George III: September 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: September 1772', in Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1770-2, (London, 1881) pp. 540-555. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/home-office-geo3/1770-2/pp540-555 [accessed 28 March 2024]

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September 1772

1 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v.8, No. 66.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 92.
1434. hp. Stepehs to John Pownall, Esq.
In answer to letter of 18th of last month. States when and by what conveyance the standing commissions for the trial of pirates in the Plantations, which were passed in January 1762, were sent out. 1 p. and parts of 2 pp.
1 Sept. 1435. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford.
Three despatches of this date:—
Ireland,
v. 442, No. 60.
(1.) Asking for His Majesty's licence for the Rev. William Andrews, D.D., Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, to travel for three years for his health and improvement. — Dublin Castle. Received the 7th, from Mr. Wilmot. 1½ pp.
Ibid.,
No. 61 a, b, c.
(2.) Enclosing a letter of the 27th past from the Earl of Hertford, and a copy of a letter Mr. Waite wrote by his Excellency's order to Capt. Conway upon the matter contained in Lord Hertford's letter. Enters into the circumstances and difficulties his Excellency is under from Lord Hertford's letter, in an affair which appears to be expressly contrary to His Maejesty's commands so recently received in his, Lord Rochford's, letter of 7 April last.—Dublin Castle.
The enclosures. Lord Hertford requests his Excellency's recommendation of military successions, by which his Lordship's son might succeed to the Majority of the 55th Foot. There was a difficulty about the seniority of the officers, and the sale of the commissions above the regulated price. Lord Hertford's letter was previously shown to the King, and the succession approved; but his Excellency in his "official" was to take no notice of His Majesty being previously informed of it. Mr. Waite in his letter sets out the regulations according to which, by His Majesty's commands, all transactions for the sale of military commissions in the army in Ireland were to be conducted, and points out the impossibility of the Lord Lieutenant complying with his, Capt. Conway's, request. Received the 8th. 10¼ pp.
Ibid., No. 62 a, b. (3.) Enclosing the proclamation for proroguing the Parliament to the 8th of December.—Dublin Castle.
The proclamation. 1 p. and 1 large p. of print.
3 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v.8, No. 69 a, b, c.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 93.
1436. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Send copies of a letter, and papers enclosed therein, from Sir George Rodney, Commander-in-chief of H.M.'s ships at Jamaica, dated in Port Royal the 5th July last, enclosing some papers sent to him by the Governor of North Carolina, relative to a British vessel seized and detained at La Vera Cruz.
The enclosures. The vessel seized was the "John and Elizabeth," belonging to John Simpson, of Pitts country, North Carolina, Esq. 8 pp.
3 Sept.
Ireland, v.442, No. 63 a b, c.
1437. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl Of Rochford.
Relative to certain applications for successions and sale of commissions in the army in Ireland; the first of which, the regulations not having been conformed to, he had refused. Encloses, however, letters from Major Edward Townshend, of the 57th Regiment, and Lieut.-Colonel Deaken, of the 62nd Regiment, stating that these successions had been brought before the King, and approved of. Not considering himself authorised upon such intelligence to propose any point of business for His Majesty's consideration, asks for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereupon.—Dublin Castle. "Private."
The enclosures.
Received the 8th. 4 pp.
5 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 68.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p.53.
1438. Earl of Dartmouth to the Lords of the Admiralty.
The enclosed papers will fully inform them of the measures His Majesty has thought fit to purpose in consequence of the plundering and destroying of H.M.'s schooner the "Gaspée" in Narraganset River, in Rhode Island. Directs them to transmit to Rear-Admiral Montagu a copy of his despatch of this day's date to the Governor of Rhode Island, and to instruct him to repair to that colony in order to give all the assistance in his power for bringing the perpetrators to justice, and to receive and send to England on board one of H.M.'s ships of war such of the delinquents as shall be delivered to him by Governor Wanton for that purpose, together with the witnesses, as well on behalf of the prisoners as in support of the accusation against them. Directs them also to send the commission under the Great Seal empowering the Governor of Rhode Island, &c. to inquire into all the circumstances, and to strengthen Real-Admiral Montagu's force in order to put a stop to the illicit trade in Rhode Island. A draft. 3 pp.
6 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 54.
1439. J. Pownall to Philip Stephens, Esq.
Relative to the transmission, by the sloop-of-war that waits for orders on this business, of the original commission and instructions, &c. to Governor Wanton and others, which are to be sent to RearAdmiral Montagu, &c.—Whitehall.
8 Sept.
Admiralty, v. 163, No. 59.
1440. Php. Stephens to R. Sutton, Esq.
According to the request of Lieut.-Genl. Cornwallis, Governor of Gibraltar, H.M.S. "Montreal" was sent to Tetuan to bring from thence H.M.'s Pro-consul at that place. The said ship arrived with him at Gibraltar the 12th of last month.—Admiralty Office. 1 p.
