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Price 7s. 6mder his command, the Leopard, Captain Henry Medley. A little before 'twas night, he desired his Majesty's envoy, Mr. d'Avenant, that so soon as the gates of the city were shut, ho would, in his Majesty's name, demand of the Doge that whatever officers or men might be in the city should be delivered up to him, as well as what else might belong to her. In the meantime, so soon as the gates were shut. Commodore Scott sent his own ■* The English Minister at Genoa. f F.O. Genoa, 14. X Consul at Genoa. § F.O. Genoa, 13. XI. lieutenant and boats, who accompanied Captain Medley and his boats ; and when they were near the ship Revolution, one only went to the ship's side and summoned the officers and men to go aboard of his Majesty's ship Dragon, which they soon did ; so the others took possession of the ship without any opposition, as Commodore Scott came ashore early the next morning to tell us ; and as he had heard from some of her crew that the powder and sails were ashore, fresh instances have been made for their being deli\'ered up ; which, after many meetings of the Consiglietto and both Colleges of Senators, was agreed to be done on Sunday morning last, and were uneasy till the sails were delivered yesterday — it may be fearing the Spanish envoy might make some opposition — and they have promised the powder shall be delivered up whenever the ships shall be on departure ; but they have made a demur on delivery of any one up, as being contrary to the laws of their Porto Franco. However, Captain Gardner, Captain Monery, one Mr. French, as well as Mr. Fordyce have since removed their lodgings, it's likely to a church ; for by a Dominican friar has been sent me a letter from Captain Gardner, whilst Mr. Envoy d'Avenant and Commodore Scott did me the honour to dine at my house. Its contents were lamenting about the seizure of his ship, since he knew no reason for it, and affirming his innocence of whatsoever might be alleged against him. I sent him word that the best way to show it would be to surrender himself up to Commodore Scott ; but hitherto [he] has not thought fit to do so. Henry d'Avbstant to Lord Carteret.'* 1722, December 8. Genoa. — Your Lordship will have an account from Captain Scott of his seizing the Revolution, which was done with such order and so little noise that the Republic has not thought fit to make any complaint or remonstrance against it. When this ship first arrived, I wrote your Lordship word I had some suspicion of her, and though I could not help thinking her designed for the Pretender's person, at the same time it seemed a little strange he should venture himself on [board] a ship which must be known, when so many others might have been found more proper for such an occasion. I have demanded, in his Majesty's name, some officers of this ship, as your Lordship will see by the copy of my letter to the Doge ; and have insisted in the strongest terms on the giving them up, with one French (clerk to Gardner), in a conference I have had with the secretary. I have also sent five or six times to the Palace on this affair, but to no purpose, the Republic alleging it would be a violation of the laws of nations and against the privileges of the Porto Franco. They insist upon their having given protection to rebels of all nations in all times, and mention in particular their denying Alberoni to the Pope, the King of Spain, England and France. The Spanish Envoy has taken Fordyce into his protection as being a Major General in his Catholic Majesty's service, a knight of St. lago and naturalized a Spaniard, and says it is the King of Spain's business to punish him if he proves criminal, and has entered into the Pretender's service under the screen of his CathoUc Majesty's commission. The orders relating to the ships from Alexandria, reported as " infected with the plague " (p. 15), seem to us, in the present day, unnecessarily harsh, entailing, it would seem, the continuance of the ships at sea, without possibility of relief or refreshment. If suspected ships were refused admission at Algiers and every port to the westward or northward, the only thing they could do was to cruise till every man on board was dead, the last man being presumably ordered to scuttle the derelict. But when we call to mind the appalling visitations to which both France and England had been subjected within, in 1722, the memory of living men, we are better able to understand the sense of helpless terror which might affect the Governments of both countries. * F.O. Genoa, U. Xll. The orders relating to liOW, the pirate, and the account of the search for hira and his fellow ruffians (pp. 16-18) call up the memory of the extraordinary state of things which prevailed in the southern and western parts of the North Atlantic, in the years following the peace of Utrecht, when vast numbers of licensed robbers— men of all nations— were, through no faidt of theirs, suddenly thrown out of employment. It is only by reference to existing circumstances that we can understand how it was that the pirates met with so much sympathy, not only in the West Indies and the Bahamas, but on the coast of North America, at New York and Rhode Island, more especially. The orders for salutes— as on pp. 8 and 10, the frequent orders to put the ships' companies on three-fourths of the established allowance of provisions — six upon four — and the circulars printed in abstract on pp. 21-2, relate to administrative details which, though most famihar at the time, are now most difficult to ascer- tain. Copies of the .circulars were everywhere, but were not preserved, and naturally no one wrote of the minutiae of his daily life. It is only by a rare chance, such as the present, that they can now be recorded. The circulars on slop clothing (pp. 22-3, 28-9) show that, from 1706 onward, the seamen were dressed, with some approach to uniformity, in grey faced with red. From the dawn of naval administration slop clothing for the seamen had been generally — not always — provided ; but, with the exception of the green and white liveries of Henry VIII, the colour and pattern of the earlier dress are unknown*. Though there was no order compelling the seamen to wear these clothes, it may be assumed that, as no others could be bought on board, and these were to be got on long credit — charged against their wages, which they were glad to make sure of when they could — grey and red became, in fact, a uniform. Of course the respective captains could and often did insist on a uniform of their own ; they dressed their galley's crew in fancy dressf — a practice that was kept up, occasionally at least, till within the last fifty years ; the men on joining, were allowed to wear out such clothes as they had, and the purser, whilst providing the slops according to pattern, provided also, as a'private venture, such cloth as his experience showed him the * Soe Oppenheim : History of the Administration of the Royal Navy, vol. i. (Index, sn. Seamen, clothes of.) t See Robinson : The British Fleet, pp. 506-7. As to the usage in the French navy, cf. post, pp, 312-13, 319. men would take up, to make for themselves. Green baize seems to have been an especial favourite ; and to be a capable tailor — in all branches, cutting out, fitting and sewing — was, even thirty or forty years ago, an essential qualification of " the perfect seaman." The letters from Hosier at the Bastimentos, in 1726, relate to the blockade of Porto Bello, where the ships' companies suffered so terribly from yellow fever. When we notice how many of them were " at six upon four," or an even still more reduced allowance (e.r/. p. .33), and how bad the food was reported to be (pp. 32, 35), we may suspect that the weakened constitution of the men was, in part, the cause of the fearful mortality. The actual fact is widely known, but the policy of the Government in keeping the fleet there has been very generally misunderstood and condemned. It was, of course, the cue of Walpole's opponents both then and a dozen years later, to represent the whole business as a cowardly truckling to Spain. In reality, all that our Govern- ment then required was yielded to the pressure of the blockade ; and the loss of some 4,000 men who so sadly perished was but trifling in comparison with what the loss might have been, had the Government launched out on an aggressive policy. It will be noticed that the correspondence is dumb during the rest of Medley's time as a captain ; presumably he had not the cift of letter writing, or there would be some of his letters to Gi-imston or his wife in the collection ; but it seems strange that there are no family or private letters to him. In 1731 when he was again afloat, the Romney was with the grand fleet under Wager, at the international fetes at Leghorn. The Dreadnought was one of the ships commissioned, on the outbreak of the War of the Polish Succession, for service in the Channel and on the Lisbon station. The Romney in 1739-40 and the Nassau in 1741 belonged to the Channel fleet under Sir John Norris ; and in 1741-4, the Victory was Norris' flagship, with Medley as flag- captain, on the home station and at Lisbon ; he was still in her in the fiasco off Dungeness on February 24, 1743-4. It almost seems as if his leaving her was on account of some difference with Norris about this, though it will be seen (p. 158) that there was no lasting quarrel. With the promotion of Medley to flag rank (June 19, 1744) and his appointment to a command in the Mediterranean, at first as second to Vice Admiral Rowley and afterwards as commander- XIV. in -chief, tte interest of the papers becomes historical in a broader sense, though they continue to give details of naval service not easily to be found elsewhere. In 1745, the navy was still smarting under the disgrace that had befallen it in the previous year, when — on February 11-22 — the fleet, though considerably superior in numbers, had been virtually defeated by the combined fleets of France and Spain ; and though it could boast that one of the enemy's ships had been captured and burnt, the bitter facts were patent to the meanest intellect that the blockade of Toulon, which had been maintained for nearly two years, was fairly broken, that the enemy's communication with the north of Italy was open, that reinforcements and military stores were being sent into Italy pretty much at their good pleasure, and that the war had taken a new turn entirely favourable to them. Lestock, the second in command on that miserable day, had been sent home under arrest, and Mathews, the commander-in-chief, had followed. There were bitter recriminations, charges and counter- charges. Lestock, it was said, had betrayed his trust ; and if not a coward, was a traitor. Mathews, it was replied, whether as sailor, officer, or commander-in-chief, was thoroughly incom- petent, and the miscarriage was due to nothing but his miscon- duct ; he had never exercised the fleet, as a fleet ; had led it into battle, without formation and without orders ; had given no orders, and had fled from the trouble which he had caused, deserting the Marlborough and the Berwick, which only the enemy's stupidity had saved from capture or destruction. The wretched story is a familiar chapter of naval history. Rowley, who had commanded the van in the battle, had, by the recall of Mathews and Lestock, been left commander-in- chief. There was no imputation on his courage, and though the friends of Lestock talked of including him in the charge of mis- conduct laid against Mathews, it came to nothing. He seems, in fact, to have been a very common-place man, of slender ability except in the matter of looking out for his own interest, which led him also to show undue partiality where family interest might be useful, and thus to screen Captain Richard Norris from a trial for cowardice, apparently for no other reason than that he was son of the Admiral of the Fleet, In these papers this selfishness comes into perhaps unex- pected prominence, and gives them a peculiar interest as XV. showing how, in his relations to Medley, the question of prize money hampered the public service, which, in too many instances, was lost sight of in the greed for plunder. The stock instance of this, often referred to, is the quarrel between Rodney and Arbuthnot, on the coast of North America, in 1780 ; but long before that date the difficulty was familiarly known, and must have exercised the Admiralty more than a little, though they were powerless to suggest an effective remedy. The point was that the flag officers got among them one-eighth of all prizes. Tf there was only one admiral, commander-in-chief, he took to himself the whole one-eighth ; but if there was a second in com- mand he got one-third of the one-eighth, and the commander-in- chief only two thirds ; if there was also a third admiral, the commander-in-chief got a half, the juniors each a fourth of the one-eighth allotted to the flag. The difJ'erence was very great, and it can easily be understood that Rowley, who had been pre- viously alone, as commander-in-chief, was annoyed that a colieaoue should be sent out to deprive him of a large share uf the prize money. The irritation did not shew itself in the correspondence between the two, which seems amicable enough (p. 80) ; but by deeds, Rowley could and did protest against Medley's arrival. This first appears in a refusal to appoint Grove, Medle3''s secretary, to a purserage, according to the custom of the time. Medley retaliated, when Rowley left the station and he became com- mander-in-chief, by refusing to allow Morn, Rowley's secretary, to hold a purserage by deputy while he went home with Rowley to help him to pass his accounts. On arriving in England, Rowley complained to the Admiralty, and an order was in consequence sent out to Medley (pp. 81, 95), who replied on August 12 in the following sense : — Soon after I joined Mr. Rowley in the Mediterranean, I requested him to prefer Mr. Grove, my secretary, to a purserage, as there were then some vacant in the fleet ; and at another time, when there happened other vacancies, I repeated the same, which, in regard to our long acquaintance, I hoped he would have granted. However I could not succeed ; but as the Burford, in my division, had left her purser sick at Mahon, I thought it a good oppor- tunity to prefer my secretary and gave him a warrant for her. A few days after, arrived Mr. Mouncher, whom Mr. Rowley had sent from Gibraltar to supersede Mr. Grove, and also a person with a deputation from Mr. Morn to act as purser of the Princess Caroline during his absence. This affected me much, more especially as the vacancy happened in my particular division. I could not but think it unkind of Mr. Rowley to put me to the trial, and too hard for me to submit to supersede my secretary. Therefore I thought it convenient to deny Mr. Rowley the favour of permitting his to act by deputy, and I warranted Mr. Mouncher in his stead to the Princess Caroline, whereby Mr. Grove remained purser of the Burjord. From what I have said, it may appear that I twice asked a favour of Mr. Rowley, which he refused me ; he, once of me and I did the same ; and I do protest if Mr. Rowley had not XVI. superseded Mr. Grove, he need not have troubled your Lordships in this affair, for I should have given Mr. Morn liberty to act by deputy as purser of the Princess Caroline as long as their Lordships should think proper. The curious case of Captain Cooper was another development of this quarrel. As he was leaving the station, sore with Medley's refusal to give Morn a warrant as purser of the Princess Caroline, Rowley attempted to revenge himself by ordering Captain Cooper to wear a broad pennant as commodore of the first class. As soon as Medley knew of it, he ordered Cooper to haul the broad pennant down, on which Rowley repeated the order which was again disallowed by Medley (pp. 82-3), and by that time Rowley had quitted the Mediterranean, where he had needlessly pro- longed his stay for several months. All this Medley very properly represented to the Admiralty, in his letter of February 8, 1745-6.