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1 Aug.
Dom. Geo.III., pcl. 88, No. 16. |
1068. "The Public Advertiser." |
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Report of the Attorney and Solicitor General as to the publication in the "Public Advertiser" of 6 July, of an account of the
proceedings of the Common Hall on the 24th June and on the
4th August, &c. Of opinion that the printer and publisher was
guilty of printing and publishing a seditious libel, &c. 3 pp. |
1 Aug.
Ireland,
pcl. 426, No. 89. |
1069. Lieut.-Genl. Irwine to Lord Rochford. |
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As to certain successions recommended in the army in Ireland.
Explains why Major Bird, of the 19th Regiment, was not recommended for the purchase of a lieut-colonelcy. Has a very good
opinion of him. Gives the military history of Capt.-Lieut. Allen,
Lieut. Long, and Ensign Starkie of his own (the 57th) regiment.—Dublin Castle. 4 pp. |
1 Aug.
Ireland,
v. 454, No. 4. |
1070. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Upon the instructions contained in an official letter of this date
as to the embarkation of troops. The most weighty considerations
render it highly advisable to strengthen the King's army in
America with all the reinforcement that can possibly be sent
thither. This matter has been the subject of several meetings of
His Majesty's most confidential servants, and they have all
humbly submitted to the King their unanimous opinion that
2,000 or 3,000 men are essentially requisite, to be sent with the
utmost expedition to America; and that every means must be used,
every effort made, to add a very considerable and effectual body
of troops early next spring to America. His Majesty has approved
of this plan. No troops can be spared out of this kingdom at the
present moment, there being only nine battalions of foot, besides
the Guards, now in it; nor is there time to draw any this year
from Minorca or Gibraltar, so that Ireland alone can supply what
is now so necessary. His Majesty therefore has the strongest
reliance that your Excellency will, with firmness and activity
equal to the present emergency, employ your utmost endeavours
in promoting these measures, and that his loyal people in Ireland
will in their different stations be animated and excited to exert
their well-known affectionate zeal and spirit in supporting His
Majesty's Government in an exigency of such particular importance, in which all other considerations, of how much weight
soever they are in themselves, and which would at other times
have been strictly attended to, must and ought to yield to the
actual unavoidable necessity, when the King feels himself obliged
for the good of his whole empire to take five regiments from
Ireland before it may be possible to raise sufficient recruits to
supply the deficiency. But, at the same time, all pecuniary
arrangements are made, giving reason to expect that the deficiency
of the numbers in the army in Ireland will be of short duration.—St. James's. "Separate." A draft. 4½ pp. |
1 Aug.
Post Office, pcl. 6, No. 11. |
1071. William Trent to Anthony Todd. |
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We most impatiently wait to learn how the battles of Lexington,
Noddles Island, and Bunker's Hill, and the taking of Crown Point
and Ticonderoga are received. I hope that Ministry will fall
upon some reconciliatory plan, for, unless they do, a separation
between the countries must take place. We have an army of
80 battalions in pay, and a militia of 200,000 men embodied,
ready to support them. We have struck money to pay the troops;
we have appointed a Postmaster General; we have appointed
Committees of safety to manage the affairs of each Colony; we
are building vessels to carry guns from 18 to 22 pounders;
we have a form of government ready to fly to, in case of separation, to prevent getting into confusion; we have cruisers ready to
sail to protect our ships; and foreign assistance is offered. I hope
to God that the King may attend to the last petition sent home
to prevent the ruin of the English nation. A reconciliation is
wished for by every good man on this side the water. After
meeting Col. Croghan at the Warm Springs in Virginia, I go to
the Ohio, where the Indians are to meet, on September 1, to
settle their disputes with the Virginians.—Philadelphia. |
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On the back: "R from Mr. Todd." 1½ pp. |
2 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 82 a, b. |
1072. Le Chevalier De Marolles De Luce to Lord — |
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Asking to be employed as Major Engineer or Major of Artillery
in the British service in America. Gives an account of his antecedents, &c.—Paris. |
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Copies of various certificates, &c. in his favour. (French.) 3 pp. |
2 Aug.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 90. |
1073. Lieut.-General Irwine to Lord [Rochford]. |
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As to Lieut.-Col. Beckwith's necessity of quitting the service, and
the succession recommended in favour of Major Marsh. When I
consider the probability of a variety of memorials having gone
over which may possibly not meet with His Majesty's approbation,
considering the nature of the service the officers seem inclined to
avoid, as well as the very pernicious effect such indulgence may
have on the public at this critical situation of affairs in America,
I confess myself quite distressed whom to recommend, lest I should
add to the difficulties your Lordship must be under in doing
justice by seniority. I most sincerely lament the distresses which
will always accrue to the service by the want of a perfect communication in Government with the Commander-in-chief relative
to the memorials they may choose to transmit of those he gives
in with his recommendations or with his objections. I cannot see
how this participation can possibly disclose any great political
schemes of Government, but I can easily foresee the advantage to
the service from it, and I confess without it I cannot help feeling
my part in the transmitting the memorials to be totally imperfect,
and to be a constant source of confusion. |
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Having had occasion to converse with Major Apollo Maurice, of
the 27th Regiment, I feel myself obliged to declare the danger
there will be to the service in risking his ever coming to the command of the regiment. |
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My anxiety for carrying on His Majesty's service, and stating
the pretensions of officers more perfectly, has led me to mention
what I conceive to be deficient in Government. This want of
communication which I have so lately experienced must be an
error even in the State; for as to the Lord Lieutenant, whom I
highly respect, most truly regard, his goodness, I may say his
partiality and kindness to me, is really so indulgent, I am afraid
I shall be spoiled. I therefore cannot help more sensibly feeling
and sincerely regretting the absurdity of such new fancied forms
of office as shall tend to the perplexity of all business, and might
be injurions to merit, seniority, and service, but for your Lordship,
who is always indefatigable in unravelling our mistakes and procuring all possible justice to meritorious officers.—Dublin Castle.