9 Sept.
1441. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earlof Rochford.
Ireland, v. 442, No. 64. Two private letters of this date:—
(1.) Has received frequent applications from the Prime Serjeant to recommend his wife for the dignity of a Baroness of Ireland; and having been within these three days very earnestly pressed to mention his wishes, his Excellency thought he could not refuse this attention to a man of his consequence, who, without all doubt, is the first man in point of abilities in the House of Commons in Ireland. Should think himself guilty of injustice, if he did not also mention the desire of the four following gentlemen to be gratified with the dignity of Barons; viz., Sir Archibald Acheson, Sir Thomas Maude, the Right Hon. Ralph Howard, and Hugh Massey, Esq. Gives particulars of the family, property, support to Government, &c. of each. Remembers perfectly well the instructions in Lord Suffolk's letter of the 29th Sept. last with regard to the extension of the Irish Peerage, and hopes he will not be understood as meaning to request His Majesty to make any new creations at this time. Would have postponed to a longer day the statement of these gentlemen's services if his residence in Ireland had admitted of any further delay. Owes it in justice to them and to himself to give this testimony of their merits and services; the more so as they are likely to experience no small share of disquietude in their several counties from the factious spirit which incessantly harasses every man of consequence who dares to give an honourable support, either to Government or the laws of his country. Flatters himself, therefore, that hereafter, when making any addition to the Peerage, His Majesty will take the services and situation of these gentlemen into consideration.—Dublin Castle. 4 pp.
Ibid., No. 65. (2.) Recommending for the honour of baronetcies Henry Hamilton Conyngham, Esq., M.P., Arthur Graham, Esq., of the country of Armagh, William Cromie, Esq., and John Allen Johnston, Esq. Enters into particulars with regard to each. It is by no means his desire to press His Majesty to an immediate grant of these honours; His Majesty will determine on them in his own good time; but when His Majesty does make any creations of this rank, he hopes these gentlemen may be thought worthy of remembrance.—Dublin Castle. 3pp.
Both received the 14th.
11 Sept.
Ireland, v.442, No. 72 a, b.
1442. The Same to the Same.
Transmitting a memorial from the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for widening the streets of the city of Dublin. Enters into the reasons why he cannot give it his recommendation. Represents again the absurd and dangerous situation of the houses and magazines of Ireland, placed in the midst of a city, and in a great measure exposed to the danger of accident or incendiaries, &c. Upon the whole, esteems this intention of opening and beautifying the city of Dublin as a very proper opportunity for the Crown to graft upon it what is extremely essential for the public utility and security, and to avert any calamity which may happen from the situation of the magazines. With regard to the place, is still of opinion that Ringsend, the spot first pointed out by Col. Ray, is the most proper. Gives his reasons. Has ventured to give his thoughts a second time upon this subject, though so late in his government, because he sees one scheme advancing which will probably be attended by many more requests of the same nature; and God knows the improvement of this city would swallow up the whole revenue; and he would wish to see the security of the whole stores of the kingdom combined with it.—Dublin Castle.
The memorial. They ask for the sum of 8,000l. to enable them to widen Dame Street, the only passage from Dublin Castle to the Parliament;—a most narrow and inconvenient street, yet of the greatest trade and the greatest thoroughfare in the city.
Received 21st, at night, from Mr. Wilmot. 5½ pp.
12 Sept.
Channel Islands, v. 15, No. 46.
