Add MS 6815

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

Despatches from the Earl of Holderness [Robert Darcy] to Mr. Mitchell from July to December 1757.

1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The King [George II] feels the deepest concern at the check given to the King of Prussia [Frederick II, alias Frederick the Great]’s arms. Dated Whitehall, 1 July 1757. (folio 1)

2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Reasons which induce His Majesty to decline sending a squadron to the Baltic, including a statement of the proceedings of Denmark and Sweden in equipping ships to protect France, the difficulties of navigation in the Baltic, and the services and strength of the English marine, compared with the French. Dated Whitehall, 5 July 1757. (folio 3)

i. (Enclosed). Treaty between Denmark and Sweden in July 1756. (Translation). (folio 9)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of the report of the Advocate, Attorney, and Solicitor General. Legal opinions on the right of English ships to capture those of Denmark or the United States, if protecting or concerning goods belonging to His Majesty’s enemies. Dated 5 May 1748. (folio 15)

iii. (Enclosed). Present disposition of the naval force of England. Dated 30 June 1757. (folio 22)

iv. (Enclosed). An abstract of the naval force of France and how disposed of at this time. 6 July 1757. (folio 23)

v. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Titley. Arguments at length to induce the Court of Denmark to assist His Majesty against France, particularly on account of the military forces raising in Sweden. Mr. Titley is directed to renew his proposals of alliance to the Danish Ministers in a more formal manner than before. Dated Whitehall, 5 July 1757. (folio 25)

3. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Most Secret). Views and resolutions of his Majesty in the present conjuncture. State of affairs in Germany. The King is willing to contribute to a General Pacification on equitable conditions. Influence of the King of Prussia requested, to keep the Landgrave of Hesse [William VIII] and Duke of Brunswick [Ferdinand?] firm in the alliance. Measures taking in Denmark and Holland. Court of Russia. Projected descent on the coast of France. Willingness of His Majesty to grant a subsidy to the King of Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 17 July 1757. (folio 34)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Colonel Yorke. Situation of affairs in the North. Assistance to be hoped from the Dutch. Dated Whitehall, 8 July 1757. (folio 46)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Colonel Yorke. Disposition of the people in Holland, in opposition to the Regency. What should be the conduct of the Princess Royal [Anne], pointed out. Dated Whitehall, 12 July 1757. (folio 50)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of a letter from Mr. Porter to the Earl of Holderness. (Secret). The Ministers of the Porte [Ottoman Empire] are apparently concerting some secret measures of assistance to the King of Prussia. Dated Constantinople, 16 May 1757. (folio 52)

4, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing the King’s answer to the letter of notification of the death of the Queen Dowager of Prussia [Sophia Dorothea], and the answer to the Landgrave of Hesse’s application for farther assurances of support. Dated Whitehall, 2 August 1757. (folio 53)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a declaration delivered to Mr. Alt. Dated 29 July 1757. (folio 56)

4, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Most Secret). Concern at Mr. Mitchell’s having requested his recall. Some explanation is required. Dated Whitehall, 2 August 1757. (folio 57)

5. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Safe arrival of Admiral Holburne’s squadron at Halifax, and Lord Loudonn [Laudon]’s troops. The Windsor is supposed to be missing. Dated Whitehall, 9 August 1757. (folio 59)

i. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from Mr. Robert Traill, dated Portsmouth in Pisquataqua [Piscataqua], 11 July 1757, to Mr. John Perks, Merchant in Bristol. News conveyed in the above letter. (folio 61)

6. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The King is still willing to give the King of Prussia pecuniary assistance. Enclosed is a letter from the King to His Prussian Majesty. Dated Whitehall, 16 August 1757. (folio 63)

7a. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Acknowledgement of letters received. Dated Whitehall, 6 September 1757. (folio 66)

7b. A duplicate of the last. (folio *66)

8. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. News of the King of Prussia’s arrival at Dresden, and having marched in person against the M. de Soubise. Admiral Hawke’s fleet has sailed. Dated Whitehall, 9 September 1757. (folio 68)

9. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Representations made by M. Michel (the Prussian Minister at London) against the attempts of the German Ministry to obtain a neutrality for the Electorate. The case states to the Duke of Cumberland [Prince William]. Negotiation to induce the Court of Spain to take part with His Majesty. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 16 September 1757. (folio 69)

i. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to H.R.H. the Duke of Cumberland. 16 September 1757. Proposition of the King of Prussia, that the army of observation should be let towards Magdeburg. (folio 75)

ii. (Enclosed). Copie d’un Papier remis a Mr. Michel. The King’s intention to support vigorously the King of Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 16 September 1757. (folio 73)

10. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. A declaration is enclosed from the King to the King of Prussia. Dated Whitehall, 20 September 1757. (folio 78)

i. (Enclosed). Duplicate of the paper inserted. (folio 73)

11. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Secret). In case the King of Prussia should require a subsidy from England, two conditions must precede: 1. A specific statement of the pecuniary assistance, and 2. A promise to make no pacific overtures without the concurrence of His Majesty. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 24 September 1757. (folio 82)

12. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. News of the retreat of the Russian army. His Majesty has determined to send Mr. Keith to St. Petersburg. (Partly in cypher). Dated Whitehall, 4 October 1757. (folio 85)

13. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Convention of the 10th, concerning the army of observation. Letter to the Landgrave of Hesse to induce him to continue his troops in the King’s service. State of the King’s Electoral dominions. Dated Whitehall, 10 October 1757. (folio 87)

i. (Enclosed). Minute of a cabinet council, held at Sir Conyers D’Arcy’s lodgings, 7 October 1757. Opinion that the army of observation, if put again in activity, should be paid out of the revenue of England. (folio 92)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to the Landgrave of Hesse [William VIII]. The convention being made without the participation of the council of England ought not to affect the treaty between His Highness and the King, with regard to the Hessian troops. Dated London, 28 September 1757. (folio 94)

14. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Difficulty to find a proper General to place at the head of His Majesty’s forces. Mr. Mitchell is directed to apply to the King of Prussia on this point. Dated Whitehall, 10 October 1757. (folio 96)

15. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The army of observation still continues entire. The King expects the King of Prussia will not lay down his arms until his Majesty can find safety in a peace, both as King, and as Elector. Information requested of the Prussian force in the Duchy of Magdeburg. Sir Charles Hanbury Williams had set out from Petersburg, but is returned. Dated Whitehall, 14 October 1757. (folio 98)

16. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Complaints of the intermission in the correspondence. Reports of a negotiation between the King of Prussia and France for a separate peace. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 1 November 1757. (folio 101)

17. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Renewed complaints of the silence of Mr. Mitchell. The report of a negotiation is confirmed from all quarters. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 8 November 1757. (folio 104)

18, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Dispatches at last received. News of the victory obtained by the King of Prussia on the 5th inst. Dated Whitehall, 22 November 1757. (folio 106)

18, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Particular). Satisfaction of the King that Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick should have been chosen General of the Electoral army. His departure to the army is to be urged with the utmost energy. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 22 November 1757. (folio 108)

19. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Acknowledgement of letters received. Dated Whitehall, 25 November 1757. (folio 110)

20, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Arrival of Major Grant. Lord Holderness intends to persuade him to remain, to be present at the opening of Parliament. Letters of the King to His Prussian Majesty on the late victory of Rossbach. Threats of the French against the King, and the Landgrave of Hesse, to prevent the execution of which some strong declaration from the King of Prussia is requested. Dated Whitehall, 29 November 1757. (folio 112)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Mr. Mitchell of 22 November 1757. (folio 115)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Mr. Mitchell of 22 November 1757 (Particular). (folio 117)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Earl of Holderness’s letter to Mr. Mitchell of 25 November 1757. (folio 119)

20, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). If the King of Prussia will intimate the time when the payment of the subsidy of 4 million crowns will be most convenient to him, means will be found to comply with his desire. Dated Whitehall, 29 November 1757. (folio 121)

21. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Opening of Parliament, and speech of the King, with the address and resolution of the Lords and Commons. Dated Whitehall, 2 December 1757. (folio 123)i. (Enclosed). Copy of the resolution of the House of Commons. Dated 1 December 1757. (folio 125)

22. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Compliments on the victory gained by the Prince of Bevern [Augustus William]. Major Grant and Me. Keith leave England immediately. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 9 December 1757. (folio 127)

23, part 1. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. No hopes can be given of a squadron to the Baltic in the present situation of affairs, nor of any national troops to be sent into Germany. Proceedings in Holland, and the northern Courts. The object of Colonel Campbell’s mission to Sweden frustrated. Mr. Keith’s journey to St. Petersburg. Advices for thence. Ottoman Porte. Dated Whitehall, 12 December 1757. (folio 129)

i. (Enclosed). Lettre de Monsieur de Swart. (Most Secret). 1. Dated St. Petersburg, 16 October 1757. Relative to the family of the Duke of Brunswick, and state of the Russian Court. The power of Schouwaloff is described at length. 2. Dated 19 October 1757, Retreat of the Russian army and conduct. Health of the Empress [Elizabeth]. Secret negotiations between the Courts of Vienna, France, and Russia. Train of the French Ambassador. Russian Fleet. Mission of Colonel Campbell to Stockholm. 3. Dated 28 October 1757. Proceedings of the Court. Note of the Imperial Minister relative to the army. 5. Dated 1 November 1757. Proceedings of Schouwaloff. State of the army and navy. (folio 133)

ii. (Enclosed). Extract of a letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Titley. Reports of a coldness between the Courts of France and Denmark. The King thinks it is a favourable opportunity of renewing His Majesty’s proposals for an alliance. Dated Whitehall, 25 November 1757. (folio 149)

23, part 2. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. (Separate). It has been found necessary to enter into a convention with the King of Prussia, for the payment of the subsidy from England. Dated Whitehall, 12 December 1757. (folio 151)

24. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell is directed to proceed to Berlin or Magdeburg, as a future residence. Dated Whitehall, 16 December 1757. (folio 153)

25. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Congratulations on the victory of the 5th inst. Dated Whitehall, 20 December 1757. (folio 155)

26a. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. Project of a convention between the King and His Prussian Majesty. Copies are enclosed of the Subsidiary Treaties made with the Court of Vienna during the course of the last war. Reinforcement His Majesty has a right to expect from the King of Prussia, in Germany. Dated Whitehall, 22 December 1757. (Foli o157)

26b. Duplicate of the last letter. (folio 160)

i. (Enclosed). Copy of a subsidiary treaty between the King and the Empress Queen [Maria Amalia]. Concluded at Hanover. June 13th-24th 1741 (for £300,000). (folio 163)

ii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Subsidiary Convention between the King and the Empress Queen at Whitehall, 25 June 1742 (for £300,000). (folio 166)

iii. (Enclosed). Copy of the Subsidiary Convention between the King and the Empress Queen at Whitehall, 10 February 1743-4 (for £300,000). (folio 169)

iv. (Enclosed). Copy of the Subsidiary Convention between the King and the Empress Queen at Westminster, 15 February 1742-3 (for £300,000). (folio 172)

v. (Enclosed). Copy of a treaty for granting the Empress Queen an additional subsidy of £150,000 at London, 11 August 1744. (folio 175)

vi. (Enclosed). Copy of the treaty of subsidy with the Queen of Hungary [Maria Theresa] for £500,000. 2 April 1745. (folio 178)

vii. (Enclosed). Copy of a Convention with the Queen of Hungary, for granting her a subsidy of £400,000 upon condition of her furnishing a body of 50,000 men. Dated Whitehall, 10 June 1746. (folio 152)

viii. (Enclosed). Projet de Convention etc. (folio 185)

27. Letter from the Earl of Holderness to Mr. Mitchell. The Duke of Brunswick has desired the assistance of the Courts of Vienna and Versailles against the opposition of his troops in the King’s service. (In cypher). Dated Whitehall, 27 December 1757. (folio 187)