Add MS 6864

Volume LXI of the papers of Mr. Andrew Mitchell, subsequently Sir Andrew Mitchell.Copies of some Royal Letters etc. with three originals from the Grand Duke and Duchess [Peter and Catherine] of Russia to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Folio.

1. Copy of a letter from the Marquis de Valory to the King of Prussia [Frederick II, alias Frederick the Great]. Announcing the reddition of Fort St. Philippe. Dated Berlin, 21 July 1756. (folio 1)

2. Copy of a letter from the King of Prussia to the Marquis de Valory. His Prussian Majesty thanks him for the news, but would much rather have heard some arrangements towards a peace. Dated Potsdam, 23 July 1756. (folio 3)

3. Copy of a letter from the King of Poland [Augusts III] to the King of Prussia. A passage is granted to the Prussian troops through the King of Poland’s territories, and Lieutenant General Meagher sent to concert the plan of march. His Polish Majesty feels surprised at some declarations made in the name of the King of Prussia by Baron de Maltzahn. Dated Dresden, 29 August 1756. (folio 5)

4. Copy of the King of Prussia’s reply to the King of Poland. Statement of the differences of his Prussian Majesty with the Empress Queen [Maria Theresa]. Every attention will be paid to the safety of the King of Poland and his family. [Not dated]. (folio 9)

5. Copy of a letter from the King of Poland to the King of Prussia. Complaints that the Prussian troops, instead of passing through his Polish Majesty’s territories quietly, have taken possession of them, levying contributions, destroying part of the fortress of Willembrg, and other hostile measures. He prays the King of Prussia to withdraw his troops. Dated Dresden, 3 September 1756. (folio 7)

6. Copy of the reply of the King of Prussia to the King of Poland. Reasons why the Prussian troops cannot be withdrawn from the Polish territories. Dated Lomnitz, 5 September 1756. (folio 11)

7. Copy of the King of Prussia’s letter to the King of Great Britain [George II]. Effrontery of the proposals made by France and Austria to Great Britain. Intentions of the French. Proceedings of Austria in regard to Hanover, and apprehensions felt on that head. Dated Dresden, 11 March 1757. (folio 13)

8. Copy of a letter from the King of Prussia to the King of Great Britain. Statement of the check received from Marshal Daun. Dated 20 June 1757. (folio 15)

9. Copy of a letter from the King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell is desired to use his influence with the Hanoverian Ministry to induce them to offer more equitable terms to the Duke [Ferdinand] of Brunswick. Dated Sedelitz, 13 September 1756. (folio 17)

10. Letter from Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to Mr. Mitchell. (P.M.) Requesting to know the sentiments of the King of Prussia on a letter written by Sir Charles to his Prussian Majesty, and described as ‘the utmost efforts of those parts which God has given me’. [Not Dated]. (folio 20)

11. Copy of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams’s letter to the King of Prussia. In a high and laboured style of panegyric. Dated Hamburg, 5 February 1758. (folio 23)

12. Letter from Mr. Eichel to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing, by order of the King of Prussia, three original letters, communicated by Sir Charles Hanbury Williams in the utmost confidence to His Prussian Majesty, to be returned to Sir Charles with care and precaution. Dated Breslau, 13 February 1758. (folio 25)

13. Original letter from the Grand Duke Peter to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. (P.M.) Expressing his friendship for Sir Charles and his attachment to the King of England. Recommendation of Swallow. Dated 19 August 1757. (folio 27)

14. Original letter from the Grand Duchess Catherine (afterwards Empress of Russia) to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. (P.M.) Expressing the warmest friendship for Sir Charles, and determination to use every effort to promote an alliance between England and Russia, in opposition to France. Dated 19 August 1757. (folio 29)

15. Original letter from the Grand Duchess Catherine to Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. (P.M.) Repetition of the same sentiments of personal attachment. (folio 31)

16. Copy of No. 14. (folio 33)

17. Copy of No. 15. (folio 35)

18. Copy of No. 13. (folio 37)

19. Translation of the Emperor of Russia [Peter III]’s letter of notification to the King of Prussia, of the Death of the Empress [Elizabeth]. Dated St. Petersburg, 25 December 1761. (folio 39)

20. Copy of a letter from the King of Prussia to the King of Great Britain [George III]. Approbation of Mr. Mitchell’s conduct during the time he remained at the Court of Berlin. Dated Berlin, 20 June 1765. (folio 41)

21. Copy of a letter from the Queen of Prussia [Sophia Dorothea] to the King of Great Britain. Testimony in favour of Mr. Mitchell’s conduct whilst Minister at Berlin. Dated Berlin, 21 June 1765. (folio 43)

22. Copy of a letter from the King of Prussia to the Empress of Russia [Catherine II, alias Catherine the Great]. Returning thanks for the present of the Empress’s work on a code of laws for her dominions, and praising very highly its principle and composition. The King of Prussia recommends that an academié de Droits should be established for the purpose of forming skilful legislators. Dated Potsdam, 26 November 1767. (folio 45)At the end is annexed the copy of a note from Count de Solms to Count Panin, forwarding the preceding letter, and containing additional praise of the Empress’s work; as conveyed in an autograph postscript of the King of Prussia’s despatch to the count. (folio 46)

23. A duplicate copy of the last. (folio 47)