Add MS 6804

Volume I of the papers of Andrew Mitchell, later Sir Andrew Mitchell.

Copies of Mr. Mitchell’s letters from Berlin, from the time of his arrival there, 8 May 1756, to 19 August 1756, viz.

1. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Mr. Mitchell gives an account of the delivery of his credentials, and his reception by the King of Prussia. Dated Berlin, 14 May 1756. (folio 2)

2. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Very Secret). Detail of matters of a private nature which passed in the two audiences which the King of Prussia gave to Mr. Mitchell. Dated Berlin, 14 May 1756. (folio 3)

3. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Further particulars of what passed at the two audiences. Dated Berlin, 14 May 1756. (folio 4b)

4. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Private and Particular). The Prince of Hesse-Cassel [William VIII] desirous of entering the Prussian Service. Dated Berlin, 14 May 1756. (folios 6b)

5. Letter to the President Munchhausen at Hanover. Mr. Mitchell announces his arrival at Berlin, and his audiences from the King. The Proposed cooperation of the Electoral Troops. (French). Dated Berlin, 14 May 1756. (folio 8b)

6. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Progress of the French at Minorca. Convention between the House of Austria and France. Dated Berlin, 18 May 1756. (folio 9)

7. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Minorca. News comes from Hamburg that Admiral Byng has been successful. Dated Berlin, 22 May 1756. (folio 9b)

8. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Account of an audience from the King of Prussia at Potzdam [Potsdam]. Mr. Mitchell at a review of the King of Prussia’s troops. Dated Berlin, 27 May 1756. (folio 10)

9. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Substance of conversations with the King of Prussia. The threat of France to invade England. Dated Berlin, 27 May 1756. (folio 11)

10. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Private and Particular). The affair of the Hereditary Prince of Hesse-Cassel [Hesse-Kassel]. The King of Prussia’s proposals for the comfort and advantage of the Princess of Hesse [Marie Louise?]. Dated Berlin, 27 May 1756. (folio 14)

11. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Collins, one of the English messengers has his mail stolen from a post at the moment of leaving Berlin. Dated Berlin, 29 May 1756. (folio 16)

12. Mr. Mitchell’s circular to Mr. Keith, Mr. Titley, Mr. Burrish, Mr. Cressener, and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Announces his arrival at Berlin, and the loss of Collins’s despatches. Dated Berlin, 30 May 1756. (folio 17b)

13. Letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. The Court of France have sent one Douglas to Petersburgh [St. Petersburg] to traverse his negotiations. Dated Berlin, 30 May 1756. (folio 18)

14. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Still upon the robbery of Collins. Methods taken to discover the thief. The despatches discovered to have been burnt. The Prince of Hesse made Lieutenant Governor of Wasel. Monsieur de Puebla’s impatience to send a courier to Vienna. Dated Berlin, 3 June 1756. (folio 18b)

15. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Most Secret). The King of Prussia enquires respecting the contents of the stolen despatches. His Prussian Majesty receives secret Intelligence from Paris. Douglas at St. Petersburg. Sir C. H. Williams obnoxious to the court there, and Mr. Cressener to the Elector of Cologne. Encloses a transcript of a French letter from M. Knyphausen to the King of Prussia. Dated Berlin, 3 June 1756. (folios 20b, 22)

16. Letter to the President Munchhausen. Respecting the supplies for the Prussian Army. The King of Prussia disposed to support the King of Great Britain’s measures in regard to the Princess of Hesse. (French). Dated Berlin, 3 June 1756. (folio 22b)

17. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The robber of Collins’s portmanteau taken. Dated Berlin, 5 June 1756. (folios 23b)

18. Letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. The Intelligence respecting Douglas confirmed. Dated Berlin, 3 June 1756. (folio 24b)

19. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). An interview with the King of Prussia; chiefly respecting schemes between the Courts of Vienna and France. Sir Charles Williams, at St. Petersburg, by making court to the Great Duchess [Catherine] gives uneasiness to the Czarina [Elizabeth]. Count [Heinrich von] Podewils’s opinion of Russian affairs. Dated Berlin, 7 June 1756. (folio 25)

20. Letter to the President Munchhausen. Communicates to him the particulars attending the capture of the man who stole Collins’s despatches. (French). Dated Berlin, 7 June 1756. (folios 26b)

21. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Count Finckenstein, one of the King of Prussia’s Ministers, explains his Prussian Majesty’s intentions. Mr. Mitchell has an audience from the King of Prussia. Douglas’s real name was said to be Mackenzie. Dated Berlin, 10 June 1756. A postscript marked B contains the copy of a paper in the King of Prussia’s hand, sent with this letter to Lord Holderness. (folios 27, 27b)