* I acquainted you in my letter of December 26, that Mr. Rowley by his order dated the 2nd of that month, in Gibraltar Bay, had appointed Captain Cooper commander of a squadron he then stationed there and to cruise about the Straits' mouth, with a power to hoist a broad red pennant on board any of his Majesty's ships, and consequently to have a captain under him. This proceeding, when I should suppose Mr. Rowley's command in the Mediter- ranean might have expired, did not a little alarm me, as I could not infer, neither from the commission I had the honour to receive from the Lords Comniissioners of the Admiralty, nor from the papers and instructions I had received from himself for my government in the execution thereof, that such authority was invested in us ; and I was the more surprised as X have been so long possessed of their Lordships' commission to succeed him, that, without giving me any previous advice, he should think the time of his departure more proper for the appointing of a commodore than any time before. There- fore I judged it necessary to oppose this new commission, that it might not appear to their Lordships a joint act in which I had concurred with Mr. Rowley, it being no ways agreeable to my sentiments, which I have mentioned in my order to Captain Cooper thereupon ; but Mr. Rowley being yet at Gibraltar when that arrived, he cancelled the same, and gave Captain Cooper another, by virtue whereof he came hither [Mahon Harbour] with a broad red pennant on board the Stirling Castle, which, for the reasons before men- tioned, I sent an officer off to him and directed him to strike it, which he accordingly did, but gave Captain Fawler the charge of the ship and told him he had no further business there. When Captain Cooper came to me, I told him that although I had ordered his broad pennant to be struck, he might, if he pleased, continue to be Captain of the Stirling Castle, which he refused, and desired leave to stay on shore. I beg that I may be informed if it was their Lordships intention, by the order that accompanied my commission, that Mr. Rowley's command in the Mediterranean should subsist, at all events, until he had passed the Straits mouth. I do not propose to insinuate any designed delays on his part, though he may have been a long while on the execution of their Lordships' order to return home. I received it in Gibraltar on August 23, and forwarded it immediately, though he does not acknowledge the receipt of it till October 15, in Oristan Bay ; and [though] by his letter to me, dated in Gibraltar Bay, November 29, he takes his leave and sends with it all the papers and instruc- tions relating to the service, and proposes to sail homeward the first fair wind, he is delayed there till January 9. All which is an interesting story of how two Admirals could abuse the service for the gratification of their sordid spite. The claim afterwards made by Captain Cooper in respect of his share of prize money, brought up a very curious, probably unique * " In Letters," 382. XVll. difficulty (pp. 204-16). On the grounds that his pay as commo- dore, by the approval of the Admiralty, continued till midnight, though he struck his broad pennant at 1 p.m., he claimed to share as a flag officer in a prize made at 5 p.m. The claim was dis- allowed, and seems, in fact, to have been contrary to equity ; but even at the present time there is no abstract rule for such a case, which — if it occurred — would have to be settled by the Admiralty, on taking into consideration the particular circum- stances. But the continuance of pay would not be held to have any bearing on the question ; for in fact an officer abroad cannot be superseded by another without the pay overlapping. Two admirals may very well be receiving pay as commanders-in-chief of a foreign station, or two captains as commanding the same ship ; but only one can be in exercise of the command, and that one would probably receive the prize money. But leaving these purely professional questions on one side, the letters of Thomas Grimston, of Stephen Thompson, of James Henshaw*, the navy agent, and of John Le Keux,f an official in " the Grievance Office," which seems to mean the Treasury, give a view of naval opinion in London during the " forty-five," and of the Mathews-Lestock courts martial which is in many respects novel. The strong feeling against Matthews (pp. 112, 125 and freq.), which indeed was fully justified by the evidence before the court, will be new to many readers ; the mention of Mostyn's court-martial as uppermost in Vernon's mind (p. 51) is, as far as it goes, a confirmation of the opinion that Vernon was the author of the Enquiry into the Conduct of Captain Mostyn. The suggestion, hinted at rather than made (p. 85), that the young Pretender's retreat from Derby was due to the over- whelming force we had in the Channel, may be thought an exaggeration, and will certainly be new to many. But we know that the French Government did propose to support the rebellion by a direct invasion of the south of England, J and that, in the opinion of the French, it was prevented doing so by the ineptitude of the Due de Richelieu, though the true reason was very certainly * Possibly the brother of George Henshaw, the Consul at Genoa in 1722. See Ante, p. x. t Presumably the John Le Keux buried in St. Margaret's, Westminster, on April 17th, 1754. See Notes and Queries, X, ii, 413. Mrs. Margaret Grahame, who erected the monument, may perhaps be identified with the " Lady Margaret " (p. 126), or " Peggy" (p. 103) of the letters. X Cf. Maurice de Saxe et le Marquis d'Argenson, par le Due de Broglie, vol i, pp. 12 et seq. XVlll. the close guard of the Channel by our home fleet. The bulk of the people of England no more understood this mark of " the influence of sea power " than did the French ; and our historians have all attributed the retreat to the impossibility of keeping the Highlanders together, and to the approach of the Duke of Cumberland. That Prince Charles, Lord George Murray and the other leaders of the rebellion knew where the failure lay seems clear; though it is probable that they did not understand the reason of it, and believed that it was the luke-warmness of the French ministers if not indeed their base hypocrisy. The constantly recurring questions of the respective rights of belligerents and neutrals here assume a concrete form which cannot but be both interesting and valuable. But it was a curious complication in these that the neutrals were closely bound to one Of other of the belligerents ; that the Dutch, whilst allies of the English, claimed the right to carry naval stores to French ports — as Toulon (p. 99), or food stuffs to a blockaded port — as Genoa (pp. 66 and jreq.) ; that the Neapolitans, almost openly recruiting the Spanish army, and the Tuscans, subjects of the Emperor, equally claimed to pass free to the ports of the enemy. Still, notwithstanding these difficulties, the number of good prizes made was VQry great and largely contributed to the very handsome fortune which the admiral accumulated. The several letters of Villettes, Maricone and Mann, relatinof to the operations of war in the valley of the Po, round about Genoa and in Corsica, must be considered as interesting notes to the technical histories of the campaign — to Gust's " Wars of (he Eighteenth Century ; " to " Operations Militaires dans les Alpes et les Afennins, (1742-1748)" par Henri Moris ; to Pezay's "Mcmoires de Maillehois" and to the Ducde Broglie's " Maurice de Saxe et le Marquis d'Arrjenson." One incident of the war alone stands out as especially English, the story of which is, by inference, a very painful bit of reading. It is impossible even to glance over the letters of Eear Admiral Byng (pp. 174-187) without remarking their strong resemblance in tone to another very notorious letter of his dated nine years later. The point is that the allies, after crossing the Var, and in their advance on Marseilles, occupied the Isles Lerins (p. 149), which were still held after they had been forced to retreat ; and when they were threatened by the French, who were certainly not likely to tolerate a foreign occupation of islands so clearly French by their situation, Byng was sent with XIX. a small squadron to assist in their defence, just as nine years later he was sent to assist in the defence of Minorca. His assist- ance was absolutely nil. ; and in his letters to Medley we note the same despondency, the same iteration of inability, the same assumption that the French had taken such measures as must prove fatal to the English cause, which pervaded his letters of 1756, and which, in inducing his inaction, cost him his life. It is impossible now to say whether anything could have been done to prevent the French regaining the islands ; it is quite certain that Eyng did not attempt anything even to delay them ; and we may be quite sure that there were many officers in the navy fifty years later, when our fleets were again on that coast, who would have at least done something to make the French conquest less easy. After Medley's death, the interest of the papers is mainly dependent on questions arising out of his will and his estate, especially the lawsuits undertaken by Hardwick and threatened by Cooper. But the great majority of the letters are of purely family interest, and continue till well on into the nineteenth century. It has not seemed necessary or even advisable to notice these, with the exception of those relating to the " mutiny " at Harrow in 1771 (pp. 229-2.37), the story of which, though not new, has not been told elsewhere in such full and lively detail. II. Among the papers of Vice-Admiral Medley is included a large bundle of French correspondence which the fortune of war threw into Medley's hands. With few exceptions, these letters belonged to M. de Caylus, a knight of Malta and a captain in the French navy, who, in 1745, was appointed Governor of Martinique. When he sailed for his Government, some of his effects were presumably left behind, to be sent on afterwards ; and among these must have been a box filled with letters — many of them of&cial, from the Comte de Maurepas, secretaire de la marine — of no great importance, for the most part, but interesting from the light they throw on the internal history of the French navy in the eighteenth century ; a history which, in England, at any rate, is very obscure, and of which, even in France, little seems to be known beyond what is contained within the covers of Brun's " Guerres Maritimes."* I,' .* Guerres Maritimes de la France : Port de Toulon. Par V. Brun, com- missaire-g6n6ral de la marine. (2 vols, 8o, 1861). XX. Witli these there are mixed up many letters of a more private nature ; and added to them a few business letters from merchants at Marseilles to their correspondents at Martinique or Cape Fran§ais. It is not absolutely certain that these were all captured at the same time, but the probability is that they were ; that after examining them, and possibly retaining any of importance at the moment. Medley had them all tied up together, and that so they remained till now. And as to the comm.ercial letters, the indication of their capture is happily very clear. They are dated in December, 1745, January and down to 3rd February, 1746, and all say, practically in so many words, that they are going by the Vainqueur, Captain Cesar Martin. M. OUive of Marseilles, writing on 3rd February, does not name the Vainqueur, but describes her as a Malouin ship which he and some others have lately bought ; she is reputed to be a good sailer and he hopes she really is so, as, in the existing circumstances, the passage of the Straits is exceedingly dangerous. She did not, however, get anything like as far as the Straits. The Gulf of Lyons was swarming with Medley's cruisers ; and though, a year later, they were unable to find the French squadron and convoy returning from the Levant (pp. 145, 147, 153*), they succeeded in stopping a merchant ship out of Marseilles, of whose sailing, it n\ay very well be, they had private information. As the Vainqueur carried a letter dated .3rd February, she cannot have sailed before the evening of that day. On the afternoon of the 9th she was captured by the Feversham, as noted in her log :-t 1745, January 30, J 3 p.m. — Fired a shot at the chase, who hoisted no colours ; i past, the chase hoisted French coloars, who let his colours flv some time ; afterwards struck them ; boarded the prize, who was a French ship from Marseilles for St. Domingo ; took her men out of her and sent on board an officer and twelve men. Le Vainqueur, the prize's name. T?ie high land over Mataro, N.W., 8 or 9 leagues. In the prize-list quoted on p. 350, the Vainqueur is described as a letter of marque ; not that she had then, with a feeble arma- ment, a crew of only 38 men, and a valuable cargo, any intention of cruising, but rather as authorizing here to defend herself to the best of her ability, and of course, with a possibility of cruising * •' The Frenchmen of war and convoy home^^ard bound from the Levant have escaped the squadron constantly cruising on tlie coast of Provence to intercept them." Medley to Corbett, February 10, 1746-7 ; " In letters," 382. t Official number, 589. J The date is O.S. By nautical usage, the day began at noon, 12 hoars before the civil day, and p.m. of the 30th was, in civil time, afternoon of the 29th, or, in N.S., February 9. XXI. later on, in the West Indies. Medley's mention of her, though short, is interesting. Writing to Corbett* on 10th [-21st] February from the Russell in Mahon harbour, he says : — The Fevershnm in her way to Corsica hath taken and sent hither a French ship, burden about 300 tons, designed from Marseilles to Martinico ; which ship had formerly served in M. de Court's squadron in the engagement off Toulon as a tire-ship. Therefore I propose to have her surveyed, and if she is reported in a good condition and proper to serve in that capacity, I shall give directions for the purchase of her of the captors, and taken into the service, in the room of the Nazareth fire-ship, which is condemned. No letter from Captain Gardiner has been preserved, and neither in the Feversham's log nor in Medley's letter is there any mention of the box or bag of letters, which, indeed — as they do not seem to have given any intelligence, were probably considered of no importance. M. de Caylus, who here comes into a prominent position, was the second son of Mme. de Caylus, daughter of the Marquis de Villette de Mursay, captain of the 44-gun ship Assure in the actions on the coast of Sicily in 1676. Afterwards, as lieutenant- general, he commanded the French van in the battles of Beachy Head (1690) and Barfleur (1692) ; and again, as vice-admiral, in the battle of Malaga (1701). He had no further employment at sea, his rank not permitting him to take part in the guerre de course to which, after Malaga, the French efforts were principally turned, and he died in 1707. The elder of his two sons, though only 12 years old, was with him in the campaign of 1676, and, young as he was, was given a commission as enseigne. A few years later he entered the army, with his younger brother ; and when the war of the League of Augsburg began, the Marquis bought the command of a regiment for each ot them. The younger was killed at Steinkirk, in 1692 ; the elder at the siege of Turin, in 1706. His daughter, Marthe Marguerite le Valois, born in 1673, was practically adopted at an early age by Mme. de Maintenon, her father's first cousin — her own tante a la mode de Bretagne. She was but 13, when her aunt, who wished to keep her always with her, married her to Jean Anne de Tubieres de Grimoard de Pestel de Levis, Comte de Caylus, a man of old family, collaterally descended from the Comte de Quelus, one of the Mignons of Henry III, but sadly impoverished, and apparently better fitted for the camp than the court. His marriage, the protection of Mme. de Maintenon and the favour of the King brought him promotion and money ; he was made menin of the * " In Letters," 382. XXll, Dauphin ; and, when the war broke out, he bought a regiment of dragoons, the vendor refusing to take more than 12,000 ecus, but receiving from the King the lieutenancy of Ypres as a make- weight. Eight years afterwards, when M. de Caylus was made marechal de cnrnj), he sold his regiment for 82,000 livres or about 27,000 ecus* In 1702 he was made lieutenant-general, and died— it would seem suddenly— at Brussels, in November 1704. The extremely unfavourable portrait of him, drawn by Saint- Simon, has been very generally accepted as authoritative. Ce mari blas6, h^.bet^ depuis plusieura armies de vin et d'eau-de-vie, <5tait tenu a servir, hiver comme ^ti, sur la frontiere, pour qu'il n'approchat ni do sa