George III: March 1774 | British History Online

Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1773-5. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

'George III: March 1774', in Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1773-5, (London, 1899) pp. 187-199. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/home-office-geo3/1773-5/pp187-199 [accessed 19 April 2024]

March 1774



2 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. II, p. 64.	526. J. Pownall to Deputy Governor Penn.
	Enclosing a memorandum given by Mr. Scot, a worthy and opulent gentleman in Gloucestershire (whose name is mentioned in it), in the hope that some discovery may be made of the inhuman monster who, having instigated others to murder a very worthy man, fled from punishment. Such inquiry to be made after William Williams as may be most likely to discover him if resident in Philadelphia.—Whitehall.
	Memorandum of the enclosure.—Copy of a description of William Williams, late of Llandovery, mercer, suspected of employing several persons to murder William Powell, Esq., in his house at Glanarth, Carmarthenshire, about January 1770, which suspicion was confirmed by two or three persons at their execution.
2 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 40 a, b.	527. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	Enclosing a letter from the Commissioners of H.M.'s revenue in Ireland, stating that a like cargo with that mentioned in his Excellency's letter of 27 Jan. had been cleared out at Cork for Gibraltar, but that it was not destined for that port, and was supposed to be for the use of some foreign power.—Dublin Castle. "Private."
	The enclosure. 1½pp.
3 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 14, No. 28, a to e. Let. Bk., Sec.'s 1771–5, p. 188.	528. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth.
	Sending a copy of a letter from Capt. Collingwood, commander of H.M.S. "Rainbow," giving an account of his proceedings on the coast of Africa, with copies of the papers enclosed therein.—Admiralty Office.
	The enclosures.—Capt. Collingwood's letter is dated 29 Jan. 1774. He lay a fortnight in Senegal Road before he could send a boat over the bar with the packet he had for Governor O'Hara, and his own letter to him; and the boat was 12 days in the river, from the bar being so bad, before she could return. He details the steps taken by him to prevent the French making any settlement at Arguin or Portenderic. Governor O'Hara stated that the reports of the French having already formed settlements at Arguin and Portenderic were without the least foundation; but some French vessels, under the direction of an Abbé Du Manet, had purchased some gum the year before at the latter place, and their success then might induce them to make a second attempt there for the purchase of gum, or even to form a settlement; and to guard against these contingencies he requested Capt. Collingwood's assistance, who thereupon made the arrangements referred to. 12¼pp.
3 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 41.	529. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	In regard to certain successions in the army in Ireland which were directed by the King not to be delivered out until his Excellency was certain that no more than the regulated price was to be paid, explaining that all these successions were specified in the memorials recommending them to be at the regulated price, and how the mention of this fact was omitted in his Excellency's official letter.—Dublin Castle. Received the 9th. 1½pp.
5 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 39. Entry Bk., 1770–5, p. 245.	530. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
	Directing him to refer the petition, &c. of Andrew Thomas Stewart Moore, Esq., claiming the barony of Castle Stewart, to the House of Peers in Ireland.—St. James's. A draft. 1½pp.
6 March.	531. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	Letters of this date:—
Ireland, v. 448, No. 43.	(1.) Holograph, marked "Private." When the amended Tontine Bill was in its progress through the House, it was constantly contended that it was a Bill of Supply. This view of the case Administration constantly resisted, maintaining that it was a Bill of Regulation only, and were supported by the general sense of the House, as established by large majorities on several divisions wherein the point was in effect implied. It was with much surprise, therefore, that the Speaker was heard to declare from the chair last Wednesday, after the Bill had been passed in form in the House of Commons, that he should expect to have it returned from the House of Lords as a Bill of Supply, for which His Majesty was to return his thanks. This was done in a very thin house, immediately on his taking the chair, and in the absence of my Secretary, and nothing further was said upon it. But it appeared to me to be a matter of such importance that I next day convened a meeting of the confidential servants, to which the Speaker among the rest was summoned, but from attending which he excused himself to my Secretary, as his conduct was to be the subject of discussion, declaring at the same time a firmness in his opinion, uttering some regret for having delivered it so precipitately, but that he was open to conviction if arguments to convince could be adduced.