4 pp. |
3 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 166, No. 56. Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 231. |
1074. J. Pownall to Philip Stephens, Esq. |
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Two letters:— |
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1. With information that North American vessels do constantly
resort to Hispaniola, where they load with French produce, and
also secretly take in large quantities of arms and ammunition,
in order that the Lords of the Admiralty may give proper orders
thereupon to the commanders of H.M.'s ships in the West Indies.
Suggests that two cruisers should be stationed at Heneago or
Inagua Island and the Little Caicos respectively.—Whitehall. |
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2. As to directions sent to Alderman Harley about certain
clothing and accoutrements. |
3 Aug.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, pp. 233–4. |
1075. The Same to Lord Viscount Townshend. |
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Two letters;— |
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1. As to the despatch of additional engineers to North America. |
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2. The King commands that the persons mentioned in Lord
Dartmouth's letter of the 28th ult. should be struck off the halfpay, &c.—Whitehall. |
3 Aug.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 48. |
1076. Wm. Salmond, Agent for Antigua, to [J.Pownall]. |
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Upon re-perusing the President and Speaker's letter (copy
enclosed), is inclined to think they expect their address will be
presented by their agent. Asks if that is unusual.—New Bond
Street. |
4 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 14 a, b. |
1077. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
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Transmitting a letter from the Commander-in-Chief, desiring
him to lay before His Majesty a proposal from Captain A Kind
of H.M.'s 33rd Regiment, for raising a corps of infantry in the
West of England, at his own expense, provided he is to have the
command thereof with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, and the
appointment of his own officers.—Dublin Castle. |
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The enclosure. 2 pp. |
4 Aug.
Post Office, v. 7, No. 12 a, b. Let. Bk., Sec's, 1775–6, p. 50. |
1078. Anthony Todd to John Pownall, Esq. |
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As to one John Hamilton, alias two or three other names, who
had defrauded Mr. Payne, late Governor of the Bank, by bills
drawn by him upon Drummond's House from Jamaica—General
Post Office. |
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An enclosure on the same subject. Hamilton had sailed for
New York, stating that he was going thither to observe the
motions of the rebels, and to act in the capacity of a spy. 3 pp. |
5 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 81. Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 232. |
1079. J. Pownall to Mr. Salmond. |
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The only method of presenting addresses to the King from his
subjects in the Colonies is through the channel of the Secretary
of State. Lord Dartmouth has presented that from the Council,
&c. of Antigua.—Whitehall. A draft. ½ p. |
5 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 9. Entry Bk., 1775–7, p. 67. |
1080. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
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Signifying H.M.'s pleasure that the Parliament should be prorogued to 10 Oct., then to meet for despatch of business, as proposed
by His Excellency.—St. James's. A draft. 1½ pp. |
5 Aug.
Ireland, v.454, No. 17. |
1081. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
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Major Bird, of the 19th Regiment, having been informed of his
Excellency's intention to offer him the purchase of a lientColoneley at the first opportunity, begs leave to decline that
purchase, unless it should happen to be in the 19th Regiment, in
which case he will endeavour to raise the money.—Dublin Castle
1 p. |
7 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 20. |
1082. The Same to the Same. |
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In answer to the separate letter of the 1st instant. Will exert
his utmost endeavours. Hopes by the influence of the noblemen
and gentlemen to whom he will make application upon this
exigency, to be able to prevail upon them to give their utmost
assistance to the officers employed on the recruiting service, &c.—Dublin Castle. "Separate." 1½ pp. |
8 Aug.
Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 391. |
1083. Earl of Suffolk to the Chairman, &c. Of The East
India Company. |
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Encloses a copy of a memorial from the States General of the
United Provinces, and makes no doubt they can enable him to
assure their High Mightinesses that there is no foundation for the
alarm at Batavia respecting the safety of the Settlement at Ceylon.—St. James's. |
8 Aug.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 56. Treas. and Cust. v. 5, No. 11. |
1084. John Robinson to J. Pownall. |
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Relative to a memorial of George James Bruere, Esq., Governor
of the Bermuda Islands, praying payment of 75l. for the expense
of building a large boat for the service of Government. Asks
whether the Board of Trade gave orders for the building of the
boat.—Treasury Chambers. |
10 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88, No. 17 a, b. |
1085. Sir John Fielding to Sir Stanier "Porteen." |
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As to a pardon to Abraham Berew, who had made some discoveries
of forgeries on the Bank.—Brompton Place. |
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Annexed is a note of the facts of the case. 3 pp. |
12 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 29 a, b. |
1086. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
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Transmitting a letter from the Commander-in-Chief to inform
His Majesty what steps have been taken for the more speedy
recruiting and augmenting the troops on this establishment.—St.
Woolstan's. "Private." |
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The enclosure.—The Commander-in-Chief made arrangements
for recruiting in England, Scotland, and Wales, and in Ulster,
Leinster. Munster, and Connaught. 3½ pp. |
12 Aug.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 62. |
1087. Memorial of Lieut.-Governor Thomas Desbrisay, of the
Island of St. John, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, offering to raise a
