George III: April 1772

Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1770-2. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1881.

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'George III: April 1772', in Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1770-2, (London, 1881) pp. 473-494. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/home-office-geo3/1770-2/pp473-494 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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April 1772

1 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 34 b.
1204. Parliamentary Procedure.
"Answer from the Lords to the message from the Commons." A committee was appointed to enquire into "the reasons of one Master in Chancery going down to the Commons with the Clerk Assistants." The Lords ordered their message to be carried down in the usual way; but on inquiry found that a Master in Chancery being ill, their message was carried by one Master and the Clerk Assistant. The Lords desired the Commons might be informed that they had nothing more at heart than to maintain a good correspondence between the two Houses of Parliament. A rough draft. 1 p.
1 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 31.
1205. John Robinson to S. P[orten].
Relative to Capt. Speer. Will not fail to lay Speer's letter before Lord North; but his demands and expectations are so great, and, though he hath been assisted and relieved, his necessities multiply so fast, that he, Mr. Robinson, will freely own he despairs of success, and thinks Speer can't be supported.—Downing Street. 1 p.
3 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 13.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched, 1771–6, p. 25.
1206. J. Pownall to John Robinson, Esq.
Encloses, in order to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury, a copy of a petition of the landowners in East Florida to John Moultrie, Esq., the Lieutenant Governor of that province, praying him to beseech His Majesty to stay the collection of quitrents due from them, in consideration of the difficulties and disappointments they have met with in making their settlements; also an extract from the Lieutenant Governor's letter covering the said petition.—Whitehall. A draft. ¾ p.
3 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 32.
1207. Lord North to Lord Rochford.
Some time since he sent his Lordship a case received from a Mr. Mackglashan, of Dundee; but as he was not then informed of the character of Mr. Mackglashan, only sent his case for perusal without recommending it to be inquired into. Has since been informed that Mr. Mackglashan is a person of fair character and of considerable trade at Dundee.—Dowing Street. 1 p.
3 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 339.
1208. Earl of Rochford to the Commissioners for Trade.
Enclosing a duplicate copy of a letter from the Commander of the Leeward Islands to the Governor of Puerto Rico, complaining of the capture of a schooner, the property of Mr. Kingsley, of Antigua, by a Spanish guarda costa, and translation of the answer of the said Governor. As the merits of the case appear to turn on the question whether the Island of Bicques, or Crab Island, belongs to His Majesty or to the Crown of Spain, they are to take this question into consideration, and report.—St. James's.
4 April.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 97.
1209. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Announcing that His Majesty has appointed Col. Guy Carleton to succeed to the command of the 47th Regiment.—St. James's.
6 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 51 a, b.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, pp. 63–4.
1210. The Same to the Earl of Hillsborough.
Enclosing extracts of several letters from Lord Harcourt and Col. Blaquiere, the latter received yesterday. As they seem to concern the safety of the province of Senegambia, will be glad of his (Lord Hillsborough's) opinion thereupon.—St. James's.
The extracts: Col. Blaquiere's, dated at Paris, 30 Dec. 1771; Lord Harcourt's, respectively 18 March and 1 April 1772. They give the information that M. de Rocheblave, Governor of Goree, had been recalled, and M. de Monchaton, a friend and creature of M. de Boines, appointed in his stead, as Administrator, Inspector, and Commissary General of the coast of Africa. He was to sail with troops, &c. in order to erect a fort near the River Salem, on the spot granted to Poncet, and afterwards ceded by him to the French King. After the dissolution of the French East India Company, all their settlements on the coast of Africa devolving to the Crown, the French King sent a commission to inspect the actual state of that country. They reported that it would take two or three thousand men to re-establish on any secure footing their deserted settlements on the north side of the River Gambia, as they were either occupied by the English or under their dependence. Mons. Monchaton sailed on the 13th of March. The determination of the French was to have an important settlement on that coast sufficient to supply their West India Islands with Negroes. 3¼ pp.
6 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 33.
1211. — to Sir Hed. Williamson.
In answer to his letter of the 9th (sic) past (see No. 1140). Lord Rochford has talked with Mr. Lee, and has directed the writer to repeat what he told Mr. Lee, that it is not usual for Government to interfere in those expenses, and it appears reasonable that they ought to be defrayed in the manner observed on similar occasions.—St. James's. A draft. 1¼ pp.
6 April. 1212. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Drafts of two despatches of this date:—
Ireland, v. 441, No. 67.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 98.
(1.) Letters to 27 March laid before the King, to whom it has given great pleasure to hear that the disturbances in the North of Ireland are likely to be quelled without danger or further effusion of blood; but His Majesty's humanity was at the same time greatly affected by learning his Excellency's opinion that they owe their rise to private oppression, and that the over-greediness and hardness of landlords may deprive the kingdom of a number of his most industrious and valuable subjects. The King does not doubt but his Excellency will endeavour to convince persons of property of their infatuation in that respect, and to instil into them principles of equity and moderation. The magistrates who exerted themselves will deserve his Excellency's particular notice.—St. James's. 2 pp.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 68. (2.) Marked "Secret."
Acquainting him with His Majesty's satisfaction with his spirited conduct in carrying through the Revenue Bill. Nothing can show the low ebb to which the pretended patriots are reduced, than their being obliged to have recourse to so idle an imputation of governing without Parliaments, to throw odium on Administration. His Majesty also highly approves of his attention to the principle of not suffering his revenue to be diminished by Parliament granting premiums without providing any fund for them.—St. James's. 1¼ pp.
7 April.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 25.
1213. Petition from Holland Cooksey to His Majesty, praying him to take under his royal patronage a plan and proposal for making a navigable canal from Isleworth to Maidenhead Bridge, which, "without your effectual aid, will probably die, and be lost on Thursday next before a Committee of the House of Commons."—Horton, near Colnbrooke. 2 pp.
7 April.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, pp. 99–101.
1214. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Relative to successions and exchanges recommended. Names four with which His Majesty does not think proper to comply, thinking it for the good of his service that commissions should go by seniority, except where there are particular and urgent reasons to the contrary. His Majesty, also, being apprehensive that many officers may have, underhand, given more for their commissions than the regulated price settled four or five years ago, which may tempt many good officers to retire, and, if not stopped, may so far advance the Irish officers over those on the British establishment as to occasion well-grounded dissatisfaction, directs his Lordship to state that he will not, for the future, agree to any sale, unless the purchasers shall, in writing, declare that they neither have given nor will give more than the regulated price. The remaining commissions by purchase are therefore suspended till his Excellency shall state he is satisfied on this point.—St. James's.