femmo ni de la cour. Lui aussi ne demaudait pae mieux, pourvu qu'il fftt toujo^us ivre. Sa mort fut done une delivrance dont sa femme et ses plus proches ne se contraignirent pas de la trouver telle. f It may, however, be doubted if the severity of this judgment was not dictated by spite or partisanship. Steinkirk, ' Landen or the other battles of the war were not fought and won by " ivrognes endurcis, qui n'eurent jamais d'autre passion que celle de la dive bouteille ; " nor was a man wholly given up to this bestial vice the type of man to whom the leading of the French armies was to be entrusted. Dangeau makes no mention of it, and Dangeau was much more intimate with Mme. de Caylus than ever Saint-Simon was ; between Mme. de Dangeau and Mme. de Caylus the ties of friendship seem to have been very close. The widow, too, continued on most friendly terms with the brothers of her husband. One, the Bishop of Auxerre, she frequently visited. Distance prevented similar intercourse with the other, who had taken service in SpainJ, where he attained high rank, and, when he died, was actually Viceroy of Valencia ; but in 1734 his nephew, being at Cadiz, travelled all the way to Madrid in order to spend a few days with him {fost, pp. 2.58-9). Mme. de Caylus was left with two sons ; the elder, now Comte de Caylus, born in 1692 ; the younger — Charles de Tubieres de Grimoard de Pestel de Levis — born in 1698, was admitted at a very early age as a knight of Malta, and appears always as the Chevalier de Caylus. Both of them entered the army ; and under the protection of Mme. de Maintenon on the one hand, and on the other of the Due de Villeroi — between whom and the boys' mother the relations were exceedingly close, if not scan- * Journal du Marquis de Dangeau, i.'309-lO, 312 ; ii. 170, 172, 185; v. 354, 387. t Memoires du Due de Saint-Simon, iv. 197. Edit. Cheruel. X Journal du Marquis de Dangeau, vi. 59 ; xvi., 259, 261). XXlll. dalous — it would have been surprising if their advancement had not been rapid. In the letters of their mother, there are frequent references to the purchase of a regiment for them ; and though the editor of the correspondence* has avoided dates as carefully as chronological arrangement, it appears that in 1711 the Comte de Caylus distinguished himself at the head of his regiment in Catalonia ; and that in 1714, the old King appointed the sixteen-year-old Chevalier to the command of a regiment of infantry — having perfect confidence in his courage and ex- perience {'post, p. 241). In the following year, Mme. de Caylus wrote to the Comte : — Votre frfere est parti de Toulon par mer pour aller joindre M. d'Asfeld. II I'aura trouv6 parti, et la desoento a Majorque faite sans difficult^. II aura sans doute pris son parti de Taller joindre, mais jo n'en ai point de nouvelles. Vous m'etes aussi tr^s necessaire par rapport a votro frtre; il y a du bon et du mauvais en lui, mais je ne me puis bien expliquer que dans une conversation. Venez done, mon cher fils, causer aveo moi. From their earliest years the difference between the two boys seems to have been strongly marked ; the elder, steady and sedate, earning from his mother the name of " mon Philosophe," by which she speaks of him in her letters to Mme. de Maintenon — a name that stuck to him in later life, if we may suppose that he is the " Philosophe" whose backslidings are mentioned on pp. 278, 281. He was, in fact, at this later period, leading a double life, distinguished as an art critic and archaeologist, and also as the author of numerous collections of tales and facetia;. The younger, on the contrary, is referred to as wild and boisterous ; always in some scrape, or getting out of it in the way that light- hearted boys will. His mother generally speaks of him as " mon Brindi " — according to M. Raunie, " le nom d'un paysan d'Avon, que Madame de Maintenon lui avait donne, en badinant ; " but as nothing further is said about the " paysan," the point of the joke is not quite clear. In the entire absence of dates, it is impossible to speak with any certainty, but it may perhaps have been on the Chevalier's re- turn from Majorca that his mother wrote to Mme. de Maintenon : — " Mon Brindi est arrive plus grand, plus noir, plus rouge que vous ne sauriez I'imaginer." And again, presumably a little later : — " Mon fils le Chevalier m'ecrit de Perpignan qu'il n'est point parti pour I'Espagne ; il conduira son regiment a Montpellier ou il sera reforme ; il viendra ici, et sa conduite me dira combien * Souvenirs et Correspondance de Madame, de Caylus : Edition complHe, publi6e avec une annotation historique, biographique et litt^raire, par Emile Bauni^. XXIV. il est triste d'etre mere." The Chevalier's regiment being re- formed — disbanded — he must have gone shortly afterwards to Malta, and may have stayed there six or seven or eight years — possibly from 1718 to 1726. The only record remaining to us is a letter from Mme. de Caylus to her elder son, part of which must have been written in 1722. Madame de Caylus to the Comte de Caylus.* [1722], August 21. Sens. — J'ai reqa une grande lettre de votre fiere; il est le favori, a ce qu'il pretend, de ce dernier Brand inaitre,f et veut bien demeurer a Malte si on lui donne de quoi tenirgalere, et dit que les marchands de Malte pretent volontiers de I'argent aux chevaliers qui sont assures d'avoir une bonne commanderie — a un gros int^ret, a la v6rit6, et sans doute sous de bonnes cautions. II lui faut, pour tenir galere, quinze ou seize mille francs ; voyez si nous sommes en etat de les lui fournir, le change ^tant surtout comn)e il est ; mais jo crois qu'il ne convient point de le d6cou- rager sur cela, et qu'il est bon de gagner temps avec lui. Je le remettrai &, nion voyage d'Auxcrre pour lui faire une reponse plus precise, et lui manderai que nous devons tons nous y retrouver, et que la nous d6ciderona tout pour le mieux. Pour moi, des qu'il ne s'ennuie plus k Malte, je ne suis point f&ch6e qvi'il y demeure, et j'aime autant ce parti-la que son voyage en Espagne. Sur le bruit du mnuvement des Turcs, il demanda de I'emploi, et d'etre envoye a une petite ile d^pendante de Malte [sc. Gozo] qu'on prit la resolution de fortifier ; le grand maitre lui accorda, et il fut destin^ pour y exercer la cliarge de major-general, sous le commandement de M. de Langon, lieutenant- gt^n^ral et commandant I'escadre des vaisseoux de la Religion. " Nous y avons — dit il — en tout, y comprie les milices du pays, deux mille hommes, et nous attendons de pied ferme nos ennemis a la Marine. lis ont deja paru au nombre do cing gros vaisseaux, et ont envoys une lettre fort insolente au grand maitre, par la quelle i!s lui ordonnent de la part du Grand Seigneur de leur remettre tous les esclaves ;{ a quoi on leur a r^pondu que s'ils apportaient beaucoup d'argent pour le rachat de ces esclaves on les leurs donneruient ; que d'ailleurs, con\me ils 6taient tomb^s entre leurs mains de bonne guerre, ils etaient les maitres de les venir reprendro de la meme maniere." 11 ajoute que " los choses en sont rest6ea la, et qu' ils sont toujoiu's le long de la cote sans en approcher ; on a eu nouvelle qu' ils attendent six vaisseaux et dix galeres ; quand ils geront joints, nous verrons ce qu' ils entreprendront. Les galeres de Malte doivent aller en Sicile chercher mille hommes d'infanterie que I'Empereur prete a I'Ordre." Cette lettre est du 6 de juillet, et il la finit par mille amities povir vous et demande la continuation des bont^s de Madame de La Vrillicre pour son crapaud. This letter as it stands is most curious ; for the attack on Gozo referred to was in 1708, and M. de Langon was killed in 1709. § In 1708 the Chevalier de Caylus was not at Malta, and if he had been, would not, at the age of 10, have had " la charge de major- general " of this detachment. It follows that either M. Raunie has mixed up the sheets of two different letters — which he has certainly done in other places ; or that Mme. de Caylus had entirely misunderstood her son's letter ; or — which is perhaps as probable as anything else— that the Chevalier, trusting to his * Souvenirs et Con espondance , p. 314. t Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master, June 1722. His predecessor died on June 20. % The letter demanding the release of the slaves is dated June 28, 1722, (Vnxtci:, History of the Knights of Malta, ii. 410). The Grand Master's answer is described as civil enough, and does not contain the concluding bellicose sentence here given. § Porter, ii. 402. XXV. mother's ignorance of Maltese history, related this old story as of the present time, to induce her the more readily to pay up the 15,000 francs. The exact date of the Chevalier's return to France is nowhere stated, but in April 1727, he exchanged his rank of colonel in the army for that of captain in the navy, and was appointed second captain to M. de Rochallart, chef d'escadre. Fifty years before, this intrusion of a soldier into the navy had been common, and the Marquis de Villette, Caylus's grandfather, had so entered it ; but at this time it was more rare, and the appointment of Caylus gave rise to a good deal of discontent, which is thus described in a letter from the Marquis de Sainte Aulaire to Cardinal de Fleury :— * On a fait une promotion d'officiers de marine, qui a ite peu nombreuse ; elle a fait une quantity de m^contents. M. le Chevalier de Caylus, qui 6tait colonel reforme, a et6 fait, de plein saut, capitaine de vaisseau ; il passe sur le ventre de niille officiers qui ont cinquante ann^es de service, qui ont, la plupart, une grande naissance et de fort belles actions ; et les officiers r^formes, pour lesquels on a beaucoup de duret^, demandent ce qu' a fait le Chevalier de Caylus pour Stre si favoris^. Tous les marins se plaignent, et le public trouve fort Strange que le fila de Madame la Comtesse de Toulouse soit garde marine pendant que M. de Caylus est capitaine de vaisseau. Of the service of M. de Caylus with Rochallari., there is no other mention than that at p. 247 ; but in the following year, September 1728, he was appointed to the independent command of the Nymphe, for a cruise in the Levant (p. 241). During the following years, his very nearly continuous service is traced in the letters here printed. For the most part it lay in the Levant, with the object of protecting the French trade ; the coast of the Morea, the islands of the Archipelago and Cerigo are more especially mentioned as marking his station ; from time to time he put into Malta for provisions or repairs, and M. de Maurepas, the the secretary of the navy, though a personal friend, seems to have laboured under an uneasy suspicion that his visits to Malta, where he must have had many friends, might be too frequent and too prolonged. His service on the African coast and the instructions he received as to the Isle of Tabarca, both as to making a survey of it, reporting on its capabilities and the steps to be taken in order to disgust its actual proprietors with it (pp. 248-9), mark a connecting link between the crusade of Louis IX, the failure of the Due de Beaufort at Jijelli, and the final occupation and conquest of Algeria. The mention of * Lettres de Mademoiselle Aiss6 (1846), p. 182. At this date, 1727, Sainte Aulaire waa about 84 (Memoires du due de Luynes, ui. G9), but his great age does not invalidate his testimony as to the current gossip of the day. XXVI. > Du Guay Trouin as commanding a squadron in 1731 will come as a surprise to those who only remember his exploits as a corsair in the time of our William III or the early years of Queen Anne. In fact, however, in 1731 he was only 58, and 63 at the time of his death in 1736. It is much to be regretted that with these letters we have not also those of Caylus to Maurepas ; letters which would have had a great and peculiar interest from the naval point of view. In these he explained his views of the service, and his opinion of the ships, with— it appears— a considerable amount of grumblmg. We should have known something more of the French Levant trade ; of what took him to Louisbourg in 1732 (p. 255), which here remains a blank ; of what he saw or heard at Cadiz and Madrid in 1734-5, the time of the War of the Polish Succession, in which it does not appear that he had any part. After 1737 the state of his health and possibly also his inclination kept him on shore for nearly three years. The Comte de Maurepas had engaged a new secretary, M. Salley, the illegitimate son — according to D'Argenson* — of Mme. Desmares, a celebrated actress of the first quarter of the century. Whether that was true or not, we recognise at once that the man had the gift of writing pleasant chatty letters, and his correspondence with Caylus, beginning in June 1740 (p. 271), at once marks the intimacy which Caylus had permitted him, and gives a new zest to the pages. Salley's letters, in fact, give not only valuable discussions on points of service — hx which he must have been prompted by M. Pellerin — but also the gossip of the town and court, and notices of new plays and new books. Many of his allusions are indeed obscure, and must be so to everyone who has not made a very special and exhaustive study of the court life in France during the " harlotocracy " ; but on the other hand, many of them illustrate or clear up points in the Memoirs of the Due de Luynes or the Journal of Barbier.f As a theatrical critic SaUey must have been very well qualified, but in respect of literature, his taste — which may possibly have agreed with that of the Chevalier, his correspondent — ^is distinctly pornographic. He describes, for instance, Dom Bouqre — a book which " dame le pion aux auteurs licentieux" — as " bon livre, pardieu," " un des meilleurs * Memoires el Journal, torn, ii., p. 149 (Edit. Soo. de 1' Hist, de France), t The Edition hpre referred to is the " Premiere Edition complete," pub- lished by C'harpentier in 8 vols. 12mo. xxvu. livres qui se soit fait dans le genre libertin," and regrets that he cannot get hold of a copy to send his friend. Even this mention of it, however, must be interesting to boolc-oollectors, for it appears from Salley's letter (p. 291) that it was first issued in March 1741, whereas the earliest known edition is of 1745 ; and the note as to its authors (p. 323), which accounts for the unique character of their work, is probably new. To many, the discussion (p. 324) of the question of promotion of naval officers to flag rank will seem among the most interesting in the volume. It is one that, though old as the modern organiza- tion of the navy, is ever new. In our own service, the solution of it on the strict lines of seniority has been adopted as the out- come of long experience and a very practical knowledge of the jealousy and rancour which a different system is certain to engender. So considering it, the late Admiral Jurien de la Graviere expressed a very hearty approval and even admiration of the English method ; but it has not been accepted by the French, who continue to face the difficulties necessarily springing from the selection of admirals from the list of captains ; and even among us, every now and then some discontented officer raises the cry, " See how mxich better they do these things in France." It is thus that there is a still living importance in the points mooted by SaUey, who had certainly heard what the Comte de Maurepas had to say on the subject, and had probably talked it over with Pellerin and other permanent officials. About the middle of January, M. de Caylus, as captain of the Boree, 64 guns, with the Aquilon, 48 guns and the Flore, 28, under his orders, sailed from Toulon for Martinique. The letters here are especially tantalising ; for, from the Comte de Maurepas and the King, they lead up to his instructions, which are missing. Neither have we any information as to the object with which he was independently sent to Martinique whilst the Marquis d'Antin was commanding a large fleet in the West Indies. But we know, from other sources, that in D'Antin's expedition, hostility to England was contemplated ; and several of the letters here given permit us to believe that the instructions given to Caylus suggested the probability of this. Remond in his letters of March 20 and June 1 (pp. 287, 291) seems to take this as a matter of course, and himself expresses an intensely hostile feehng, the more remarkable in the brother of a man whose merit had been cordially recognized in England by his election as a Fellow of the Royal xxvui. Society. As, however, lie gives his reasons for this — reasons, in no way peculiar to 1741, but still existing and affecting public opinion in more than one country on the continent — it is well to emphasize them ; for even though we may not admit their validity, it is quite certain that our neighbours do. What Remond wrote is : — II est clair que la France n' aura jamais de vrais ennemis que les Anglais, parceque la France est la seule nation qui puisse diminuer et meme partager son commerce ; ainsi ils ne penseront jamais qu' a nous affaiblir, pour con- server leur 6clat ; en quoi ils sent dignes de louange. Car tant qu' elle fera tout le commerce, elle aura toutes les richesses, et vous savez que qui a Tor a le fer. Done il est demonstreque !a France ne pourra jamais jouir d'aucun repos sur terre, ni reprendre un 6tat florissant, qu' elle n'aitmoder^ et afiaibli le despotisme des Anglais sur mer. The rough copies of Caylus's letters betray the same feeling and anticipation of hostility, which alone can explain his account of a meeting with the English squadron after passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. The English were then blockading Cadiz, and necessarily examined every ship — ship of war, especially — that came near. With his mind full of English enmity, the meeting to Caylus would seem to have threatened danger, and he congratulated himself and Maurepas on the " ardeur " of his men. To the English, it was very much a matter of course and was not even officially reported to Admiral Haddock, the com- mander-in-chief, in whose despatches there is no reference to it. It is however mentioned in the logs of the ships forming the detached squadron under Commodore Martin in the Ifswich, from which alone we know the date of the meeting, February 23. The log of the Ipswich has : — * 1740[-1], February 12[-23]. 