	The meeting of confidential servants was unanimously of opinion that the amended Bill was a Bill of Regulation only, and to be considered an ordinary Bill. In the House of Lords, however, the Duke of Leinster, the Lords Charlemont, Bangor, Irnham, Mountmorris, Meath, and Wandesford affected, amongst other arguments against the Bill, to put the former construction upon it, and the House divided 32 to 6, and yesterday the usual message was sent from the Lords to the Commons that they had agreed to the bill without any amendment. Thereupon a debate ensued, lasting till past 10 at night, upon the declaration which the Speaker had before made from the chair. When the debate was supposed to be over, the Speaker stood up, and asked whether any gentleman had anything further to say upon the subject; and there being a general silence he said that he perservered in the declaration he had made from the chair that he could not consider the Bill anything except a Bill of Supply, for that it had been allowed on all hands that without this amended Bill the former could not receive effect. He was, however, cautious enough to say that he did not deliver this as a point of order or privilege, although they were both materially involved in it, but as the opinion of a man who valued beyond his life the rectitude of his conduct and the privileges of the House. He owned he might be even prejudiced in the cause, he revered their privileges so much; but, upon the most solemn deliberation, that was the result of his mind. And then, after answering and endeavouring to refuse some of the arguments urged on the other side, he concluded with a most pathetic exhortation to the House to support their privileges and their rights, and to deliver them down to their posterity, pure and inviolate. Although this Bill had gone through the Lords as an ordinary Bill, and they had been probably led to consider it as such on account of its not having been treated as a Money Bill in the House of Commons, and although the Speaker had not at any time during the course of the proceedings declared any opinion in contravention of them, yet his harangue from the chair made such an impression upon the House (which has always been ready to fire in matters of privilege, to which their attention had been industriously misled,) that appearances were strong against us, and when the Speaker had finished his discourse our friends hung their heads.
	My Secretary then arose. There was a good deal of murmuring for some minutes, the House seeming disinclined to hear any answer to their Speaker. However, Col. Blaquiere, seeing the necessity of stepping forth on this very critical occasion when the very existence of Government was at stake, and which became the more necessary as it had unwarily fallen from one of our friends that Adminstration was not concerned in the question, persisted and succeeded so well in his speech that, contrary to the expectations of gentlemen, we carried the question against the Speaker's declaration, and divided the House 100 to 63.
	Your Lordship will more easily conceive than I can express the confusion and embarrassment which would have ensued to H.M.'s affairs in this kingdom if this most important question had not been thus defeated, and, as it is universally acknowledged, by the uncommon presence of mind and abilities which my Secretary exerted on that most trying occasion. 10 pp.
Ibid., No. 44 a, b.	(2.) Marked "Private." Explaining the grounds upon which two clauses in the Revenue Bill, affecting His Majesty's hereditary revenue, have been adopted; viz., (1) taking off the duty from juniper berries, &c., or oil extracted therefrom, imported into Ireland, in order to encourage the importation and induce the distillers to set up a distillery of Geneva; and (2) that returning the duty on crude brimstone or saltpetre when used for extracting from it oil of vitriol or aquafortis for the use of the linen manufacture, making a loss to the Crown of about 200l. a year, and no more. Also as to the propriety of the Bill for more effectual proceeding against persons standing mute on their arraignment.
	As to the Habeas Corpus Bill, the enclosed copy of a paper prepared some years since by Mr. Justice Robinson, one of the ablest Judges in Ireland, contains the most powerful objections to such an innovation, and no reasons have been now offered inducing the belief that the Bill in question is entitled to be considered in a different light from those formerly rejected.
	The utmost care and attention have been used, not only in the original framing of the Revenue Bill, but also in examining, comparing, and correcting it from all mistakes. It was very warmly opposed in every stage of its progress through the House of Commons, and will undergo the severest scrutiny, and receive every opposition that can be given to it, on its return from England. Give me leave, therefore, to express my most earnest wishes that, if possible, it may be returned unaltered, or at least that the alterations may not be material; for, in the present disposition and temper of the House, anything essential will raise such a flame, and be received with so much ill-humour, as will probably occasion the loss of the Bill.