8 April.
Criml. Papers, Scotch, 1762–86, p. 100.
1215. Earl of Suffolk to the Lord Advocate for Scotland.
Transmits His Majesty's remission of the sentence of death passed on James Richmond at the last circuit court held at Glasgow, upon condition of transportation for life.
9 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 34.
1216. Richard Annesley to Lord —.
Is the Richard Annesley who lately presented a petition to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, praying to have his claim as Viscount Valentia, Baron Mount Morris, &c., laid before His Majesty. Asks that he who is the "bearer of this" may be informed whether an order of reference has been made out; and, if not, that his Lordship will assist in expediting that matter, which is to come on before the House of Lords in Ireland on the 28th inst. "R. 9 April 1772." 1 p.
9 April.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 28.
1217. J. Pownall to Captain Brash, Commander of the ship "Quebec," at Gravesend.
Entrusting to his care a packet to be delivered into Lieut.Governor Cramahe's own hands as soon as convenient after his arrival at Quebec.—Whitehall.
Also a note (French) to Mons. Rouville on board the same ship, enclosing a letter of introduction for him to Lieut.-Governor Cramahe at Quebec.
10 April. 1218. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford.
Three letters, &c., of this date:—
Ireland, v. 441, No. 74 a, b. (1.) Announcing the despatch of the sixth and last transmiss of the Session, consisting of fifteen Bills, of which he encloses a list.—Dublin Castle.
The list enclosed.
Received 14 April, at night, from Sir R. Wilmot. 3 pp.
Ibid., Nos. 75, 77. (2.) Relative to certain of the Bills sent by this transmiss. First, as to the Bill to enable Papists to lend money to Protestants on mortgages of land, &c., in Ireland. The laws enacted in Ireland at different times against Popery appear to him to have been intended to be perpetual; and whoever has read the history of the Irish rebellions in 1641, and in the time of James II., will not be surprised that the legislature endeavoured by every possible means to put it out of the power of the Papists to involve the country in the like calamities. The laws against Popery have so far operated that at this day there is no Popish family remaining of any great weight from landed property; but there is great personal wealth amongst professors of that religion, and the majority of the people of Ireland are Papists. This Bill has been much solicited by them for several years past; and at first sight it seems hard that they should not have the same securities for their money as the Protestants. But the danger of the innovation lies here: that this Bill tends to revive an influence which it has been the study of this legislature to destroy. It may draw on most material consequences, and be productive of attempts to obtain further relaxations of the Popery laws. The generality of Ireland are needy, indigent, and in debt. It is imagined that great sums of money will be poured in from foreign Popish countries, which, though relieving the necessity of individuals, and creating a circulation of cash, will at the same time give the Popish creditors such a control over their debtors as may at particular times operate very strongly. Submits, therefore, whether the Bill should not be postponed.
Apprehends it were also better that another Bill in this transmiss, for making narrow roads through the mountainous parts of Ireland, should not take place at this period, especially as it lays a cess on the poor inhabitants near such mountainous parts, which he is satisfied they are not able to bear. The lands in general are let at such exorbitant rents that the miserable tenants are hardly able to procure a subsistence from their industry. It is submitted how far the adding to the distress of the people may not spread the flame, restrained in the North alone by the presence of troops.
Refers to Bills which by his direction were objected to in Council and consequently dropped, no provision having been made in any of them for payment of the premiums and bounties granted by them, which, therefore, must inevitably have fallen upon H.M.'s hereditary revenue. Only takes notice of them to show what attempts are every day made by this Parliament to load H.M.'s hereditary revenue with every charge the fertility of their inventions can suggest, without any idea or design of making them good to the Crown.
Refers also to two of the clauses in the Act for reviving and continuing several temporary statutes that have lately expired, and for continuing others that are near expiring, and to the Act for better regulating the Foundling Hospital and Workhouse in the city of Dublin, &c. In regard to the last, several of the powers given to the Governors therein being new and very extensive, advises that they should not be granted for longer than seven or ten years at most, so that they may be made sensible of the obligations which they owe to the Crown, and not consider themselves independent of the Government; and, in general, thinks that in a country like Ireland, where the favours of the Crown are forgotten almost as soon as they are conferred, gentlemen should be brought back to a sense of their obligations by every opportunity; and this, in his opinion, will be best effected, and secure that attention to and dependence on the Crown which are so absolutely necessary for carrying on H.M.'s affairs, by never granting any duties, bounties, premiums, or powers, for longer, if possible, than from Session to Session, or for five, seven, or ten years at most.
Encloses a list of such of the Bills transmitted as, from the best information, appear to merit the first consideration, from which can be judged what Bills may be postponed with the least inconvenience, should there not be time for completing the whole.—Dublin Castle.
The enclosure to this letter is No. 77 in the same volume. 13 pp.
Ibid., No. 76. (3.) A holograph.
Upon the subject of Lord Shannon, as to whom his Excellency has communicated with Lord North. The acquisition of a nobleman of his interest, at a time when it would curb the endless importunity and ingratitude of many lesser interests, and in all human probability put an end to Mr. Ponsonby's future hopes to embarrass the King's service, seems of too much importance not to be submitted fully to His Majesty's consideration. Notwithstanding all the tremendous accounts circulated on their Northern affairs, has not heard of the least appearances of resistance since the last advices he sent. On the contrary, the guilty and the affrightened are skulking about the country. Many are taken up; numbers migrating to Scotland and America. They hope to intercept some of the ringleaders. In the neighbourhood of Ardmagh they are returned to their homes and work, and it is expected that the operation of the law will soon re-establish the public tranquillity.—Dublin Castle. 3 pp.
The last two despatches received the 14th, by an Irish messenger.
11 April.
Admiralty, pcl. 164, No. 26.