1443. M. Corbet, Lieut.-Governor of Jersey, to Lord [Rochford].
On the 1st of Aug., the States being assembled, he made the demand relative to the repeal of the three Acts, the Lieut. Bailly being then for making the repeal, and praying an Order in Council for imposing a moderate duty on all spirits imported into and consumed in the Island. Gives also the opinion of certain of the members; viz., Judges Le Hardy, Poindestre, Le Moye; (father to the Procureur), and Rev. Mr. Le Hardy, relative to the matter; and also an account of the argument employed by the Procureur, who was at first for the Acts to stand. A committee was finally agreed to, the Lieut. Governor proposing to lodge his demand au greff (that is, with the clerk), as a memorandum for their proceeding; but not insisting upon doing so, on perceiving it to be contrary to their wish. The members of the committee were told verbally that they might with propriety consult some of the merchants; but he (the Lieut.Governor) being too well acquainted with the disposition of most of these legislators to suppose they would do so, not being ordered by the Act, endeavoured himself to get the sense of some of the most respectable merchants, &c., and laid a paper before the committee at their meeting on the 19th Aug. At this meeting he found the Lieut. Bailly had totally changed in opinion. Gives the reasons which the Lieut. Bailly advanced for the change. Here the Procureur said the privilege of taxing themselves was too valuable to be given up by the repeal of the Acts, and therefore advised that everything should remain as it was. He, the Lieut.Governor, replied that he hoped never to see taxes "but by themselves,"and that it was a very favourable addition to that privilege that the products or imports of the King's subjects in Jersey could not be taxed even by their States without the knowledge of their Royal Master. The only members of the committee who were for repealing the Acts were Judge Carteret, Rev. Mr. Le Breton, and Mr. Gosset, constable or representative of the town parish. As a result the committee agreed to an Act by way of report to the States, that in their opinion no change should take place. At his desire the States again met on 22 Aug. The committee's report having been read, he desired the opinion of the States whether they would repeal the three Acts or reject his demand. To this now the Procureur urged, that as no demands of his, the Lieut.-Governor's, appeared in the Act appointing the committee, they could only judge of the report made, which again could not be considered before the expiration of 14 days, the time limited by the late Order in Council for all matters to be lodged "au greff"before being fully determined. But he, the Lieut.-Governor, reminded them that at the meeting of the States he had offered to lodge an abstract of his demand au greff, but had not insisted upon it, as they seemed to wish it not to be done; but that he looked upon it as if it had been done. In this he was supported by Judges Carteret, Messervy, Payn, and Patriarche; the Rev. Mr. Bisson, Du Pré, Le Breton, and Le Cloche. But to stop hasty decisions, or rather to make a favourable precedent to the contrary, he thought it best to desist; and it was agreed that the States should have 14 days longer to consider, and that the constables might, if they pleased, consult their parishes. On the 5th inst. the States met accordingly. On this occasion he read a paper to check the insinuations in respect to the Island being brought under a military government, and alluded to the integrity of the members supporting the repeal of the measure. He states who supported him, who were absent from unavoidable causes, and who voted for the Acts to stand, contrary to his expectation, in consequence of whose defection the repeal of the Acts was lost. He also gives particulars of the different sections of the members who voted for the Acts to stand, and how far they confirmed them; one party being of opinion that the late Order in Council empowering them to make provisional or political laws and ordinances, gave them authority to levy new duties or imposts for three years. The Lieut. Bailiff and Procureur (the latter of whom proposed the plan of taxation) from their activity visibly showed their anxiety for confirming the authority of the States, which he believes would have been frustrated at any rate had he been authorised to act otherwise than in confidence. The advantage the Procureur and some others wanted to take of his having not lodged his request au greff is by no means to their credit. It is evident that they wished for delays to the 29th of Sept., in order that their Acts might be in force one twelvemonth, and that they then meant to propose to His Majesty in Council some trifling immaterial alterations, which, if approved by Council without the repeal of the Acts, would, no doubt, in their opinion, have given them sufficient authority hereafter to impose new duties at will, and thereby keep the Islands in continual ferment. The opinion of the Attorney General was known in the Island before he received it from his Lordship; and, on that account, several of the merchants, looking upon the duty as illegal, mean to refuse to pay it.—Jersey.
Ten enclosures are referred to in the letter, but they are not now with it. 8½ pp.
13 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 71.
1444. Col. Geo. Monson to Lord —.
Having (on the application of Mr. Wood, by desire of Lord Weymouth when Secretary of State,) commenced a correspondence with Nabob Waulaujah, of the Carnatic, encloses a letter received from the Nabob by the "Lord North," East Indiaman. If his Lordship thinks it consistent with His Majesty's dignity to take under consideration the affairs of an Indian Prince, is certain the Nabob will ever esteem himself fortunate in the mediation.—Broxborn, Bury, Hertfordshire.
There is no enclosure. 1½ pp.
14 Sept.
Ireland, v. 442, No. 67.
1445. Robert Wilmot to Sir Stanier Porten.
Sending the Earl of Drogheda's, Lord Blayney's, and Genl. Dilkes's review returns for the present year. Also, for the Secretary of State's office, one volume in folio containing the Acts at Large of the last Session of Parliament in Ireland.—St. James's. 1 p.
17 Sept. Ireland, v. 442, No. 73 a, b. 1446. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford.
Transmitting a letter from the Deputy Adjutant General of Ireland, stating that Lieut.-Genl. Strode had complied with His Majesty's commands in making a full satisfaction to the noncommissioned officers, drummers, and private men for coats, waistcoats, and sliders which were due to his regiment.—Dublin Castle.
The enclosure.
Received 22nd, from Mr. Wilmot. 2 pp.
18 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v.25, p. 361.
1447. Earl of Rochford to Col. Monson.
Did not fail to lay before the King the letter he enclosed (now returned), addressed to him by the Nabob of the Carnatick. His Majesty approves of his attention. The Nabob has made the same representation to His Majesty through Sir Robert Harland.—St. James's.