	The paper enclosed, dated 7 March 1774. 8½pp.
Ibid., No. 45 a to f.	(3.) Marked "Private."— When the reconsideration of the Absentee Tax was in agitation here, the Duke of Leinster, who was very uneasy lest Government should take a strong part in support of it, came to me at the Castle, and delivered the enclosed paper, declaring at the same time that he was disposed to support my Administration in everything that did not tend to the prejudice of this country. I replied that as the Absentee Tax had been rejected by the House of Commons when Government stood neutral, I certainly should be far from giving it any support when the ground was so much changed, without express permission from His Majesty or his ministers. And that, with respect to the measures of my Administration, I could most positively assure him that it should be my constant study and endeavour to serve this country; that no circumstance whatever should induce me to propose or countenance any matters that might be injurious to it; and that I wished for his Grace's support no longer than my public conduct should entitle me to it. And thus this conference ended with mutual professions of regard and esteem. I very soon found, however, that his Grace's declaration made very little alteration in the conduct of his friends, who, although they did not so constantly attend as usual, yet, whenever they did, were as much in opposition as ever; and I will confess that this seeming duplicity, if I could have prevailed upon myself to admit his Grace to any share of my confidence, would have been sufficient to discourage me from it. However, I neglected no opportunity of showing him every other mark of my attention, and my behaviour to his friends indicated no kind of resentment, though I thought myself ill-treated by them. But, notwithstanding all this, his Grace's opposition to every important measure increased; his friends were violent upon the Revenue Bill and on the 28th of this month he surprised me with the enclosed letter, marked No. 1, to which I immediately returned the enclosed answer No. 2, and the day following I received from his Grace the enclosed, No. 3.
	From Col. Blaquiere, of whom frequent mention is made in these letters, when asked to explain what could possibly have offended his Grace, I not only received the most entire and perfect satisfaction, but many persons of the first distinction in the House of Commons, and others who attended the debate on the Revenue Bill on the day alluded to in the letter, have assured me that Mr. Hussey, having dropped something which indirectly implied disapprobation of the Colonel's proceedings, and being immediately called upon to explain it, did that day in the House declare that he entirely acquitted the Colonel, and never meant to charge him with any engagement or inconsistency repecting the amendment which his Grace is pleased to fix on Mr. Blaquiere. Mr. Scott, counsel to the Revenue Board, of whose zeal and eminent abilities I cannot say too much, and who, having had the principal hand in framing the Bill, and been chairman of the Committee during its progress, interested himself in a particular manner in every circumstance that passed, having been told of the Duke's assertion about Mr. Blaquiere, has sent me the enclosed letter, No. 4, giving a fair account of what did pass. His Grace's declaration of hostilities is no secret, but I have not found that the manner in which he has proceeded has gained him any credit, or is likely to do my Administration any harm.—Dublin Castle.