1219. Forestalling and Engrossing.
A paper signed "near Dorchester," addressed to the King (the newspapers taking notice of His Majesty's desire to see the price of provisions lowered), to lay before him the evils of forestalling and engrossing. As examples of engrossing in the neighbourhood of Dorchester, the writer instances the manors of Came, Whitcomb, Muncton, and Bockhampton. The first, he says, about thirty years before, had many inhabitants, many holding leasehold estates under the lord of the manor for three lives. Some of these had estates of 15l., 20l., and 30l. a year, being for the most part careful, industrious people, obliged to be careful to keep a little cash in order to keep the estate in the family if a life should drop. Their corn was brought to market, and they were content with the market price. Their cattle were sold in the same manner. Their children when of proper age were married, and children begotten, without fear of poverty. But the lord had since turned out all the people, and the whole place was in his own hands, while not half the quantity of corn was sown that formerly had been. The writer also gives an account how one Wm. Taunton, though only a tenant of the Dean and Chapter of Exon, was gradually getting the whole parish into his own hands. He says, comparing his own with past times, that formerly a farmer that occupied 100l. a year was thought a tolerable one, and he that occupied four or five hundered pounds a very great one indeed; but now they had farmers that occupied from one thousand to two thousand per annum, who did not want money to pay their rent, as did the little farmers, who were obliged to sell their corn, &c. The writer gives it as the general opinion that the kingdom had become greatly depopulated, some averring the population to have decreased by a fourth within the preceding hundred years. He further says: "Your Majesty must put a stop to inclosures, or oblige ye lord of ye manor to keep up ye antient custom of it, and not suffer him to buy his tenant's interest; to have all the houses pulled down, and ye whole parish turn'd into a farm: this is a fashionable practice, and by none more yn Jno Damer, Esq., ye owner of Came, and his brother Lord Milton." 4 pp. closely written.
11 April.
Channel Islands, v. 15, No. 40 a to d.
1220. M. Corbet, Lieut.-Governor of Jersey, to the Secretary of State for the Southern Department.
Asks that the following matter may be explained by His Majesty in Council. The facts are these:—
The Lieut.-Governor had perceived that the Island was become an asylum for deserters, murderers, priests, and foreigners from the neighbouring provinces of Normandy and Brittany, some of whom had been admitted to purchase property (upon the mere outward and convenient show of a change of religion), a distinguished indulgence only intended for men of experience and approved morals and character, who had been first naturalized (as to the Island only) by the States, with the consent of the Governor. There were a great number of them, and some had been married to women of the country without the prescribed licence from the Governor. He therefore gave orders (approved of by Lord Albemarle) to the parish constables to prevent in future the coming of any such recruits to reside in their parishes, and not even to allow any of those already in the Island to remain or to go about the country without a license under his hand and seal. This measure, he says, had nearly answered the purpose, and, if not thwarted, would very shortly have purged the Island of those unattached by marriage or property. Not content with this, on or about the 28th October the Lieut.-Governor wrote to the Lieut.-Bailiff on the subject; and the States having been in consequence assembled, the Lieut.Governor submitted to them an article on the 1st of November, which was unanimously approved of, and lodged with the clerk of the Court, in order that at the expiration of 14 days (the time required) an Act might be made. But, to his astonishment, he afterwards learnt that the very next day (the 2nd November) the Lieut.-Bailiff passed a deed of purchase of land property to a French deserter resident upon sufferance, who, as a gambler and a man of loose character, was under very strict restrictions from the Lieut.-Governor as to residence. The Lieut.-Governor says he was willing to believe that the Lieut.-Bailiff had been imposed upon in the hurry of business by the writer, whose duty it was to prepare matters for him to execute, and who, in this case, was also the seller, and who probably had received a valuable consideration from the Frenchman, from a persuasion that this purchase, when accomplished, would remove him from under the authority of the orders of the King and Council, to which as a stranger he was subject. As these contracts, being of a civil nature, did not require the Governor's presence, but were passed at the Lieut.-Bailly's house, or at a tavern, the Lieut.-Governor was ignorant of the matter, until applied to for his consent to this man's making a second purchase from the same writer.
This infringement of a law renewed and published in the Island in 1771, which expressly said that no foreigner should dwell, settle, or marry in the Island (much less buy property) without the consent of the Governor, the Lieut.-Governor felt he could not submit to. He, therefore, wrote to the King's Procureur the letter enclosed (No. 9); and, in consequence, the Jurats were assembled, and he was requested to be present. At that meeting he told these gentlemen that he thought the writer should be reprimanded, and expressed the opinion that either the Order of Council must reverse the deed of purchase to this Frenchman, or that the deed must annual the Order of Council. The deed must be annulled, or remain an infringement on the Royal prerogative. The King's Procureur and Advocate, in reply, said that by Orders in Council the residence of foreigners was subject to the will of the Governor, and that although the Court allowed them to buy land property it did not remove them from under that authority, to which every such stranger was subject until naturalized; and that every Frenchman not naturalized, though possessed of land property in the Island, might be turned out by the Governor, just as if he had had no property, but that the deed of purchase to this Frenchman having been passed could not be annulled. With this opinion the majority of the Jurats present agreed. But when the Lieut.Governor asked them to embody this opinion in an Act as a guide to his proceedings, they declined; which, he says, convinced him that, were he for some valid reason to order the Frenchman away, the man would make good his plea of property; the more so because the Jurats who did not agree with the King's Procureur and Advocate's opinion thought that if the man were confirmed in this purchase he would become entitled to every privilege of an inhabitant. Under these circumstances he asks for an explanation from the Council, as the settlement of this question, and of that stated in a former letter respecting the taxation of the people without the King's knowledge and consent, would fix matters so as not to give any further trouble about the Governor and the States or jurisdiction.
As enclosures to this letter are copies of documents referred to therein, some of them in continuation of the letter itself, the others on separate sheets. They are:—
No. 1. Abstract of privileges delivered to the Governor, stating the claim of the Bailiff and Jurats to the privilege of naturalizing strangers with the consent of the Governor. "N.B.—They have taken this upon themselves without any authority, and now claim the practice from custom."
No. 2. An extract from an Order in Council of 12 June 1635, directing that the names of all strangers coming into the Isle should be delivered to the Governor or Lieut.-Governor within twenty-four hours, and that no strangers should dwell or marry in the Island without licence from the Governor or his Lieutenant.
No. 3. The letter from the Lieut.-Governor to the Lieut.Bailiff on or about the 20th Oct. 1771, referred to.
No. 4. Article submitted to the consideration of and unanimously approved by the States of Jersey, November 1, 1771. [French.]
No. 5. Extract from an Order in Council of 12 June 1635, relative to the execution of the laws, &c.