18 Sept. 1448. [The Same] to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Drafts of four despatches of this date:—
Ireland, v. 442, No. 68.
Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–75, p. 136.
(1.) Relative to the court-martial on Capt. Garstin, of the 17th Dragoons. After a full trial being gone through, it would be quite irregular and improper to have the same brought on again. And as the trial itself was irregular, and Capt. Garstin has since been permitted to do duty in his regiment, His Majesty is of opinion that no further notice can be taken of that matter unless fresh charges are exhibited against him. The Captain has certainly acted unmilitary, and the court showed great tenderness to him; but as the matter has been conducted, His Majesty does not see that he can give any other directions.
Ibid., No. 69.
Entry Bk., p. 134.
(2.) In answer to letter of the 15th ult., relative to the courtmartial on Lieut. John James Gordon, of the 9th Foot. Recites the contents of that letter. Has, upon the whole matter, to convey His Majesty's sentiments that, without dwelling upon the contradiction appearing between the plea of his youth, and his having served in the last war, his having purchased his commission is no reason for his selling when proved guilty of criminal conduct; that drunken quarrels are so frequent in Ireland, that making an example of him is absolutely necessary. His Excellency is at the same time to acquaint the court that His Majesty highly disapproves of the definition that a man can act unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and not be guilty of scandalous behaviour. 3½ pp.
Ibid., No. 70. (3.) Marked "Private."
In answer to his private letters of the 9th inst. Though his recommendation of the persons therein mentioned will incline the King, on a new creation, to take their request into consideration at the proper time, his Excellency will be aware that favours to be conferred at a future period ought not, for obvious reasons, to be considered as independent of his successor, to whom he will, no doubt, state their respective merits. 1½ pp.
Ibid., No. 71. (4.) Also marked "Private."
The reasons contained in his Excellency's letter of the 1st inst. appeared to the King very strong against the propriety of Major Campbell becoming lieut.-Colonel, and Capt. Conway obtaining the majority. It was His Majesty's intention only to authorise his Excellency, if he approved of the transaction, to send it over with his recommendation. The time when Capt. Campbell obtained his majority makes the request impossible to be complied with. 1 p.
18 Sept.
Scotland, v. 47, No. 49.
1449. The Same to the Duke of Argyll.
Apprizing him of the departure of the French Ambassador on a tour into Scotland; and directing him, in case the Ambassador should express a wish to visit the forts, places of disembarkation, &c., to say that it is expressly contrary to General Orders to admit any foreigners; but that those orders could not be meant to include a person of Count Guines's distinction, and that therefore he would take it upon himself to satisfy his Excellency's curiosity, provided he is attended by no foreigner whatever. He is, at the same time, to send orders to the several garrisons not to admit any suspicious person without a particular order.—St. James's. A copy. "Private and Secret." 1¼ pp.
19 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 70 a, b, c.
Let Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 93.
1450. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Send a copy of a letter from Rear-Admiral Man, late Commanderin-chief of H.M.'s ships at the Leeward Islands, dated yesterday, at Spithead, giving an account of his having sent to St. Vincent, at the request of Genl. Leyborne, the "Crescent" and "Kennington," and the "Favourite" sloop, in order to intimidate the Black Charibbs at that place; and that Sir Ralph Payne having requested him to send a ship to Anguilla in order to defend, if necessary, the few inhabitants of that Island against the crews of two Spanish ships wrecked on that coast, he had sent Capt. Williams, of the "Active," on that service; copy of whose letter, giving an account of his proceedings, is also enclosed.
The enclosures mentioned above. 3pp. and 2 half pp.
19 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 59.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6,p. 55.
1451 J.Pownall to Richd. Sutton, Esq.
Transmitting, for Lord Rochford's information, an extract from a letter from Sir Ralph Payne, Governor of the Leeward Islands, containing copies of the correspondence between him and the Governor of the Caraccas, on the subject of an insult offered to a British vessel off the Island of St. Vincent, by a Spanish guarda costa; also containting an account of the shipwreck of a Spanish man-of-war, &c. on the east end of the Island of Anguilla.—Whitehall.
19 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 361.
1452. Earl of Rochford to the Lord President of H.M.'sCouncil.
Enclosing an extract of a letter from the Lieut.-Governor of Jersey, praying for the repeal of the Order in Council by Queen Elizabeth.—St. James's.
21 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III, v. 9, No. 60.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 55.
1453. J. Pownall to Richd. Sutton, Esq.
Transmitting, for Lord Rochford's information, copy of a letter from Sir George Brydges Rodney, Bart., Commander-in-chief of H.M.'s ships in Jamaica, relative to the detention at La Vera Cruz of a British vessel and her crew; and also copies of several papers referred to therein.—Whitehall.
21 Sept.
Law Officers Entry Bk., 1762—95, pp. 195—8.
