people will probably be ineffectual, and tend to increase their disorders. The
colonies were under these circumstances when he wrote his first
private letter. There was a general opinion prevailing that they
could distress the kingdom by withdrawing their commerce from
it, and that there was not the least danger of any compulsory
measures. In this colony there was room to hope for a change
of circumstances, but it was uncertain, and probably at a distance.
They had just felt the shock of that most fortunate stroke which
freed the Castle from any dependence upon the people, and kept
the harbour and town of Boston under the command of the King's
ships; but the effects did not appear. He was striving for a just
decision in the case of the soldiers, and not without hope, but far
from being certain of success. There was a prospect of the dissolution of the confederacies against importation, though several
of the colonies appeared to be more resolute. There was also an
expectation of a rupture between Great Britain and France or
Spain, or both, which would tend to show the people their dependence on the kingdom, and the reasonableness of their submission to the supreme authority. He was not insensible of the peculiar
defects in the constitution of this province, and he has complained of the Council as being under undue influence, and casting
their weight into that scale which had much too great proportion
before; but was doubtful himself, and there were others doubtful
also, whether, while the body of the people continued in the state
they were then in, councillors appointed by the Crown would
dare to undertake the trust, or, if they should do it, whether the
people in general would not refuse to submit to their authority;
and he feared the consequences of either would more than countervail the advantages to arise merely from an alteration in the
constitution. To this must be attributed the want of determination which appeared in his private letters, and not to any
unwillingness to trust his Lordship with his real sentiments. |
|
The change in the temper of the people has been brought about
sooner, and to a greater degree, than anybody could expect; and
they seem now to be as well prepared to receive such a change
in the constitution as at any future time; or, if it should be
deferred, they will probably remain in tolerably good order until
such time as may be judged convenient, provided something is
done in the meantime to discover the resentment of the kingdom
against their avowed principles and practices, which shall give
them cause to imagine that further measures are to be taken
with them. Such resentment has been everywhere expected.
If omitted, they will go back to their former disorders. That
wise step of changing the garrison at the Castle began their cure.
In the height of this confusion a citadel upon Fort Hill seemed
also to be necessary. Now thinks the same end is answered
without it. It may, however, be proper for the King to have the
actual possession of the spot, either by erecting a warehouse or
magazine, or by making some kind of enclosure to restrain
encroachments, and yet not prevent the inhabitants from using
the place to walk and air themselves in, as they now frequently
do. There is a vote of the town for selling it. Will watch their
motions, and, if anything further is attempted, will take public
notice of it. If no further advances are made for securing good
behaviour, there certainly will be no receding. To depart suddenly from what has been done at the Castle, &c. would be very
dangerous. Every Act of Parliament carried into execution in
the colonies tends to strengthen Government there. A firm
persuasion that Parliament is determined at all events to maintain
the supreme authority is all they want; few or none are so weak
as to question the power to do it. If Acts were passed more or
less to control them every Session, they would soon be familiarized
to them; their erroneous opinions would die away, and peace
and order would revive. An Act to enable the King to alter the
bounds of the province by his commission, the charter notwithstanding, by making the province of Main, and country east of it,
a distinct and separate province, and to annex or not, as His
Majesty should think fit, New Hampshire to the Massachusetts,
or to separate the country east of Penobscot and annex it to
Nova Scotia, might either be kept as a rod over them, or, if
executed immediately, would show a just resentment against the
province for countenancing the intrusions in the eastern country,
whereby the King's timber is exposed to waste and havoc, and
would be a striking instance of the power and authority of
Parliament. Gives his reasons for thinking that the Act would
be executed. Suggests that whenever the charter and case of
the province comes under consideration, instead of expressly
declaring that the power of electing councillors by the Assembly
shall determine, the King should be enabled by his Royal order of
declaration to determine it, and to appoint a Council instead, as
he shall think proper. The late Act permitting the issue of bills
of credit at New York was extremely well adapted to maintain the
authority of Parliament. |
|
Makes application in behalf of Capt. Phillips, the late commanding officer, who is by far the greatest sufferer of any belonging
to the late garrison. |
|
Is taking every measure, consistent with the honour of Government, to reconcile civil and military, whigs and tories. They