battalion of 500 men at his own expense in the space of six weeks,
for any service His Majesty may think fit, on condition of being
appointed lieut.-colonel commandant of the battalion, and having
the nomination of the officers, which he would engage should be
from half-pay. |
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Received 23 Aug. |
12 Aug.
Scotland, pcl. 46, No. 170 a, b. |
1088. Archd. Menzies to Lord — |
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Relative to the annual report of the Commissioners for
managing the Annexed Estates in Scotland, transmitted by him
as their præses, to Mr. Rowe, agent for the Commissioners, for
presentation by his Lordship to the King.—Annexed Estates
Office. |
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The report, with schedules attached. The receipts amounted to
7,926l. 9s. 6d., the expenditure to 7,374l. 13s. 1 6/12d. 2 pp. small
size, and 12 folio pp. |
13 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 83. |
1089. Le Comte De Guines to Lord — |
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Asking for a letter of recommendation for M. Vaillant, French
King's procureur at Barjols, in Provence, who had business to
transact in Grenada.—London. French. 1 p. |
13 Aug.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 91. |
1090. Lieut.-General Iewine to Lord Rochford. |
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In connexion with the leave of absence, &c. granted to LieutColonel Browne, of the 28th Regiment, stating it to be the first
military transaction since he has been in command in Ireland in
which he has been officially passed by.—Dublin. Castle. 2 pp. |
14 Aug.
Scotland, v.47, No. 168. |
1091. Lord Justice Clerk (Miller) to Lord Suffolk. |
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In the present unhappy situation of our commerce with
America, the merchants of Glasgow, in order to prevent the
disagreeable consequences of stopping their manufactures and
throwing their workmen out of bread, have resolved to continue
them at work as long as they can, from which it may be hoped
disorder and mobbing among them, which the Americans seem to
have trusted to, may for some time be prevented in that part of
the country. But the seamen who have hitherto served on the
tobacco ships they can no longer keep. In consequence of the
resolutions of the Congress, the Glasgow merchants, upon the
arrival of their tobacco ships, having no other trade to employ
them in, must lay up their ships and discharge their seamen.
Under these circumstances, it might be a useful measure if a
tender were stationed in the Firth of Clyde for receiving volunteers or impressing men for H.M.'s fleet. |
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On the disagreeable subject of emigration. Since the first order
on the subject, the Commissioners of the Customs have had regular
returns from the different ports. The number of emigrants from
Scotland to America since the commencement of 1774 is,—men
1,839, women 881, children 887; total, 3,607. The Customs
Board are informed there are above 300 more ready to sail for
Philadelphia. Many of the men are Highlanders. I wish my own
apprehensions be not too well founded, that the minds of these
unhappy people may be corrupted with American principles before
they leave this country. I wish these principles, and the number
of their friends and countrymen already settled in America, may
prove no obstruction to the recruiting H.M.'s regiments in the
Highlands of Scotland, and that the Highlanders now in America
may not in time be found the best recruits for their rebellious
armies. I do not mean to insinuate any alarm. The subjects of
North Britain, when left to themselves and to their own reflection,
are zealously attached to H.M.'s Government; but when exposed
to the insidious arts and falsehoods of American agents, they may
be deceived and enticed from their duty to their King, as they
are daily from all the tender relations of their country. I hope
the wisdom of Parliament will lead them to some measure which
may bring this ruinous trade of transporting H.M.'s subjects to
America under some regulation, and prevent its being carried on
in the present licentious manner, in every remote bay or creek of
an extensive distant coast, without the observation or control of
any officer or magistrate; so that while H.M.'s recruiting officers
are under the restraints of law, and the subjects secured against
their fraud and violence, the American agents are free to recruit
whole shipfuls of men for that country without any restraint or
control whatsoever, and without its being in the power of Government even to know with certainty the numbers transported from
one country to the other.—Barskiming. 3 pp. |
16 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 84. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 61. |
1092. Robt. Tomlinson to Lord —. |
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Communicating intelligence from Cherbourg of two large
French ships there, very deeply laden with military stores
positively said there to be bound for British America.—New
Bond Court. 1 p. |
16–19 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 166, No. 60. Treas and Cust., v. 5. Nos. 12 and 13 a, b. |
1093. J. Pownall to John Robinson, Esq. |
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As to measures for intercepting vessels carrying arms and
ammunition from London to North America.—Whitehall. A
draft. 2½ pp. |
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17 Aug. Reply; with a copy of the letter written to the
Customs in consequence. |
| No. 14 a, b. |
19. Aug. Further letter from Mr. Robinson, with the copy
of a letter from the Custom-house, stating the orders issued in
consequence of the preceding letters. 3½ pp. |
19 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83. No. 42 a, b. |
1094. Mr. James to Sir Stanier Porten. |
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Positive orders are given to the Trinity House pilots not to
proceed with any ship or vessel below Gravesend before she
shall have been visited by the officers of the Customs.—Trinity
House. |
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Copy of the order sent to all pilots, enclosed. 2 pp. |
19 Aug.
Ireland Entry Bk., 1775–7, p. 72. |
1095. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland. |
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Sending a warrant, as desired, for the removal of Matthew Cocklane from Dublin to Derby.—St. James's. |
21 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 166, No. 61 a, b. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 58. |
1096. Lords Of The Admiralty to the Earl Of Dartmouth. |
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Enclosing a copy of a letter from Capt. Orrok, of H.M. sloop
"Racehorse," dated 19th inst., at Spithead, giving an account of
his arrival at that place from the coast of Africa, and of his
proceedings while he remained on that coast.—Admiralty Office. |
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The enclosure.—He had not met with any French ships trading
for gum, and learnt from the natives that there had been no
others on the coast than the two mentioned in a former letter.
5 pp. |
21 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88, No. 43 a, b. |
1097. Anonymous letter, signed a "True Englishman," to
Lord —, written "merely from respect and the highest
esteem of your manly character"; enclosing a P.S. of a letter
from a half-pay lieutenant to his late commanding officer. Gives
items of news as to the rebels, received by a ship from Boston arrived
at Cork. Urges the importance of General Howe establishing
himself at New York, and describes the advantages of well securing
the place. Passes strictures on the "ignorance and inability" of
the Admiral, and on the want of vigour of the navy. "Every
good will attend the army by the sending out some active
spirited sea officer, who, at this crisis, reasons more weightily
from his lower tere than from calm counsels under a heavy
white periwig." "Your land men have been ably chosen by His
Majesty. I know your soul despises half measures and paltry
borough considerations in this great game. Whisper then,
noble Lord, into the best of Prince's ears the same clear election
from his navy, nor let any longer Sandwiches perverse obstinacy
prevent the general good." Makes other suggestions. "In the
name of God, for the love of your army, the happiness of our
blessed King, and the honour of Administration, recall your
Admiral and his wife." The letter concludes: "My Lord, this
letter cannot offend you. I love my King; I think his family
and our happy constitution struck at, and I wish him more
servants like yourself, who I respect. Seek not to discover me.