1454. Earl of Rochford to the Attorney General.
Encloses a list of certain sums of money and estates devised in trust at different times past for the redemption of British captives in Turkey or Barbary, in order that a fuller examination may be made of them, and that a bill may be filed (if necessary) in the Court of Chancery for recovery for the arrears, and for the regular receipt and future good management of these legacies for the charitable uses intended.—St. James's.
The list entered. The bequests were:—
1. Henry Smith, late of London, Esq., by will of 24 April 1647,—1,000l. for purchase of lands of inheritance to value of 60l. per annum.
(2.) John Lord Craven, of Ryton, by will of 28 May 1647, —residue of lands at Concerne in Sussex, after raising 100l. a year for four poor scholars, two at either university.
(3.) Dame Jane Mico, of London, window, by will of 1 July 1670,—1,000l., and another equal sum on a contingency.
(4.) Thomas Betton, by his will of 15 Feb. 1723, — moiety of 21,500l. in stock and East India bounds, and 837l. 13s. 0½d. in money; left in trust for the above-mentioned purpose to the Ironmongers' Company.
The list gives particulars of the several wills, &c.
22 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 61.
Dom. Entry Bk.,"Dom. despatched, "1771–6,p. 56.
1455. J. Pownall to Sir Stanier Porten.
Enclosing, for Lord Rochford's information, an extract from a letter from Governor Leyborne at Grenada, by which it appears that the Black Charibbs of St. Vincent have lately made more frequent visits to St. Lucie and Martinico than usual, and in greater numbers, and that they return with arms and ammunition.—Whitehall.
23 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III, v. 8, No. 6.
Let Bk., Sec.'s. 1771–5, p. 95.
1456. Lord Barrington to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Acquainting him with the whole plan of the relief of the troops in the West Indies, as it is to be executed this year.—War Office. Marked "Duplicate." 1p.
23 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 71.
Let.Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 94.
1457. Php. Stephens to john Pownall, Esq.
Vice-Admiral Parry, Commander-in-chief of H.M.'s ships in the Leeward Islands, has informed the Lords of the Admiralty that, agreeable to their orders to Rear-Admiral Man, his predecessor, respecting the Charibbs of St. Vincent, he shall hold himself in readiness to go down with the troops when they arrive from North America, and shall co-operate with Genl. Leyborne in every possible measure for H.M.'s service.—Admiralty Office. 1p.
24 Sept.
Isle of Man, v. 1, 1761—74, No. 98
1458. John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to Lord —.
Relative to Mr. Heywood's resignation of the office of Deemster of the Isle of Man. Having had reason to imaging he had an intention to resign, he, Mr. Wood, required him by letter to give previous notice. Mr. Heywood then intimated his intention of resigning his commission to the Governor about the 15th of this inst. However, he heard no more of it till this day, when Mr. Heywood preferred a memorial to him, signifying that his agent in London had resigned his patent in his Lordship's office.
Represents the obstruction that may happen in the course of justice by this mode of resignation at his Lordship's office (so many hundred miles off by sea and land), and the uncertainty wherewith the Governor may be embarrassed in cases of appeals from judgements subsequent to such resignation, as Mr. Heywood has continued to act to this day. This unprecedented mode of resignation is only a part of the concerted plan to procure an emolument from a successor, which manæuvre he, the Governor, utterly discouraged. Recommends Mr. Thos. Moore as a proper person to succeed Mr. Deemster Heywood.—Isle Mann.
Received 5th Oct. 2½ pp.
25 Sept.
Admiralty, pel. 164, No. 28.
1459. — to H. E. Lord Grantham.
His letters to No. 36 receieved. His account of the conference with Mons. de Grimaldi on the subject of the " Betsy" schooner gives reason to hopes that His Majesty's friendly conduct will at last be so well understood by the Court of Spain as to terminate the affair with honour to His Majesty, and without any further disagreeable discussions. The enclosed copies of a letter from Sir Ralph payne, and of the correspondence between him and the Governor of Caraccas, will enable him, Lord Grantham, to show the Spanish Minister the strange inattention if not disingenuity of that Governor in the case of the sloop " Adventure," and give and agreeable opportunity of contrasting it with the readiness of H.M.'s Governors and officers to give every kind of humane and generous assistance and protection to His Catholic Majesty's subjects in distress. He will see by the copy of Sir George Rodney's letter to the Secretary of the Admiralty, the delicacy shown by that Admiral in avoiding to give offence by sending a man-of-war to La Vera Cruz to desire the release of British prisoners there, in consequence of the enclosed copies of the certificates transmitted by the Governor of North Carolina. Does not doubt but that he will make a proper use of them with Mons. de Grimaldi. A draft. 2pp.
25 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v.8, No. 67a. b.
1460. Mr. Stephens to Mr. Pownall.
Sending a copy of a commission for the trial of pirates.—Admiralty.
