Add MS 6811

Add MS 6811 Volume VIII of the papers of Mr. Andrew Mitchell. Subsequently Sir Andrew Mitchell.

Despatches from the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy] to Mr. Mitchell during May and June 1756.

1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell’s departure from The Hague has been learnt from Colonel Yorke. The messenger from Vienna delayed by the Imperial Minister’s time being taken up by the devotions of the Holy Week. Lord Stormont [David Murray] will shortly set out for Dresden. Dated Whitehall, 4 May 1756. (folio 1)

2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing letters from Mr. Keith, and Monsieur d’Abrey; the latter touching the proceedings of the French at Minorca, the truth of which is doubted. Despatches have been received from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Dated Whitehall, 7 May 1756. (folio 3)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness. The devotions of the Holy Week have put a stop to business at the Court. Baron Steinberg, the King [Francis I]’s Electoral Minister, has his audience. As also the Saxon Minister, Count Flemming. Dated Vienna, 21 April 1756. (folio 5)

ii. (Enclosed). Copie de la Relation du Debarquement des Troupes Francoises à Minorque. Dated Paris, 1 May 1756. (folio 7)

3, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Lord Holderness encloses copies of letters from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, and Mr. Keith, by which his Majesty is confirmed in the opinion, that the Court of St. Petersburg will remain firm in its engagements. Mr. Mitchell is desired to communicate to the King of Prussia [Frederick II, alias Frederick the Great] such parts of the letters as may be proper to remove any jealousy or alarm, on account of any steps taken by the Imperial Ambassador. His Majesty [George II] thanks it be no means advisable at present to attempt a reconciliation between the Courts of Berlin and Russia, as it would not fail to increase the suspicions already entertained. A copy is enclosed also of a second letter from Mr. Keith, and of some other papers, not put into Mr. Mitchell’s hands at his departure. Dated Whitehall, 11 May 1756. (folio 9)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to the Earl of Holderness. Account of what has passed of St. Petersburg relative to the conventions between England and Russia, and the late treaty between England and Prussia; the intrigues of Count Esterhazi (The Imperial Minister), and the sentiments of the Empress [Elizabeth] and her Ministers with regard to Europe in general, and England in particular. Dated St. Petersburg, 11 April 1756. (folio 12)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. (Secret). Communication of the convention between England and Russia to the Court of Vienna by M. Keyserling, the Russian Ambassador, and sentiments of the Empress Queen [Maria Theresa] and her Ministers. Instances made by Count Canale, the Sardinian Minister, to the same Court, with regard to the treaty between Prussian and England. Report of the offer of a treaty of alliance between His Most Christian Majesty [Ferdinand VI] and the Empress Queen. Dated Vienna, 27 March 1756. (folio 25)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness. Mr. Keith together with the Russian and Sardinian Ambassadors, have renewed their instances to the Court of Vienna, but have not received any answers. Dated Vienna, 28 April 1756. (folio 29)

iv. (Enclosed). Copy of note taken down in Monsieur Michell’s presence. Dated 15 December 1755. The King of Prussia seems pleased with the communication of the Russian treaty. He receives with pleasure the new Propositions made to him, and thinks the Peace of Germany may be secured by a treaty of neutrality. He approves the idea of gaining a new guarantee for Silesia, and is willing to enter into negotiation to accommodate the differences concerning the detention of Prussian ships during the last war. In case the English Ministry should on these hints think proper to send a Minister to Berlin, his Prussian Majesty will make a proper return. Dated Arlington Street, 15 December 1755. (folio 32)

v. (Enclosed). Project of a convention between England and Prussia to secure the peace of Germany. Delivered to Mr. Michell, the Prussian Minister in London. (folio 34)

vi. (Enclosed). Copy of a note taken in Mr. Michell’s presence, 19 December 1755. Containing an objection made to the words of the 2nd article of the projet. (folio 37)

vii. (Enclosed). Copy of the King of Prussia’s letter to Mr. Michell. His Majesty wishes to learn the sentiments of the English Ministry on the memoire, and also the on the declaration of France, and offers his good services in effecting an accommodation between England and France. Dated Berlin, 15 January 1756. (folio 39)