8 a.m.— Saw four saQ to the S.W. and gave chase. Noon, Cadiz bore N. 33° E, distant 23 leagues. February 13,-)- 6 p.m. Spoke with our chase, proving to be three French men of war and a merchant ship from Toulon. Lay to. 7, made sail. The log of the Oxford, X Captain Russell, is to the same effect, but adds, " They could not tell where they were bound till they came to the latitude where they were to open their orders." According to the log of the Sunderland,^ her captain, John Byng, took a more serious view of the situation. It says : — Noon. Cadiz N.E. ^ N., 21 leagues. February 13 ; 2 p.m. Cleared ship and knocked down the bulkhead of the coach, and tossed the stuH over- board. At 4 the commodore fired a gun to leeward, which was returned by the chase ; but she not bringing to, he fired a shot. At \ past 5 the chase brought to, which proved to be Monsieur Caliuce|| in a French ship of war about 50 guns, with 3 other ships of his own nation with him. The commodore sent his boat on board him. At 6, wore ship to the north- ward. * Official number, 414. f StiU the 12th by civil time. J Official number, 655. § Official number, 944. || The phonetic spelling of the name is in- teresting, it only as showing that the modern pronunciation, which sounds the final s, is virtually the same as it was then. XXIX J So M. de Caylus pursued his way to Martinique, where he presumably -carried out his instructions, and where he certainly laid the foundation of a trade for his private interest. A few months later, on his return voyage, he again met some English ships of war as he approached the Straits. His account of what happened — presumably that referred to by the Comte de Maurepas (p. 299) — is here given on pp. 295-8. It agrees, as to the main fact, with that written by Captain Barnett, the commander of the English squadron, but differs from it in many particulars, and more especially in the report of the conversation that passed both before the skirmish and afterwards. This may plausibly be accounted for by the mutual ignorance of each other's language — even by the interpreters employed ; but we may admire, though we cannot approve, the skill with which Caylus — without departing from the strict truth — has made it appear that he was engaged with a very superior force ; with four ships of the line at least, if not with " plusieurs vaisseaux." Certainly that was the impression which his letters conveyed to its readers ; to the King, to M. de Maurepas, to his numerous friends and, through them, to the public. M. de Maurepas speaks distinctly of the " combat que vous avez rendu . . . centre quatre vaisseaux anglais, . . . qu'il ne parait pas que vous ayez pu eviter " (p. 301). The Chevalier de Eennes writes of " la fagon brillante avec laqueUe, malgre une aussi grande in- feriorite, vous avez soutenu la gloire du pavilion " (p. 299) ; and even the sedate and official Pellerin styles it " un combat si inegal " (p. 300). Naturally then, the unknown lady who calls Caylus " mon cher et bien aime cheval," and herself " votre fille," carried away the idea that " les Anglais etaient six fois plus forts que vous " (p. 298). It requires, indeed, a careful scrutiny of Caylus's text to see that he really speaks of two ships only as having fought with his squadron. These were the Dragon, of 60 guns, and the Folkestone, of 40 ; each thus respectively inferior in force to the Boree of 64 guns, and the Aquilon of 48, not to speak of the Flore. Long after the fighting had ceased, the Feversham, also of 40 guns, came up ; but the fourth ship, the Mary Galley, did not join while the French were in company. But after all, Barnett's contention— that " As we were at war with Spain, being a cruizer it was my duty to be satisfied that they were not Spaniards, and therefore desired they would shorten sail that I might send. my boat on board them"— was perfectly XXX just and reasonable, and his request would have been readily complied with, had the French been honestly neutral, as they professed to be. That they were not had been already proved in~the West Indies, where — on January 18 — a similar afEray had taken place* between an English squadron commanded by Lord Aubrey Beauclerk and a French squadron under the orders of the Chevalier d'Epinay, with whom were the Chevalier de Piosin, M. d'Estourmel and M. de I'Etanduere.f That both affairs were natural and even unavoidable mistakes on the part of the English, there can be no reasonable doubt, any more than that, on the part of the French, they were the outcome of ill-will, if not of actual orders. 1^ Notwithstanding the outburst of joy over the " brilliant victory," the royal approval and the congratulations of the secretary of the navy, it is evident that this latter was seriously annoyed at the prolonged delay of Caylus in returning to Toulon (p. 309). Salley's letter of October 2 (p. 306) shows us that ill-natured gossip from Marseilles had reached the minist'cre, and that he was expected to give some explanation of his conduct. What Maurepas had been told, what Caylus wrote, we have now no means of saying ; but the letters of Haillet (p. 307) and of Antheaume (p. 333), added to the statements of Adrien Dessalles {jiost, p. xxxiii.), leave little room to doubt that he went to Marseilles to arrange his private business with M. Roux, even if he had not brought home a quantity of merchandise in the Boree. We know that he was deeply in debt ; that he was worried even by small creditors (pp. 345, 348), and his later history shows that he was quite unscrapulous as to his ways of raising money. The Comte de Maurepas, however, was his intimate friend, and not only bore him clear of blame, but had him appointed to command the escort of the Turkish Ambassador on his return to Constantinople. It wiU be seen from his letter (p. 331) and from those of Pellerin (pp. 335, 339), that there was a good deal of anxiety about the English, who had now established themselves in the roadstead of Hyeres, and might easily interrupt the voyage and do open discredit to the French navy. They had, it was felt, the very dubious conduct of M. de Court off Cape Gataf in the * Thi« is the skirmish of which a, burlesque account is given in Roderick Random t The commander of the squadron which Hawke crushed on October, 14-25 1747. % See Diet, of Nat. Biography, s.n. Haddock, Nicholas. XXXI. previous December to urge them to reprisals ; and their action in burning the Spanish galleys in a French port (p. 329) showed that their irritation was not always to be restrained. It was hoped that by sailing at dusk and so getting clear of the land before daybreak, Caylus might escape notice ; but in case he did not, he was given very clear instructions as to his conduct. They are doubly interesting from their contrast with the orders under which he presumably sailed in January 1741. On July 14, M. de Maurepas wrote : — F;^ Le roi m'a charge de vous marquer en particulier comment vous devez vous condviire par rapport aux vaisseaux de guerre anglais qui sent sur la c6te de Provence. Quoiqu'il n'y ait point d'apparence qu'ils apportent aucun obstacle a votre navigation, il est cependant k souhaiter que vous puisaiez 6viter leur rencontre en partant de Toulon, et sa Majesty se romet a vous de prendre pour cela les mesures que vous estimerez n^cessaire, et de diriger d'abord votre route, suivant la connaissance que vous aurez des parages oil ils se trouveront ; mais si, malgr6 les precautions que vous prendrez, vous en rencontrez plusieurs ensemble, que vous ne puissiez 6viter, et qui exigent de vous que vous vous fassiez connaitre, sa Majesty desire que vous receviez avec politesse I'officier commandant le canot qu'ils pourront vous envoyer, et que vous satisfassiez aux demandes qu'il vous fera sur les vaisseaux que vous commandez, et sur votre destination ; si au lieu de vous envoyer un canot de leurs vaisseaux, ils voulaient que vous leur envoyassiez le votre a leur bord, I'intention du roi est que pour pr^venir tout inconvenient, et ne point donner lieu a quelque engagement capable de retarder votre navigation, vous ne rofusiez point d'envoyer votre canot avec un officier au commandant anglais, pour lui dire qui vous etes, et votre destination. Vous pourrez lui faixe entendre que c'est au nom de I'ambassadeur du Grand Seigneur que vous faites cette demarche, afin qu'elle ne tire point h cone^quence, et ce n'est en effet que par consideration pour sa personne que sa Majesty consent que vous la fassiez. Elle desire, au surplus, que vous ne vous y d6terminiez que dans le cas oil vous ne pourrez absolument vous en dispenser. M. de Caylus did not, however, succeed in evading the English blockade. Brun* tells us that, sailing on August 15, he met some English ships, whose " commandants affectcrent de se faire des politesses et d'echanger quelques minces presents." The state- ment in detail seems unlikely. " Minces presents " are not usual, and the " politesses " are matters of routine which do not need much affectation. What really took place is told by the log of the Bedford,-^ Captain James Cornewall. 1742, August 5[-16]. 6 a.m. Saw 3 sail to windward ; made sail and cleared ship. August 6., 2 p.m. Brought to and sent our boat on board the chase, which were 3 French ships of war boimd to Turkey with an ambas- sador. Dragon [Captain Charles Watson] and Princess Caroline [Captain Henry Osbom] jojned company. The logs of the Dragon,X Princess Carolina% and of the Nassau,% also in company, repeat this in slightly different words, except that only the Bedford sent a boat on board. On the return of Caylus from Constantinople in January 1743, his friends had already procured him leave of absence, and he * Guerres Marilimes, torn, i., p. 292. t Official number, 135. % Official numbers, 383, 360, 664. XXXll. seems tcj have spent the greater part of the year in Paris, returning to Toulon only in December, when orders were already given to the fleet to prepare for sea. Very few of the letters of this time have been preserved, and of these, quite the most interesting is that of Pere Pousache (p. 347), a Jesuit who had served with him in the ZefMre (p. 261)— perhaps also in other ships— in the double capacity of chaplain and naval instructor. It is at least worth calling attention to the fact that from the first organization of the French navy by Colbert, the desirability of providing suitable instruction for the young officers had been realized ; and certainly, as early as 1 672, the celebrated Jesuit Paul Hoste had so served with the Comte d'Bstrees. In the English navy, during the 18th century, the " schoolmaster " officially provided was a man of neither rank nor social position, and though some- times a competent mathematician, was frequently a confiimed drunkard and the butt of his pupils. During the wars of the French Revolution and Empire it came to be not unusual for the captain, on his own responsibility and at his own expense, to get men appointed as chaplains, who were competent and willing to undertake the duty. One such, for instance, appointed to the Centaur in 1806, at the instance of Commodore Samuel Hood, had just graduated at Cambridge as seventh wrangler, and was a fellow of his college.* In the battle of Toulon M. de Caylus commanded the Trident ; but though he wrote an account of it to M. de Maurepas (p. 348), no copy has been preserved. So many of the officers there engaged are mentioned in the following correspondence, that a list of the French contingent seems at once the best and simplest way of tabulating their names. List of the French Squadron, 1743-4, February 11-22. Terrible M. de Court, lieutenant-general ; Charon, commissaire ; de la Jonquiere, capitaine de vais- seau. Esperance ... Gabaret, chef d'escadre ; d'Heri- court, cap"' de vaisseau. Diic d' Orleans ... d'Orves „ Ferme de Sorgues. „ Saint-Esprit ... Chev' de Piosin. „ Of 74 guns. * Correspondence of Admiral John Markham, (Navy Records Society), p. 359. XXXUl. Of 64 guns. Of 50 guns. Frigates of from 26 to 30 guns. f Boree Eole Heureux Serieux Solide Toulouse Trident r Alcyon , Aquilon . Diumant , L Tigre ( Atalante . Flore Volage \_ Zephire Comte de Marqueze, cap"" de vaisseau. Chev' d' Albert Comte de Vandreuil „ de Cheylus „ Chev"^ de Chateauneuf „ d'Astour „ Chev' de Caylus ,, Lancez „ Duquesne „ Massiac ,, Saurins „ de la Clue Bompar, lieut. de vaisseau. Chev' de Baufremont, cap"° de vais. Chev' de Glandevez. With the battle of Toulon the correspondence of M. de Caylus virtually ceases. During the summer of 1744 such part of the French fleet as had returned to Toulon was broken up into three or four squadrons, one of which, under Caylus, got to sea in September and, after a short cruise, put into Malta. Afterwards it went west, and through the Straits to Cadiz,* whence it appears to have gone to Rochefort. In the early spring of 1745, Caylus, in the Esperance and in command of a strong squadron of ships of the line, sailed for Martinique, with an appointment as governor, but with instructions, in the first place, to seize and occupy Anguilla, the northernmost of the Leeward Islands. The attempt failed, and Caylus, returning to Martinique was, on May 9-10, installed as governor, an office which gave him the title of Marquis. A little later he was promoted also to the rank of Chef d'Escadre, but he had no further command at sea. Of his conduct at Martinique, where he resided in a villa at St. Pierre, we have a most unfavourable description by Dessa]les,f and another very little better by Daney.