	The enclosures, five in number. The Duke wrote to Lord Harcourt, "I mean to give as strong opposition as in my power to the Tontine Bill. Now, my Lord, I must beg leave to mention to your L^dp that after the treatment I met with from your Lp's Secretary (Col. Blaquiere), I must declare that I do not mean to have any political intercourse at the Castle during your Lp's administration, but as L^d Harcourt shall pay your L^p every compliment due to your L^p's private situation and character." The Lord Lieut. replied that both he and Col. Blaquiere were at a loss to form the least guess as to the cause of his complaint: whereupon the Duke wrote to explain himself more fully, thinking that his declaration to Lord Harcourt had been misunderstood and himself ill-used in consequence. He says, When I waited on your Excellency it was from motives of personal regard and respect for your L^p, as representative of Majesty, and with a wish to support the dignity of the Crown, consistent with the public welfare. Col. Blaquiere has a copy of my words, to which I beg leave to refer. Those that were not in writing were few: your L^p may please to recollect them; they were as follows: I do not expect to be ruler or adviser; tho' my rank in life does not prohibit me from either, I might say entitles me, yet my age forbids me claiming that right at present. I shall, however, expect to be informed of intended measures. This attention I expected, tho' it did not please your Excellency to grant it me. Of this neglect I have a right to complain, as it has reduced me to the disagreeable necessity of opposing your Excellency's measures without giving you previous notice of my intentions, which otherwise I should have thought myself bound to do. The Tontine Bill was one instance of this. But as to the Revenue Bill, I apprehend your Excellency will join me in thinking I was still worse used, for I had not only no previous intimation given me, but when my friends undertook a mediating part Col. Blaquiere, as ostensible Minister of the House of Commons, told me, in the presence of some other gentlemen that Mr. Hussey's amendment was adopted, and would be received. In consequence of which declaration being echoed thro' the House, several members retired with me in confidence, when to my great surprise I learnt next day that Mr. Hussey's motion had been opposed by your L^p's secretary and friends; that Mr. Hussey could not even prevail so far as to have the matter deferred a day for a fuller house. You know, my Lord, I neither asked or expected any favours, and was ready even to injure myself in some degree to support your Exc^y's administration; yet, notwithstanding this, I have not been treated as an independant but as an humble dependant on the Crown. Such conduct I considered a breach of our contract, and therefore wrote to your Exc^y. As to the Stamp Act, when in the House of Commons I had pledged myself to the public to oppose it, and was therefore bound in honour to act as I did. I still even then avoided any personal disrespect to your L^p, and perhaps ought to have communicated to your Excellencies (sic) my intention on that head (as I acknowledge no other Minister), but as the measure was in agitation previous to my declaration I did not think it necessary."
	Mr. Scott in his letter enters into a detailed account of what passed in the House of Commons, entirely exculpating Col. Blaquiere, and says that if any part of the success of Lord Harcourt's Administration had arisen from the fidelity and abilities of the person supposed to be most in his confidence, that would sufficiently account for the Duke's displeasure against him.
	In the declaration referred to, the Duke of Leinster says he was disposed to give Lord Harcourt every support consistent with the real interest of Ireland, in order that Administration might not again be obliged to combat indiscriminate opposition by loading the country with new expences in order to enable them to carry on the ordinary and most necessary business of Government. The principal measures that he disapproved of having been already decided on, he promised if they were not again to be drawn into controversy, and there was no new occasion for a difference in opinion, to give his support against any party attack; keeping himself free, however, to oppose any measure that he could not reconcile to his opinion. 20 pp. or parts of pp.
	All received, 15th, by an Irish messenger.
7 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 15, No. 2. Let. Bk., Sec's, 1771–5, p. 188.	532. Grey Cooper to Tho. Pownall, Esq.
	Enclosing copies of a letter from Mr. Mather, acting as Secretary to the Commissioners of His Majesty's Customs in America, dated Boston, 7 Dec. 1773, and of a memorial from the said Commissioners, dated Boston, 4 Jan. 1774, with several enclosures relative to the late tumult and disturbances in the town and port of Boston.—Treasury Chambers. 1 p.
8 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 15, No. 52 a, b. Lett. Bk., Sec's, 1771–75, p. 193.	533. Anth. Todd, Secretary, to Wm. Knox, Esq.
	Sending a copy of a letter from the Deputy Postmaster General of North America, in answer to Lord William Campbell's complaint against the Post Offices between New York and Halifax. from which it appears the detention complained of was not owing to any neglect at those offices.—General Post Office.
	The enclosed letters had to be sent from Boston to Halifax by men-of-war, as the surest way of conveyance. Delay could never be remedied unless a sloop from the fleet were now and then to run down with Government despatches, "for it surely would never answer for the Post Office to pay 5 or 600l. a year for a boat to carry letters, the whole amount of which would be about 30l. per annum." 4 pp.
9 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 48 a, b, c.	534. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to Lord Rochford.