begin to be sensible that it must be a very bad constitution indeed
which is not preferable to the savage state they have been in for
some years past.—Boston. Private. "R. 30th March." |
|
A mem. of enclosures; viz., |
|
(1.) Petition of John Phillips, late capt.-lieut. of the garrison of
Castle William, in the harbour of Boston. |
|
(2.) A Boston Gazette. |
22 Jan.
Dom.Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 245. |
491. Earl of Halifax to the Postmaster General. |
|
Two letters of this date:— |
|
1. Enclosing a list of the several persons employed in his office,
in order that they may enjoy the privileges allowed them by Act
of Parliament.—Whitehall. |
|
The list; viz., |
|
Edward Sedgwick, Esq., |
Under Secretaries. |
|
Lovel Steanhope, 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. 246. |
2. Notifying that John Larpent and Richard Shadwell, Esquires,
of his office, have been authorised to endorse, according to specimen,
letters and packets concerning the public business of the office, for
the same to pass free of postage. |
22 Jan.
Dom. Entry Bk.,
v. 25, p. 277. |
492. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Mayor of London. |
|
The Spanish ambassador has this day, at 2 o'clock, signed a
declaration on the part of his Catholic Majesty, relative to the
expedition against Port Egmont, in the Falkland Islands, which His
Majesty has accepted.—St. James's. |
|
Like letters sent to the Sub-Governor and Dep.-Governor of
the South Sea Company; the Governor and Dep.-Governor of the
Bank of England; and the Chairman and Dep.-Chairman of the
East India Company. |
23 Jan.
Admiralty
v. 163, No. 15. |
493. Earl of Sandwich to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Finds that the government of Greenwich Hospital is not in the
Board of Admiralty, but directly in the Crown. Asks him,
therefore, to take the King's pleasure, and order the patent for
Admiral Holburne.—Admiralty. 1 p. |
24 Jan.
Dom.Entry Bk.,
v. 24, p. 248. |
494. Militia. |
|
Circular from the Earl of Halifax to the Lord Lieutenants
under-mentioned, for them to furnish lists of the names of commissioned officers serving in the militia, to be laid before the
House of Commons, according to an order of 5 Dec. last.—Whitehall. |
|
Berks: Lord Vere. Cambridge: Earl of Hardwicke. Cornwall:
Lord Edgcombe. Derby: Lord G. Cavendish. Dorset: Earl of
Shaftesbury. Essex: Earl of Rochford. Hertford: Earl of Oxford. Hunts: Duke of Manchester. Lancashire: Lord Strange.
Lincoln: Duke of Ancaster. Monmouth: Thos. Morgan, Esq.
Northumberland: Duke of Northumberland. Oxford: Duke of
Marlborough. Salop: Earl Powis. Southampton: Marquess of
Carnarvon. Suffolk: Duke of Grafton. Westmoreland: Sir
James Lowther. Wilts: Earl of Pembroke. Yorks., E.R.:
Deputy Lieutenants. Yorks., N. R.: Deputy Lieutenants.
Anglesea: Sir Nichs. Bayley. Cardigan: Lord Lisburne. Carnarvon: Thos. Wynn. Flint: Sir Roger Mostyn. Merioneth:
William Vaughan, Esq. Pembroke: Sir William Owen. |
24 Jan.
Ordancev.
6, No. 14. |
495. H. S. Conway to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Relative to certain supernumerary men embarked for Minorca,
&c.—Little Warwick Street. 2 pp. |
25 Jan.
Admiralty,
v. 162, No. 27a, b, c. |
496. Commodore Proby to the Same. |
|
In answer to his letters of 21 Dec., announcing that the King
had delivered the seals of the Southern Department to his Lordship, &c. Congratulates him on his appointment. Has not yet
complied with the postscript of a letter from Lord Weymouth, of
Oct. 29, but will do it on the arrival of the ships from England.
Encloses copies of letters from Captain Clements, of the "Dorsetshire," and from Mr. Hay, the British consul at Smyrna, which
give an account of Capt. Clements' conduct whilst he was up the
Levant, and of the state of affairs in those parts.—"Winchelsea,"
in Gibraltar Bay. |
|
The enclosures. The King's Ships were not admitted into the
port of Smyrna, notwithstanding a clear explicit command from
the Grand Seignior at the Porte, the reason being that the people
opposed it; and it was "by mere art and good management" that
the magistrates found means to keep them quiet since the insur
rection on the 8thJuly. The ships were therefore anchored
without the castle, and information of it sent to Mr. Murray, the
English ambassador. Capt. Clements was obliged to sail, however,
before an answer was received. In his letter Mr. Consul Hayes
states that things were far from quiet in Smyrna since the late
rebellion. No punishment had been inflicted on the guilty, and
there were great numbers of bad people there who only waited
for some favourable opportunity to do worse. He says also that
there was great reason to apprehend, if, when the Russian reinforcements were joined, they should attempt to pass the Dardanell
Castles, or any ships appear there to exact contributions, that
another insurrection would ensue, which probably would occasion
a general massacre, when the English factory would be in greater
danger than any other European factory, as many ill-grounded
suspicions and jealousies were rooted in the minds of the people
against them. Under these circumstances they applied to Capt.