The commission enclosed. 14 pp. and parts of 2 pp.
25 Sept. 1461. Duke of Argyll to Lord —.
Two letters of this date: —
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 72. 1. Being informed that Sir John Hort, the present Consul at Lisbon, is to quit that office, asks that his Grace's cousin, Mr. Fraser, may be transferred thither from [Algiers].—Inverary. 1½ pp.
Ibid., No, 73. 2. As to the directions he has received in case the French Ambassador should be desirous of visiting any of the forts and garrisons in Scotland. [See No. 1449.] Will take care to send orders to this purpose to the several forts, &c. 1½ pp.
25 Sept.
Ireland, v. 442, No. 75.
1462. [Earl of Rochford] to the Lord Lieutenant ofIreland.
Concerning the applications for the promotions of Major Hawke and Major Townshend. His Majesty has signed a comminssion for Major Hawke to be Lieut,-Colonel of the 62nd Regiment, vice Col. Deaken, they both having given their proper certificates; but considers Major Townshend too young a Major to succeed for the present to a Lieut-Colonel of the 57th, resigning, provided there be a shend, Lieut.-Colonel of the 57th, resigning, provided there be a proper Major to succeed him. —St. James's A draft. Marked "Private." 1¾ pp.
26 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 362.
1463. The Same to the Lord President of H.M.'s Council.
Enclosing a copy of a letter from the Lieut-Governor of Jersey concerning the proceedings of the States of that Island assembled on the 1st Aug., together with the original papers accompanying it.
26 Sept.
Ireland, v. 442, Nos. 81, 82.
1464. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Townshend) to the Earl of Rochford.
Two letters, acknowledging receipt of letters of the 18th inst., relative to Capt. Garstin, of the 17th Dragoons, and Lieut. John James Gordon, of the 9th Foot, respectively.—Dublin Castle.
Received 8th Oct., at night, from Mr. Wilmot. 2 pp.
26 Sept.
Isle of Man, v, 1, 1761–74, No. 99.
1465. Tho. Christian to Lord —
To acquaint his Lordship with a transaction which appears to him so profligate in its nature that it strikes him with horror. Peter John Heywood, Esq., one of H. M.'s Deemsters in this Isle, hath for upwards of a year past proposed removing into England, during which time he has been treating with several persons to dispose of his office. Finds, with pleasure, that several persons, thought worthy to succeed him, treated his offer with disdain; but, notwithstanding it became the public talk in the Island, he still persisted in his attempt, and has at last met with a purchaser. Knowing that "our worthy Governor" would not favour so base a transaction, Mr. Heywood caused his patent to be delivered into his Lordship's office, intending to impose his favourite on his Lordship, that a patent might be made out for him before the Governor could know of his scheme. What can the public expect from a judge thus appointed, who has nothing more to recommend him than his being a purchaser ? If his Lordship doubts the truth of this representation by him, Mr. Christian, who has been a member of the Keys of Man above 35 years, his Lordship may fully inform himself by directing the Governor to examine into the whole affair. His Excellency knows the gentlemen that are best acquainted with the laws, customs, and language, and who are the most proper to succeed to such an office.—Douglas, Isle Man.
Receieved 6th Oct. 2½ pp.
27 Sept. 1466. Earl of Dartmouth to the Lords of the Admiralty.
Two letters of this date:—
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 72.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 57.
(1.) William Leyborne, Esq., H.M.'s Governor of the Island of Grenada, having complained that an indignity had been offered to his character as the King's chief Governor by Capt. Corner, of H.M.S. "Crescent," in sending an officer on board the Government sloop "Bottetourt" to strike her pennant, which the said Governor alleges hath been always worn by vessels commissioned by Governors of H.M.'s colonies, and particularly by his predecessors in that Government, sends for their Lordships's opinion thereon an extract of that letter, and such parts of the commission and instructions to the said Governor as contain any authority or directions in maritime affairs. A draft. 1¼ p.
Ibid., No. 73. Entry Bk., p. 58. (2.) Directs them to send instructions to Vice-Admiral Parry to be very attentive to prevent any intercourse between the Black Charibbs of St. Vincent and the French Islands of St. Lucia and Martinico; and, in order to obviate expense, to accommodate with a passage on board H.M.'s ships of war the troops to be transported from one island to another, as far as is consistent with the other services on which the squadron may be employed. A draft. 2 pp.
27 Sept. 1467. The Same to the Lords of the Treasury.
Two letters of this date:—
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 32.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 56.
(1.) Lord Charles Montagu, H.M.'s Governor of South Carolina, has, for reasons set forth in the enclosed copy of his letter to Lord Hillsborough, issued an order suspending Mr. Roupell from acting as Collector of Customs in that Colony, and also suspending Mr. Morris from acting as Comptroller of the Customs; which order those gentlemen refuse to submit to, continuing to act in defiance thereof. Asks to be made acquainted with the nature of the commissions under which Messrs. Morris and Roupell act, to enable him to judge as to the Governor's power to suspend them.—Whitehall. A draft. 1 p.