	Enclosing addresses of congratulation from the Houses of Lords and Commons in Ireland on the safe delivery of the Queen and the birth of a prince.—Dublin Castle.
	The enclosures. Received 17th. 3 pp.
10 March. Dom. Entry Bk., v. 25, p. 399.	535. Earl of Rochford to the Attorney and Solicitor General.
	Making a second application for the Bill for a charter or letters patent for erecting and establishing a Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Bengal, which they were directed to prepare by warrant of 14th of last month, as it becomes necessary that it should be carried into immediate execution.—St. James's.
10 March. Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–5, p. 246.	536. Sir Stanier Porten to Mr. Secretary Blaquiere.
	Enclosing the original report of the Attorney and Solicitor General in Ireland in 1769, on the case of Thomas Andrew Stewart Moore, Esq., to be added to the other papers on the subject.—St. James's.
15 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 15, No. 43 a to e. Lett Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 194.	537. Chairman, &c. of the East India Company to Lord Dartmouth.
	Transmitting copies of further advices respecting the exportation of teas to America.—East India House.
	The enclosures; viz., letter dated Castle William, 28 Jan. 1774, from the Company's Agents to the Directors, with the protests of the masters, &c., respecting the destruction of the several parcels of teas shipped on board their vessels forwarded by them. Mr. Jonathan Clarke was about to embark for London, and would furnish a particular account of their conduct, &c. 12 pp. or parts.
15 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 56.	538. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	Upon a matter of so much importance as the resolution that passed yesterday in the House of Commons for limiting the expenses of the carriage of corn, I have thought proper to despatch my private Secretary, Mr. Lees, to acquaint you with every particular circumstance attending the accomplishment of this most arduous undertaking. Knowing His Majesty's wishes on this subject, I have never lost sight of it; but with much concern, though without surprise, I found I had to encounter the prejudices of the greatest part of the nation. Any attempt to repeal the law would have been wild and impracticable, and I am confident would not have been supported by ten members of the House. Another mode, therefore, indirect but secure, became necessary; and this, I believe, has been accomplished in a very superlative manner. After six weeks' constant consideration, I found that with a public and parliamentary discussion there would have been no possibility of success. It became necessary, therefore, to confer with almost every gentleman in the House; and for these several weeks past I have been, by myself, my Secretary, or my particular friends, constantly employed in this great work, which, beyond my most sanguine expectations and to my great surprise, I have had the happiness to see accomplished in the manner I wished, the only one practicable without a division in the House. It is true the idea of obtaining the Export Bill which Mr. Lees carries along with him had exceedingly softened the disposition of gentlemen. This is a favourite measure, and the most grateful that can be done to this kingdom. I find it was argued in the House that it would be wise and advisable to make some sacrifice to the shrine of English Government to induce them to acquiesce in this measure. And although my Secretary rose in the House and said the resolution could not be accepted conditionally, nor as any part of a bargain, and that he would not pledge himself for the success of the measure, though he wished he could, and engaged no further than for my best offices,—a peremptory declaration very plainly understood by the House,—yet I doubt whether this great object had been obtained, certainly not without raising a great flame, unless upon an expectation of the return of this Bill. Nothing can be so grateful to me, after having been the instrument of obtaining so much from this people, as to be able to make them some return. For, notwithstanding the mode in which business has been conducted, gentlemen very well know how much they have strained the means of this country to satisfy His Majesty of their loyalty and attachment, and I am fearful they would not think themselves kindly treated without some return, and I hope we do not ask impossibilities. The advantage of 1/10 per quarter in the bounty and 12/- in the price of the corn will still remain with the English factor, which will give him so much preference in every foreign market. This Bill is limited to five years; the resolution lasts for ever, for so it was universally acknowledged in the House; and as the Bill therefore is more of an experiment than anything else, I should hope your Lordship would not find any very great difficulty in giving effect to those good wishes which you have so warmly expressed towards this country.—Dublin Castle. "Private." Received, 24th, at night, by Mr. Lees. 6 pp.