Clements to allow a frigate to remain for their protection; but the
delay in the receipt of the answer from the Ambassador, who was
asked to signify whether he judged the step necessary or not,
prevented Captain Clements complying with their request; which,
the Consul says, made their situation more uncomfortable and
disconsolate than if the ships had never appeared. |
|
Captain Clements says that the Turks had caused batteries to
be erected on each side of the Dardanelles. The remaining part
of their fleet were anchored in that channel to dispute the power
of any nation to pass. They had reinforced the castle in the
Island of Lemnos, and obliged the Russians to retire, &c. 14¼ pp. |
25 Jan.
Dom.Entry Bk., v.25, pp. 282–3. |
497. Falkland Islands. |
|
Order of the House of Lords for an address to His Majesty for
papers relative to the Falkland Islands, and the claims, &c. of the
Court of Spain, to be laid before them. |
26 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 19. |
498. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Acknowledging letter of 11th inst. Calls attention to the
deficiencies in the numbers of the battalions in Ireland, and makes
suggestions relative to the allowance for levy money for each
recruit, the size of the recruits, &c.—Dublin Castle. |
|
"R. fst. Febry. at night by express." 3pp. |
26 Jan.
War Office, v. 25, No. 4. |
499. — to Lord Barrington. |
|
Enlisting at present to be restricted to the conditions of statures,
&c. in use before the augmentation, in order to prevent the engagement of many persons at great expense, who must probably
be immediately reduced.—St. James's. A draft. ½ p. |
27 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 20a, b. |
500. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Transmits the speech for the opening of Parliament, as drawn
by the Lord Chancellor, for any alterations which His Majesty
may judge proper. It seemed to be the opinion of those he has
consulted, that it would be best to confine the speech to the
gracious marks of His Majesty's goodness in assembling the Parliament to proceed upon such business as the service of the
country may require, instead of giving those who wish to disturb
the public harmony an opportunity to impute it to an act of
necessity. Has, at the same time, taken care to turn their attention to such aids as His Majesty shall recommend to them.
Amongst the first seems a vote of credit. Has already stated to
the principal servants and friends of Government how essential
this measure is to enable the army to move for the defence of the
kingdom; and they seem in general convinced of it; yet it is
thought that such a measure will best come in the form of a message
from the Crown, especially if the state of things can be better ascertained than he is at present enabled to unfold. In regard to the
augmentation, he, Lord Rochford, must see how incomplete the last
remains. Fears it must so continue until the English augmentation, recruiting at a higher price, shall be first complete. In the
present state of the revenue, would humbly conceive that His
Majesty would not in this Session wish for any further augmentation, even in case of a war, unless for the light infantry companies,
which would be a moderate one, and extremely useful in Ireland,
as the mountainous parts on the coast are where the revenue and
civil magistrates want much support against a lawless set of men,
who have a constant communication with France, and are well
armed. The light infantry suffer much in these scarped mountains
for want of proper accomodation, when sent only occasionally;
whereas nothing would tend to suppress such people more than
seeing this species of troops constantly amongst them. As nothing
could defeat its utility so much as having Catholics for these
Popish parts, suggests that, whenever this corps is to be formed,
the regiments should be drafted and filled up, and indeed the rest
of the augmentation, with German Protestants. Has reason to
think that as the Germans are mostly husbandmen, it would be
agreeable to the gentlemen of Ireland, who would be glad of their
labour when discharged. Should peace succeed, with a reduction
of the army in England, would be glad to know if His Majesty
would not equalize the two establishments, which may be done
by the English recruits. The prospect of affairs seems likewise
to justify him in offering some means of answering the purposes
of Government in Ireland, without further burthening the poor
inhabitants. Has written to Lord North upon this means, and
will hope for directions before the meeting of Parliament; and
likewise in what manner he is to proceed in case any intemperate
motions should be carried against the right of the Crown as it
stands by Poyning's Law, &c. Has great reason to think that
such proceedings will not take place. But, if they do, what is to
be his next step ? To dissolve the Parliament, or only to prorogue it; and to what time ?—Dublin Castle. "Rd. fst. Febry., at
night, by express." |
|
The speech enclosed. 9 pp. or parts. |
*After 27 Jan.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 5a, b. |
501. S.Porten to —. |
|
Requests him to go to the Attorney General, and ask his
opinion about detaining "the ship in question," as some people
have advanced, 'tis as bad as general warrants. Sends the
intercepted letter, "Vigilator," &c.—St. James's, "Wednesday,"
(undated.) |
|
[* Probably of earlier date, the enclosures being No. 413.] |
[P.s.]— "Ld. H. will certainly not be S. of S." |
|
[P.S.]—"Ld. H. will certainly not be S. of S." |
|
Endorsed: "George Balfour, 'Venus' frigate." |
|
The only document annexed is a letter signed "Vigilator," dated
from Cork, the 27th Jan. 1771, and addressed to the Earl of
Rochford, giving information of ships laden with beef and pork,
cleared for Gibraltar and Mahon, but really destined for Ferrol
for the Spanish fleet. The three ships named are the "Telemachus," Richard Strange, master; the "Charming Sally," Francis
Power, master; and the "Friendship," Chas. McCarthy, master;
and the shippers at Cork, Messrs. Clark and Hayes. 2½ pp. |
28 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 16. |
502. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Giving an account that H.M.'s sloop "Swallow," fitted out for
the East Indies, is ready in all respects for sailing. 1 p. |
28 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439,
Nos. 15, 16. |
503. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Two letters of this date:— |
|
(1.) Relative to the command of the 9th Regiment of Dragoons.
