Add MS 6814

Volume XI of the papers of Mr. Andrew Mitchell. Subsequently Sir Andrew Mitchell.

Despatches from the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy] to Mr. Mitchell from January to June 1757.

1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. His Majesty [George II] regrets the King of Prussia [Frederick II, alias Frederick the Great] should have felt any uneasiness at not receiving earlier answers to several points proposed by His Prussian Majesty. Dated Whitehall, 18 January 1757. (folio 1)

2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The severity of the weather prevents His Majesty’s Hanoverian troops from returning into Germany. Recall of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams from St. Petersburg, on account of ill health. Offers made to the Crown of Denmark [Frederick V], and correspondence thereon. News of the recovery of the French King [Louis XV] from the wound received from the hand of an assassin. Dated Whitehall, 25 January 1757. (folio 3)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of the King’s letter to the Empress of Russia. 25 January 1757. Recall of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. (folio 6)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Sir Charles. Instructions as to the terms in which he is to address the Empress [Elizabeth]. Dated Whitehall, 25 January 1757. (folio 8)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Titley. Recapitulation of the transactions with the Court of Vienna to the present period. State of affairs in Russia. Avowed intention of France to attack His Majesty’s German dominions. Desire of the King to form an alliance with Denmark. Dated Whitehall, 4 January 1757. (folio 10)

iv. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Titley. More positive instructions on the treaty it is wished to conclude between Great Britain and Denmark, and proposals of his Majesty to induce the latter power to accede to it. Dated Whitehall, 18 January 1757. (folio 17)

v. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Titley. (Secret). Instructions to communicate the dispatches to Baron Wedel, the Electoral Minister, and to concert with him the best plan of making proposals to the Court of Denmark. Further instructions on the proposals themselves. Dated Whitehall, 18 January 1757. (folio 20)

3. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Everything is prepared for the departure of the Hanoverian and Hessian troops. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 1 February 1757. (folio 24)

4. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). Mr. Mitchell is directed to communicate to the King of Prussia the propositions received from Austria and France. The King will consent to no terms of accommodation unless His Prussian Majesty should be included. Dated Whitehall, 8 February 1757. (folio 26)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Colonel Yorke to the Earl of Holderness. (Secret). Overtures from M. D’Affry, on the part of France, for an accommodation, as communicated to Colonel Yorke in a private conference by M. Slingelandt, the Receiver General. Dated The Hague, 1 February 1757. (folio 28)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Colonel Yorke. (Secret). Overtures received from the Court of Vienna, to induce His Majesty to abandon the King of Prussia. Colonel Yorke is commanded to hear everything and answer nothing. Dated Whitehall, 4 February 1757. (folio 32)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Colonel Yorke to the Earl of Holderness. (Secret). Further communication from M. Slingelandt, on the subject of an accommodation. Dated The Hague, 4 February 1757. (folio 34)

iv. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Colonel Yorke. It is the advice of the Privy Council, approved by His Majesty, that Colonel Yorke should authorise M. Sligelandt to tell the French Minister, that the King is willing to put a stop to the war on fair and equitable terms, but not unless His Majesty’s allies are included in the accommodation. Dated Whitehall, 8 February 1757. (folio 36)

v. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Sir Benjamin Keene to Mr. Pitt. (Most Secret). Account of what passed between the Imperial and Spanish Ministers, on the subject of some overtures made from the Empress Queen [Maria Theresa]. Dated Madrid, 11 January 1757. (folio 38)

vi. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to the Earl of Holderness. Relative to the French intentions on Hanover. Dated St. Petersburg, 11 January 1757. (folio 43)

5. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The state of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams’s health is such as to render it dangerous for him to remain at St. Petersburg. Lord Holderness encloses the Kings messages to both Houses of Parliament, and the resolutions on them in consequence of which Colonel Amherst has been dispatched with a requisitiorial letter, for the additional 4000 men, stipulated by the treaty with the Landgrave of Hesse. Dated Whitehall, 22 February 1757. (folio 45)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, as the continuance of his Excellency at St. Petersburg is so essential to the King’s service at present, His Majesty has no doubt nothing by necessity will induce him to leave it, but no positive command is given. Dated Whitehall, 22 February 1757. (folio 47)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of his Majesty’s message to the House of Commons. Supply is asked, for the formation and maintenance of an army of observation in Germany. (folio 49)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of the resolution of the House of Commons, 18 February 1757. A grant of £200,000 is allowed. (folio 51)

iv. (Enclosed). Copy of his Majesty’s message to the House of Lords. (folio 53)

v. (Enclosed). Copy of a motion. House of Lords. (folio 55)

6. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The King is satisfied with his conduct at Brunswick. Sequel and conclusion of the insinuations from M. D’affry at The Hague. Dated Whitehall, 25 February 1757. (folio 57)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Colonel Yorke to the Earl of Holderness. (Secret). Account of the final conference between M. D’affry and M. Slingelandt, relative to an accommodation. Dated The Hague, 18 February 1757. (folio 59)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of Mr. Titley’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. Increase of the Danish Shipping, for the protection of their commerce. The Ministers are not disposed to enter into the treaty offered by England. Dangerous illness of the Dutch Ambassador. Dated Copenhagen, 12 February 1757. (folio 63)

iii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Mr. Porter to Mr. Fox. Death of Sultan Mehemet, heir presumptive to the Empire. Dated Constantinople. Dated 3 January 1757. (folio 67)

7. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Merely an acknowledgement of letters received. Dated Whitehall, 3 March 1757. (folio 69)

8. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Ratification of the treaty with the Duke [Ferdinand] of Brunswick. The Hanoverian troops have sailed. Dated Whitehall, 4 March 1757. (folio 71)

9. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Motions of the French army. Mr. Mitchell is directed to press for the junction of a body of Prussians with the army of observation. (Partly in cypher). Dated Whitehall, 8 March 1757. (folio 73)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of Mr. Dayrolle’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. Proposed march of the French troops. Creation of French Marshals. Dated Brussels, 1 March 1757. (folio 75)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of Mr. Dayrolle’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. On the same subject. Dated Brussels, 4 March 1757. (folio 77)

iii. (Enclosed). Repartition des Officiers Generaux etc. qui doivent marcher sur le Bas Rhin; Et Etàt des Regimens, qui passeront par Bruxelles, in Mr. Dayrolle’s letter of 4 March. (folio 79)

10. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The King has commanded the state and services of the fleet to be considered, and a report made, in consequence of the maritime assistance required by the King of Prussia in the Baltic. Dated Whitehall, 11 March 1757. (folio 81)

11. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The Electoral troops have arrived safe in the Elbe. The additional 4000 men from the Landgrave of Kassel will soon be in readiness. Dated Whitehall, 15 March 1757. (folio 83)

12. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. In consequence of a packet boat having been captured, and the main thrown overboard, Mr. Mitchell is desired to transmit a duplicate of any letter he might have sent by it. Dated Whitehall, 29 March 1757. (folio 85)

13. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The yacht destined to convey the Duke of Cumberland [Prince William] to Holland is ordered to Harwich. The cause of the Regency of Hanover having declined accepting the Prussian battalions was owing to directions not having been given to provide rations for those troops. Motions of the French; whose army in Germany will be greatly superior to the King’s. Little to be apprehended from the Russians. Demands made by M. d’Affry to the States, and refusal. Dated Whitehall, 1 April 1757. (folio 87)

i. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to the Earl of Holderness. Weakness of the Russian power. Feldt-Marshal [Stepan Fyodorovich] Apraxin is not yet able to march. Dated St. Petersburg, 26 February 1757. (folio 90)

ii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to the Earl of Holderness. State of the Russian revenue, and inability to proceed in the war. Dated St. Petersburg, 5 March 1757. (folio 92)

14. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Removal of Mr. Pitt. The Hessians are ready to embark. Mr. Mitchell is directed to visit the Duke on his arrival in Hanover if necessary. Dated Whitehall, 8 April 1757. (folio 94)

15, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The Duke sails from Harwich. Dated Whitehall, 12 April 1757. (folio 96)

15, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The whole of the correspondence is to be sent under flying seal to the Duke. Dated 12 April 1757. (folio 98)

15, part 3. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). Mr. Mitchell is directed to renew his application in the strongest manner to the King of Prussia, that the Prince of Hesse [William VIII?] may not be employed in the army commanded by the Duke. Dated Whitehall, 12 April 1757. (folio 100)

16. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. A Danish messenger arrives, and his Lordship holds a conference with the Danish Minister. Intelligence of the motions of the French. Dated Whitehall, 15 April 1757. (folio 102)

i. (Enclosed). Memorandum concerning the French army on the Lower Rhine. (folio 104)

17. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Acknowledgement of letters received. The transports are arrived from the Elbe. Dated Whitehall, 19 April 1757. (folio 108)

18. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Acknowledgement of the receipt of letters. Dated Whitehall, 26 April 1757. (folio 110)

19, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. An answer is enclosed to the King of Prussia’s letter. The King is much shocked to hear of the conspiracy against that monarch’s life. Embarkation of the Hessians. The fleet for North America is also clear of the channel. Dated Whitehall, 29 April 1757. (folio 112)

19, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). French proposals made by the Court of Vienna, and rejected by the King. Propositions said to have been made by the King of Prussia to Saxony. Mr. Mitchell is directed to have an audience of His Prussian Majesty, and to sift this affair to bottom. Dated Whitehall, 29 April 1757. (folio 114)

i. (enclosed). Precis d’une Convention de Neutralité entre l’Imperatrice Reine et Sa Majesté Britannique en qualité d’Electeur et Prince de l’Empire. (folio 118)

ii. (Enclosed). Precis de Propositions que le Roy de Prusse diot avoir fait au Conte de Wakerbart-Salmour, à Dresde, pour une Pacification. (folio 1210

19, part 3. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Apart). Transactions of M. Follard [Folard] at Kassel. A more specific guarantee of his dominions is required by the Landgrave, and assurances given by His Majesty. Dated Whitehall, 29 April 1757. (folio 122)

i. (Enclosed). Conditions auxquelles le Roy conclurroit un Traité de Neutralité avec S. A. S. le Landgrave de Hesse-Kassel. (folio 124)

ii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel to Mr. Alt. Propositions of the Chev. Folard, on the part of France. Guarantee require of His Britannic Majesty. Dated Kassel, 16 April 1757. (folio 126)

iii. (Enclosed). Copie de la Reponse de S. A. S. le Landgrave de Hesse Kassel etc. to the propositions of the Chev. Folard. (folio 130)

20, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Report of a victory gained by the Prince of Bevern [Augustus William?]. Advices received from France. Dated Whitehall, 6 May 1757. (folio 134)

i. (Enclosed). Translation of some intelligence etc, relative to the cities to be given up to France by the Empress Queen [Maria Theresa], whenever she obtains possession of Silesia, and also the cities promised to the Electors. (folio 136)

20, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). Mr. Mitchell is ordered to ask an explanation from the King of Prussia, of a packet having been delivered by M. de Hellen to the Princess Royal [Anne] and forwarded to the Dutch Minister at Paris. Dated Whitehall, 6 May 1757. (folio 138)

21. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing His Majesty’s message to the Houses of Parliament, and the resolution of the Lords. Dated Whitehall, 17 May 1757. (folio 140)

i. (Enclosed). Message. (folio 142)

ii. (Enclosed). Lords’ address of Thanks. (folio 144)

22. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). Enclosing a voluminous despatch from Mr. Porter, showing what has passed between Mr. Porter and Monsieur de Varenes. An abstract is to be communicated to the King of Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 20 May 1757. (folio 146)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Porter to Mr. Fox. Steps taken with the Reis Effendi, in regard to Mr. Waryn. Venality of the Porte. Hints as to the sending of a person as a merchant, with credit for 6000 or 7000 pounds. The Vizier [Köse Bahir Mustafa Pasha] accused of receiving money from Denmark. Dated Constantinople, 21 November 1756. (folio 148)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Porter to Mr. Fox. Ingratitude of Austria, and state of their interior. Character of the Imperial Resident at the Porte. Changes of Ministry, and sentiments of the Turkish Court. Intentions of the French towards Poland stated to the Dragoman [interpreter]. Mr. Porter’s conduct towards the Russian Envoy. Orders of the King of Prussia to his Emissary at Smyrna. The mission of that Gentleman is publicly known. Sums of money spent by M. Gheler, the King of Denmark [Frederick V]’s Minister. Impossibility of influencing the Porte and present to assist Prussia. Mr. Waryn’s mission. His return is advised by Mr. Porter. Disgrace of Osman Moollah. Dated Constantinople, 21 November 1756. (folio 154)

iii. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre écrite par Monsieur Porter a Monsieur Waryn, à Smoine, dateé le 22 Sept. 1756. (folio 169)

iv. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre ecrite par Monsieur de Waryn a Monsieur Porter, dateé Smoine, le 1 d’Octobre, 1756. (folio 171)

v. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Réponse de la Porte Ottomane à l’Envoyé de Swede. (folio 176)

vi. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre écrite par Monsieur de Waryn, dateé Constantinople, le 28 Octobre, 1756. (folio 178)

vii. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre écrite par Monsieur de Waryn à Monsieur Porter, dateé Smyrne, 23 October 1756. (folio 186)

viii. (Enclosed). Article tiré de la Gazette d’Avignon, daté Versailles, le 10 Sept. 1756. (folio 190)

ix. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre écrite par Monsieur Waryn à Monsieur Porter, dateé Smyrne, le 6 Nov. 1756. (folio 192)

x. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre érite par Monsieur Porter à Monsieur de Waryn, dateé Constantinople, le 21 Nov. 1756. (folio 199)

xi. (Enclosed). Copie de la Lettre écrite par Monsieur Waryn à Monsieur le Consul Crawley, à Smirne, 20 Oct. 1756. (folio 207)

xii. (Enclosed). Cioue d’une Lettre érite par Monsieur l’Ambassadeur de France (Monsieur de Vergennes) à Monsieur de Waryn, dateé Constantinople, le 4 Mai 1756. (folio 209)