No. 6. An extract from the Code of Laws, confirmed and approved by His Majesty in Council 28 March 1771, forbidding the residence, &c. of strangers without licence.
No. 7. Another extract from the same, with a copy of the Order in Council of 28 March 1771 prefixed to the Code of Laws. After the above come some remarks of the Lieut.-Governor upon them, signed by him.
No. 8. Order of the States, of the 22nd Nov. 1771.
No. 9. The [Lieut.-Governor's letter of 11 March 1772 to the King's officers.
No. 10. Copy of the deed of purchase referred to in the letter, dated 2 Nov. 1772, and extracted from the Public Register of Jersey (Lib. 53, fol. 130). [French.] 11 pp. or parts of pp.
11 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 44.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 28.
1221. Earl of Hillsborough to the Earl of Sandwich.
Sends an extract of his letter of 27th of last month to Lord William Campbell, containing the directions for the future management of the lighthouse on Samborough Island. A draft. ½ p.
12 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 45.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 30.
1222. The Same to the Lords of the Admiralty.
There being reason to apprehend that the commerce of H.M.'s subjects in the province of Senegambia; upon the coast of Africa, may be prejudiced by an interloping trade carried on by foreigners, directs them to report as to the naval force now on the coast, the instructions given to the commander in 1769, &c. A copy. 1⅓ pp.
12 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 52.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6,p. 29.
1223.The Same to the Earl of Rochford.
As to the designs of the French upon the coast of Africa. Should they carry into execution the designs they are stated to have in view, it would be a most unjustifiable violation of His Majesty's rights, and would endanger the security and destroy the commerce of a very important part of the British possessions in Africa. Suggests that Lord Harcourt should be instructed to insist with the French Ministry that they should declare whether they have taken measures for erecting, or have intention to erect any, or, if any, what fortifications, either within the River Gambia or any part of the coast adjacent thereto, or whether they have in view to form any new establishments upon any part of that coast.—Whitehall. 1 p.
12 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 81.
1224. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Same.
In answer to his letter of the 7th inst., stating that His Majesty, thinking that, for the good of the service, commissions should go by seniority unless there are particular and urgent reasons to the contrary, had not complied with four of the recommendations transmitted in his official letter of 14 March; viz., of Cornet Fox to a company in the 27th Regiment; Ensign William Norton, of the 44th Regiment, to a lieutenancy in the 34th Regiment; Lieut. Anstruther to buy a company in the 48th; and Major Mercer to succeed to Lieut. Col. Roberts in the 49th. Also that His Majesty will not in future agree to any sale, unless the purchasers shall in writing declare that they neither have given nor will give more than the regulated price, and that therefore the remaining commissions by purchase had been delayed, pending information from his Excellency that he was satisfied of their being made at the regulated price.
States fully the motives and reasons which induced him to recommend these gentlemen. With respect to Cornet Fox, though he would have particular satisfaction in being able to show his regard for that young gentleman, who is a son of Lord Holland, and was very earnestly recommended by Lady Holland, his mother, yet at the same time he had it in his contemplation to oblige Capt. Blakeney. He and his brother have two permanent seats in this Parliament, and have been uniform and steady in their support of Government ever since his Excellency came into Ireland. Capt. Blakeney also has the merit of having faithfully served His Majesty for upwards of twenty-seven years. Details his services.
Ensign Norton was recommended in the usual manner through the Commander-in-Chief, by Major Lind, commanding the 34th Regiment; all the ensigns in the 34th having declined the purchase, except Ensign Townshend, junior to Mr. Norton, and a boy at school, who had never joined. Enters into particulars also as to Lieut. Anstruther.
As to Major Mercer, owns no difficulty in his recommendation occurred to him, the Lord Lieutenant. States his services in the improvement worked by him in the 49th Regiment, and while an officer during fourteen years, from which it appears he had been an officer four years, and served three campaigns in Germany, and had absolutely obtained the rank of captain before Major Hawke (a senior officer to whom at least the King had desired his Excellency to find for the purchase of the Lieut.-Colonelcy,) came into the army. States the services also of Capt. Dilkes, recommended to succeed Major Mercer.
Submits the whole to His Majesty's gracious consideration, with this conviction that his only motives for deviating from his regulations have been either the pressing exigencies of his service in Ireland, when the greatest points have been in agitation, or the length of service and exhausted constitution and circumstances of meritorious officers. Will transmit all the memorials upon which the remaining recommendations in his letter of 14 March were grounded, from which it will be seen that in every material instance the declaration with regard to the regulated price was observed. Will take care that it shall be so for the future, as far as depends upon him. Calls to his Lordship's recollection his letter of the 28th March, upon the subject of Capt. Hawker's commission.—Dublin Castle.
Received the 22nd. 7½ pp.
13 April.
Church Bk., Scotland, 1761–89, p. 129.
1225. Earl of Suffolk to the Earl of Glasgow.
Acquainting him that His Majesty is pleased to continue him in the situation of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, &c.
13 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 83.
1226. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford.
Relative to the vacancy occasioned by the death of Lord Belvedere, Muster Master General of Ireland, of which he has heard this day. Refers to Sir George Macartney's claims to the office; but as Sir George has declared he had His Majesty's service first in view, and desired not to interfere with it, would recommend that so favourable an occasion may not be lost to secure so considerable an interest as Lord Shannon's to Government, and of affirming its strength, at the same time that it will break all Mr. Ponsonby's connexions asunder. If he may offer Lord Shannon this office at the end of the Sessions of Parliament, and at the same time inform him that his connexions will be properly considered, there is every prospect that it would be attended both with despondency in Opposition and more moderation in the supporters of Government. If Lord Shannon should not embrace this opportunity, his Excellency hopes His Majesty will bestow the office on his Chief Secretary, Sir George Macartney, whose services, he must again request, may be laid at His Majesty's feet, as deserving a mark of his Royal favour.—Dublin Castle.
Received the 22nd. 3 pp.
14 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 1 a, b.
1227. Lord Viscount Barrington to the Earl of Hillsborough.
Encloses an extract of a letter received from Lieut. General Gage, Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s forces in North America.
The enclosure. It relates to the men assisting Capt. Hollandt in his survey of part of the coast of North America. 2¼ pp.
14 April.
War Office, pcl. 25, No. 13.