22. Letter to the President Munchhausen. The King of Prussia continues well-disposed to his alliance with England. Answer to an information respecting some intended attack. (French). Dated Berlin, 11 June 1756. (folio 30)

23. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. A treaty signed between the Courts of Vienna and France. The Danish squadron ready. The King of Prussia gone for Magdebourg [Magdeburg]. Dated Berlin, 15 June 1756. (folio 30b)

24. Letter Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. The French triumph on account of a victory said to have been gained by Admiral Byng. Dated Berlin, 12 June 1756. Douglas’s true name again mentioned in a postscript. (folio 31b)

25. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Communicates to King of Prussia’s intended answer ‘to the Two Powers’. Dated Berlin, 15 June 1756. (folio 32b)

26. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The unfortunate state of affairs in Russia. The English Couriers report of the number of Troops he fell in with between Narva and Mittau [Jelgava]. The junction of the Danish and Swedish squadrons agreed upon. Dated Berlin, 18 June 1756. (folio 33)

27. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. General Intelligence upon the state of politics at the Courts of Russia, Vienna, and France. Proposed invasion of England by the French, etc. Dated Berlin, 19 June 1756. (folio 34b)

28. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). A letter of various Intelligence. The interest of England upon the decline in Russia. The King of Prussia upon the alert. Camps forming to overawe him by the Russians and Austrians. He is desirous to know what assistance he may depend upon from England. The King of Prussia’s observations respecting Russia. Disposition of Denmark, etc. Dated Berlin, 22 June 1756. This letter is followed by a paper of Intelligence, alluded to in it, from M. de Slabbrendorff [Ernst Wilhelm von Schlabrendorf], the King of Prussia’s Minister in Silesia. (folios 35b, 38b)

29. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Most Secret). The King of Prussia in his journey to Magdeburg sees the Duke of Brunswick [Ferdinand], who gives his word of honour to the King not to renew his treaty with France. Dated Berlin, 22 June 1756. (folio 39)

30. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Very Secret). Mr. Mitchell has an interview with the King of Prussia at Potsdam. His Majesty confirms the Intelligence in Mr. Mitchell’s secret letter of the 22nd. Mr. Mitchell details the King of Prussia’s thoughts upon the state of affairs. Dated Berlin, 24 June 1756. This letter is followed by a paper of Intelligence marked D which Mr. Mitchell received from the King of Prussia’s won hand. (folios 39b, 41b)

31. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Count Finckenstein informs Mr. Mitchell that a Camp is to be formed at Hamburg near Halberstadt to amuse and cover other designs. The King of Prussia wishes for a squadron in the Baltic, and thinks auxiliary troops necessary for the defence of Hanover, in case he should be occupied elsewhere. Dated Berlin, 26 June 1756. (folio 44)

32. Letter to Lord Stormont [David Murray] at Dresden, advising his Lordship to show attention to the Prussian Minister there. Dated Berlin, 26 June 1756. (folio 44b)

33. Letter to the President Munchhausen. Acknowledges the receipt of his letters of the 10th and 13th of June. The King of Prussia’s preparations. (French). Dated Berlin, 26 June 1756. (folio 45)

34. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The negotiation with the Duke of Mecklenburg [Adolphus Frederick IV?] in progress. Preparations of war. The King of Prussia coming to Berlin for a few hours. The Austrians boast that they are sure of Russia and Spain. Dated Berlin, 29 June 1756. (folio 45b)

35. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The King of Prussia’s troops begin to move. The Court of Vienna misrepresent the King of Prussia. The Mecklenburg prisoners at Spandau released. Dated Berlin, 3 July 1756. (folio 46)

36. Letter to the President Munchhausen. In substance the same as the preceding letter to the Earl of Holderness, but in French. Dated Berlin, 3 July 1756. (folio 47)

37. Letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams at St. Petersburg. Particulars of Admiral Byng’s failure in the relief of Minorca. Report that the Russian preparations for war are stopped. The King of Prussia’s movements. His wish for peace. Dated Berlin, 6 July 1756. (folio 47b)

38. Letter to the President Munchhausen. An inquiry as to the truth of the report that the Austrian’s were desired to buy three thousand horses in the country of Lett [Latvia?], to remount their cavalry. (French). Dated Berlin, 6 July 1756. (folio 49)

39. Letter to Lord Stormont. Inclosing a paper which had been sent to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, and enquiring whether the military preparations in Russia are countermanded. The King of Prussia very secret; but sincerely wishes for peace. Dated Berlin, 10 July 1756. (folio 49b)

40. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Mr. Mitchell has an interview with the King of Prussia at Potsdam. The King grateful for His Britannic Majesty [George II]’s offer of sending a squadron in the Baltic, which he declines at present. Mr. Mitchell details his further communication with the King of Prussia. Dated Berlin, 9 July 1756. (folio 50) This letter is followed by a copy of the King of Prussia’s ‘Memoire raisonné sur la situation presente de l’Allemagne’. [See Add MS 6871, folio 50]

41. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Private and Particular). The King of Prussia having two years before sent an Emissary to Constantinople who was well received, now sends a person to that court with a character and a Letter of credence to be produced as there should be occasion. The King sends for this purpose one of his Aids de Camp, Lieutenant Colonel de Varenes who first appears at Smyrna under a feigned name as a Merchant with orders to follow the advice of the French Ambassador at Constantinople. Mr. Mitchell by the King’s desire encloses a sealed letter for M. de Varenes, to be delivered to him privately by the English Consul at Smyrna, in which the King directs him to take his future orders from the English Minister to the Porte [Ottoman Empire]. Dated Berlin, 9 July 1756. (folio 54) This letter is followed by a copy of the King of Prussia’s sealed letter to M. de Varenes. Dated Potsdam, 27 June 1756.

42. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Mr Mitchell details certain Intelligence which he has received from different parts as to the state of affairs through Europe. An attempt on Guernsey and Jersey reported as soon likely to take place. The Marine Union between Sweden and Denmark. A conspiracy against the Senate discovered in Sweden. Dated Berlin, 9 July 1756. (folio 56)

43. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Intelligence. The French prepare to invade Corsica. Further particulars of the conspiracy in Sweden. The King of Prussia uneasy at it. Dated Berlin, 13 July 1756. (folio 58)

44. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Count Finckenstein by the King of Prussia’s direction, acquaints Mr. Mitchell that the Duke of Brunswick had been applied to be the Ministry of Hanover to conclude with them a treaty of subsidy for his troops, but that the Duke felt embarrassed as his treaty with France had not expired. The Duke of Brunswick’s assistance nevertheless certain. Dated Berlin, 13 July 1756. (folio 59b)

45. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The negotiation of France with Spain. Siege of Fort St. Philip. Mr. Mitchell encloses a Paper of Intelligence communicated to him by the King of Prussia who is resolved not to be taken by surprise. The strength of the King of Prussia’s reinforcements. Berlin, 17 July 1756. (folio 60b)

46. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Intelligence received from St. Petersburg. The English interest supposed to be declining. Dated Berlin, 22 July 1756. (folio 63)

47. Letter to the King of Prussia. Details the contents of letters of the 6th and 9th of July which he had received from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams at St. Petersburg. That the Russians were countermarching their troops. The Vice Chancellor of Russia’s reasons for opposing England. (French). Dated Berlin, 22 July 1756. (folio 64)

48. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Mr. Mitchell has an interview with the King of Prussia at Potsdam upon some points mentioned in a letter from the Earl. Measures concerted between England and Prussia for mutual defence. Articles proposed in writing. The King of Prussia’s opinion respecting the plans and movements of the Russians. Intentions of the Court of Vienna. Prussian preparations in Silesia. The King of Prussia approves the restoring of Dutch ships, and recommends his Britannic Majesty to take certain troops belonging to the Elector of Hesse Darmstadt [Louis VIII] into pay in case of the French attacking Germany. The Elector of Cologne. Miscellaneous news. Dated Berlin, 23 July 1756. (folios 64b) Here follows a copy of the Articles proposed by the King of Prussia in writing, to which his Russian Majesty gave his assent.

49. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Separate). The King of Prussia’s measures to wean the King of Denmark [Frederick V] from his alliance with France. Dated Berlin, 23 July 1756. (folio 69b)

50. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. With copies of an Intelligence received at Berlin, respecting the movements of the Austrian troops, and the order given in consequence. The Intelligence and order in French. Dated Berlin, 27 July 1756. (folio 71)

51. Letter to the King of Prussia. A short note, enclosing his draft of a letter from Mr. Mitchell to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Dated Berlin, 27 July 1756. (folio 72)

52. Letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams at St. Petersburg. (Private). Communicates the King of Prussia’s explanation to the Czarina of the cause and intention of his Armaments; together with an extract of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell of 13 July 1756, bearing upon the same point. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 72b)

53. Letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams at St. Petersburg. (Private). That he has undeceived the King of Prussia respecting Sir Charles’s situation at that court. Fall of Fort St. Philip. That the Prussian troops notwithstanding report as yet have entered Pomerania only. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 74)

54. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Substance of a conference with the King of Prussia upon the state of affairs between Prussia and Russia. His Britannic Majesty’s wish to bring about a good understanding between the Courts. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 75) (See a paper here referred to in Vol. XLII, Add MS 6845)

55. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Very Secret). Encloses a copy of a letter which the King of Prussia had received from M. de Knyphausen at Compiegne; explains His Prussian Majesty’s schemes to thwart the intentions of the Imperial Courts as well as the Court of France; and also encloses a paper titled ‘Memoire 26 Juillet’ which he had received from the King of Prussia to whose consideration his Prussian Majesty submits it. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 76b)

56. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Enclosing copies of a letter to the King of Prussia which the Marquis de Valori [Valory] had delivered to Count Podewils, and the King’s answer to it, chiefly respecting his Majesty’s engagements with the King of England [George II]. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 82)

57. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Particular). A letter of Intelligence accompanied by various enclosures, viz.

i. A letter from the King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell in answer to an account of news from Russia.

ii. ‘Avis’: referred to in the King of Prussia’s letter.

iii. Copy of a letter from the Prussian Minister at the Hague, enclosed in the foregoing letter of the King of Prussia.

iv. A paper of intelligence from Potsdam.

v. Some papers concerning a Prussian ship loaded with hemp, which had been taken in the Channel. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 85)

58. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Separate). Upon projected negotiations with the Court of Denmark. Dated Berlin, 30 July 1756. (folio 88)

59. Letter to Lord Stormont. The King of Prussia’s orders to his troops alarm the Courts of Vienna and Saxony. The King of Prussia, though ready for war, wishes for peace. Dated Berlin, 3 August 1756. (folio 89b)

60. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The French still intend to press the Dutch to accede to the Marine Union with Sweden and Denmark. The Ministers of the Courts of Vienna and Saxony endeavour to persuade the Ministry of France that the King of Prussia intends to act offensively against both those powers. Dated Berlin, 3 August 1756. (folio 90)

61. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Separate). The Duke of Brunswick desires to treat with the King (and not with the Ministry of Hanover) for his troops. Dated Berlin, 3 August 1756. (folio 90b)

62. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Mr. Mitchell promised an audience from the King of Prussia. The King of Prussia received the Empress Queen [Maria Theresa]’s answer to the questions which his Minister was directed to ask, but not being satisfactory, His Majesty instructs M. de Klinggraeff [Klinggräff] to demand a second audience. Dated Berlin, 7 August 1756. (folio 91)

63. Letter to Lord Stormont. Also upon the Empress Queen’s answer. Dated Berlin, 10 August 1756.

64. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. Details of Intelligence from various parts of Europe: with copies of the King of Prussia’s letter of instructions to Mr. Hellen, his Minister at the Hague, an extract of a letter from his Minister at the Court of France of 11 July, M. de Klinggräff’s letter giving an account of the audience which he had with the Empress Queen, and of the King of Prussia’s instructions to M. de Klinggräff. Dated Berlin, 12 August 1756. (folio 92)

65. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Secret). Enclosing a copy of a memoir in the King of Prussia’s handwriting, received from the Count Podewils upon the existing state of affairs. Dated Berlin, 12 August 1756. (folio 97b)

66. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Separate). The King of Prussia wished Count Groensfeldt, the Minister from Holland to Berlin, to be recalled. Dated Berlin, 12 August 1756. (folio 100b)

67. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. (Particular). Intelligence respecting affairs in Russia, obtained in a long conversation with Monsieur Swartz, the Dutch Envoy at the Court of St. Petersburg, who passed through Berlin in his way to drink the waters at Carlsbad [Karlovy Vary]. Dated Berlin, 12 August 1756. (folio 100b)

68. Letter to the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy]. The King of Prussia has no longer any doubt of the Intentions of the Court of Vienna. Her recommends to his Britannic Majesty to conciliate the Dutch. Mr. Mitchell encloses a copy of a paper of Intelligence which the King of Prussia had received from Vienna, and to which His Majesty had added in his own hand writing these words ‘you see I have nothing for it, but to prevent my Enemies, who could make use of the Time between this and the next Spring to augment the Conspiracy formed against me, and to reduce me to an utter impossibility of resisting their attempts’. Dated Berlin, 17 August 1756. (folio 102b)

69. Letter to the King of Prussia. A short note in French, acknowledging the receipt of some important communications from His Majesty and mentioning his enclosure of a letter which he had received the day before from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Dated Berlin, 15 August 1756. (folio 105)

70. Letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. The state of affairs as existing between the Courts of Berlin and Vienna. The return of the courier from the latter place expected to determine the fate of things as to peace or war. Dated Berlin, 19 August 1756. (folio 105b)