Before receiving his Excellency's recommendation for Lieut.-Genl.
Sandford, had already received the King's orders to have a commission prepared for Major-Genl. James Johnston, at present
Lieut.-Governor of Minorca. |
|
(2.) The late adjustment of our dispute with the Court of Spain
has made so great an alteration in the situation of affairs, that his
Lordship must defer sending the instructions desired by his
Excellency in his letter of the 9th inst., till the subject has undergone consideration. Encloses copies of the Spanish ambassador's
declaration, and his acceptance of it.—St. James's. Both drafts.
2 pp. |
29 Jan.
Circular Bk., 1761–86, p. 82. |
504. Circular from the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Enclosing the Gazette of this day, containing translations of the
declaration of the Spanish Ambassador, &c.; also notifying the
appointment of Lord Grantham to be H.M.'s Ambassador to his
Catholic Majesty. It was sent to:— |
|
H. E. Mr. Murray, Lieut.-Genl. Cornwallis, Lieut.-Genl. Mostyn,
Commodore Proby, Sir John Dick, and Consuls Hollford,
Monro, and Hardy. |
30 Jan.
Dom.Geo.III.,
pcl. 84, No. 2. |
505. Solomon Schomberg, Notary, to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
Asking him to interpose his influence and good offices
Mr. Garnier, the French Ambassador's secretary, having refused
to legalise one of his, Schomberg's, public acts, alleging that
Count Guigne would not legalise any acts but those passed before
Mr. Benjamin Bonnett and Mr. Abraham Ogier, public notaries.
Encloses a letter he addressed formerly to Lord Shelburne upon
this subject. |
|
There is no enclosure. 2 pp. |
30 Jan.
Ireland, v. 439, No. 27. |
506. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Same. |
|
Asking that the exportation of fish from Ireland may be permitted, notwithstanding the embargo, there being at this time
great quantities made up for exportation to Italy and other
Popish countries, which must be sent in time to be sold before
Lent, to prevent a very heavy if not total loss.—Dublin Castle. |
|
"R. 6 Feb. at night, from Sir Robt. Wilmot." 1 p. |
30 Jan.
Isle of Man, v. 1, 1761–74, No. 84. |
507. John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to Lord |
|
Acknowledging letter of the 22nd inst. Cannot help expressing
his great satisfaction at finding that the differences with the Court
of Spain are so happily terminated.—Isle Mann. 1 p. |
31 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 162, No. 28. |
508. Commodore Proby to the Earl of Rochford. |
|
In answer to his letter of the 14th current. Has directed
Capt. Alms, of the "Montreal," to carry the despatches to Consul
Fraser at Algiers, and Lieut.-General Mostyn at Minorca, &c.—"Winchelsea," in Gibraltar Bay. 1½ pp. |
31 Jan.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 17a, b, c. |
509. Lords of the Admiralty to the Same. |
|
Send copies of a letter from Capt. John Reynolds, of H.M.S.
