Add MS 61424

Vol. CCCXXIV (ff. 121). Narratives by the Duchess and Arthur Maynwaring, concerning her conduct in financial matters; 1711-1712, with a few later additions. As follows: — (1) Open letter and notes by the Duchess relating to her method of keeping the Privy Purse and Robes accounts, and her policy of not selling titles and Court appointments; 1711. Autograph and copy. Followed (ff. 19-24b) by a copy of a letter from Robert Harley, 8 Aug. 1706, and two copies of the enclosed list of disbursements by Masters of the Robes from 1660 to 1706. ff. 1-26.

(2) Instructions from the Duchess to Maynwaring for compiling a vindication for publication; 1712. Autograph. ff. 27-37.

(3) Two narratives by the Duchess, expanding (1) above; 1712. Partly autograph. The first narrative is followed by abstracts of expenditure on the Robes for Queen Anne before her marriage, 1682, 1683 (ff. 46-49b), and for Mary II, 1689-1691 (ff. 50-55b). ff. 38-63b.

(4) Vindication of the Duchess, based on (2) above, with emendations from (3), compiled by Maynwaring in her name; 1712. Autograph draft. Followed (ff. 83-84) by calculations for Maynwaring's use by Rachel Thomas, Yeoman of the Robes, and (ff. 86-87b) by corrections to the text apparently by Samuel Clarke, D.D., Rector of St James's, Piccadilly (see the Duchess's note, f. 87b). ff. 64-87b.

(5) A slightly altered version by Maynwaring of (4) above; 1712. Autograph fair copy, with a note (f. 100) by the Duchess in the hand of her steward, Loft, explaining why it had not been published as intended. Another copy by Loft is at Egerton MS. 2543, ff. 365-371. ff. 88-102.

(6) A slightly altered version of (5) above, transposed into the third person and entitled 'A second letter to a friend, &c'; [1712-1713?]. Fair copy, intended for publication (see f. 103), but never published. Followed (ff. 112-113b) by an abstract of Robes expenditure for Mary II, referred to on f. 104. For an anecdote probably relating to the intended publication of this version, see J. Oldmixon, Memoirs of the Press, 1742, sig. A4. ff. 103-113b.

(7) Notes by the Duchess concerning the £18,000 which she claimed from the Privy Purse after her dismissal in 171 1, and the expenses of coronation robes; aft. 1711-late 1730s. Mostly autograph. ff. 114-120.

Household, Royal: Papers of Duchess of Marlborough as Mistress of the Robes and Keeper of the Privy Purse: 1702-circ. 1717.

Accounts: Duchess of Marlborough, as Mistress of the Robes and Privy Purse to Qu. Anne: 1702 - circ. 1717.

Privy Purse: Accounts and papers of Duchess of Marlborough as Keeper of: 1702-1715.

Abigail Masham, née Hill; wife of Samuel Masham: Narratives by Duchess of Marlborough rel. to: 1710-1715.

includes:

• f. 19 Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford: Correspondence with Duchess of Marlborough: 1704-1706, n.d.: Partly copies.
• ff. 21-24b, 46-47b, 50-55b, 112-113b Household, Royal: Expenditure by Robes officers: 1660-1706.
• ff. 46-49b Anne of England: Statements of her expenditure and allowances: 1682-1683.: Copies.
• ff. 50-55b, 112-113b Elizabeth Stanley, wife of William George Richard, 9th Earl of Derby: Expenditure, as Mistress of the Robes: 1688-1694.: Copies.
• ff.50-55b William III and Mary II of England: Robes accounts of Qu. Mary: 1689-1691.
• ff. 64-83, 88-102 Arthur Maynwaring, alias Mainwaring; MP: Narratives compiled for Duchess of Marlborough: 1710-1712.: Autogr. drafts and copies.
• ff. 83-84 Mrs Rachel Thomas, Yeoman of the Robes: Accounts, etc., rel. to her office: 1702-[1712?].
• ff. 86-87b Samuel Clarke, d 1729 DD; metaphysician: Corrections to A. Maynwaring's narrative rel. to Duchess of Marlborough: [1712?].
• f. 111b Thomas Wood: Certificate rel. to narrative by Duchess of Marlborough: [1712-1713 ?].
• f. 111b John Oldmixon, author: Certificate rel. to narrative by Duchess of Marlborough: [ 1712-1713?].