-j- It was not only that his private life was most disorderly, but that with wine and women, feasting and gaming, he exhausted his already broken fortunes, and was driven to extreme measures to pacify his creditors — among whom Roux of Marseilles (cf. pp. 308, 344) is named as one of the most exacting — and supply his extrava- gance. We know that as early as 1741, he had arranged to make a profit out of privateering (p. 307), and he now extended this * Bmn, i. 307-8. t A. Dessalles, Hist. Generate des Antilles (1847), torn. iv. and v, S.Daney, Hiat. de Martinique, torn. iii. XXXIV. branch of industry till there were no fewer than forty two priva- teers sailing from Martinique in which he had a direct or indirect interest. These kept him in funds for the time ; but the desira- bility of putting his supply on a more permanent basis led him to establish secret relations with the English islands,* and by means of agents in them, working in collusion with others in Martinique — the Antheaumes (cf. p. 333) are specially named — • to maintain a system of sham privateering, by which English goods were brought in and sold in Martinique as soi-disant prize, f and French merchandize, in a similar manner, was passed into the English colonies. The Dutch acted largely as his intermediaries, but when the French declared war against the Dutch, he found it possible to establish still more profitable relations with the Governor of 'St. Eustatius. To this lucrative business, the peace of 1748 was a fatal blow, from the effect of which Caylus had not recovered when he received the news of the downfall of Maurepas, whose power and friendship had been his safeguard against the many damnatory reports which had been sent home. Now that Maurepas was gone, ruin stared him in the face. His sudden death on May 12, 1750, was certainly, as it would seem, the most opportune event which could have happened ; and the circumstances attending it were such as to permit a wide spread belief that it was as much a sham as his privateering business had been. According to the report officially made to M. de Eouille, the successor of Maurepas, he died of apoplexy ; before the body was cold, a post-mortem was held, the heart was taken out to be sent to France, and the body forthwith buried in a lot of quick-lime. No formalities or ceremonies were observed ; the authorities from Fort Royal were not summoned, and even the troops were not called on to provide a firing party.J Rouille's correspondent, the intendant of the navy in Martinique, could give no explanation of this unseemly haste, and it does not appear that any enquiry was * Dessalles says " avee les gouverneurs des lies anglaises" (iv. 518), but he does not seem to have had any certain knowledge. He believes also that Commodore Lee was a party to the trade, bat admits that there was no clear evidence. t ilarbot (Memoires, ui. 17) describes a very similar traffic as having been arranged by Napoleon's governors in Germany and Italy, very much to their advantage. It is clear that — besides the profit which it brought to the undertakers — it invalidates the whole mass of commercial war statistics, on which great stress has been laid. i Charles Nisard, Correspondence inediie du Comte de Caylus (1877), i. 321 seg. ; Daney, iii. 205. XXXV, ordered ; but the story which Dessalles has preserved (v. 17) does — if it can be accepted^throw some light on the matter. According to this, M. de Caylus did not die — then, at least — but got on board an English vessel lying in the roadstead. The post-mortem was made by a surgeon devoted to his interests ; the heart was to be taken as a certain proof of identity, and the friendly quick- lime effectually barred any further question. Many years after- wards, it was said, M. de Caylus was living at St. Thomas. It is a mere unsubstantiated rumour, and between the quick-lime and St. Thomas, the reader must balance the difficulties of the problem which does not admit of any certain solution. This Report has been prepared by Professor J. K. Laughton. The Index has been made by Mr. C. T. Flower, of the Public Record Office. THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE FAMILY OF GRIMSTON OF KILNWICK, BELONGING TO LADY DU CANE. I. THE MEDLEY PAPERS. P — C to the Duke of Gobdon, in Edinburgh. 1688, November 29. London. — " Last week, my noble Patron, I wrote to your Grace by a gentleman going home, because neither your letters to me nor mine to you come to us by the post; I see there is great disorder in it, as in all other points of our government. God forgive those who have brought us to this pass; honest men ruined, and our good Prince necessitated to submit to his enemies. Of all this mischief, we are the cause ourselves ; avarice and ambition has brought us to it. God preserve his Majesty and keep him in his right senses, for he has a hard game to play, and he may thank his wise and faithful councillors that have advised him to do some silly things both against law and reason, more for their own interest than for his honour. But what is done cannot be helped ; nothing now remains for us but the help of God Almighty, which I am afraid we shall not have, because we do not deserve it. Your Grace will have heard of all our misfortunes : what lords and ofScers are gone to the Prince, and how the Princess went away privately in the night from Whitehall, nobody knows where; of his Majesty's return to London and his calling all his Lords, temporal and spiritual; in which meeting, they say my Lord Halifax spoke most gallantly for a good Parliament and against a bad one. I am heartily sorry he did not speak sooner, and that a man of his parts and brains was not employed in lieu of those weak and giddy heads that have brought us to this pass. Now nothing can be done but a treaty and amnesty, and a Parliament, and I wish this may put an end to all our evils. Go as it will, those of our persuasion are lost, and we deserve no better for our ill behaviour and our foolish government. I wonder how the King can look upon any of us, especially those that were his councillors and had the public affairs in their hands. I, as a poor man, for many years abroad, can say nothing but what I said to his Majesty the first time I had the honour to speak to him. I begged of him that he would Wt. 13409. A 2 not mingle his spiritual matters with his state affairs, nor make use of spiritual men for temporal interests. The doing of this has helped to undo all, both the one and the other; no remainder now, but take what we can get and what we deserve. The proverb says : We have brought our hogs to a fair market. I thank Grod your domestic affairs go well. My Lady Duchess is recovered; my little Lord is very well. I hope you shall meet with comfort ; and that I wish as being your Grace's own man, P.O. " Sir John, the good physician but an ill divine, behaves himself well, but is constant with my Lady." Addressed: — " To his Grace ye Duke of Gourden, in Eden- borugh." Written on a half-sheet of foolscap. Water mark : — Arms of the City of London, in a scroll, and beneath, the letters A.J. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Mr. Henry Medley. 1719 [-20], February 9- — Commission as Master and Com- mander of his Majesty's fireship the Poole. Signed : — Berkeley, J. Jennings, Cha. Wager. Counter- signed: — J. Burchett. L. C. A. to the RESPECTIVE Captains of His Majesty's Ships, FROM THE FIRST RATE TO A SHIP OF 40 GUNS, INCLUSIVE. 1720, April 7.* — An additional lieutenant is appointed to the ship under your command, to have the particular care and management of the men appointed by you to be small-shot men, the number whereof is to be ten less than the ship's established number of guns. "You are therefore hereby required to cause the said additional lieutenant, or the youngest lieutenant appointed to the ship, to take upon him — besides his duty as one of the lieutenants of the ship — " the particular care and management of the small-shot men accordingly," as also to have " a particular regard to the preservation " of the small-arms. Printed. Signed. Sir John Nobris, Admiral of the Blue, to Captain Medley of the Poole. 1720, May 8. Sandwich, at Sea. — By his Majesty's in- structions, dated 6th April last, I am commanded to come into the Baltic and act in conjunction with the Swedish ships of war in defence of the Government of Sweden against the Russians, according to the treaty concluded at Stockholm on 21st January last ; and as the Eussian Ambassador at the Court of Denmark, Prince Dolgorouki, has refused to represent to the Tsar the offers of our royal master's mediation; and as * Date of issue of this copy written in. their Swedish Majesties have signified to me that the Eussians will not hearken to any reasonable peace, and have desired that, in their defence, I should endeavour to attack and destroy all such Eussian ships as I shall meet in the Baltic cruising and acting against them, to prevent provisions being brought into their country or to invade their territories and disturb their commerce, you are hereby directed and required to keep the ship under your command in a constant readiness for battle, and, when you shall come up with any Eussian ships, to do your utmost to take, sink, burn or otherwise destroy them: Yet, when you shall be in possession of any such ships, you are to treat with civility the officers and people belonging to them, not suffering them to be stripped of their clothing or plundered. You are to be careful to give due obedience to this order, and not make it known or give copy thereof to any person whatever, unless directed so to do by one of the Principal Secretaries of State. Signed. Countersigned by H. Bell. SiE JoHX NoERis to Captain Medley of the Poole. 1720, October 20. Sandwich at Elsnab [Elfsnabben] . — Notification of a signal to make sail and discover land. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1720, December 2- Aboard the Sandwich. — Order to proceed to Galleons Eeach in the Thames; get out guns and powder, and then repair to Deptford for further orders. Sir John Norris to Captain Medley of the York. 1721, April 9. Sandwich at the Nore. — In case of separation, the place of rendezvous is Copenhagen. If I should have sailed thence before your arrival , orders for you will be left with his Majesty's minister there. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, April 11. Sandwich at the Nore. — Line of battle: The Suffolk to lead with the starboard and the Monmouth with the larboard tacks. Twenty-three ships, including the Gosport, 5th rate, of 40 guns, seven 50-gun ships, and five of 60 guns. The flag ships are Sandwich of 90 guns. Admiral of the Blue Sir John Norris, Captain Faulknor ; Prince Frederick, 70, Eear-Admiral of the White Hosier, Captain St. Lo; and Dorsetshire, 80, Eear-Admiral of the Blue Hopson, Captain Girlington. Nine frigates, sloops, fire-ships, etc. Signed. Annexed:— The ship's pennants, and signals for captain, lieutenant, or boat without an officer. Signed. Sir John Noreis to Captain Medley. 1721, April 15. Sandwich near the Blacktail. — Order to discharge seven good men to the Monmouth. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, April 25. Sandwich in the Cattegat. — During your stay in the Baltic, when you have occasion to send a boat on shore, you will have especial care to order some proper officer along with her, who shall be accountable for the behaviour of her crew. You are ]iot to suffer any boat be- longing to you to be on shore after the setting the watch, without my leave ; nor are you to receive or entertain any seamen or other person on board your ship, either as passenger or otherwise, without my order first had. Signed. Counter- signed : H. Bell. The Same to the Same. 1721, April 28. Sandtoich at Copenhagen. — In case of separation, the rendezvous is Hano on the coast of Sweden. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, May 4. Sandtoich at the Island of Hano. — In case of separation, the place of rendezvous is the Bay of Caplesvik [Kappel-wik] , in the Island of Gothland. Signed. The Same to the S.ame. 1721, May 13. Sandwich at sea. — Order for hostilities against the Russians. Identical with that of 8th May, 1720, except that it refers to the King's instructions of 4th April, 1721, and omits the clause about Prince Dolgorouki and the offer of the King of England's mediation. Signed. By Sir John Noreis. — General Order. 1721, May 13. Sandwich at sea. — Line of battle: The Suffolk to lead oir the starboard and the Warivick on the larboard tack. But astern of the Warwick (the rear of the Admiral's squadron) on the starboard tack, are indicated (not named), eleven Swedish ships under Admiral Count Sparre, Admiral Count Wachtmeister, Rear-Admiral Grubbe. Signed. Eeae-Admieal F. Hosier to Captain Medley. 1721, May 19. Prince Frederick at Elsnab. — Order to put the ship's company to half allowance of beer, and of brandy if you have it. Signed. SiE John Noeris to Captain Medley. 1721, May 27. Sandwich at Elsnab. — To-morrow being the King's birthday, you are to fire thirteen guns for the celebration thereof ; beginning when I shall have hoisted an English ensign at the mizen peak and fired three guns. Signed. Reab-Admieal Hosiee to the Same. 1721, June 11. Prince Frederick at Capleshare [Kappels hamn — Kappel-wik]. — Order to put the ship's company to six to four men's allowance of butter and cheese, till further orders. Signed. Sir John Noeeis to the Same. 1721, June 19. Sandioich at Capleshare. — Order to send the purser on board the Alice galley, for 876 gallons of French brandy. You are to take such care of the stowage thereof, that no accident of fire may come to it ; and for the greater safety, to cause it to be served out upon the upper [the main] deck. Signed. Eeae-Admiral Hosier to the Same. 1721, July 24. Prince Frederick at Capleshare. — Order to put the ship's company on two-thirds allowance of bread. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, July 31. Prince Frederick at Capleshare. — Order to celebrate the anniversary of the King's accession to-morrow, by firing 15 guns ; beginning so soon as the admiral shall hoist an English ensign at the mizen peak and fire two guns. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, August 5. Prince Frederick at Capleshare. — When I hoist a flag striped white and yellow at my fore top-mast head and fire one gun, you are immediately to get your sick men and tents from the shore, " and pass two hawsers out of your ship's stern to the bow of the two next ships ; and when the signal shall be made for the line of battle, to heave up ahead and astern of each other." Signed. General Oedee. fl721, August, after 5; before 24*]. — The form of sailing from Capleshare, in the fleet under the command of Sir John Norris, in conjunction with the Swedish fleet commanded by Count 'Sparre. The boats of the fleet to buoy the narrow passage, and thence to F aro Sund. * From the ships' logs. 6 Ebar-Admieal Hosier to Captain Medley. 1721, August 24. Prince Frederick at Elsnab. — Order to put the ship's company to two-thirds allowance of pork until the victuallers arrive- Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, August 27. Prince Frederick at Elsnab. — Order not to let any of his boats go on shore on the Island of Eano near this place. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, September 4. Prince Frederick at Elsnab. — Order to put the ship's company to short allowance of pork, and whole allowance of bread, butter and cheese. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, September 9. Prince Frederick at Elsnab. — Whereas orders have been already given you not to receive any person on board, seamen or otherwise, during our continuance in these seas, without order from Sir John Norris ; and as it is absolutely necessary that an exact regard be had thereto, you will call together the lieutenants and warrant officers and acquaint them therewith ; and if any person be found on board contrary to these orders, you, the lieutenants and warrant officers, or such of you by whose means the said person came on board or was concealed there, will answer the same at your peril. Signed. Ebport of Survey. 1721, September 12. At Elsnab. — Eeport of survey held, by order of Eear- Admiral Hosier, on the defective beer, butter and cheese on board the York. " Beer in one butt, containing 96 gallons; stinking and not fit for men to drink, occasioned by the cask not being well cleaned. Cheese, 174 pounds; butter, 202 pounds; all stinking and rotten, and not fit for men to eat, occasioned by age and not being well made. We have seen all the beer and cheese thrown into the sea." Signed by the three surveying officers. Sir John Norris to Captain Medley. 1721, September 21. Sandioich at Elsnab. — In case of separation, the rendezvous is Copenhagen, and should I have sailed thence before your arrival, you will make the best of your way to the buoy of the Nore, and apply to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for further orders. 7 Eeae-Admiral Hosier to Captain Medley. 1721, October 4. Prince Frederick at Elsinor. — As there is a distemper among the cattle in Schonen,* you are to take care that no flesh is brought on board from there, and that none of your boats lands on that side, without leave from the admiral. Signed. Sir John Noeeis to the Same. 1721, October 17. Sandwich at sea. — You are to put the ship's company to whole allowance of pork, and to cause the purser to pay them in kind what is due to them of that or any other species of provisions. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721, October 19- Sandivich off the Shoe Beacon. — To- morrow being the anniversary of the King's coronation, you are to celebrate it by firing 16 guns ; beginning when I shall have hoisted an English ensign at the mizen peak and fired two guns. Keae- Admiral Hosier to the Same. 1721, October 19. Prince Frederick at sea. — Lord Towns- hend, Principal Secretary of State, has information from Holland that there is a particular distemper on board a Dutch frigate cruising in the Channel against the Algerines ; that she has lost 54 men in a few days; and that her captain, instead of returning to Holland, intends to anchor on the coast of Great Britain. The King's pleasure, signified to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, is that if any such ship shall be found on our coast, she shall be driven away. You are therefore directed to look out for the said ship, and if you meet with her, you are forthwith to acquaint Sir John Norris ; but if you happen, at the time, to be separated from him, you are then to drive her from the coast, letting her commander know that if he does not immediately depart, he will be sunk. You are to take care that none of your people go on board her, and that none of her people come on board your ship ; and you are to give notice and warning of her to all ships that you meet, and to all places that you happen to touch at. Sir John Norris to the Same. 1721, October 20. Sandwich off the Shoe Beacon. — You are to make the best of your way to Plymouth, and there to make all possible diligence in preparing the ship to be paid off and put into ordinary. Signed. * The south-west province of Sweden, including the present Malmohus. 8 Commissioner Dove to Captain Medley. 1721, October 29. Dockyard in Hamoaze. — Order to fire 16 guns to-morrow at half-past twelve at noon, in honour of the Prince of Wales' birth-day. L. C. A. to Captain Medley of the York, at Plymouth. 1721, December 4. — The ship is ordered to be fitted for a foreign expedition. You are to cause all possible despatch to be made in doing this, and as soon as she is ready for sea, you are to proceed with her to Spithead. Signed by J. Jennings, Jo. Cokburne, W Chetwynd, Jno. Norris, D. Pulteney. Countersigned : — J. Burchett. Commissioners of the Navy to the Same. 1721, December 13. Navy Office. — At your request, the ' E ' has been taken off the name of Peter Mingate. Signed by seven of the board. L. C. A. to the Same. 1721, December 14. — The ship's company of the York is to be paid to the 31st December, 1720. You are therefore to transmit the proper pay lists to the Navy Office as soon as possible. Signed : — J. Jennings, Jo. Cokburne, Cha. Wager. Countersigned : — J. Burchett. The Same to the Same. 1721 [-2], January 18. — Order to take the York into Hamoaze. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721 [-2] , January 29. — To unrig and clear the ship with all diligence, for her to be paid off. Signed. Sir John Norris to Captain Elford, Commander of the York. 1721 [-2] , February 3. London. — The York being one of the squadron ordered to the Baltic under your command, you are to use the utmost despatch in getting her ready in all respects for proceeding upon that service ; and when ready to repair to the Nore. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1721[-2], February 10. London. — You are to complete the number of your men to the highest complement, and to procure as many as you possibly can over and above that number. These you are to bear on a separate list. Signed. Sir John Noreis to Captain Holland of the York. 1721 [-2], February 21. London.— The extra men over and above your highest complement are to be borne on a separate list, as supernumeraries for victuals and wages. Signed. Addressed to Capt. Holland, Commander of His Majesty's ship the York, at Woolwich. The Woolwich is erased, and Sheerness written below in the same hand. In a different hand, Holland is erased, and Medley written above. Admiral Jambs Littleton to Captain Medley or the Commanding Officer on board the York. 1721[-2], March 9. Chatham. — Sends him two men, and requests that a man named, being servant to a freeman of Rochester, may be discharged. Holograph. Board of Ordnance to [Captain Medley] of the Leopard. 1721 [-2] , March 20. Office of Ordnance. — The board desires you to enter Charles Brawn as armourer, for doing which this shall be to you a sufficient warrant. Signed. L. C. A. to the Same, at Woolwich. 1722, April 11. — As soon as you have received your provisions and stores, you are to proceed to Longreach, take in your guns and powder, and then make the best of your way to the Kore. Signed. Secretary of the Admiralty to the Same. 1722, April 26. — Enclosing an order to proceed to the Downs as soon as possible. The Kavy Board are directed to send a pilot. L. C. A. to the Same, in Longreach. 1772, April 26. — Order to get the ship ready for sea, and proceed to the Downs. Signed. Commissioners of the Navy to the Same. 1722, April 30. Navy Office. — Wc wrote to Trinity House to furnish an able pilot to the Leopard, to carry her to the Downs and so to Holland. " But as for surgeon's necessaries, there being none allowed to ships employed in the Channel in time of peace, we shall timely order a supply in case your ship should proceed on a foreign voyag i.Te. 10 L. C. A. to Captain Medley of the Leopard, Downs. 1722, May 4. — The Commissioners of the Navy have in store a great quantity of the new slop-clothes designed for the small-shot men. You are therefore, on arrival at Spithead, to demand from the store keeper at Portsmouth, thirty suits of these, and endeavour to dispose of them among your small-shot men, charging the price thereof, 11 12s. Od. against them.* Signed by J. Jennings, W. Chetwynd, Jno. Norris, Cha. Wager. Countersigned : — J. Burchett. The Same to the Same. 1722, May 8. — Order to visit and search French fishing boats which may be suspected of smuggling, even though they have no bills of health. His Majesty by order in council has directed that so doing is not to entail the performance of quarantine. Signed. COMMISSIONEES OF VICTUALLING tO the SaME. 1722, May 18. — The Lords of the Admiralty having ordered that the provisions of the Leopard are to be kept complete to three months which the stores at Dover are not capable of doing, we must desire that, from time to time, you will give us early notice of what provisions may be wanting. Signed. Captain Archibald Hamilton to the Same. 1722, May 28. Nonsuch in the Downs. — In order to celebrate the birthday of the King, you are to cause to be fired, leisurely, 19 guns, beginning when I have fired two. Captain Strickland to the Same. 1722, June 26. Yarmouth in the Downs. — The Admiralty have received an account of a ship passing Penzance with a number of military officers on board. I am commanded to signify their directions to you, to look out for any ship with suspected persons on board, and on meeting with such to secure her and the suspected persons, sending me an immediate account thereof. L. C. A. to the Same. 1722, August 13. — You are, with all possible despatch, to fill up with provisions for three months, and then put yourself under the command of Captain Hamilton of the Nonsuch. Signed. ' Cf. post. p. 22, March 14, 1723-4. 11 L. C. A. to Captain Hamilton of the Nonsuch. 1722, August 13.— You are, with all possible despatch, to fill up with provisions for three months, which we have also ordered the captain of the Leopard to do; and as soon as you have done this, " you are to take the Leopard under your command, and make the best of your way westward, and cruise between Scilly, the Lizard and the Start till further order, taking all possible care to look out for any ships or vessels which may be coming from abroad; and upon your getting sight of any such , you are to use your utmost endeavour to come up with them and dihgently to search them ; and in case you shall find on board them any suspected persons who cannot give a good account of themselves, or any quantity of arrns, you are to seize on such ships or vessels and bring them into the first convenient port that can be reached, taking the utmost care to secure the said vessels, together with the men and arms, till further directions shall be given concerning them." You are to send us an immediate and particular account by express, and are to remain in port till you receive further orders. Copy; signed: — A. Hamilton, 16th August, 1722. Captain A. Hamilton to Captain Medley. 1722, August 15. Nonsuch in the Downs. — Order to put himself under Hamilton's command. L. C. A. to Captain A. Hamilton of the Nonsuch, Plymouth. 1722, August 25. — The United East India Company have represented to us that they have intimations from Ostend of a design to send out one or more ships to cruise in theChanneJ and to seize any of the Company's homeward bound ships now daily expected, by way of reprisal for an Ostend ship which — as is pretended — has been unlawfully seized by one of the Company's agents in the East Indies. They have therefore petitioned the King that orders may be given to some of his ships in the Channel to look out for and secure their homeward bound ships against any such attempt ; and the King having signified his pleasure to us accordingly, you are hereby required and directed during your cruise with the Nonsuch and Leopard to look out for East India ships ; and on meeting with one or more of them, you are to accompany them, defend them if necessary, and see them safely into the river; but if any of the said homeward bound ships are under the care of any other of his Majesty's ships, you are then to continue in your present station and put in execution these orders and those you have formerly received. Copy; signed by Hamilton, with names of the East India ships due. Forwarded to Captain Medley. 12 L. C. A. to Captain Medley, Leonard at Plymouth.* 1722, October 4.— In obedience to his Majesty's commands signified to us by Lord Carteret, Principal Secretary of State, you are directed immediately on receipt hereof, to receive from the Nonsuch as much provisions and vpater as she can conveniently spare, and then, with the utmost diligence, you are to proceed till you come S.W., 20 leagues from the Islands of Scilly, when— and not before— you are to open the sealed orders which you will receive herewith, and put the same in execution with the utmost speed and care. But if the Nonsuch is not in your company, you are, without staying for any addition of provisions or water, to proceed, without a moment's loss of time, to the aforesaid station, S.W., 20 leagues from Scilly. Signed. The Sealed Ordees. 1722, October . — By the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, etc. "Whereas his Majesty hath been informed by his Ambassador at the Court of Madrid, that a ship called the Revolution of about forty guns, commanded by one Monroe (vyhich is one of those that belonged to Morgan's squadron, formerly in the Bay of Biscay), arrived some time since at Alicante, and that she is undoubtedly in the service of the Pretender ; that the said ship being bound to Genoa, there is reason to suspect she is destined for conveying his person into England, whenever he shall think matters ripe here, for his proceeding on such an expedition ; and there being the greater reason to suspect there is such a design intended, for that several letters, received the 14th of the last month, N.S., at Madrid, from Italy, give an account of the Pretender's being in the neighbourhood of Genoa, at Lucca, on pretence of accompanying his wife there, who is taking those waters, as you will be more particularly informed by the extract of a letter from Madrid herewith sent you : You are hereby required and directed (in pursuance of his Majesty's commands signified to us, by the Lord Carteret, Principal Secretary of State, immediately to proceed with his Majesty's ship under your command to Gibraltar, where, if you meet with Captain Scott, commander of his Majesty's ship the Dragon, or get any intelligence, tha.t he is in any port thereabouts, you are to put yourself under his command, and follow such orders as you shall receive from him for your further proceedings ; but in case you do not find him at Gibraltar, or get any intelligence of him, as aforesaid, you are without a moment's loss of time to proceed * These orders were received by Medlg' at Plymouth on October 12. See his letter of October 1-3, (Admiralty, Seo.'s Dept., " In Letters," vol. 2096). 13 and join him at Port Mahon, or if not there, according to such orders as he shall leave for you at that place ; or to such intelligence as you may receive where he may be found in the Mediterranean, if no such orders shall be left by him for you at Port Mahon. But during your passage to Captain Scott, as aforesaid, you are with all possible care to look out for the said ship Revolution, and upon your getting sight of her, you are to use your utmost endeavours to come up with, and to seize her, taking all possible care when you have so done, to secure her, together with all the persons, papers, arms, warlike stores, and other effects on board her, and then you are to make the best of your way with her to the first convenient port in England, that you can reach, taking especial care that such officers and passengers as shall be on board the said ship be strictly guarded, and kept separate from each other; and you are to remain at such port in England as you shall first touch at, until you shall receive further orders from us, sending us an immediate and particular account of your arrival and proceedings by express. " And whereas you will receive herewith a packet directed to the aforesaid Captain Scott, commander of his Majesty's ship the Dragon, you are to take particular care to deliver the said packet safely to him, as soon as you shall join him with the ship under your command. " In case you shall be in want of provisions during your being in the Mediterranean, we have made it known to Captain Scott, that we have ordered a supply thereof to be lodged at Gibraltar. ' ' And for the better enabling you to put these our orders in execution, you are to take particular care to keep the contents of them with all possible privacy ; and that you may be the longer able to continue on this service, you are immediately upon your opening these our orders, to put your ship's company to six to four men's allowance of provisions, and to continue them so, until you receive further directions, assuring them they shall be duly paid for the same. For which. this shall be your warrant." Signed: — J. Jennings, Jo. Cokburne, J. Norris. Medley arrived at Gibraltar and joined Captain Scott on October 28. Report of Survey. 1722, December 5. On hoard the Revolution in Genoa ]y[ole._^Eeport of survey and inventory of provisions, gunners' stores, boatswains' stores and carpenters' stores found on board 'the Revolution, lately seized by his Majesty's commands in this port. Signed by the Masters, Gunners and Boatswains— not by the Carpenters— of the Dragon, Winchester and Leopard. Countersigned by Captain Thomas Scott. 14 L. C. A. to Captain Medley, Leopard at Gibraltar. 1722, December 19. — Notwithstanding any former orders to the contrary, you are hereby directed to go at once to Lisbon, and remain there for ten or fifteen days, for any trade that may be ready by that time to accompany you ; and then repair with them to Great Britain , calling at Spithead and remaining there till further orders. Signed. Caetain Thomas Scott to Captain Medley. 1722, December 22. Dragon in Genoa Mole. — Order to supply the Winchester with certain provisions, specified. The Same to the Same. 1722 [-3] , January 12. Dragon in Genoa Mole. — I have received orders, dated the 21st of last month, to send home the four 50-gun ships lately appointed to join me on a particular service. You are therefore required, notwithstanding any former orders, to use all possible despatch in putting the Leopard in a condition for the sea, and then to make the best of your way to Lisbon, there to take in provisions sufficient for your voyage home ; and after waiting there ten or fifteen days, to take under your protection such merchant ships as are ready and proceed with them to England, calling at Spithead and remaining there till further orders. If you meet the Colchester, you are to deliver to Captain Clinton the accompanying letter, which contains an order for his proceeding home. Signed. " Leopard " arrived at Lisbon, Feb. 2, and found the "Colchester " there. See Medley's letter of February 8th, " In Letters," 2096. The Same to the Same. 1722[-3], January 12. Dragon in Genoa Mole. — There being very little cordage in store at Mahon, I desire you will leave me your extra cable and any other serviceable stores you can spare. Signed. The Secretary of the Admiralty to Captain Medley, Leopard, Longreach. 