1228. The Same to the Earl of Rochford.
In reply to his letter, with the papers enclosed, relative to the town of Bury St. Edmunds. Has in consequence thereof ordered one troop of Dragoons to march from Norwich to Bury St. Edmunds, to aid the civil magistrates.—War Office.
15 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 47 a, b, c.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, pp. 73–4.
1229. Lords of The Admiralty to the Earl of Hillsborough.
In answer to his letter of 12th inst., asking for an account of the steps taken to prevent the interloping trade supposed to be carried on on the coast of Senegambia, in Africa. State what ships were sent out in 1769 and '70, and enclose copies of the instructions given to the commanders; but it not appearing from their letters that any such clandestine trade had been attempted, their Lordships judged it unnecessary to send any force thither last year for the particular service of that province. The "Rainbow" and the "Weazle" were sent out last December for the coast of Africa with the usual orders; first to call at Senegal, and then to proceed down the coast in order to visit the several forts and settlements, as is annually done; but their Lordships have no intention of sending any other sloop thither this year.
The copies of the instructions enclosed. 13 pp.
15 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 79.
1230. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford.
Announcing the despatch of two public Bills and two private Bills, sealed this day in Council.—Dublin Castle. 1½ pp.
15 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 82 a, b, c.
1231. The Same to the Same.
In answer to letter of the 6th inst., relative to the insurgents in the North. The only thing that has occurred since his private letter of the 10th is that a small quantity of arms has been delivered up by the insurgents in the county of Antrim, as will be seen from the enclosed extract from a letter of the 11th, from Mr. O'Neil, of Shanescastle, who adds that he hopes the peace of the country is likely soon to be re-established. Encloses also a copy of a private letter from a Captain in Lord Drogheda's light dragoons, now quartered at Dungannon, to Mr. Lees, his Excellency's private secretary, which entirely corresponds with the other accounts sent, as to the causes of those disturbances. The writer has no connexions in Ireland, is a very cool, dispassionate, sensible man, without prejudices or partialities, and incapable of representing anything of the truth of which he was not perfectly satisfied in his own mind.—Dublin Castle.
The enclosures. The last referred to above (b) is signed "Jas. Fr. Erskine," who says, "The situation of this part of the country must be very alarming to everybody who has any regard for its prosperity, not from any danger the Hearts of Steel may put it into, but from the indefatigable industry of Mr. Johnston and some few others, whose rigorous search for the unhappy and deluded persons is as blameable now they are dispersed as their courage and activity were commendable when the country was in arms. When the consequences of driving six or seven thousand manufacturing and labouring families out of Ireland comes to be felt, I question whether the rectitude of those gentlemen's intentions will be held by the world as a sufficient excuse for the irreparable damage they are thereby doing …… It seems to me that the first thing to be considered in all insurrections is whether the complaints of the insurgents are well or ill founded. Should the causes of the present riots be looked into, it will be found that few have had juster foundations; that the poor wretches have much to plead in their excuse, having had many hardships put upon them, which the law may perhaps warrant, but can by no means justify. That they had no intention of offending Government is palpable from their foolish idea of making a neutrality with the army. The excesses they have committed, considering the number of exasperated people that were in arms together, are trifling, and these they have evidently been led into by the few designing ones amongst them ……. A few facts which all the country acknowledges will show how much foundation there is for these complaints. Lord Donegall, upon his leases falling in, wanted to raise upwards of 100,000l. by way of Gorsham; which the farmers not being able to raise, two or three merchants in Belfast were preferred to them, though they offered more than the interest of that money, beside the rent. By this one storke a whole country side was driven from their habitations. What was to become of them? They must either go to America, or take the lands at any rate the Belfast merchants chose to let them. It is well known that over most part of the country the lands are subset six deep, so that those who actually labour it are squeezed to the very utmost. It is equally notorious what use is made by grand juries of the power given them to levy cess for making roads and bridges. Jobs upon jobs, the one more infamous than another, serve to support the interest of some leading men in the country. Some few roads about this town excepted, I do not believe the roads in any part of the world are so bad as in the five counties Genl. Gisborne and the troops were sent down to quell; yet I am told they have from time immemorial been cessed by their grand juries at the rate of 50,000l. per annum. …."
Received the 22nd. 8 pp. or parts of pp.
11–16 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 35 a to p.
1232. Riots in Essex, &c.
Letters,&c. relative to riots which occurred at Colchester, Bury, Chelmsford, and the neighbourhood, caused (b) by the high price and scarcity of provisions. The magistrates of Colchester applied (a) to the Secretary-at-War for troops to be sent. Lord Rochford, as Lord Lieutenant of Essex, wrote to (a) Mr. Ennew, clerk of the peace for Essex, recommending the megistrates of Colchester to use their utmost endeavours to stop the riots, and to be as expeditious as possible in seizing some of the people concerned, as the making early examples of such as should be found guilty would be the means of preventing further mischief.
F. Smythies, in the absence of Mr. Ennew, replied (b) that the justices had exerted themselves "in a very spirited manner as magistrates, and in a very generous one as gentlemen." They had raised a large subscription to supply the immediate wants of the poor; but Mr. Smythies said it was the general opinion that nothing but reducing the price of all kinds of provisions, only to be effected by the interposition of the Legislature, could keep the peace. With regard to provisions, they at Colchester had been in very disagreeable circumstances. They had had no market the previous Saturday, nor had they had any butcher's meat, corn, meal, or flour brought into the town for more than a week, and the butchers in the town were afraid of killing any beasts lest they should be seized by the mob.
From Bury, on April 13, (d) Mr. Jas. Oakes, the Mayor, applied to the Hon. Augustus Hervey to get soldiers immediately sent down, as a riotous mob had assembled, who patrolled the country in the daytime and the streets at night, obliging the meal-men and the shopkeepers to sell them their commodities at their own prices. This letter was forwarded (c) to the Earl of Rochford, who thereupon (f) communicated with the Secretary-at-War.
From the Rev. John Tindal, at Chelmsford, Lord Rochford received information (g) that there also a numerous and dangerous mob were assembled, who were hourly committing great outrages upon the farmers and millers, to disperse whom Mr. Tindal, as a magistrate, found it necessary to apply to his Lordship for assistance. To prevent the mob carrying out their avowed intention to seize the militia fire-arms, he says he had ordered the storekeeper to take the locks off. Lord Rochford immediately wrote to Lord Barrington (h) for troops to be sent. His Lordship approved of what Mr. Tindal had done with regard to the militia arms, only wishing that he had also secured the bayonets.
