Add MS 6832

Vol. XXIX. Private letters from the Duke of Newcastle and the Earl of Holdernesse to Mr Mitchell, 1756 - 1761.

1. Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to Mr Mitchell (Private P[ropria]. M[anu].). Approbation of Mr M[itchell]’s proceedings. Apprehension expressed of the King of Prussia’s not reposing confidence in his Grace. Measures adopted to bring back the Court of Vienna from the step it has taken. Reports given out by the French, relative to the renewal of a treaty with Prussia Impudent assertions of Count Kaunitz. Affairs in the Mediterranean. Support of the King of Prussia in Holland desirable. Apprehensions about losing Russia. Newcastle House, 28th May, 1756.

2. To the same (very secret P[ropria]. M[anu].). Inclosing the Duke’s thoughts as to the orders to be sent to Mr Mitchell. The King has approved them, but wishes to continue the annual succours without entering into a formal treaty, lest it might myre the negotiation carrying on with Russia. The Duke repeats his complaints on the subject of the King of Prussia’s placing all his confidence in Lord Holdernesse alone. Reports given out by the French Court. Policy to be observed with regard to Austria. Newcastle House, 9th July, 1756.

i (Inclosure) Heads of instructions for Mr Mitchell at Berlin; dated Claremont, 4th July, 1756.

3. From Mr Jones to the same. Writes by orders of the Duke, to desire Mr M[itchell] to write an ostensible letter to Lord Holdernesse, relating to the advance of his appointments. Newcastle House, 9th July, 1756.

4. From the Duke fo Newcastle to the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). A general Peace is to be the first Object in view. A perfect concert ought to be established between the King and the King of Prussia, in case the French enter into Germany. Joy at the King of Prussia’s victory over the Austrians. Necessity of a Baltic fleet. Wishes for the King of Prussia’s success. Newcastle house, 12th October, 1756. Folio 13.

5. To the same (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Explanatory remarks on his Grace’s retirement from Court. His sentiments with regard to public affairs, Newcastle House, 25th January, 1757. Folio 19.

6. To the same (P[ropria]. M[anu].), Congratulations on the King of Prussia’s success. The King command, the Duke to return to His Majesty’s service, but nothing is yet settled. Newcastle House, 27th May, 1757. Folio 21.

7. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].private). The Duke has resumed his place at Court. Statement of his Plans and Principles. The King and his Ministers are resolved to act in the most perfect union with the King of Prussia. Claremont, 18th July, 1757. Folio 23.

*7 To the same, a duplicate copy of the last letter. Folio 25.

8. To the same. (private P[ropria]. M[anu].) complaint at not receiving a reply to the last letter. Apprehensions that some “gross falsities” have been conveyed to the Court of Berlin, respecting his conduct. Newcastle House, 15th September, 1757. Folio 28.

9. To the same. Panegyric on the King of Prussia’s second Victory. Prospect of the glorious conclusion of the war. Unanimity of Parliament in voting the supplies. Six millions loan have been offered under 372 percent, Republic of Holland.- A Convention to be entered into for the payment of the Prussian subsidy. Support given by Great Britain to the King of Prussia. Mr Mitchell’s Bills of Extraorindaries. The Duchess of Newcastle sends her compliments “she is the strongest Prussian in England”. Newcastle House, 8th December, 1757. Folio 30.

10. To the same. (Private). Still on the subject of the necessity of making Cause commune with the King of Prussia. Subsidy granted sketch of the Convention. Troops required from his Prussian Majesty to assist Prince Ferdinand. Mode of paying the subsidy. Newcastle House, 23rd December, 1757. Folio 36.

11. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].) Congratulations on the King of Prussia’s Victory over the Russians. Prosperous state of Great Britain. Holland is to be gained over Mr Mitchell’s appointments. Newcastle Hosue, 12th September, 1758. Folio 42.

12. To the same. The King’s approbation of Mr Mitchell’s services. The secret information given with regard to the Hanoever Ministry is quite new, and will be inquired into. Proposals received from France, and rejected. A full power sent to sign the Treaty of next year. Mr Mitchell’s election will be taken care of. Newcastle House, 7th November, 1758. Folio 44.

13. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Thoughts on the state of affair, and continance of the war. Newcastle House, 4th March, 1760. Folio 48.

14. To the same. Praise of the King of Prussia’s conduct and Victory. Sentiments of the King on it. Plans of Prince Ferdinand. Praise of the British troops and of Lord Granby. Mr Mitchell’s Bills of Extraordinaries and Election will be attended to. Newcastle House, 8th September, 1760. Folio 50.

15. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Measures to be concerted with the King of Prussia in unison with the Northern Courts, as a Barrier against the ‘Traité de Famillé’ of France and Austria. Claremont, 1st December, 1765. Folio 55.

16. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].) Desiring Sir Andrew Mitchell’s countenance and protection to Mr Dashwood, who is going to Berlin. Reflections on Public affairs. Newcastle House, 19th May, 1767. Folio 57.

17. From the Earl of Holdernesse to Mr Mitchell. (Private). Defence of His Lordship’s measures with regard to sending succours into the Low Countries. Paper from the Court of Vienna, and proceedings of Court Kaunitz Prince Charles’s situation. Whitehall, 10th October, 1755. Folio 59.

18. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Proceedings of Court Kaunitz. Good intentions of the Prussians “abusive oratory of Demosthenes P-t.”. London, 11th May, 1756.

19. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Approbation of Mr Mitchell’s Despatch. Some private hints to softer expressions in Mr Keiths letter. London, 28th May, 1756. Folio 66.

20. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). State of the Opera Hints with regard to Mr Mitchell’s Secretary and correspondence. London, 25th June, 1756. Folio 68.

21. To the same (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Acknowledging the receipt of Letters. A messenger is to be despatched. London, 6th July, 1756. Folio 70.

22. To the same. (Private). Inclosing, “in the utmost confidence” copies of Colonel Yorke’s private letters to the D[uke]. of Newcastle, and Lord Holdernesse. State of the Public opinion in Holland, of the King of Prussia would put himself forward. A camp in the neighbourhood of Wesel is the thing desired. Whitehall, 13th July, 1756. Folio 72.

i (Inclosure). Copy of Colonel Yorke’s letter to the Earl of Holdernesse. Account of interviews held with the Princess Royal, and on the subject of the settlement of the Dutch trade by Treaty. The King of Prussia has pressed a great many boatmen on the Maese and Rhine into his service. Hague, 9th, July, 1756. Folio 74.

ii. Copy of a letter from Colonel Yorke to the Duke of Newcastle. Sentiments of Mr Bentnick and Prince Lewis. Orders relative to the Dutch trade. Alarm given by the King of Prussia’s movements. An augmentation of troops already talked of. Hague, 9th July, 1756. Folio 77.

23. From the Earl of Holdernesse to Mr Mitchell (P[ropria]. M[anu].). The assistance to be expected from the King of Prussia is the point never to be lost sight of [Whitehall], 27th July, 1756.

24. To the same. (Private and most secret). Further explanation of his Lordship’s Public letter of this date. The necessity of assistance from the King of Prussia in Germany against the French again urged. Whitehall, 6th, August, 1756. Folio 82.

25. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Lord H[oldernesse] requests Mr Mitchell to send him private anecdotes of the Court of Berlin. He directs him to correspond regularly with the Hanovderian Ministry. Assistance from Prussia against France still dwelt on. Lord H[oldernesse] has his doubts on the King of Prussia’s sincerity. London, 10th August, 1756. Folio 84.

26. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). On Mr Mitchell’s pecuniary business. The King of Prussia’s suspicion of England still retaining a penchant to the Austrian system, is wholly unfounded. Praise of Mr Mitchell’s despatches. Sion Hill, 27th August, 1756. Folio 86.

27. To the same. (private). Advice to Mr Mitchell on his being about to follow the King of Prussia in his Campaign. No particular allowances for such expeditions appear on the Office books. Popularity of the King of Prussia. Arlington Street, 8th September, 1756. Folio 88.

28. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].).Private details of his Lordship’s farm and country house. A few times in favour of Lord Stormont. Sion Hill, 17th September, 1756. Folio 90.

29. To the same. Unsettled date of the Ministry. (In Cypher) London, 19th October, 1756. Folio 92.

30. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Reception of Mons Leutules by the King. Mr Mitchell’s thoughts on the 10,000 ducats approved. The interval dissentions of the Ministry increase. [London], 22nd October, [1756].

31. To the same. (Private). The Ministry still continues in the same state of indecision. (In cypher), 26th October, 1756. Folio 96.

32. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].).Confusion in the administration. Hints how to represent the state of parties to the King of Prussia. London, 3rd November, 1756. Folio 98.

33. To the same. Still on the state of the Ministry. All agree on the necessity[y] of the Prussian Alliance. (In cypher). London, 16th November, 1756. Folio 100.

34. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Still on the Ministry. Opinions of Mr Pitt. Lord H[oldernesse] expresses his determination not to be interfered with. Retreat of the D. of Newcastle. Mr Mitchell’s Bills. London, 26th November, 1756. Folio 102.

35. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].).Still on the state of the Ministry, who are described to be “like people in a stage coach”. London, 7th December, 1756. Folio 104.

36. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Congratulations on the success of the King’s arms. Mr Mitchell is desired to send more particular accounts. His secretary to be more punctual. Affairs in Holland. Every thing seems to tend towards the strictest union with the King of Prussia. An uneasy session of Parliament expected. Proceedings at Leicester House, London, 12th December, 1756. Folio 106.

37. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].) Inclosing copies of the King’s message and resolution of the House of Peers. (In French). ‘Mardi au son’, [no date].

38. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Nothing will remove the King of Prussia’s suspicions but the strong Parliamentary resolutions which are expected. The Court of Vienna have asked of Lord H[oldernesse] an explanation of some things laid to his charge, which has been refused, and a coldness has consequently ensued between his Lordship and Count Colloredo, the Austrian Ambassador. London, 25th January, 1757. Folio 110.

39. To the same. (‘copie Secrme.’, in Dr Murdoch’s hand writing). Confidential communication of the mode in which Lord H[oldernesse] brought his plans to bear for a fair & sincere determination on the part of England to make common cause with Prussia. Cabinet meeting described, and Lord Granville made a ‘cat’s paw’ of on the occasion. Further development of Lord H[oldernesse]’s projects. State of the Administration. Mr Mitchell is to hint to the King of Prussia to press the completion of the Hessian Treaty. His Prussian Majesty’s thoughts on the step taken by Dr Affry are anxiously expected. Lord H[oldernesse] concluded by desiring the original of his letter may be sent back, that he may himself destroy it. London, 8th February, 1757. Folio 112.

i. (Inclosure). Copy of the minute of a Cabinet Council, Whitehall, 6th February, 1757. In relation to the overtures made by Mons. D’ Affry, and the resolution of the Ministers to listen to accommodation unless His Majesty’s allies are inclosed. Folios 114.

40. To the same. (Private P[ropria]. M[anu].). The Duchess Dowager of Courland solicits from the King of Prussia continuation of the payment of the Saxon Revenues due to her from the king of Poland. London, 8th February, 1757. Folio 116.

41. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Language of the Hosue of Parliament on the alliance with Prussia, and expenses of the war. Mr Mitchell is desired to be more guarded in his expressions about the Hanoverian Ministers. London, 22nd February, 1757. Folio 118.

42. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Another change of Ministry contemplated. The behaviour of Lord H[oldernesse]’s colleagues with regard to Bying, has greatly lowered their popularity, and exasperated the King. Hints to Mr Mitchell how divert the apprehensions of the King of Prussia. London. 4th March, 1757. Folio 120.

43. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Recommending to Mr Mitchell Capt[ain] Peter D’Arcy, to procure him a commission from the King of Prussia, London, March, 1757. Folio 122.

44. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). The uneasiness given by the Regency of Hanover will be stopped by the speedy departure of the Duke of Cumberland, who will set all things right. Directions to Mr Mitchell as to his correspondence with the Duke. Affairs in Holland. Boy of Cadiz. “Some sort of smash” anticipated in the Administration. London, 1st April, 1757. Folio 124.

45. To the same. (Private). The Duke only wants for the arrival of the men of war off Harwich, and will proceed direct to state. Colonel Yorke has been written to, to look out for a fresh route for the messengers, incase the French advance into the Empire. Whitehall, 5th, April, 1757. Folio 126.

46. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Sentiments in favour of the Prussian alliance are general. A strong and severe sketch of the state of the Administration. London, 4th April, 1757. Folio 128.

47. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). The Ministerial difficulties appear to subsidies. Foreign affairs will turn entirely on good news from Bohemia. London, 6th May, 1757. Folio 130.

48. To the same. (Private). Complaints of Mr Mitchell’s silence by Lord H[oldernesse] and the Duke fo Cumberland. (In cypher). Whitehall, 10th May, 1757. Folio 132.

49. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). The King of Prussia’s firmness in a reverse of fortune, is a subject of admiration. London, 12th July, 1757. Folio 134.

50. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Inclosing the copy of a minute of a Cabinet Council, and letter to Count Bentnick and Colonel Yorke. Confidential information. London. 17th July, 1757. Folio 136.

i. (Inclosure) Draft of Lord Holdernesse’s letter to Count Bentnick. Explanatory statement of his Lordship’s case, as corrected with the Administration. State of Affairs in Holland. Whitehall, 12th July, 1757. Folio 138.

ii. (Inclosure) Draft of Lord Holdernesse’s letter to Colonel Yorke. (Private). State of the Administration. The King approves of Colonel Yorke’s private correspondence. Whitehall, 12th July, 1757. Folio 143.

iii. (Inclosure). Minute of a Cabinet Council. Arlington Street, 14th July, 1757. Resolution to act cordially with the King of Prussia in Peace and war. His Prussian Majesty’s thoughts on the steps to be taken towards the one or for measures to carry on the other are desired. Intention of the King to employ the Channel fleet against the French Coast. Offer of a reasonable subsidy to the King of Prussia. Folio 146.

51. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Joy of the Nation at the King of Prussia’s victory near Prague. [London], 20th May, 1757. Folio 150.

52. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). State of Administration. All negotiation between Pitt and the Duke of Newcastle broken off. Dislike of the people to Mr Fox. The King of Prussia’s plans are wished for. Representations to be made on the situation of the Duke of Cumberland. London, 27th May, 1757. Folio 152.

53. To the same. A note to request Mr Mitchell to send his Lordship the Prussian Map of Bohemia. Whitehall, 27th May, 1757. Folio 154.

54. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Lord Holdernesse has obtained the King’s permission to retire from Office. London, 10th June, 1757. Folio 156.

55. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Lord Holdernesse is offended at the hasty step taken by Mr Mitchell. Views of the Hanovarian Ministry. Subsidy offered to the King of Prussia. A firm and lasting administration at home is established. London, 16th August, 1757. Folio 158.

56. To the same. (Private and secret). Union in the English Ministry. (In Cypher). London, 9th September, 1757. Folio 160.

57. To the same. Ruin drawn on the Electoral Territories by the perfidy of the Hanovarian Ministry. Public Declaration of the ignorance of the English Ministries of these machinations. Application to the Austrians by the Electoral Ministers condemmed in strong terms. Conduct of the campaign in Wesphalia a mystery. (In cypher). London, 16th September, 1757. Folio 162.

58. To the same. Particulars of the Expedition “which has so surprisingly ended in nothing”. Sir J Keene has received his orders. Sir C. Williams has began his journey, but turned back again. (In cypher). London, 10th October, 1757. Folio 164.

59. To the same. (Private). Explanation of the Kings letter to the King of Prussia. Assurances to be required from the King of Prussia in return for the pecuniary assistance. (In cypher). Whitehall, 14th October, 1757. Folio 166.

60. To the same. Suspicions of a negotiation between France and Prussia. The King of Poland has expressed his wish to accommodate differences with the King of Prussia France and Austria are mutually dissatisfied with each other. (In cypher). London, 1st November 1757. Folio 169.

61. To the same. (Private). Congratulations on the success of the King of Prussia against Monsr de Soubise. (In cypher). London, 15th November, 1757. Folio 171.

62. To the same. (Private). Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick has accepted the command of the Army of observation. His departure is to be pressed. (In cypher). London, 25th November, 1757. Folio 173.

63. To the same. (Private). Thanks for Mr Mitchell’s goodness to Captain D’Arcy. London, 29th November, 1757. Folio 175.

64. To the same. (Private and Confidential). Historical sketch of the Ministerial changes, from the resignation of Mr Fox in the Autumn of 1756. Sion Hill, 5th December, 1757. Folio 77.

65. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). The King’s approbation of Mr Mitchell’s conduct whilst with the King of Prussia. Maj. Grant and Mr Keith are still detained by contrary winds. London, 12th December, 1757. Folio 154.

66. To the same. (Private and most secret.). Lord H[oldernesse] charges Mr Mitchell with inconstancy in the tone of his letters, and instances several passages. It is in vain to think of sending English troops abroad. Advice as to Mr Mitchell’s future correspondence. London, 21st December, 1757. Folio 186.

67. To the same. (Private). Some explanation of the reasons which have given rise to Mr Mitchell’s recall. Bills of Extraordinaries. Sion Hill. 25th February, 1758. Folio 191.

68. To the same. (Most Private). Hints to Mr Mitchell on his conduct when he returns to England. (In cypher). London, 16th March, 1758. Folio 193.

69. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). On the same subject as the last. London, 13th April, 1758. Folio 195.

70. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Change of the King’s intention to recall Mr Mitchell. He is advised to be very cautious and circumspect. London, 11th May, 1758. Folio 197.