If I wished to be known I need not refuse my name, no more
than I would my services, but that my station might give me
the air of gasconade, since my vanity will not let me take quite
a private station, and you have too many men of ability already
in commission to allow you to give me a leading one." |
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The enclosure, signed Dermt. Carleton, recounting a "kind of
persecution" carried on against the Hon. Oliver Delancy, John
Walls, Henry White, and Dr. Cooper, President of the College, who
were accused, by means of forged letters, of having corresponded
with the Ministry, &c. The three former went before a magistrate,
and made oath that they were innocent, but the last gave no
satisfaction, and, the College being attacked, was obliged to get out
of a window with nothing on but his shirt, and take refuge on
board the "Kingfisher" man-of-war in the harbour, whence he sailed
for England, accompanied by Lt.-Col. Maunsell, the Hon. John
Walls, Roger Morris, and Henry Cruger. Some of the licentious
in their town meetings had threatened to have the half-pay officers
in and about the city apprehended, in consequence of which some
had gone out of the way, but he (Carleton) had not, but had not been
further threatened, though he had had some stiff arguments with
some of them some time ago in the public coffee-house, but had of
late left off speaking to any of them. They knew him to be a
high Tory; and the Association they had set on foot to be signed
by all ranks of the people, he would not sign; so, of course, a black
sheep he must be. One, Donald Campbell, a half-pay lieutenant
from the reduced Americans, a Highlander, that was as high a
rebel as any in the country, was every day begging the Provincial Congress to be preferred in their army. As yet, he had got
nothing. Capt. Richard Montgomery, formerly of the 17th
Regiment, was married to Judge Livingston's daughter, ("she was
nicknamed Foxface, you must have known her,") and was one
of the Provincial Congress men. Also as to Major Gates, promoted
by the Continental Congress to be Adjutant-General, &c.
Was of opinion that the people in opposition on the Continent
would not be half as bad as they were, and that the Bostonians
would not fight, were it not for the protesting lords, and those in
opposition in the House of Commons, who constantly were
stabbing to the heart every friend to the Government on the
American Continent, and who, by their speeches, had been
constantly making converts to the rebel cause, and buoying
them up. |
|
Had written many letters to a great man within this seven or
eight months, which he was sure, if noticed, must serve, though he
wanted neither fee nor reward. Major Philip Skene, "your old
friend," had been made a prisoner on landing at Philadelphia from
London. |
|
Minuted, "Read by the King." 5 large pp. |
21 Aug.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 238. |
1098. J. Pownall to Sir Stanier Porten. |
|
Transmitting a copy of a letter from Governor O'Hara, received
yesterday.—Whitehall. |
21 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 37 a, b. |
1099. Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
|
Two letters of this date:— |
|
1. The Earl of Bellamont having offered to raise 500 men in
the North of Ireland with the utmost expedition towards completing the infantry upon this establishment, upon the terms of
the levy money now allowed, I was particularly glad at this
Juncture immediately to accept of his proposal, and have issued
the necessary orders accordingly. I enclose his Lordship's letter.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The enclosure.—Lord Bellamont, writing to Sir John Blaquiere,
says, When the daring attack upon the King's troops on the
19th of April had so fully evinced the motives and object of the
provincials as to enable me to look forward with precision to the
necessary consequences of their proceedings, I immediately waited
upon the Lord Lieutenant at once to express my indignation and
determined readiness to stand forth to offer my humble services
to the King. The reluctant tenderness of the King having even
then as yet forborne to declare America (tho' in arms) in a state
of rebellion, I was apprehensive that any further step on my
part, might as yet be considered premature; in which sentiments
I was confirmed by the opinion of his Excellency. I therefore
retired to my country seat, contenting myself in defeating the
insidious efforts of systematical misrepresentation, and satisfied
that his Excellency would give me an opportunity of further
gratifying my zeal as soon as a proper occasion should offer. The
circular letter which I received last Thursday, asking for my
countenance and assistance to the recruiting officers, has opened to
me the channel I so much wished for. I have accordingly repaired
to town to lay my proposal before his Excellency. Were I to
confine my exertion to that line only to which my present circumstances seem to circumscribe it, my services would be, properly
speaking, rather negative than active,—at the best, partial in their
operation, and slow in their effect;—a degree of efficacy ill suited
to my feelings when my Sovereign is insulted in his empire by a
most audacious and wanton rebellion. I, therefore, entreat you
will, without an hour's loss of time, acquaint his Excellency that
I am ready to proceed to raise forthwith 500 men, &c. It is my
particular request that the North of Ireland be the rendezvous of
the respective parties under my direction, as I confess myself
impatient to disprove a bold and unwarranted assertion touching
that respectable district, with which I have too intimate a communication not to know to a certainty that every attempt to alienate
their affections will prove abortive, and that even the nearest ties
of blood will find themselves dissolved where those of loyalty have
been violated. |
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Offers also to raise a regiment, if necessary. 5½ pp. |
|
Ibid., No. 38 a, b. |
(2.) Enclosing an extract of a letter from a very sensible
revenue officer at Cork, containing a variety of matter "your Lordship may not be sorry to see." |
|
The extract.—I have seen Major Roche, and he is as active as
I could wish. I think he cannot fail to get the men he proposes;
for, besides lord Kenmare's support, Roche has powerful friends in
the West, and Cork also. The violent opposition of the Presbyterians to the measures of Government in support of the rebels, by
talking in all companies in such a way that, if they are not rebels,
it is hard to find a name for them,—their invectives against the
Papists, and their ridiculing every support they can give,—and,
above all, the stories they have spread that the common people
are averse to enlisting,—has done the recruiting good service, and
will do it more still whenever the harvest is in. The rich Papists
declare they will spend their last shilling or get men, and that
they will do everything in their power to find out every deserter
from the King's troops in this country, and that the more people
talk against them, the more conspicuous their loyalty will be.