In view of these disturbances, Lord Rochford requested (i) the gentlemen in the commission of the peace to meet him at the "Red Lion," at Ingatestone, to consider of the most effectual means to preserve the peace of the country. From a letter of Lord Barrington's (j) it would seem they "did not dare" to meet Lord Rochford there till more troops should arrive. Lord Barrington ordered half a troop more to Chelmsford, "tho' one quarter of a troop is more than enough to make a thousand Essex rioters run away." He said he had done everything possible for the assistance of the civil magistrates, and that he was not under the least apprehensions for his mill at Baddow if the justices would do their part. If they would not, "the whole army would not be of "any efficiency."
Mr. Richd. Rigby, writing on the 15th April from "Lord Gower, half-past five," (k) says that the accounts out of Essex were very unpleasant, but that he couldn't say he thought them very tremendous. The mob did no great mischief at Manningtree, or the "Thon," where they had been on the previous Monday. He proposed going to Mistley on the morrow. If the country should be in a flame, and the riots increase, would certainly meet Lord [Rochford] at Ingatestone, but if not, hoped it would not be thought necessary for him to take so long a journey as 80 miles. Lord Barrington ("who is at dinner here") said it was impossible to spare more troops at that time for Essex. He, Mr. Rigby, couldn't help thinking a very few would be found sufficient.
The same day (April 15) the Rev. Mr. Evans, writing from Beamont, (l) informed Lord Rochford that when they met the week before on the business of the House of Industry, the farmers had changed their minds, and encouraged a large mob from to insult them and put a stop to their proceedings; that a mob from Colchester was then rambling over the hundred, and that intelligence had come that they had done mischief at Manningtree, and were making their route through Thorp to St. Osyth; that he had sent to Colchester for troops, but that the commanding officer had excused himself, saying his orders would not admit of it. "Pray", my Lord, let us have a few troops here that we may sleep in peace, which, I believe, will not be till they are among us." In Chelmsford by this time (m) the Rev. Mr. Tindal had prevailed on the deluded people to desist from any further "unwarrantable proceedings," and to depart peaceably to their respective habitations. He thought, however, it would be necessary for the party of 15 dragoons, who had just arrived, but whose assistance he hoped might not be wanted, still to remain till a subscription should be raised to relieve the poor, as provisions of all sorts were so extremely dear. From the strictest enquiry, he could not find that the farmers in the neighbourhood had any very considerable quantity of wheat by them.
In reply, Mr. Tindal was told by Lord Rochford (n) that they would have a whole troop of dragoons at Chelmsford; that the magistrates in all mobs must begin early with doing their duty; two or three examples at the outset, and activity, generally preventing consequential mischief; but that he was surprised to hear Mr. Tindal talk of subscriptions to relieve the poor. "When the distress becomes real, humanity will dictate it; but magistrates, if they give way to such an idea, do not surely reflect on the encouragement it must give to idle, ill-disposed people."
There is a letter from Mr. Bamber Gascoyne, dated Thursday even. [16 April], King Street, describing the efforts he had made at the office and House of Lords to see Lord [Rochford], who had sent to say he wanted him. He says, "I am now in my gown and slippers, really at work for the State, and would not change my dress or stir out this evening to be made Chancellor of the Exchequer; but you will be sure to find me at home, and a curious figure, till eleven o'clock, at which time I go to bed. If your violent passions lead you this way, you will give me a call. Tindall's letter is a misrepresentation; the rioters still continue active between Chelmsford and Malden, and this Justice has purchased a temporary tranquillity, not acted resolutely."
The last paper (p) is a letter of 16 April, from Lord Barrington, in which he says, "There are not more than 5,000 troops which can be moved for the preservation of the peace in South Britain; all the rest of our army is fast, and cannot stir. The Guards never leave their stations. This shows how necessary it is that justices should quiet the country, not by garrisoning every little place, but by early example. Pray, my dear Lord, convince our countrymen of this, and that the largest mob will run away from a few soldiers."
There are the following letters, &c. Several are minuted on the back, "Read by the King."
a. 11 April. Lord Rochford to Mr. Ennew. A draft.
b. 13 " F. Smythies to Lord [Rochford].
c. 14 " A. Hervey to the Same; and enclosed,—
d. 13 " Jas. Oakes to Hon. Augustus Hervey.
e. Memorandum.
f. — " — to the Secretary-at-War. A draft.
g. 14 " John Tindal to Lord Rochford.
h. " " — to Rev. Mr. John Tindal. A draft.
i. Circular to the Essex Justices.
j. 15 " Lord Barrington to Lord —.
k. " " Rich. Rigby to Lord —.
l. " " H. Evans to Lord Rochford.
m. " " Rev. John Tindal to [the Same].
n. 16 " Lord Rochford to Rev. John Tindal. A draft.
o. " " Bamber Gascoyne to Lord —.
p. " " Lord Barrington to Lord —. 20 pp.
16 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v.8, No.2.
Dom. Entry Bk.,"Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 32.
1233. Earl Of Hillsborough to Lord Viscount Barrington.
Relative to the military force to be employed in reducing the Charibbs to submission, representations having been made to His Majesty of the danger to which the Island of St. Vincent is exposed from their rebellious and hostile disposition. Troops to be sent from the Ceded Islands, &c. for that purpose.—Whitehall. 1 p.
16 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 46.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched,"1771–6, p. 31.
1234. The Same to the Lords of the Admiralty.
Detailing the instructions that are to be sent to the Commander of H.M.'s ships upon the Leeward Islands station, to assist the force to be sent from North America to the Island of St. Vincent, in order to reduce the Black Charibbs of that Island to a due submission to His Majesty's authority and government. If the Governor of Grenada finds it necessary to remove the Charibbs from St. Vincent, the Commander of H.M.'s ships to appoint a convoy for the transports, &c. A copy. 1½ pp.
16 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 36.
1235. Bishop of Exeter to Lord —.
Is prevailed upon by Mr. Carrington (a clerk in his Lordship's office, and son of a worthy clergyman in his, the Bishop's, diocese,) to desire his Lordship's countenance towards him in augmenting his salary; for he says there is going to be, upon the death of Mr. Stewart, an increase of pay to some, and he hopes to be of that number.—Windsor, Deanery House. 1 p.