xiii. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre écrite par Monsieur l’Ambassadeur de France à Monsieur de Waryn, dateé Constantinople, 24 Mai 1756. (folio 211)

xiv. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre de l’Ambassadeur de France à Monsieur de Waryn. Constantinople, le 26 Juin 1756. (folio 214)

xv. (Enclosed). Copie d’une Lettre de l’Ambassadeur de France à Monsieur de Waryn. Constantinople, 29 Juillet 1756. (folio 216)

xvi. (Enclosed). Copue d’une Lettre écrite par Monsieur l’Envoyé de Swede à Monsieur de Waryn, dateé le 29 Juillet, 1756. (folio 220)

xvii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Porter to Mr. Fox. Charges against Osman Moullah. Suggestions to induce the Porte to write a circular exhortatorial letter for peace. Dated Constantinople, 28 November 1756. (folio 222)

23. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Congratulations on his Prussian Majesty’s victory. Dated Whitehall, 24 May 1757. (folio 224) Annexed is the London Gazette Extraordinary of 20 May 1757. (folio 226)

24. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Remarks on Marshal d’Etrées letter to the Duke of Cumberland’s headquarters, and His Royal Highness’s answer. Measures taken by His Majesty to prevent some of the consequences that might attend the loss of the Port of Embden. Dated Whitehall, 27 May 1757. (folio 227)

i. (Enclosed). Copie de le Lettre du Marechal d’Etrées au General Commandant les troupes Hanovriennes, é Bielefeld. Some prisoners taken in a skirmish between the French and Hanoverians have been ordered to be sent back, and care taken of the wounded. Dated Wesel, 7 May 1757. (folio 230)

ii. (Enclosed). Copie de le Lettre du Lieutenant General Spörcken, en reponse au Marechal d’Etrées. The object of the armyof observation, commanded by the Duke, is to guard the States of His Majesty, and his allies, and to prevent the entry of any foreign troops. Dated Bielefeld, 15 May 1757. (folio 232)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Colonel Yorke. (Separate). Some of his Majesty’s ships are directed to proceed to the River Ems, to guard the harbour, and frustrate the attempts of the French if they become masters of the Port. Dated Whitehall, 27 May 1757. (folio 234)

25. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Declaration of the Court of Russia, and paper delivered to Prince Galitzin. Dated Whitehall, 16 June 1757. (folio 236)

i. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to the Earl of Holderness. Enclosing a copy of a paper delivered to him from the College of Foreign Affairs. Dated St. Petersburg, 10 May [Gregorian Calendar] 1757. (folio 238)

ii. (Enclosed). Note pour S. E. Mr. le Chev. De Williams, Ambassadeur de Sa Majesté Britannique. Declaration of the Empress of Russian [Elizabeth], that she intends to blockade the maritime fortresses of the King of Prussia, and to capture all vessels that may attempt any communication with them. Dated St. Petersburg, 26 April 1757. (folio 240)

iii. (Enclosed). Declaration Verbale etc. delivered to Prince Galitzin. Indispensable obligation of His Majesty to protect the navigation of the Baltic and to fulfil the engagements made with the King of Prussia. (folio 242)

iv. (Enclosed). Copue del’article 2 du Traité conclu le 16 Jan 1756 à Westminster, entre leurs Majestés Britannique et Prussienne. (folio 244)

26. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Further account of the delivery of the Declaration Verbale to Prince Galitzin. Despatches from Constantinople. Dated Whitehall, 21 June 1757. (folio 246)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Porter to Mr. Pitt. Chiefly relative to the negotiations carrying on with the Porte by an agent of the King of Prussia, who has assumed the name of Rexin. Internal state of the Ottoman Government. Dated Constantinople, 25 April 1757. (folio 248)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Porter to Mr. Pitt. (Separate). Intrigues on the Ottoman Court, and necessity of having money in hand, but difficulty in raising it. Dated Constantinople, 25 April 1757. (folio 257)

iii. (Enclosed). Translation of Mr. Porter’s letter to His Prussian Majesty. Dated Constantinople, 25 April 1757. Mr. Rexin’s mission, and the state of the Porte. (folio 261)

27, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Acknowledgement of letters received. Dated Whitehall, 28 June 1757. (folio 267)

27, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). The Court of Vienna has ordered M. de Colloredo to depart from England, without taking leave. Orders are sent to Mr. Keith to leave Vienna. Dated Whitehall, 28 June 1757. (folio 269)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of Count Colloredo’s letter to the Earl of Holderness. His recall from the Court. He requests passports for himself and Suite. Dated London, 27 June 1757. (folio 271)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Count Colloredo. A general reply to the notice of his recall. Dated Whitehall, 28 June 1757. (folio 273)