These disputes will influence our revenue, and have done it already.
The money begins to fly, and as the Papists have it in plenty,
they are forcing trade in every shape. Our revenue produced
last quarter 10,000l. in this province more than the Midsummer
quarter, 1774, and is in a good way this quarter, though the East
India ships have made us suffer to a great amount more than can
be credited. The Spaniards are done for: all their letters run in
one strain, Don't on any account send any more provisions here;
by which we may safely conclude their armament is at an end.
3 pp. |
22 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 166, No. 62 a, b, c. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 60. |
1100. Lords Of The Admiralty to the Earl Of Dartmouth. |
|
Enclosing copies of a letter from Lieut. Wm. Grant, of H.M.'s
schooner "St. John," dated at Georgia, 18 June last, and of one
he had sent to Vice-Adml. Graves, giving an account of the riotous
proceedings of the people in that province.—Admiralty Office. |
|
The enclosures.—All communication with Adml. Graves was
either uncertain or rendered precarious. He writes:—The country
people threaten to shut up this port; if they don't, it's apprehended
Carolinans will for them, it being generally reported she means to
march in upon Georgia, not only with that intention, but also to
make the Crown officers as well as their own "prisoners of
hostages;" and some people have been ordered to leave the province
in seven days by the "Friends of Liberty." The eve of His
Majesty's birthday some notorious people spiked the cannon, and
threw them over the battery down the cleft, as they had a few
days before that robbed the magazine of its powder. Sir James
Wright called his militia officers together in order to know if they
will stand by him in case Carolina should make him prisoner,
which he has private intelligence they mean to do. But how far
he can depend on them time only can show. The Hon. John
Stewart, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, hearing that the
Carolina Committee intended to seize his person, removed from
Charlestown to Savannah in Georgia, where he imagined he would
find safety; but two members of the Provincial Congress, then
sitting at Charlestown, were sent to inflame the minds of the
people at Georgia, and induce them to secure him, pretending that
he had used his influence to induce the Indians in his district
(particularly the Cherokees and Calawbas) to fall upon the back
inhabitants of the province, and make a diversion to facilitate
landing of troops said to be expected. He was thus obliged to
leave Savannah to avoid falling into the hands of a furious mob,
which he luckily effected in time enough by some minutes, and
requested me to carry him to St. Augustine, which I did. When
Mr. Stewart took refuge on the "St. John," a number of canoes full
of armed men from South Carolina were lying at Pybee's (sic) Island,
the entrance of Savannah river. Soon afterwards a boat from
Savannah, with some of the principal people and leaders of the
disaffected party, attempted to pass by me in order to join the
Carolinans, but I obliged them to return. Immediately afterwards
the Carolinans in their canoes went home. The next morning a
number of armed men appeared on the beach, and, upon my
making sail, fired a musket, and hoisted the American Liberty
Flag on Tybee's lighthouse. 5¼ pp. |
22 Aug.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 92. |
1101. Lieut.-Genl. Irwine to Lord Rochford. |
|
As to a succession omitted to be sent over, but mentioned in a
former letter. As to proposals to sell from officers in the regiments under orders for service, I am sorry to say that the
number of applications to me on that head were so shameful and
disgraceful to the nation and to the service, and, as I humbly
conceive, so contrary to the King's way of thinking (which is to
me the first principle in all things), that I have put a stop to a
great many. Too many, however, have been laid before the
Lord Lieutenant, and too many, I am afraid, will be sent over.
Gives reasons why Lieut.-Col. Beckwith, of the 27th, Capt. French
of the 46th, and Capt. Stevens, of the 17th, should, however, be
permitted to sell out. Also as to his relation and secretary,
Mr. Garden, lieutenant in the 48th Regiment, who is so eager to
serve that he would quit his situation and prospects in Ireland
in order to buy Capt. Stevens' company. I beg you will not
imagine this to be a job of mine, for I shall suffer some inconvenience by Mr. Garden's leaving me, but I could not resist his
earnestness, and the ardour he shows to risk his fortune and quit
a better income for the hope of fame. Also as to Lieut. and
Quartermaster Jones, of the 46th Regiment.—Dublin Castle.
4 pp. |
Before
23 Aug.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 63. |
1102. Memorial of John Burke, of Montreal, in the province of
Quebec, praying to be continued in the offices of coroner, clerk of
the peace, and clerk of the several courts in the city and district
of the city of Montreal, which offices ceased on 1 May 1775, by
virtue of the Act of Parliament made for the government of the
province of Quebec—Received, 23 Aug. |
23 Aug.
Ireland, pcl. 426, No. 93. |
1103. Lieut.-Genl. Irwine to Lord Rochford. |
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As to Lieut. Fortescue, of the 27th Regiment, an old officer, in
very bad health.—Dublin Castle. 1 p. |
24 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 166, No. 64, a, b. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 67. |
1104. Lords Of The Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth. |
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Enclosing a copy of a letter from Capt. Cornwallis, of H.M.S.