16 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 80.
1236. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl Of Rochford.
Enclosing the several memorials upon which the list of successions transmitted in his official letter of the 14th March was founded. Asks that they may be returned when done with.—Dublin Castle.
On the back is: "26 inclosures, sent back to S' Geo. Macartney." Received the 22nd. 1 p.
16 April.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 34.
1237. George Wishart to Lord—.
As Clerk of the Church of Scotland, reminding his Lordship of the meeting of the General Assembly, in order to the issuing of H.M.'s Commission, &c.—Edinburgh. 1 p.
17 April.
Criml. Papers, v. 15, 1772–6, pp. 18, 19.
1238. Stanier Porten to the Sheriff Of The City And County Of The City Of Bristol.
The warrant for William Thomas's free pardon is sent to Shrewsbury, as information has been received that he is actually in jail in that place.
Also a letter containing the same information, addressed to Messrs. Stevimon and Randolph, and others, contractors for transports.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 18.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched,"1771–6, up. 33–4.
1239. Earl Of Hillsborough to the Lieut.-General And Principal Officers Of The Ordnance.
Sends extracts of two letters from H.M.'s Governor of the Ceded Islands, enclosing the reports of the Engineers (accompanied with plans and estimates) of what they think necessary to be done for the security of the Islands of Grenada and Tobago; also a copy of a letter from Mr. Bruce, the Engineer at Dominica, upon the subject of fortifications in that Island. Directs them to report on the same.—Whitehall. A draft. 1 p.
A list of the enclosures in the Entry Book.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 48.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 67.
1240. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Hilisborough.
Asking whether they are to make any alteration in or addition to the instructions under which Commodore Byron sailed last year, as the season now approaches for the sailing of H.M.'s ships for Newfoundland to protect the fishery at and about that Island. 1 p.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 49 a, b.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, pp. 67–8.
1241. The Same to the Same.
Send a copy of a letter from Vice-Admiral Sir George Rodney, Commander-in-Chief of H.M.'s ships at Jamaica, dated 8th February last, at Port Royal, giving an account of his having received intelligence of a contraband trade carried on by the Jews at Kingston, and of the measures he took to put a stop to it, in consequence of which two of the vessels have been taken.
The enclosure. Admiral Rodney remarks upon the fact that all the vessels engaged in this contraband trade were manned by foreigners. 3 pp.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 14.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 33.
1242. J. Pownall to John Robinson, Esq.
Sends, to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury, an extract from a letter from Governor Leyborne, expressing apprehensions that some difficulties may arise to Government in Grenada from a claim of Mr. Burke, under his commission as Receiver General of that Island, to act as Treasurer for the duties and taxes levied by Acts of the Legislature there.—Whitehall.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 15.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched,"1771–6, p. 35.
1243. Earl Of Hillsborough to the Lords Of The Treasury.
Mr. William Gerard Debrahm, Surveyor of Lands in East Florida, and Surveyor General of Lands for the Southern District of North America, being now here on leave of absence, his Lordship encloses a copy of a letter from Governor Grant, containing complaints of that gentleman's conduct in both those situations. Sends also copies of such letters as he has written to Governor Grant and Mr. Debrahm in consequence of those complaints, from which it will be seen that Mr. Debrahm has been suspended from his office of Surveyor of Lands in East Florida. A draft. 1p.
A list of the enclosures in the Entry Book.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 81.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 32.
1244. The Same to the Postmaster General.
Sends an extract of a letter from Governor Leyborne, representing, at the request of the Council of Tobago, the utility of the West India packet stopping at that Island in her way from Barbadoes to Grenada; and signifies His Majesty's pleasure for the request to be complied with, unless there should be material objections to the arrangement, in which case they are to report what the objections are.—Whitehall. A draft. ¾ p.
17 April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 37.
1245. Edwd. Hooper to Lord —.
Some MS. memoirs and other papers relative to the much injured character of the first Earl of Shaftesbury being in possession of that family, they were put by the late Lord into the hands of some men of letters recommended by the late Dr. Gregory Sharpe to revise and digest in order for publication. This having been done, his, Mr. Hooper's, deceased noble friend and relation desired him to read the work attentively, and suggest any remarks that might occur. Sir John Dalrymple's memoirs were just then published. In the 25th page that gentleman has given a very strange account of the Earl of Shaftesbury's death, and by a note refers to the Paper Office. This reference relates, he is informed, to some letters there, written by one Mascal, a foreigner, who was employed as a spy at the Hague by Sir Leoline Jenkins. In one of these Mascal offered to assassinate or poison that Lord, and in one or more letters afterwards writes the tale that Sir John refers to. Asks for an order to inspect and take notes from this correspondence.—Hertford Street. Minuted: "Granted, and a note to "the Paper Office in consequence, 25 Do." 2 pp.
20 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 86 a, b.
1246. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl Of Rochford.
Enclosing the memorial of Arthur Annesley, late of Rotterdam, but now of Dublin, Esq., claiming the honours of Baron Mount Norris and Viscount Valentia in Ireland. The memorialist's claim of descent encounters that of Mr. John Annesley, of Ballysax, who claims to be descended from the third son of Sir Francis, and whose petition is to be heard by the House of Lords on the 28th inst.—Dublin Castle.
A copy of the memorial, the original having been returned to the Lord Lieutenant. 4½ pp.
20 April.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 35.
1247. Earl Of Glasgow to Lord —.
Acknowledging his Lordship's letter, with the notice of H.M.'s further pleasure of continuing him, Lord Glasgow, in his office of High Commissioner to the General Assembly.—Edinburgh. 1 p.
21 April.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 36.
1248. Duke Of Queensbery to Lord —.
Relative to Mr. Mounsey, who is desirous of being created a Baronet. Corrects a mistake in the Christian name on his, the Duke's, former application, Mr. Mounsey served three successive sovereigns of Russia as first physician, with very distinguishing honours conferred on him. Mr. Keith, H.M.'s Minister in Russia, has written to him, the Duke, very strongly in his favour, saying that Mr. Mounsey's conduct was singularly meritorious with regard to this country; for that, although the two Courts were not at that time upon very good terms, he openly declared before accepting his office that nothing should ever detach him from the interest of his country, and he maintained nevertheless great credit at that Court as a man of strict honour; and Mr. Keith was often very much obliged to him for his assistance. Mr. Mounsey has now entirely quitted his medical profession, and has established his family in the country of Dumfries, where he has purchased a very considerable property. 2 pp.