71. To the same. (Private). The D. of Newcastle has complained of the style of Mr Mitchell’s last private letter to him. Advice on this head. Situation of Public Affairs. (In cypher). London, 12th September, 1758. Folio 199.

72. To the same. (Private). It has been thought most advisable to renew the Treaty of 1758. Without proposing any conditions. Warlike preparation making by the Ottoman Porte. False reports of the French interest at Madrid. (In cypher). Whitehall, 7th November, 1758. Folio 201.

73. To the same. (Private). The King consents to pardon the late Lord Marshall, in consideration of the King of Prussia’s application. News of the reduction of the Island of Gorée. Whitehall, 27th January, 1759. Folio 203.

74. To the same. Private and most secret). Inclosing a secret letter to Mr Keith, to be communicated to the King of Prussia (In cypher). Whitehall, 13th February, 1759. Folio 205.

i. (Inclosure). Copy of a letter from Lord Holdernesse to Mr Keith. (separate and secret). Mr Keith is authorised to offer the Court of Russia 80,000£ per annum and if that should not be sufficient, to raise it to £100,000 per annum for two years. The neutrality of Russia is all that is sought for in this offer. Whitehall, 13th February, 1759. Folio 207.

75. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). A friendly letter. Lord H[oldernesse]’s health. State of Affairs in Italy. London, 13th February, 1759. Folio 209.

76. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Inclosing a letter to Prince Ferdinand. London, 6th March, 1759. Folio 211.

i. (Inclosure). Copy of the Earl of Holdernesse’s letter to Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. Detail of operations against the French Islands in the West Indies, from a Despatch of Gen[eral] Hopson. (In French). Whiteall, 6th March, 1758[9]. Folio 213.

77. To the same. (Most secret). Confidential communication on the state of the Country, and measures supported by Lord H[oldernesse]. (In cypher). London, 28th May, 1759. Folio 216.

78. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Two livings given away to the Burgh of Elgin, and Lord Findlater, both to serve Mr Mitchell. Inquiries relative to the King of Prussia’s intentions respecting Baron Knyphausen. A Poem of Mr Mason’s is inclosed. London, 29th May, 1759. Folio 218.

79. To the same. (Private). Renewal of the subsidiary Treaty with the King of Prussia, on the same terms as the last. A hint given to thank Mr Secretatry Pitt for the assistance given in obtaining a mark of the King’s favour for Mr Mitchell. (In cypher). Whitehall, 9th November, 1759. Folio 220.

80. To the same. (Private). Concern of the King at the disaster that had happened to Gen[eral] Finck’s corpse. Whitehall, 7th Dcecember, 1759. Folio 222.

81. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Danger of the King of Prussia. Expedient proposed to save him. Sentiments of the Courts of France, Vienna, and Russia. Arlington Street. 25th January, 1760. Folio 224.

82. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Remarks on the difficulties and ‘disagreement’ of his Lordship’s situation. London, 1st March, 1760. Folio 226.

83. To the same. (Private). Attention to some requests in Mr Mitchell’s letter. Integrity of England’s proceedings towards the King of Prussia. London, 28th March, 1760. Folio 228.

84. To the same. (P[ropria]. M[anu].). Lord H[oldernesse] is certain he will have but little share in the nomination of Plempotentiaries to the Congress. He will ask the Red Ribbon of the King for Mr Mitchell. London, 25th April, 1760. Folio 230.

85. To the same. (Private). The red ribbon has been asked, but no decision has been yet made. Lord H[oldernesse] will renew the solicitation. Benhaviour of Mons. Coccėy. The Extra-Extraordinary bills are signed. Arlington Street, 9th September, 1760. Folio 232.

86. To the same. (Secret and Confidential). Detail of the conduct of the Duke of Newcastle towards Lord H[oldernesse] during the two last years. Picture of the new Sovereign George III. State of Public affairs. Affair of the Ribbon, and Mr Mitchell’s election. Difference between the Duke of Argyle and Lord Bute. Arlington Street. 28th November, 1760. Folio 234.

87. To the same. (Private). Mr Mitchell’s Extraordinaries – Surprising event of the sustainment of an auxiliary war on the Continent, when the English quarrel with France is at an end. Whitehall, 12th December, 1760. Folio 238.

88. To the same. (Most private). Warm altercations between the English minister and the Prussian. The value of what England has done for Prussia ought to be duly appreciated. Peace appears the only salvation for the King of Prussia. (In cypher). Whitehall, 16th January, 1761. Folio 240.

89. To the same. Lord H[oldernesse] retires from Office with honor. (In cypher). 24th March, 1761. Folio 243.