"Defence," dated in Cork harbour, the 19th of this month, and of
its enclosure, viz., one he had received from Capt. Bentinck, of
the "Centaur," giving an account of the arrival of the said ship
at the entrance of Beer Haven. |
|
The enclosures. 4 pp. |
31 Jan.
Ireland,
v. 439, No. 17. |
510. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. |
|
On the present prospect of the continuance of peace, it is
thought unnecessary to raise the recruits in Ireland for the
regiments on the British establishment. Any beating orders,
therefore, issued for this purpose to be countermanded.—St. James's. A draft. |
31 Jan.
Ireland,
v. 439, No. 18. |
511. The Same to the Secretary-at-War. |
|
Giving similar directions to those contained in the preceding
letter.—St. James's. A draft. |
| 31 Jan. |
512. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the
Earl of Rochford. |
|
Three letters of this date:— |
Ireland, v. 439,
No. 26. |
(1.) Since the departure of Mr. Lees, his private secretary, has
received letter of the 22nd inst. as to the Spanish Ambassador's
declaration. As the prospect of a war is now over, is of opinion
that there will be no occasion to ask a vote of credit from this
Parliament on their approaching meeting. Though the revenue
for some time past has by various unavoidable accidents fallen
short of what it was in the former year, yet he flatters himself
he will be very well able to carry on H.M.'s Government without
making any new demand for money before the usual time of
meeting the Parliament in October next. Does not by any means,
however, wish to postpone the meeting to that time. On the
contrary, is strongly of opinion that at all events they should meet
on the 26th of next month, not only because the notice is already
publicly given, and particularly expressed for the dispatch of
business, but because he hopes to be able to convince the public
in Ireland that whatever opposition he may meet with arises
solely from the vanity and ambition of a few individuals, and by
no means from regard for the interests of the country. There has
been since the declaration of the pacification a strong desire
expressed by some of the King's servants in Ireland not to hold
the Parliament till October next. To which his Excellency replied,
that, ever desirous to avail himself of their information, and ready
to communicate their lights to Government, he would transmit
their opinion; but that he thought when the Crown called them
together for the business of the country, and had nothing to ask,
it could never try the strength of parties, or take the sense of the
nation upon more favourable and honourable ground. Must own
that this circumstance, as well as the general language of Opposition, agree in his sense to authenticate the strength of Government,
and the narrow ground they will engage upon, if the Crown shall
now bring them to a decision upon that point, the rights of
England, which they do not wish to attempt again, and would
willingly procrastinate, to insinuate an idea of the weakness and
duplicity of English Government. Will add that he has a fair
prospect of success, which, if obtained, will not only prepare the
way for an easy session next winter, but will, he trusts, fix Government in this kingdom on an immovable basis for the future. If,
however, it should nevertheless be found necessary to ask for a
vote of credit now, has been advised that it will be the best way
to mention it in his speech from the throne, as that method will
be more confidential and respectful to Parliament than to have
the measure come afterwards by message, as if the occasion
was sudden, though, in fact, the requisition was foreseen and
intended. For this reason hopes to have a latitude to vary the
mode and expression as he shall see most advantageous.—Dublin
Castle. "R. 6 Febry." 3½ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 28. |
(2.) Acknowledging the receipt of the information of the
signing of the declaration by Prince Masserano, Ambassador
Extraordinary from the King of Spain. 1 p. |
|
Ibid., No. 29. |
(3.) Acknowledging receipt of letter of 24th inst. relative to
leave of absence to officers, &c. "R. 6 Feb., at night, from Sir
R. Wilmot." 1 p. |
31 Jan.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 2. |
513. Lord Justice Clerk (Miller) to Lord—. |
|
In reply to his letter of 22nd inst., announcing his appointment
to the Northern Department in place of the Earl of Sandwich.
In his department will cautiously avoid giving any unnecessary
trouble. Hopes the temper and good sense of the people of
Scotland will dispose them to consider the measures of the King's
Government with that fairness and candour which is due to the
uprightness of his intentions, &c.—Edinburgh. 1½ pp. |
22 Jan. to Feb.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 6a to d. |
514. Papers relating to the Restitution of Port Egmont in
the Falkland Islands, viz.:— |
|
(a.) Copy of the declaration signed by Prince Masserano, the
Spanish ambassador, disavowing, on behalf of the King of Spain,
the expedition against Port, Egmont, and promising restitution.—Dated 22 Jan. |
|
(b.) Copy of the acceptance by His Majesty of the same as full
satisfaction.—Dated 22 Jan. |
|
(c.) "Copy of His Catholick Majesty's orders signified by the
Balio Fray Dn. Julian de Arriaga to Dn. Philip Ruiz Puente,
dated Pardo, 7 Feb. 1771," for the restoration of Port Egmont, &c.—[Spanish.] |
|
(d.) Copy of the address presented to His Majesty by the
House of Lords on the same.—[Feb. 1771.] 13 pp. or parts of pp. |