Ibid, No. 33. Entry Bk., p. 57. (2.) Transmits a letter received from the Governor of New Hampshire, relating entirely to his conduct in his office as Surveyor General of H.M.'s Woods in North America, in which situation his Lordship conceives he acts more immediately under their Lordships' directions. A draft. ¾ p.
27 Sept. 1468. Lord Thomond to Lord—
Laying before His Majesty the request of two Lieutenants in the Somersetshire militia to be allowed to resign. Is sorry he has no others to recommend to succeed at present, as the spirit of entering the militia service daily abates in those parts. Names two gentlemen for the office of deputy lieutenant.—Dover Street.
Received "30th, at night." Minuted: "Let this be answered." 1 p.
29 Sept.
Channel Islands, v. 15, No. 47 a, b.
1469. M. Corget, Lieut.-Governor of Jersey, to Lord Rochford.
Gave, in obedience to commands, the enclosed articles to be considered by some of the principal merchants of the Island. With regard to the coals, they said nothing, contrary to the practice, but alleged that the shilling in the bond for the second article was imposed by Capt. Guilbert, then commanding in the absence of a Lieutenant Governor, as a fee to the person employed in transacting this addition to the civil part of the Government; that it was complained of by the coasters as hard, but that they could not say anything material for the application for annulling it, further than that every saving, however trifling, is material to the small profits of the coasting trade of the Island.
The account of the passes for the last year from the old established fees amounted to about 21l. 10s.; the fees for coal licences to about 1l. 5s.; those for the bonds on an average may be about 2l. 10s.; all of which together, in time of war, may be about 9l. (as the passes then do not exceed 6l.), and is barely sufficient to satisfy a person assisting the Lieut.-Governor in these transactions. Nor is it possible to do without such help. However, he by no means wishes for any fees that may give the least uneasiness to any part of the community. But the appointment of the Lieut.Governor, short of a company of Invalids (till of late years attached to the command), or of the 100l. per annum allowed to Lieut. Governor Collingwood, is already too unequal to the unavoidable expenses necessary to support the rank of the commission, [or] to afford the payment of any assistant. It is true he might avoid some expenses by living merely attached to his garrison; a system too much practised by late Lieut.-Governors, and evidently destructive of the general good of the King's service in this country, where the rank of the King's commission is absolutely necessary to be kept up. But the present appointment of a Lieut.Governor, viz., 10s. a day, and 34l. for rent of a house (for which he now pays 50l. per annum), is far too unequal to the task. Asks, therefore, to be enabled "by some small addition to make that "circulation in the country necessary to cultivate a proper under"standing among the individuals," which at present he cannot do without a considerable addition from his private fortune.—Jersey.
A copy of the articles submitted to the merchants for their opinion. The merchants consulted were Messrs. William Patriarche, Ph. Robin, Nich. Fiot, sen., and Geo. Rowclif. 5 pp.
29 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 8, No. 8.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5,p.95.
1470. Viscount Barrington to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Informing him of the appointment of Lieut.-Col. Darlymouth, of the 14th Regiment, to act as Major-General during the expedition in the Island of St. Vincent against the Charibbs.—War Office. 1 p.
29 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 75.
1471. Anth. Todd to the Earl of Rochford.
Returning his warmest thanks for the obliging manner in which his Lordship expressed himself in regard to his nephew, Mr. Mad dison. Mr. Francis Willes has since called to say that he had been appointed Under Secretary of State, and that upon entering on his new office he would allow 200l. of his salary of 400l. a year as decypherer, to some persons to do the work for him, intimating as much as that his, Mr. Todd's, nephew might have a preference.