"Pallas," dated 9 June, at Jamaica, giving an account of his
arrival there from the coast of Africa, and of his proceedings
while on that coast.—Admiralty Office. |
|
The enclosure.—Capt. Cornwallis had visited James Fort in the
Gambia river, Sierra Leone, and all the forts down the coast as
far as Cape Coast; also Whydah, the leewardmost fort on the
coast, belonging to the Company, as a man-of-war had not been
there for 10 years. At James' Fort he was informed by the
commanding officer that the French had spirited the natives up
against the English, and that he had been obliged to take a
schooner of some force into the service to supply himself with
water. They were greatly in want of stores, &c. there. While
in the river they got the King of the country on board, and
showed him all the civility they could, with which he seemed
very well pleased. 4 pp. |
24 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 85. |
1105. Le Chevalier De Marolles De Lucé to Lord —. |
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Renewing his application for employment in the Royal Artillery in America, &c.—Paris. French. 1 p. |
24 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., v. 10, No. 86. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 66. |
1106. Major John Maxwell to John Pownall, Esq. |
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Signifying his readiness to proceed to Canada immediately,
should Lord Dartmouth procure for him the lieut.-governorship of
St. John's, or other mark of favour.—London, 1 p. |
24 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 34. Entry, Bk., 1775–7, p. 77. |
1107. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
In answer to several official and private letters. Though His
Majesty has expressed his approbation of the zeal and commendable spirit shown by those officers who have sent in their respective proposals for raising new corps of infantry, yet their
offers cannot be accepted, as the present plan is solely to augment
the regiments of infantry now on foot, without raising any new
corps. The prudent steps taken for recruiting are extremely
satisfactory to the King. |
|
With regard to Major Campbell's son being an ensign in the
55th Regiment whilst a child, if no clandestine means were used
to conceal his age, it cannot be any ways laid to the charge of the
father; but it was an improper indulgence, which must not in
future be complied with. The King never consents to give an
ensigncy here until the friends certify that the young person has
attained the age of 16. His Majesty took it for granted that the
same practice had been uniformly observed in Ireland; but as it
has not been, at least in this case, it is particularly recommended
to your Excellency to be very punctilious as to this rule in future.—St. James's A draft. 2½ pp. |
24 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 41. |
1108. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford. |
|
In view of a possible delay in the arrival of the transports,
requests His Majesty's pleasure in what manner he should guide
himself, supposing that by any untoward event the transports
should be delayed beyond the appointed time; that is, whether in
every event the regiments are to embark, or whether there is any
given day beyond which they are not to sail. The troops will be
held ready to step on board from one moment to another after
the 10th of September. As it has been generally supposed that
this embarkation is destined for Boston, and there is a season in
which the navigation to that place is exceedingly hazardous and
difficult, has thought it his duty to submit this matter for consideration.—Dublin Castle. 1½ pp. |
25 Aug.
Circular Bk., 1761–86, p. 109. Ireland, v. 454, No. 36. |
1109. Circular from Lord Rochford, enclosing a proclamation for
the suppression of rebellion and sedition. |
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Addressed to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lieut.-General
Murray (Minorca), Major-General; Boyd, (Gibraltar), the Lieut.Governor of the Jersey, and the Lieut.-Governor of Guernsey. |
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Scotland, v. 47, No. 48. Isle of Man, 1765–1817, p. 60. |
1110. Similar Circular from the Earl of Suffolk to the Duke of
Argyll, Lord Justice Clerk, and Lieut.-Governor of the Isle of
Man. |
17 and 26 Aug.
Scotland, pcl. 46, No. 171 a to 1. |
1111. Papers relative to a disused Badge which it was the
intention of the Baronets of Scotland to resume. |
|
(a.) Lord Suffolk to the Lord Advocate (17 Aug.) Enclosing a
correspondence had with a Committee of the Scotch Baronetage.
Though not a matter of importance enough to deserve much of
your Lordship's attention, or to take up any more of my time, I
will content myself with communicating the whole to you that
you may see how it has been treated and considered. A draft. |
|
(b.) The Committee of the Baronets to Lord Suffolk (Edinburgh,
15 June), announcing the resolution of the Baronets to assume the
badge. |
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(c.) Minutes of a general meeting of the Baronets of Scotland
on 14th June, with a list of those present, list of proxies, &c. |
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(d.) Extract from the Royal warrant of King Charles, I., dated
17 Nov. 1629, authorising the Baronets of Scotland to wear "an
orange taunie silk ribbon, whereon shall hang pendent in a
scutcheon argent a saltir azure, thereon an inescutcheon of the
arms of Scotland, with an imperial crown above the scutcheon,
and incircled with this motto, Fax mentis honestoe gloria." |
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(e.) Printed circular from the Lyon King-at-Arms of Scotland,
sent to the Baronets, calling their attention to this badge, &c—Dated, Lyon Office, 30 March 1775. |
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(f.) Reply (draft) from the Earl of Suffolk to the letter of the
Baronets, dated 7th July. He says:—I was not prepared to inform
His Majesty whether that privilege is understood to extend to all
Baronets of Scotland created before the Union, or only to those
actually in existence prior to the date of the grant—a question
which should be referred to H.M.'s Attorney and Solicitor General
here, and to H.M.'s Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland
before the step proposed can with any propriety be taken; and even
then, after so long a disuse, every individual claiming the distinction
should by a similar reference make out his right to the hereditary
dignity on which that claim is founded. |
|
(g.) Letter from the Committee of Baronets (1 Aug.) in reply
to the preceeding. There is a known legal constitutional check in
Scotland against the abuse of assuming the title of Baronet without right, viz., the Court of the Lord Lyon King-of-Arms. His
office is a part of the Constitution, as much as the Courts of Justice
or the Parliament itself, being founded in times beyond all history
or record, and confirmed by Acts of Parliament. He is at once a
Minister and a Judge. Although himself at present not of the profession of the law, his deputy is, and his assessors are from
among the ablest Council. It is his duty and within his power to
punish those who shall assume the title of Baronet falsely. We
flatter ourselves that your Lordship will see that a check will be
more easily attained in this constitutional way than by the mode
which has occurred to your Lordship. As to the suggested distinction between the creations before and after 1629, it was very
attentively considered by us, both in public and private. We took
every aid from lawyers, historians, and antiquarians in this
country, and we are unanimously of opinion that the badge is the
right of every one of us whose creations are antecedent to the
Union. We imagine there are few titles existing whose creations
are anterior to 1629. Some gentlemen produced at the first
meeting patents and badges belonging to them, which last were
given to them by the King himself, the dates of both of which
were several years later than the Royal warrant. We proceeded
also on the authority of Sir John Mackenzie, Lord Advocate for
Scotland, who, from his works on heraldry, appears to have been
one of the best heralds in Europe. But, above all, we attended to
the words of our patents and of the Royal warrant itself, which
are clear and explicit. There have been former meetings to revive
the use of the badge; one in 1734 in London. Nothing hindered
its use long ago but a delicacy, the effect of amiable modesty and
respectable pride, in some who thought they had not fortunes to
support such a mark of distinction,—a circumstance which is at
present entirely or almost entirely altered. Many of us are peers
or their descendants; and the distinction being such as no other
hereditary order in Europe has, we confess, in our love of it, what
some may call family pride, but what we call family virtue.