1723, April 23. — You are to repair to the Nore with all possible despatch, and hold your ship in a constant readiness for sea. The Navy Board, Ordnance and Victualling are directed to hasten you all that may be. L. C. A. to the Same, at Spithead. 1723, April 30. — You are to go into Portsmouth harbour to be cleaned, refitted and victualled for Channel service. Signed. 15 L. C. A. to Captain Medley, Leopard at Spithead. 1723, May 2. — You are to use all possible despatch, and as soon as you are ready for sea, are to proceed to the Nore, remaining there till further order. Signed. L. C. A. to the Same. 1723, June 18. — "You are hereby required to receive on board his Majesty's ship under your command the Eight Hon. the Lord Aubrey Beauclerk, within the age; and bear him as a Volunteer during the time he shall serve on board her ; giving him a certificate at the end of his voyage, of his behaviour therein, with respect to his diligence, sobriety, obedience to order, and applying himself to the study and practice of the art of navigation ; for which this shall be your warrant." Printed. Name filled in in writing. Signed. Young gentlemen entering the service with orders like this were known as " King's letter-boys " ; but more correctly as Volunteers per order," and were noted in the Pay Book as" V.P.O." L. C. A. to the Same, at the Nore. 1723, July 9. — A French ship from Alexandria, infected with the plague, has not been allowed to enter the port of Bayonne, and the Governor of Saint Malo has taken measures to prevent her going there. You are immediately to complete your provisions to three months, and proceed to cruise between the Isle of Wight and the Start, and should you meet with the said ship, you are to use your best endeavours to oblige her to go from our coast, and not to suffer her to come into any port within the limits of your cruise, or to have any communication with any boats or vessels which may be at sea. You are also to use your utmost diligence to prevent the running of goods, and to seize any vessels which you may have reason to suspect are employed on a clandestine trade. You are to continue on this service till further order, calling in at Portsmouth once in ten or twelve days. Signed. Secretary of the Admiralty to the Same. 1723, July 12. — The orders of 9th July relating to a French ship said to have the plague on board, are to be carried out also in respect of an English merchantship lately come from Alexandria, which has been refused admission at Algiers, and is now, as well as the French ship, probably at sea, seeking some place of shelter. You are to take care to prevent her entering any of our ports. The Same to the Same. 1723, August 6.— Acknowledging his letter reporting his being forced into Spithead by a strong gale of wind. 16 Sechetaey of the Admiralty to Captain Medley. 1723, August 9. — Eenewed instructions as to the French ship from Alexandria that has the plague on board. She is said to be now in the British Channel. The Same to the Same. 1723, August 10. — It is the directions of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that you remain at Spithead with the Leopard, give her a pair of boot-hose tops, and complete provisions to four months. " There not being a sufficient number of their lordships in town to sign an order to you, I give you this notice of their pleasure, for saving time, and will send a regular order to you under their lordship's hands as soon as they meet." L. C. A. to the Same. 1723, August 10. — Order to remain at Spithead with the Leopard, " give her a pair of boot-hose tops " and complete provisions for four months. Signed by three of the lords. L. C. A. to the Same. 1723, August 15. — As soon as you are ready for sea, in accordance with our order of August 10, you are to proceed westward as far as Scilly, and then — and not before — open the sealed orders which you will receive herewith and with all possible care put them in execution. Signed. Ri'cnvcd and arhnnwledgcd, August 11th. " In Lcfti'vs," 2096 The Sealed Orders. 1723, August 15. — B)' the Commissioners for executing the oflice of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, etc. Whereas it has been represented to us by diverse merchants of London that sundry pirate vessels commanded by one Low, are cruising between the Western Islands and the Banks of Newfoundland, and have there captured several ships coming from Virginia; and whereas the said merchants have petitioned that one of his Majesty's ships should be sent in quest of these pirates, whicli may probably be found in the neighbourhood of Flores and Corvo, and among the Western Islands. You are therefore directed to proceed immediately to Flores and Corvo and from there to cruise among the Western Islands for one month, using "your utmost endeavour to come up with and take, sink or otherwise destroy all such pirate ships or vessels as you may get sight of " ; and such pirates as you shall happen to take, you are to bring to England, together with their ships, in order to their being tried and punished according to law. At the end of the month you are to go to Lisbon, and convoy such 17 merchant ships as may be ready to England, calling at Spithead where you are to remain for further orders. As soon as you are out of the Channel you are to put the ship's company to six to four men's allowance of provisions, assuring the men they shall be punctually paid what shall be due to them on that account. If you meet with any ships which you shall suspect of carrying on a clandestine trade, you are strictly to search them, " and upon finding wool, or any uncustomed goods on boaKl, are to seize and bring them into the nearest port and deliver them into the charge of the custom house officers there." Signed. Medley's account of his cruise among the Western Islands is in his letter from Lisbon, dated October lith. " In Letters," 2096. Captain Ja. Windham [to Captain Medley]. 1723, October 28. Diamond in Port Praya. Left at St. lago. ' ' I had taken Low the pirate at my first coming to these islands if I could have ventured into the N.W. road of Bonavista. And because it has been lately the chief rendezvous of the pirates, I here leave you a draft of it, and a French description of that and St. Vincent Bay, which I take to be just and true. St. Vincent, where Low a month since cleaned, you will find to be a fine safe bay, where to the north of it — in the bay — you will find some water." Sailing directions for Bonavista. " If you do not return back to these islands, as we did, or if you are better acquainted, you will know that I did not intend to trouble you with these my remarks." Seceetaey of the Admiralty to Captain Medley. 1723, November 9. — Acknowledging the report of his arrival at Spithead. He is to proceed at once to the Nore. The Same to the Same, Leopard, Downs. 1723, November 11. — You are immediately to send hither an account of the state of health of your ship's company. It has been reported that there has been an unusual sickness at Lisbon, and that great numbers have died. You are to let me know, for their lordships information, what you heard or observed of this, as you have not mentioned it in your letters. Captain Windham to the Captains of English Men of War. 1723, November 15. Diamond off Gambia. — I came last from the Cape Verd Islands, where I followed Low the pirate from place to place a fortnight together, to very Uttle purpose. 18 We thought it possible to have met him in the Bay of Senegal and so we came down along that coast. We are from hence to sail for Sierra Leone. Addressed: — "To the Captain of the next Engish man of war that arrives at Gambia." Secretary of the Admiralty to Captain Medley, Leopard, Spithead. 1723, November 18. — You are with all possible despatch to proceed to the Nore, in order to attend his Majesty in his passage from Holland. Same date. — You are to endeavour to give the ship you command boot-hose tops, with all possible despatch, and to take in three months provisions, and get ready to proceed to Holland to attend his Majesty in his passage home. L. C. A. to the Same, in the Downs. 1723, November 18. — You are immediately to proceed to Helvoetsluys, and follow the orders of Sir John Norris for attending his Majesty in his passage to England- Signed. Sir John Norris to the Same. 1723, November 19. — Order to get his ship ready to accompany him to Holland. Pennants of the several ships. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1723, November 25- At Helvoetsluys. — The King being suddenly expected here, you are "to keep all your upper tier of guns in a constant readiness, with their full loading of powder, to salute his Majesty upon his embarking, and to cause them to be fired when I have hoisted an English ensign at my mizen peak and fired three guns ; and you are to do the like as often as I make the same signal upon any other occasion while you continue upon the present service." Signed. The Same to the Same. 1723, December 18. Colchester at Helvoetsluys. — Order to put the ship's company to six to four men's allowance of all species of provisions, beer excepted. Captain Windham to the Captains of His Majesty's Ships. 1728, December 21. Diamond at Cape Corse Castle. — I sailed from Sierra Leone the 80th November, and the 20th instant arrived here, having heard nothing of any pirates. I design to proceed from hence to Whydah and so to the 19 islands of Prince or St. Thomas, or Cape Lopez, as I can fetch, and then for the coast of Angola, unless any intelligence of pirates prevents this route. Addressed : — " To the Captain of any of his Majesty's ships that shall be appointed on the coast of Africa." L. C. A. to Captain Medley, Leopard, Nore. 1723, December 30. — Order to refit, clean and victual for four months at Sheerness, and return to the Nore without loss of time. Signed. The Navy Boaed to the Same. 1723[-4], February 12. — Notice that the Leopard is ordered to be supplied with twelve months surgeon's necessaries and a copper pot. Signed. L. C. A. to the Same, at Sheerness. 1723 [-4], February 27. — The Leopard is ordered to be fitted and victualled for service abroad. As soon as she is complete and ready for the sea, you are to proceed to Madeira and take in such wine as may be necessary for your ship's company instead of beer. You are then to go to the Isle of May, and in case you meet with any pirate ships there you are to use your utmost endeavours etc. ; as you are to do in case you shall any intelligence of pirate ships lurking at any other of the Cape Verd islands. Unless you find or get intelligence of pirates in those parts, you are not to remain longer than three days at the Isle of May, and are then to go to the mouth of the river Gambia where, without going into the river, you are to inform yourself from the company's agents or factors whether there are any pirates thereabouts; and if so, you are to use your best endeavours etc. ; but if not, you are not to remain there longer than three days, and from thence proceed to Sierra Leone, and thence down the coast to Cape Coast Castle and further on to Whydah and Cape Lopez, calling in at the several settlements to inform yourself whether there are any pirate ships in those parts ; and if so, you are to do your utmost etc. ; but if not, you are not to remain at any of them longer than three days. From Cape Lopez you are to return back along the coast as far as Cape Masseradas, for any of the company's ships or others that may be bound to the West Indies and ready to sail ; and thence you are to go to Cape Coast Castle for any trade that may be ready to accompany you. And you are not to make any longer stay at any of the company's settlements than three days, in order to inform yourself whether there are any pirates on the coast. And if at any of the company's settlements or otherwise you get intelligence of pirates being on the coast or in the seas thereabouts, so that for coming up with, taking and destroying them, it may be proper for 20 you to alter the course which you are hereby directed to take, you are hereby empowered to do the same; taking care when you have done your utmost towards intercepting such pirates, to proceed according to these instructions. As it is intended to send anotlier of his Majesty's ships to the coast of Africa sometime after you sail, you are at every place where you touch to leave an account of your proceedings and any intelligence which you have received. But as the merchants trading to the coast of Africa are apprehensive the pirates will, as they have done, infest the South Coast of Guinea, and destroy the trade of Mayumba, Malemba and Cabenda, you are — notwithstanding what is before directed — - to proceed along the coast of Angola as far as Cabenda, either before you return from Cape Lopez to Masseradas or afterwards, as you shall judge most proper. During your stay on the coast of Guinea you are to use your best endeavour to protect the trade in general, as also the company's settlements, from any attempts of the pirates. You are permitted and empowered to take on board such gold and elephants teeth as shall be offered you for freight, but you are strictly to comply with the 40th article of the printed instructions, by which you are forbidden to receive on board any goods by way of merchandise. You are not to impress any men from the trading ships whilst they are under your convoy ; and in case of inability by sickness, you are to leave these instructions with the next commanding officer. Having performed what is before directed, you are to proceed from Cape Coast Castle to Barbadoes to the Leeward Islands and, making no unnecessary stay, to Jamaica. But as it is said that the pirates frequently resort to the island of Santa Cruz, and to Samana Bay on the north side of Hispaniola, to careen their vessels, you are — on your way from the Leeward Islands to Jamaica — to call at these places, and if you meet any pirates there, or thereabouts, you are to endeavour to seize or destroy them. At Jamaica you are not to stay above thirty days, and are then to take under your convoy any trade which may be bound to England and see them safe into the open sea. After which, if the season will admit thereof, you are to range along the coast of North America from North Carolina to Newfoundland, informing yourself by all opportunities whether there are any piratical ships hoveaing on any parts of that coast ; and if so, you are to use your best endeavours etc., either singly or in conjunction with any of his Majesty's ships stationed on that coast, according as shall be thought most advisable. Having done what is before directed you are to proceed to Great Britain, as you are to do from Jamaica if the season of the year will not permit you to proceed to the coast of North America ; you are to call at Spithead , and , if you do not there find orders to the contrary, to repair to the Downs, where you will remain till further orders. 21 If you meet with any ships which you shall suspect of carrying on a clandestine trade fas on page 17, August 15, 1723]. When you shall be out of the Channel you are to put your ship's company to six to four men's allowance [as on page 17, August 15, 1723]. In the case of death of any of your officers, when you are not under the command of a senior captain, "you are to appoint such other persons belonging to the ship you command to act in their rooms, as by the quality of their employment ought to succeed therein." Signed. Li. C. a. to Captain Medley, at the Nore. 1723 [-4] , March 6. — It is represented to us that the captains of ships lately sent to the coast of Africa have found great difficulty in procuring wood and water, for want of proper things to give to the chiefs who refuse to take money ; and that several of the men belonging to these ships have been killed or wounded when they attempted to supply themselves without such gratification to the natives. In consideration of this, any orders to the contrary notwithstanding, you are hereby empowered to receive on board such goods — not exceeding in the whole the value of i'lOO — as you shall judge proper, so that you may dispose of the same to the natives as you shall find needful. Signed. The Secretary of the Admiralty to the Same. 1723 [-4], March 11. — You are to make all possible haste in getting ready for sea, it being absolutely necessary that you should proceed without a moment's loss of time. L. C. A. to the Eespective Captains of His Majesty's Ships. 