16 March Dom. Geo. III., v. 15, No. 3.	539. Lord North to Mr. Pownall.
	Asks him to send immediately to Mr. Cooper in Parliament Street the two clauses, marked A. and B., which his Lordship, though he has had them, cannot find at present in his possession.—Downing Street.
17 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 15, No. 53. Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 148 b.	540. Earl of Dartmouth to the Honourable Daines Barrington, Esq.
	As to the method of transmitting to the King of Spain the present of the collection of natural productions of H.M.'s Colonies in N. America, made by the Royal Society in consequence of Prince Masserano's proposal.—St. James's Square. A draft. 1½pp.
18 March. Criml. Papers, v. 14, 1770–5, p. 807.	541. Wm. Eden to Mr. Serjeant Sayer.
	In answer to his letter to Lord Suffolk, relative to a convict named Wm. Marsh.—St. James's.
16–18 Mar. Ireland, pcl. 246, Nos. 58, 59, 60, 61.	542. Ireland. Parliament.
	Four lists of Irish Bills, with remarks upon them. 20 pp.
18 March. Dom. Geo. III, pcl. 87, No. 4.	543. Lord Percy to Lord —.
	In consequence of the repeated solicitations of many housekeepers of Westminster, sends the enclosed petition and papers relating to some debts of Mons. Imberti. Has already told them he is apprehensive his Lordship can be of no use to them in this affair, but they will not be satisfied without his troubling him with them.—Northumberland House. 1 p.
	No enclosure.
18 March. Ireland, v. 448. No. 49, a, b, c. Entry Bk., 1770–5, p. 248. King's Let. Bk., Ireland, 1765–76, p. 302.	544. Lord Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
	Transmitting H.M.'s answers to the addresses from the two Irish Houses of Parliament on the birth of a prince.—St. James's.
	The enclosures. Drafts. 3 pp.
18 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 55.	545. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	Relative to a Bill this day sealed in Council, to be delivered by Mr. Lees, his Excellency's Private Secretary, for further encouragement of tillage, and granting particular bounties upon the exportation of different kinds of grain. Explains in what it differs from the Act of the 29th of his late Majesty, and compares it with the English Act, showing the superiority left to the English farmer. Earnestly recommends it to his Lordship's protection and support, being a Bill of great expectation, and, in the general opinion, one likely to encourage tillage and promote industry in Ireland.—Dublin Castle.
	Received, 24th, at night, by Mr. Lees. 3½pp.
19 March. Dom. Entry Bk., "Dom. despatched," 1771–6, p. 149.	546. J. Pownall to Edward Stanley, Esq.
	Asking the Commissioners of Customs to furnish Lord Dartmouth with, (1.) An account of cotton imported into England from Jamaica between 1763 and 1766, and between 1768 and 1770; and (2.) An account of British and foreign linen exported from England to Jamaica during the same periods.—Whitehall.
19 March. Ireland, v. 448, No. 57 a, b.	547. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	Transmitting an address of congratulation to the King on the birth of a prince, from the city of Dublin.—Dublin Castle.
	The address. 1 p. and 1 memb.
21 March. Crimal. Papers, v. 14, 1770–5, p. 306.	548. Earl of Suffolk to Mr. Justice Nares and Mr. Baron Eyre.
	Signifying H.M.'s approval of their resolution to adjourn the assizes from Monmouth to Chepstow on account of the pestilential fever prevailing in the former town.—St. James's.
21. March. Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 366.	549. The Same to the Mayor of Monmouth.
	Directing him to transmit immediately a circumstantial account of the pestilential fever raging in the gaol at Monmouth, and other accounts from time to time.—St. James's.
22 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 15, No. 44 a, b. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 195.	550. P. Michell, Secretary, to John Pownall, Esq.
	Transmitting a memorial [from the Court of Directors of the East India Company, praying an indemnity for the cost of freight of tea sent out to Philadelphia which the captain was compelled to bring back, &c.]—East India House.
	The memorial. 3 pp.
23 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 15. No. 45 a, b. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 194.	551. Chairman of the East India Company to the Earl of Dartmouth.