22 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 16.
1249. Mr. Robinson to Mr. Pownall.
Asks for an official letter notifying the day on which Governor Leyborne landed, as it is necessary, before the warrant for his salary can be made out, to have the time of his arrival at his government precisely ascertained.—Downing Street. 1 p.
23 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 50.
Let. Bk. Sec.'s. 1771–5, p. 65.
1250. Php. Stephens to the Same.
The Lords of the Admiralty have sent to Rear-Admiral Man, for a full and circumstantial answer, the extracts from Governor Leyborne's letter, transmitted by Lord Hillsborough the 27th past, regretting the want of assistance from the Commander of H.M.'s ships lying off the town on the occasion of the fire which broke out in the town of St. George, in the Island of Grenada; and also a memorial received from Mr. Montagu, Agent for Grenada, signed by many of the inhabitants, making a similar complaint against Rear-Admiral Man.—Admiralty Office. 2 pp.
23 April.
Ireland, v. 441, No. 84.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 103.
1251. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Announcing the despatch of the Rum Bill and Mr. Marlay's private Bill, passed in Council. The former was opposed by the West India merchants, who were heard against it, but were at last entirely satisfied that it would be no prejudice to their trade. The other Bills will be considered and despatched as soon as possible.—St. James's. A draft. 1 p.
28 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 17.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 37.
1252. Earl of Hillsborough to the Lords of The Treasury.
Informs them, in order that they may take the King's further pleasure thereon, that His Majesty has appointed Frederick Smith, Esq., to be Chief Justice of the Province of New Jersey, and has ordered that a salary of 400l. per annum be paid him out of the duty upon tea imported into America, during his residence in the Province, or absence therefrom by leave of His Majesty.—Whitehall. ¾ p.
29 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 53 a, b.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 344.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 66.
1253. Earl of Rochford to the Earl of Hillsborough.
Enclosing an extract from a letter from the Earl Harcourt, containing the answer given by the Duke of Aiguillon to the explanation which his Excellency had, before the receipt of Lord Hillsborough's letter of the 12th, been instructed to ask of the intentions of the French on the coast of Africa. Asks whether he thinks a further. application necessary.—St. James's.
The extract. The Duke D'Aiguillon affirmed in the strongest manner that Mons. Monchaton's sailing was not intended to make any new settlement, nor to give umbrage to Great Britain, or to any other power whatever; that the stores were intended for Goree, where everything had been extremely neglected by the late Governor, whose conduct had been highly reprehensible. The Duke then added, that after all these assurances, he flattered himself that Lord Harcourt would rely on his word, which he had given not only ministerially but as a gentleman. 2 pp.
29 April.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 104.
1254. The Same to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Returning the petition of Arthur Annesley, Esq., claiming to be entitled to the honours of Baron Mount Morris, &c., and directing that it be laid before the House of Lords.—St. James's.
30 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 82 a, b.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, pp. 69–70.
1255. Postmaster General (Le Despencer and H. F. Thynne) to Lord [Hillsborough).
Relative to the calling of the packet boats at Tobago. They directed their agent at Falmouth [Mr. George Bell] to consult the captains thereupon, whose boats were on this side, and find by his answer (a copy of which is enclosed) that this arrangement will be attended with no material inconvenience. Will, therefore, give directions for them to call and stop two days at Tobago, the time allowed at the other Islands.—General Post Office.
The enclosure. 3 pp.
30 April.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 21.
Entered in Dom. Geo. III., v. 11, p. 37.
1256. Earl of Hillsborough to Sir Willm. Trelawny.
It has been represented in behalf of Hugh Forsyth, Esq., late Captain of the 49th Regiment, that some waste lands granted to him in 1760 by Sir Henry Moore have been, during his absence from Jamaica, wrongfully taken up by others on various pretences. Desires Sir William to give the Captain such protection and assistance as justice shall require.—Whitehall. A draft. Marked "Private." ¾ p.
30 April.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 105.
1257. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Announcing the despatch of five Bills, approved of by the King in Council without any considerable amendment.—St. James's.
April.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 38 a, b.
1258. Representation to the Earl of Rochford from James Faynard, of Paris, that he has the secret of making a powder that will immediately stop the blood of any limb cut or shot off, or the effusion of any horse's wound, without the assistance of any ligature. He offers the consideration thereof to the Government. The annexed certificate will prove the efficacy it has already had on the limb of a man.
A printed copy of the certificate referred to, in French. The powder was applied after an amputation of the leg of one John Griffiths, servant to Mr. Knightley, wine merchant in Jermyn Street. The certificate purports to have been signed by twentyone persons present at the operation, who saw the powder applied, among them "Capel," surgeon to the French Ambassador. It was sworn before the Lord Mayor. 1 p. and 1 p. of print.
30 April and 2 May.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 39.
1259. Jonathan Britain.
"Memorandum of what passed on the trial of Jonathan Britain at the sessions at Bristol."
The trial took place on the 30th April and 2nd May, and there were four indictments for forgery. On the first day he refused to plead, notwithstanding the advice and entreaty of the Recorder (Mr. Dunning), alleging a pardon, published in the Gazette, in connexion with the pretended discovery of the authors of the fire at Portsmouth Dock. The Court ordered the clerk not to record the refusal, and remanded the prisoner, while an express was sent to London for the new Act relative to prisoners who refused to plead. On the 2nd May, Britain pleaded "Not guilty" to each indictment. When the jury were about to be sworn, he challenged the array, alleging the under-sheriff was attorney for the prosecutors. To avoid a dispute, the Court recommended the prosecutors to consent to a new panel, which was agreed to, the under-sheriff being prohibited from interfering. After the new jury had taken their places, he challenged three of them also, and then addressed them rather impertinently. He cross-examined all the witnesses, making them repeat the evidence they had given, quibbling very much, and abusing them when he imagined there was the least contradiction; but his endeavours tended either to corroborate the proofs against him, or to discover other frauds in which he had been concerned. When brought up for sentence he again pleaded the pardon in the Gazette, without success.
The writer of the memorandum was apparently sent down by Government, for he was asked whether he thought Administration wished that the letter referred to in the Gazette should be read in Court in their defence. 5 pp.