His nephew's situation is this:—In the beginning of 1761 he set out from London with Sir Joseph Yorke as secretary, when he was appointed one of the Plenipotentiaries to the Congress at Augsburgh. As the Congress did not take place, he remained with Sir Joseph Yorke till the latter end of 1762, when he was sent by the King's express commands to St. Petersburg to learn the Russian language, as he already understood the German. He arrived there in the midst of that winter, and accomplished the task so as to return hither in the spring of 1764; since which time he has constantly attended the despatch and arrival of the mails at the General Post Office, to copy the Russian letters, there being no person ever before that time for it; nor is there yet, except his brother, to whom he has taught the language. In the course of these eight years he has made out three of the Russian Minister's cyphers; two in their own language, and one in French. Though he claims no merit as a decypherer from the discovery of the last, as he was enabled by the course of the Russian correspondence to point out such papers (with which he was furnished from his Lordship's office) as made the success of that undertaking certain, yet it may fairly be said to be solely owing to him, and it was even then a work of labour. He has never asked for nor received any extraordinary recompense for these services, though at first he was employed at a salary of 100l. a year only. He is very willing to exert himself in any additional business that may fall to his share, on Mr. Willes's appointment to the office of Under Secretary of State, to which, with this education, he had the ambition to aspire, and to give up his employment of Deputy to the Receiver General of the Revenue of the Post Office, to be more at leisure to attend to it; but conceives it will be much more to his honour and credit to continue his labours on his own footing, for whatever allowance His Majesty may bestow on him, than to receive any hire or reward from any person as a deputy decypherer, the business being of such high importance, and at the same time so intricate, that whoever has the good fortune to succeed in the attempt may hope to be rewarded immediately from His Majesty. He, Mr. Todd, flatters himself, if it should be judged necessary to appoint a successor to Mr. Willes, his nephew might be thought the proper person.—General Post Office. 6 pp.
29 Sept.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 364.
1472. Receipt, signed by the Earl of Rochford, for the quarterly allowance from the Post Office to the clerks of his Lordship's Office of Secretary of State.
30 Sept.
Channel Islands, v. 15, No. 48 a, b.
And letter only in Channel Islands Entry Bk., 1761–98, p.44.
1473. Earl of Rochford to the Lieut.-Governor of Jersey.
Encloses an Order in Council issued in consequence of his letter of the 2nd of last month. He is to deliver the same to the Royal Court, and to explain, if necessary, that this is by no means considered as a matter between party and party, or in which it is necessary for them of enter into any vindication of their conduct, but as a question of government and police, in which any information they have to offer as magistrates will be properly attended to.
The Order in Council is bound in before the above. It directs that authenticated copies of the laws and ordinances established by the Royal Commissioners in the 33rd year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, &c. be transmitted, with anything the Lieut.Bailiff and Jurats of Jersey might have to offer touching so much of the said laws and ordinances as subjected persons to punishment for putting their names to any petition, and that they be allowed to be heard thereupon by their counsel learned in the law. 3 pp.
30 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 9, No. 62 a to d. Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 363.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s,1771–5,p.96.
1474. The Same to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Enclosing translations of the answer made by the Marquis Grimaldi to Lord Grantham upon the business of the "Hawke" sloop, and of two papers accompanying the same.—St. James's.
The enclosures, the accompanying papers being the information of Don Joseph Solano, the Governor of St. Domingo, and an account of the evidence. The Marquis says it would be seen from these papers that the English employed themselves in fishing and hunting within Spanish territory; that the cargo of the sloop was partly the produce of Spanish territory; that the captain's suspicious navigation, and attempt to escape, were sufficient motives for bringing him into the port; that he was released as soon as the Governor could consistently let him go; and that in the course of the business there had been neither injustice nor irregularity. 13 pp. and 2 halves.
30 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 76.
1475. M. Hop Van Hore to the Earl of Rochford.
Being lately in London on private affairs, and having a matter to communicate worthy attention, he attempted to get an audience with his Lordship, but found his Lordship's people, both at the house and the office, so particular (difficile), that he was obliged to come away without succeeding. The matter relates to a town near to Exeter, which it would be easy to acquire, many of the electors being little satisfied with one of their members in Parliament. The thing would be very easy. Cannot say more on paper, but, could he communicate it by word of mouth, his Lordship would find it so.—Exeter. French. 1 p.
30 Sept.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 85, No. 77.
1476. J. Davies to the Same.
Giving an account of the councils held at Brest by numerous French Generals and Officers of Marine for the purpose of determining the best model of a small vessel for a looker-out. Squarerigged ships of war having been rejected, it was arranged that he (Davis), with Mr. Ozanne, master drawer to the Academy at Brest, and Mr. Geoffrey, master builder, should go during the Easter holidays, with guns and dogs, as though on a hunting party, to Roscoff, a little seaport in Lower Britany, distant 36 miles from Brest, now greatly resorted to by our smugglers, particularly the outlawed Irish wherries. Gives an account of the visit. As a result, the model of a cutter, drawn on the visit, was adopted, and ordered to be immediately put into execution; but there being no carpenter that understood clinch work, one was sent for from England by way of Dunkirk. The design of this vessel, which was finished the beginning of this summer, is to inspect our fleet at Spithead and elsewhere, to survey our coast of Sussex and Kent, and to enter the creeks there, in order to take on board our new coined guineas, which are accumulated with great care by their agents in London, &c., our guinea weighing near 20s more than the louis d'or. She is also to inspect Plymouth harbour. It appears from a letter from a gentleman at Brest (a paragraph of which he recites) that the vessel has been on her errand already. If she should appear on the coast, begs his Lordship to send for him.—West Cowes. 4 pp.