	Offering, for his information, the accompanying account relative to the teas exported to America.—East India House.
	The account. 1½pp.
24 March.	552. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Harcourt) to Lord Rochford.
	Letters of this date:—
Ireland, v. 448, No. 62	(1.) Marked "Private." Relative to a Bill for the purchase of a new site for the custom-house of Dublin, and the opposition thereto from the Lord Mayor and city of Dublin, &c. 4 pp.
Ibid., No. 63.	(2.) Holograph, marked "Private." As to one of the Bills transmitted, viz., that for the better preservation of the salmon fishery. It may appear surprising that Administration should in anywise be interested in this Bill; but it was brought in by some of the most respectable and independent persons in the kingdom,—gentlemen to whom, upon some of the most important points of Government, I owe the highest obligation, who have given occasional though not constant support to the measures of Government, and who have never opposed them with the mere view of obstructing. I was glad, therefore, to seize an opportunity of furthering their wishes in a matter so obviously for the general benefit. My Secretary accordingly took a warm and active part in the House in regard to the particular clause upon which has been grounded such an opposition to my wishes in the Privy Council as bears no example except in the Loughswilly business, and it was eventually agreed to in a very full house without a division. In the Privy Council, after two days of the most patient and serious discussion and examination of witnesses, every nerve being strained to damn it by those who have so often tried every means to defeat so many measures of H.M.'s Government, and the concerns of those who are interested in this business having been so misrepresented, and their pretended losses exaggerated, with a view to obstruct this measure and prejudice me, and when after two day's painful debate I have had the good fortune to carry this point though by one casting vote only, I hope I may rely on your Lordship and the rest of H.M.'s servants for support in a measure which is magnified in its importance by the wanton opposition given to it. Indemnity might readily be given should any damage be sustained. 5 pp.
	Received, 31st, by an Irish messenger.
26 March. Irel. Entry Bk., 1770–5, p. 249.	553. Earl of Rochford to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
	Acquainting him with the gracious reception given by the King to the address from the city of Dublin.
28 March. Dom. Geo. III., v. 14, No. 29. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 197.	554. Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth.
	Desiring some further instructions for the transports carrying the regiments to N. America.—Admiralty Office. 1 p.
29 March. Dom. Entry Bk., v. 24, p. 366.	555. Earl of Suffolk to the President and Council of the Royal Society.
	There are now in the hands of Mr. Richardson, printer, 500 copies of the astronomical observations made by the Rev. Nevil Maskelyne at the Greenwich Observatory in the years 1765–69, the expenses of which impression have been defrayed by H.M.'s Board of Ordnance. Signifies H.M.'s pleasure that after having made such presents of copies as they shall think proper, they deliver all the remaining copies to Mr. Maskelyne in consideration of his care and pains in supervising the said observations.—St. James's.
30 March. Dom. Geo. III., pcl. 83, No. 36 a, b.	556. Anth. Todd, Foreign Secretary, to Lord Rochford.
	Enclosing a copy in Mr. Boeltzing, the Hanoverian decypherer's, own handwriting, of a paper on his behalf delivered this morning to Lord North. In a little more time he hopes to add the discovery of the Russian French cypher to the other two he lately found out in the Russian language, and then he may be at liberty to attempt the two Sardinian new cyphers, the Austrian, &c. He asks for a regular establishment, to commence from 5 Jan. 1772, having had no subsistence since that period, which has obliged me to advance him 600l. out of my own pocket at different times. He hopes his salary will not be less than 500l. a year; and, indeed, he merits the utmost attention and encouragement, especially as there is no other person at present for the discovery of cyphers except Mr. Edward Willes.—General Foreign Post Office. "Most secret."
	The enclosure. (French). 4 pp.
30 March. Let. Bk., Sec.'s, 1771–5, p. 195.	557. Baron Alvesleben to Lord [Dartmouth].
	Enclosing a letter from the Margrave of Anspach to the King, and other papers relative to the claim of one Berenger de Beaufain to some property in Charlestown, Carolina.—London.
	A list of the enclosures.