viii. (Enclosed). Project of a convention and with the declaration of the 2nd article delivered to Mr. Mitchell. Dated 22 December 1755. (folios 42 and 44)

ix. (Enclosed). Memorandum taken in M. Michell’s presence, to the effect that the King of Prussia, so soon as the treaty shall arrive signed at Berlin, engages to take off the sequester upon the Silesian loan, upon condition that a written declaration be given him for the payment of £20,000 in lieu of all demands made by Prussian subjects, on account of prizes unlawfully captured during the last war. Dated Arlington Street, 14 January 1756. (folio 46)

x. (Enclosed). Declaration made by the King, that so soon as the King of Prussia takes off the arrest put on the Silesian loan, and pays to British subjects what remains of the original contract, that the sum of £20,000 shall be paid to His Prussian Majesty. Dated Westminster, 16 January 1756. (In French). (folio 48)

xi. (Enclosed). Copie du Traité entre Sa Majesté Britannique et Sa Majesté Prussienne, conclu a Westminster, le 16 Janvier 1756. With a separate and secret article. (folios 50 and 53)

xii. (Enclosed). Papier remis a M. Michell, a 10 Fevrier 1756. In order to induce the Court of France to accept the articles of the ‘Contre Projet’, some modification of it, or concessions, are proposed. (folio 55)

xiii. (Enclosed). Note taken from M. Michell, 8 March 1756. The King of Prussia has sent the memoire, in which the terms of accommodation are set forth to his Minister at Paris, to be communicated to the French Ministry. No credit is given to the report of armaments preparing in Denmark and Sweden. (folio 59)

xiv. (Enclosed). Papier remis le 13 Mars 1756. Au Comte de Holderness par le Sieur Michell: being the reply of the King of France to the memoire forwarded to that Count through the Prussian Minister. The King of France [Louis XV] positively refuses to enter into any negotiation with Great Britain, until restitution is made of the vessels seized by the English. (folio 61)

xv. (Enclosed). Extrait d’une Depêche de Roy de Prusse, du 20 Mars 1756. Received from M. Michell 5 April. The King of Prussia is of opinion that if England and France can come to terms of agreement with respect to America, there will be but little difficulty afterwards in restoring the captured vessels. (folio 67)

xvi. (Enclosed). Papier remis le 9 Avril 1756 a M. Michell par le Comte de Holderness. Rejoinder to the reply made by the French Court to the memoire. The King of Prussia is desired to demand from France a specific declaration of the points of the Projet they are willing to concede. (folio 69)

3, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. His Majesty’s intention of declaring war against France, and to call on his allies to fulfil their engagements. Dated Whitehall, 11 May 1756. (folio 71)

3, part 3. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). The treaty of commerce now negotiating between Great Britain and the King of Prussia, has been referred to the Board of Trade, and their report on it is expected. Dated Whitehall, 11 May 1756. (folio 73)

4. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. State of affairs at the Court of Cassel [Hesse-Kassel]. The King’s satisfaction at the behaviour of the King of Prussia towards the Hereditary Prince of Hesse [William VIII]. The steps taken by the Prince of Cassell [Frederick?] in changing his religion, and the disagreeable situation in which the Princess [Mary?] is thereby placed. The King of Prussia’s assistance is requested in procuring to the King’s daughter a suitable provision after the death of the Landgrave. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 14 May 1756. (folio 76)

5. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing the copy of a letter from Mr. Keith. Delay of the answer from Vienna. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 18 May 1756. (folio 79)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. No answer yet received from Count Kaunitz. Particulars of a Baron Festenback, an intriguing person appointed privy councillor to Their Imperial Majesties. (In cypher). Dated Vienna, 5 May 1756. (folio 81)

6. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing the King’s declaration of war against France. Dated Whitehall, 18 May 1756. (folio 83)

i. (Enclosed). His Majesty’s declaration of war against the French King, dated 17 May 1756. (Printed). (folio 85)

ii. (Enclosed). Traduction de la Declarations de Guerre contre la France. (folio 86)

7. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The letters have arrived. Count Colloredo is said to have received despatches. Dated Whitehall, 21 May 1756. (folio 91)

8, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The King approves of the manner in which Mr. Mitchell has begun to execute his orders, and desires a compliment may be paid to his Prussian Majesty, on the frank and confidential manner he had spoken. Dated Whitehall, 28 May 1756. (folio 93)

8, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). Lord Holderness encloses the copy of the substance of a paper read to him by Count Colloredo, the Austrian Minister at London. Also the copy of despatches from Mr. Keith and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, which are to be communicated to the King of Prussia. Remarks in the conduct of the Court of Vienna, and the paper of Count Kaunitz. Satisfaction of the King at the resolution of the King of Prussia to take the Hereditary Prince of Hesse-Kassel into his service. Extracts of letters from Sir. Benjamin Keene, and Sir. James Gray, are also referred to. Dated Whitehall, 28 May 1756. (folio 97)

i. (Enclosed). Substance of a paper read to the Earl of Holderness by Count Colloredo, being the answer of the Court of Vienna to the communication made to it of the treaty concluded between England and Prussia. Dated London, 25 May 1756. (folio 99)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness. (Most Secret). Account of the conversations held with the two Chancellors, Count Kaunitz, and Count Colloredo, and also with the Empress, on the subject of the treaty between England and Prussia, and the reply of the Court of Vienna. Dated Vienna, 16 May 1756. (folio 101)

iii. (Enclosed). Abstract of the answer of the Court of Vieena to the King, communicated to M. Klingraafe in Mr. Keith’s most secret letter. (In French). (folio 121)

iv. (Enclosed). Precis de la Reponse remise a M. Keith, la 9 May 1756, in Mr. Keith’s most recent letter. The same as read to Lord Holderness, the substance of which is above given. (folio 123)

v. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Benjamin Keene to Mr. Fox. The measures of the Court of Vienna are not approved of in Spain. Dated Madrid, 22 March 1756. (folio 125)

vi. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir B. Kenne to Mr. Fox. The attack on Minorca by the French is not liked by the Court of Spain. Dated Madrid, 13 April 1756. (folio 127)

vii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Benjamin Keene to Mr. Fox. Displeasure of the Court of Madrid at the negotiation between Austria and France. Dated Madrid, 13 April 1765. (folio 129)

viii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir James Gray to Mr. Fox. Displeasure of the Court of Naples at the invasion of Minorca by the French. Dated Naples, 4 May 1756. (folio 131)

8, part 3. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Most Secret). The copy of a confidential letter from Mr. Keith is enclosed, to be communicated to the King of Prussia. The King is willing to enter into the closest concert of measures with the King of Prussia, to defeat the measurers now taking by the Courts of Vienna and Versailles. Dated Whitehall, 28 May 1756. (folio 133)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Keith to the Earl of Holderness. (Private and Secret). Sentiments of several confidential persons of the Court of Vienna, on the treaty now on foot with France. The whole is attributed solely to the influence of Count Kaunitz. Dated Vienna, 16 May 1756. (folio 135)

8, part 4. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). The copy of his Lordship’s despatch to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams in enclosed, to be communicated to the King of Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 28 May 1756. (folio 141)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of Lord Holderness’s separate letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Suggestion to confer with the Russian Ministers, in order to obtain the interference of the Czarina in the affairs of Sweden. Dated Whitehall, 28 May 1756. (folio 143)

9. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing a copy of the treaty lately concluded between the Court of Vienna and Versailles. Remarks on the Politics of Count Kaunitz, and the reasoning of his Court. The steps taken by Mr. Mitchell to recover the despatches lost by Collins are approved. Dated Whitehall, 8 June 1756. (folio 145)

i. (Enclosed). Convention de Neutralité pour les Pais-bas Autrichs entre les Cours de Vienne et Versailles, signée à Versailles. 1 May 1756. (folio 148)

ii. (Enclosed). Copie de Traité defensif entre les Cours de Vienne et de Versailles, le 1 Mai 1756. Avec les articles separés. (folio 150)

10. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing extracts from letters from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams and Mr. Keith, to be communicated to the King of Prussia. The King of Spain continues to act in the most friendly way. No authentic accounts from the Mediterranean. Dated Whitehall, 15 June 1756. (folio 156)

i. (Enclosed). Extract of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams’ letter to the Earl of Holderness. Things have a much better appearance at the Court of St. Petersburg than three months previously. Dated St. Petersburg, 22 May 1756. (folio 159)

ii. (Enclosed). Extract of Mr. Keith’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. News communicated by Mr. Keyserling, the Prussian Ambassador, that the Czarina has ordered he troops and Gallies to be in readiness for the defence of her allies, and principally the King of Great Britain. Dated Vienna, 2 June 1756. (folio 161)

11, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Remarks on the expediency of securing the Court of Russia, and on the means by which a plan of defence may be found between England and Prussia, in case the measures with Russia should not meet with success. Copies are enclosed of his Lordship’s despatches to Mr. Keith, and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, and of letters to Colonel Yorke and his answers, to induce the Dutch to make alliance with Prussia. Whenever it shall be absolutely necessary to have a fleet in the Baltic, in case of Russia attacking the Prussian dominions, the King will use his utmost efforts to provide ships for that purpose. Dated Whitehall, 25 June 1756. (folio 163)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Keith. Commanding him to communicate to Count Keyserling, the Russian Ambassador, all the correspondence and conferences bearing on the treaty concluded between England and Russia. Remarks on the declaration transmitted to the Russian Court by which the sense of the treaty is altered, and the treaty itself rendered waste paper. A long series of arguments also on the position of the different European Powers, and the treaty of Prussia. This communication Mr. Keith is ordered to make to Count Keyserling in order to induce him to use his influence with the Russian Court to recall their Declaration, and admit some modification of the treaty. Dated Whitehall, 21 June 1756. (folio 171)

ii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Charles Hanbury William to the Earl of Holderness. Account of the exchange of the ratifications, and of the declaration presented at the same time by the two Great Chancellors. Dated St. Petersburg, 19 February 1756. (folio 186)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Russian Declaration Secretissime, dated St. Petersburg, 1 February 1756. (folio 189)

iv. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. The King is displeased at Sir Charles’s having accepted the Declaration, and has ordered it to be returned, with a remark on the great irregularity of the proceeding. Dated 30 March 1756. (folio 192)

v. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Colonel Yorke. Remarks on the views of Great Britain in concluding a treaty with the King of Prussia. Suggestion that Holland should become a guarantee to the King of Prussia for Silesia. Dated Whitehall, 27 January 1756. (folio 194)

vi. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Colonel Yorke to the Earl of Holderness. In consequence of information received, that the French has a design of engaging Transports in the Ports of Zealand [Zeeland?], steps have been taken to frustrate the plan. Dated The Hague, 3 February 1756. (folio 201)

vii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Colonel Yorke. On the succours the King is entitled to from the States-General [The Netherlands] by treaty, and the difficulty in obtaining them. Suggestion to obtain their alliance of the King of Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 5 March 1756. (folio 203)

viii. (Enclosed). Extract of Colonel Yorke’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. Exertions made to induce the Dutch to seek some alliance against France. Dated The Hague, 9 March 1756. (folio 205)

ix. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Colonel Yorke. (Secret). Remarks on the treaty between England and Prussia, and the alliance of France and Austria, as applied to the state of the United Provinces. The King desires a serious application may be made to the States, on the expediency of a conjunction with Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 1 June 1756. (folio 207)

x. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Colonel Yorke to the Earl of Holderness. (Secret). Account of the Applications to the Dutch Ministers, on entering into a treaty with Prussia, but hitherto without success. Dated The Hague, 8 June 1756. (folio 214)

11, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). Acknowledgement of letters received. Dated Whitehall, 25 June 1756. (folio 218)

12, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing an extract from a letter written by a person well informed of what passes at the Court of Bonn. Dated Whitehall, 29 June 1756. (folio 220)

i. (Enclosed). Extrait d’une Lettre de Bonne. Relative to the French Commissaries. Dated 22 June 1756. (folio 222)

12, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Admiral Byng’s action off Minorca. The siege before St. Phillip proceeds slowly. Sir Edward Hawke and Admiral Saunders sent to command in the Mediterranean. Dated Whitehall, 29 June 1756. (folio 224)