From a wish to mark our loyalty we entered in our minutes that
the badge is to be put on on the anniversary of H.M.'s accession to
the throne. On all these accounts the privilege is extremely dear
to us. Our lives and fortunes we would, without fear, trust in the
hands of the four gentlemen pointed at by your Lordship; but we
cannot submit our family honours to anybody. We will be so
frank as to own that we should not wish to have honours which
depended upon any voice except that of our Sovereign and the
laws. |
|
(h.) "Extract.—Ratification of the Order of Knight Baronets.
1630." |
|
(i.) "Extract.—Act anent the cognisance of the Knight Baronets,
and proclamation anent said cognisance. 24 December 1629." |
|
(k.) "Copy.—Act 28th Parliament, nrst of King Charles the
"First, intitled, Ratification in favour of the Viscount of Sterling,
&c." |
|
(l.) Henry Dundas, Lord Advocate, to Lord [Suffolk]. (Melville,
26 Aug.)—Although some of the Baronets, it is by no means the
sentiments of the whole, do not chuse the mode of investigation
which your Lordship chalked out to them, such an investigation
can at any time be made without their aid and concurrence, but
it would be one of time and labour. 25 pp. or parts of pp., and
one of print. |
26 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 165, No. 33. |
1112. Php. Stephens to Wm. Eden, Esq. |
|
In answer to Lord Suffolk's letter of the 19th inst. as to the
bad consequences likely to arise from the sailors of Glasgow being
in want of employment. Lieut. Costobadie is ordered to proceed
forthwith to Glasgow, to enter seamen for H.M.'s service, and
another lieutenant will be sent to Leith for the like purpose.—Admiralty Office. 1½ pp. |
26 Aug.
Admiralty, v. 166, No. 68 a to n. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 72. |
1113. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth. |
|
Enclosing copies of letters and papers from Vice-Adml. Graves;
also as to transmission home of despatches from Governors in
America—Admiralty Office. |
|
The enclosures. |
|
(b.) Adml. Graves to Mr. Stephens, Boston, 16 July.—Proceedings of various vessels of his squadron detailed. The "Margueritta,"
hired sloop, attacked and taken by the rebels, except that she
had no carriage guns, was well appointed, and was manned with
twenty of the best men in the "Preston," and commanded by a
very good midshipman. The Assembly at Rhode Island have
voted 500 men more for the rebellion, struck off 10,000l. additional money, and ordered Fort Island to be taken possession of.
The latter will be prevented, if possible. It is said that seven
sail of sloops are at Providence, from 14 to 8 guns, well manned;
that they have nearly finished two large row-boats for 24 oars
and two prow guns each. Capt. Vandeput mentions the arrival
of Governor Tryon; that the Mayor and Corporation of New
York intended to have paid him the usual compliments on his
arrival, and had delivered to him the copy of an address, which
was to have been presented the 7th inst., but they were prevented
by an order from the Provincial Congress to the contrary; that
1,800 Connecticut men have been encamped several days within a
mile and a half from the town, and send parties at times into
town, and beat up for volunteers in the name of the Continental
Congress; that Governor Tryon has just as little to do as the
Lieut.-Governor had, and that it is thought he will not act at all
while things are on the present footing. There are many who
wish to keep the peace in New York on account of their property.
Several of those have got into Committees and the Provincial
Congress; through whose influence perhaps it is that, as yet, the
King's ships have met with no difficulty in getting the provisions
required. I transmit an extract from one of Capt. Vandeput's
letters, merely to show what dependence there is upon the professions of these people, and the deceit and cunning with which
they manage their affairs. Capt. Parry, of the "Cruiser" at North
Carolina, acquaints me that the people in that province are very
violent; that it had been proposed in a Committee to man a
number of vessels and attack the "Cruiser"; that he does not expect
to get any more provisions there; the last vessel which supplied
him would have been unloaded if she had stayed till the morning.
Governor Martin, in a letter dated North Carolina, New Bern,
27 May, represents himself to be, with a few friends of Government, totally helpless and destitute of protection. |
|
Also as to the mischief arising from the sending home of sloops
with despatches without the knowledge of the Commander-inChief, as had been done by Capt. Montagu at the request of
Lord Dunmore. |
|
(c.) Inventory of ordnance and sundry military stores shipped
from Fort William and Mary, on board the "Resolution" transport,
for Boston. |
|
(d.) Governor Wentworth to Adml. Graves. (Fort William and
Mary, 29 June.)—The people of New Hampshire are, unhappily,
adopting the measures recommended by the General Congress;
and it is to be feared it will be some time before they come to be
right again. I do not, indeed, expect it until the public tranquillity
be restored in the Massachusetts Government. Also as to the
dismantling of the fort, &c. |
|
(e.) Extract from the New England Chronicle or the Essex
Guzette, No. 361, dated Watertown, 29 June 1775, containing an
account of the capture of the tender ["Marguerette"], the "captain"
of which was mortally wounded, and died next day. Among the
killed was also Mr. Robert A very, of Norwich, in Connecticut, who
was on board the tender, a prisoner. |
|
(f.) Capt. Jas. Wallace to Vice-Adml. Graves. (Rhode Island,
30 June.)—Reported that they have thirty whale-boats and seven
sloops ready to come upon us at a convenient opportunity. However, this town appears to be divided. Many are jealous of the
Providence people, and I am promised an association acknowledging their allegiance and binding themselves to support the
King's government. Whether they are serious, time will discover.
(Twas first agitated at a turtle feast.) If it happens, it will make
dissensions among them, and very little additional force would
secure this port to the King; whereas if the dregs of the rebel
army come down among us, it will be much more difficult. The
Continental Congress have appointed four rebel generals, viz.
Col. Washington, of Virginia, Captain General, &c. Washington
is now at York, on his way to Boston. A party is set off from
Connecticut to take prisoner Sir Jno. Johnson. While I am
writing, a copy of the Association is sent, and I am told 'twill be
augmented to more than 300, all principal men. The design of it,
they assure me, is to assist H.M.'s government without equivocation. Hope it will be so. Those who formerly signed are to be
depended upon. |
|
(g.) "Association of Tories," referred to in the preceding, with
seventy-four signatures. |
|
(h.) Extract from a letter from Capt. Vandeput, of H.M.S. "Asia."
(New York, 25 June 1775.)—Account of the restoration of certain
stores taken from Turtle Bay, (the Provincial Congress having
highly disapproved of the robbery), and their subsequent removal
by a sloop from Stamford in Connecticut, "so the people of the
town pretend not to have been at all accessory to this affair." |
|
(i.) Capt. Collet to Capt. Parry, of H.M.'s sloop "Cruiser," dated
at Fort Johnson in North Carolina, 20 May, relative to the danger
the fort was exposed to from a body of militia in the province.
Any quantity of powder you can spare me will be received most
thankfully, for I have not to load again after the first firing. |
|
(k.) Lord Dunmore to Adml. Graves. ("Fowey," in York river,
17 June.)—After having seen the greatest part of the Colony in
arms, and suffered continual insults, accompanied by threats of the
utmost violence against my person, upon so slight a pretence as
my having removed gunpowder afforded them, and finding that
the meeting of the Assembly called together for the purpose of
considering the plan of reconciliation held out by the Parliament
has served only to increase the tumults and disorders of the
country, I have thought it most conducive to the good of H.M.'s
service to fix my residence on board the "Fowey." My intention
is to remain in this situation until I receive instructions from His
Majesty; for the procuring of which, and the conveying of the most
speedy intelligence of these transactions to His Majesty, I have
applied to Capt. Montagu to despatch the "Magdalene" to England,
in conformity to which she is to sail immediately. I am still in
hopes that you will augment the sea force in this part of America
as much as possible, as the keeping of these considerable countries
lying upon the great rivers emptying into Chesapeak Bay in awe
cannot but contribute much to the success of the general plan for
enforcing the authority of Government in the Colonies. |
|
(l.) Lord Dunmore's application to Capt. Montagu for the
despatch of the "Magdalen" to England. |
|
(m.) Capt. George Montagu to Vice-Adml. Graves. ("Fowey,"
York, 17 June.) |
|
(n.) Adml. Graves to Mr. Stephens (Boston, 18 July), giving an
account of ships purchased and fitted out for H.M.'s service. 34 pp.
or parts of pp. |
27 Aug.
Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1775–6, p. 82. |
1114. Earl Of Loudoun to Lord Dartmouth. |
|
Asking for a passport for a ship laden with goods for the army
at Boston.—Loudoun. |
29 Aug.
Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 240. |
1115. J. Pownall to Philips Stephens, Esq. |
|
As to a vessel detained in the Downs, having about five casks of
gunpowder on board. If there is no clearance from the Customhouse in consequence of a license from the Privy Council or the
Board of Ordnance for the exportation of the gunpowder, the
vessel is certainly subject to detention and seizure, but if there
exists any such license there seems no pretence for detaining her.—Whitehall. |
30 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 51 a, b, c. Mil. Entry Bk., v. 28, 1763–82, pp. 313–15. |
1116. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord
Rochford |
|
Relative to the request of Capt. Skene, of the 28th Regiment, for
leave to sell out. Encloses his letter and a medical certificate. Is
aware that even the very strong and compassionate circumstances
of this gentleman's situation scarcely warrant him at the present
moment in recommending Capt. Skene, as he otherwise should, for
leave to retire.—Dublin Castle. |
|
The medical certificate of Dr. William Cullen and Dr. John
Hope, of Edinburgh, and Capt. Skene's letter. The doctors
declare "on their soul and conscience" that he was not in a condition to attend his duty in the regiment. 4 pp. |
31 Aug.
Adam. Entry Bk., 1766–84, p. 151. |
1117. Sir Stanier Porten to Mr. Stephens. |
|
Enclosing an extract from a letter from Consul Logie, together
with a copy of one that Consul has written to the Emperor of
Morocco, on occasion of some shot having been fired on H.M.'s
sloop "Zephyr," on entering the Bay of Tangier.—St. James's. |
31 Aug.
Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 88, No. 18. |
1118. — to the Lord Justice Clerk. |
|
Assuring him that his constant zeal and attention in making
every necessary and useful communication meets with His
Majesty's most gracious approbation, and acquainting him with
arrangements for engaging seamen at Glasgow and Leith. Is
sorry to find the spirit of emigration still prevails to so great a
degree; wishes any method could be immediately hit upon to
prevent it. It is an affair that shall be considered.—St. James's. |
|
A draft. 1¼ pp. |
31 Aug.
Ireland, v. 454, No. 44. |
1119. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. |
|
Relative to the successions recommended, and in answer to the
question about the sailing of the regiments, in letter of the 24th
inst. They are to embark in any case.—St. James's. A draft. 3 pp. |