1723 [-4], March 14. — Sent to Captain Medley on this date, several printed circulars and general orders as to the care and economy of ships' stores and other points of administration ; among which are these following : — Age of Volunteers. — No volunteer appointed by warrant from this office is to be borne as such for more than four years in actual service and pay, if at the time of his first appointment he was between the age of 13 and 14 years ; or for more than three years if between 15 and 16. At the end of that time he is to be rated ordinary midshipman at the first vacancy, if qualified; if not qualified, he is to be entirely discharged from the ships' books and a report of the reasons is to be sent to our secretary. But if on the other hand any volunteer has made himself fully capable of performing the duty of an ordinary midshipman before this limit of time is expired, he may be so rated when there is an opportunity, provided that he is not under the age of 17. 22 Evenmg and Morning Gun- — Order that a private captain is not to fire a gun at the setting or discharging of the watch, except in the Downs, or unless he is in command of a squadron of five sliips of war or more. At Chatham, Portsmouth, Sheerness and Plymo'uth, "the eldest captain of the guard-ships " is to fire a gun. Ordnance Stores. — Calling attention to several alterations in the proportion of ordnance stores furnished to his Majesty's ships ; considerable additions having been made in the round shot, pound shot and small arms, and reducements from such articles as appear useless or superfluous. The receipts are to be made out in accordance with the following scheme : — Table of the additions and reducements follows. Of round shot, 20 rounds are added for the lower tier and 30 for the upper tiers: of pound shot, one-third more till the grape shot are made. Long and three-quarter pikes are " all reduced " ; bills also are " all reduced." Short pikes are "to be continued till one-third part of the muskets can be provided with bayonets. The pro2iortion of muskets, jDistols, swords, etc., is as " agreed to by the flag-officers, December 31, 1717." Salutes. — No guns are to be fired for salutes but from the upper [the main] deck, quarter-deck or forecastle, and shall not exceed a six-pounder. The allowances of powder (as stated) are laid down as sufficient "provided the guns be well wadded." Slop-Clothes. — We are informed by the Principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy that they have made a new contract with Eichard Harnage, Esq., for serving his Majesty's ships and vessels with such slop-clothes of the species and quantities mentioned in a former contract, dated April 6, 1706, at much cheaper prices than are specified therein. This new contract is in the following terms : — " Contracted this ninth day of September, 1717, with the Principal Officers and Commissioners of his Majesty's Navy, for and on the behalf of His ^Majesty, by me, Eichard Harnage, Esq. ; and I do hereby oblige myself, my heirs and executors, free of all charge to his IMajesty, to supply the seamen serving in his Majesty's ships and vessels with such slop-clothes, of the species and qualities hereafter mentioned, as shall from time to time be directed by the said principal officers and commissioners, or demanded by the commanders or pursers of the said ships or vessels for the use of the seamen serving therein. That I will so timely and seasonably put them on board, after directed or demanded, as before, as that neither his Majesty's service or the seamen shall at any time suffer for want thereof. That all such clothes as shall be furnished in pursuance of this contract shall be agreeable in all respects, and no ways inferior to the 23 patterns approved of by this board the 7th of November, 1707, and sealed with the seal of this office, and the seals of the commissioners that approved of them, and are now lodged at this office and with the store-keepers of his Majesty's several yards. That the said clothes shall be vended on board according to the rules prescribed by the Lord High Admiral's instructions to the commanders of his ilajesty's ships. That I will not desire or expect any imprests or other payments for the said clothes than what are and have been for some time past in use for slop-clothes. And that in the management of this affair I will observe the rules and methods of the navy relating thereto in all other respects whatsoever in consideration of the prices following, which are to be set off upon the sea-books, as the slops shall be vended, abated from the seamen's wages and paid as usual, viz. : — ' ' Shrunk grey kersey jackets, lined with red cotton, with fifteen brass buttons and two pockets of linen, the button holes stiched with gold coloured thread, at eight shillings each. " Waistcoats of Welsh red, plain, unlined, with eighteen brass buttons, the holes stitched with gold coloured thread, at three shillings and fourpence each. " Red kersey breeches, lined with linen, with three leather pockets and thirteen white tin buttons, the button holes stitched with white thread, at four shillings and threepence each. "Red flowered shag breeches, lined with linen, with three leather pockets and fourteen brass buttons, the button holes stitched with gold coloured thread, at eight shillings and sixpence each. " Striped shag breeches, lined with linen, with three leather pockets and fourteen white tinned buttons, the button holes stitched with white thread, at eight shillings each. " Shirts of blue and white checkered linen, at two shillings and tenpence each. "Leather caps, faced with red cotton and lined with black linen, at ninepence each. " Small leather caps, stitched with white thread, at six- pence each. "Drawers of blue and white checkered linen, at one shilling and fivepence each. " Grey woollen stockings, at one shilling and one penny per pair. " Grey woollen gloves or mittens, at sixpence per pair. " Double-soled shoes, round toes, at three shillings and fourpence per pair. " Brass buckles, with iron tongues, at twopence per pair. ' ' This contract to commence the twelfth day of December next (at which time my former contract, dated the third of 24 April, 1706, is to determine) and to continue in force for five years certain, and until twelve months warning shall be given in writing by either party to the other for the determination and discontinuance thereof. " You are therefore hereby required and directed, as any of the aforesaid slop-clothes shall be wanted for the seamen belonging to his Majesty's ships or vessels under your command, to apply to Mr. Harnage for the same, and before the receipt thereof, to have recourse to the patterns lodged M'ith the respective storekeepers, to see that the said clothes be in all respects answerable thereunto in quality and goodness ; and you are to be very careful to charge the said slop-clothes, as they shall be issued, in a distinct column in your books, under the title of Eichard Harnage, Esq., in the same manner as you are ordered to do the striped ticking waistcoats and breeches furnished by him, as well to do justice to him as the seamen who shall be furnished with the same." Navy Boaed to Captain Medley. 1723 [-4], March 16. — Dr. Cockburn having been directed to supply the Leopard with a quantity of medicine for curing the fever, you will take charge of this and supply your surgeon with it from time to time only as occasion shall require, ^'ou are to make the best observations you can on the usefulness of it, it being very dear, and give us an account thereof. Signed. Secretary of the Admiralty to Captain Medley, Leopard, Barbados. 1724, April 28. — I am to acquaint you that my L. C. A. have determined that no commission officer who shall quit his employment abroad shall be inserted in the list of half-pay ; and no warrant officer who so quits his employment shall be employed again in his Majesty's service. The Governor of Fort James to Captain Medley, Leopard, off Barra Point. 1721, July 6. Fort James [mouth of the Gambia]. — We are sorry you should be so tied up as not to be able to perform the commands you were designed upon in these parts ; whether through the ignorance of those who represented this river, or otherwise, we know not. Nevertheless, as you are come to the river's mouth, we are in duty bound to declare to you the present situation of affairs in this river. The King of Barra has this day sent a memorial for above 1,000 barrs of goods before he releases our gentlemen and servants now in his custody, and as there is no likelihood of having the countenance of his Majesty's ship here, we must this morning 25 send the goods ashore in order to get back our servants, without any security beyond their bare words, and they may still insist upon as much as they please ; we know no other way to be up with them than revenge. We therefore request that you will spare us 100 of your hands well armed, and we shall join 30 or 40 more to them, to seize the King in his own town with his officers, who actually are the occasion of all these disturbances. We shall procure safe guides, and shall not engage his Majesty's servants further than ours, and whatever they take shall all be their own. If in this way you can be serviceable to the African trade, we are ready to send you such sloops, long boats or canoes as you may reqxiire. In the meantime we hope you will excuse us for not doing ourselves the honour to wait on you and explain ourselves more fully. Signed : — Robt. Plunkett, Ed. Drummond. Postscript : — Not doubting, Sir, of your compliance with this request, we have this tide despatched our sloop and long boat, which with your own long boat we believe will be sufficient ; being resolved to seize the King of Barra at Jillifree, if your aid comes befoi'e he parts from thence, therefore we beg the men may be despatched without delay, with such officers as you think fit- But if the King should part from Jillifree before their arrival , we beg you will give your officers orders to follow our instructions and proceed with our men where we think proper to send them. Endorsed : — The Governor of Fort James ; his second letter. Captain Babrow Haeris, Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's ships ordered to Jamaica and those now there, to Captain Medley. 1725, April 3. On board the Falkland at Port Eoyal, Jamaica. — Order to get the Leopard ready for her voyage home, and to proceed for Britain, pursuant to the orders of my L. C. A. Secretary of the Admiralty to the Same. 1725, August 10. — Acknowledgment of his letter reporting his arrival in Portsmouth harbour. Same date.— To deliver to the storekeeper at Portsmouth the 3,406 feet of mahogany plank brought home by order of Commodore Harris for the use of the Admiralty. L. C. A. to the Same. 1725 August 17.— As soon as his ship is refitted, victualled to four months, and in all respects ready for sea, he is to o-o to Spithead and remain there till further orders. Signed. 26 Receipt for Tee a sure. 1725, August 31. London. — Eeceipt by Solonaon Smith for 238J oz. of silver freighted on board the Leopard by Captain Herbert of Jamaica. Secretary of the Admiralty to Captain Medley. 1725, October 7. — Order to discharge John Lester — " if you have no objection " — that he may be assistant to his mother in the management of his deceased father's effects. Sir Isaac Townsend to the Same. 1725, October 19. Portsmouth. — Order to fire at noon to-morrow (20th inst.) " nineteen guns after the Ipswich has fired five, for the " solemnization " of the King's Coronation. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1725, October 29. Portsmouth. — Order to fire at noon to-morrow (30th inst.) " nineteen guns after the Ipswich has fired five," for " solemnization " of the Prince of Wales' birthday. The Same to the Same. 1725, November 4. Portsmouth. — Order to fire at noon to-morrow (5th inst.) " nineteen guns after the Ipsioich has fired five," to " solemnize the anniversary of the deliverance of these nations from the horrid Gunpowder Conspiracy." L. C. A. to the S.^ME. 1725, November 5. — Order to proceed to the Nore as soon as the ship is ready for sea. Sir John Noekis to the Same. 1725, November 5. — In case of separation after sailing from the Nore, the place of rendezvous is Helvoetsluys, where you are to expect my further orders. JosiAH Buechett to the Same (in town). 1725, November 5. Admiralty Office. — Herewith you will receive orders to proceed with your ship to the Nore. It is their lordships directions that you forthwith repair to Portsmouth and put the same in execution. You will receive from Sir Isaac Townsend a set of signal colours for Sir John Norris, who intends to hoist his flag on board the ship you command when he proceeds to convoy his Majesty from Holland to England. 27 Sir John Norris to Captain Medley. 1725, November 19. WiUiam and Mary yacht, at the Kore.— As i intend to go over the flats with the yachts, and you cannot keep me company in that passage, yon are with the hrst opportunity of wind and weather to proceed down the Ivmg s Channel to our rendezvous at Helvoetsluys. Signed. Sir John Norris to the Same. 17-26, December 9. William and Mary, at HelvoetsJuys.— Order to dehver the stream anchor to the boatswain of the Charlotte yacht; to receive from him the stream anchor of the i?o.se ; and to give the kedge anchor of the Leopard to the boatswain of the Rose. Same date. — In case of separation the place of rendezvous is the Buoy of the Xore. Same date. — Order to keep the upper tier of guns in readiness to salute his Majesty on embarking. L. C. A. to the Same, at Sheerness. 1725 [-6] , January 11.— Order to receive on board Lieutenant Byng and some men belonging to the Superh and Nottingham for a passage to Spithead. Signed- The Same to the Same, at Spithead. 172-5 [-6] , January 20. — Orders have been given for weighing a vessel which is sunk at Spithead. You are to give all possible assistance to such persons as are appointed by the Navy Board from the ordinary at Portsmouth, to carry out these orders. Signed. JosiAH BuRCHETT to the S.AME, at Spithead. 1725 [-6] , January 22. — Leave to come to town for ten days- The Same to the Same. 1725 [-6], January 24.— Xo person to be employed with a press-warrant but a commission officer. L. C. A- to the Same. Same date. — You are hereby directed to procure what seamen you can for his Majesty's service, for which purpose you will receive herewith three imprest warrants. You are not to impress any men from outward bound ships, or such as are actually cleared at the custom house ; and when you impress any men from homeward bound ships, you are to lend them so many men* in their room as may be sufficient to carry them to the ports whereto they are bound. Signed. * Men so lent were known as ticket-men. 28 JOSIAH BUECHETT to CaPTAIN MeDLEY Or THE COMMANDING Officer, Leopard, Spithead. 1726 [-6], January 29- — To send every post, or as often as possible, an account of the number of men procured for his Majesty's ships. JOSIAH BURCHETT TO "THE CaPTAIN Or ChIEF OFFICER On board any of his Majesty's ships whom this may concern." 1725 [-6], January 31. — You are immediately to discharge the six men lately pressed from the Prince Frederick at Spithead, Francis King, master. L. C. A. to Captain Medley (in town). 172-5 [-6], February 2. — Order to take the Leopard to the Downs and procure as many men as possible, taking care not to press any from outward bound ships, and to put ticket- men on board homeward bound ships in lieu of men pressed from them. Signed. L. C. A. to the Eespective Captains of His Majesty's Ships. 1725 [-6], February 10 (date of issue to Captain Medley). — Notice that on February 3rd, 1724 [-5] , the Navy Board entered into a contract with William Franklyn for serving the Navy with slops of all kinds. By this contract Franklyn is obliged to supply the seamen with such slop-clothes as shall from time to time be ordered by the Navy Board or demanded by the captains or pursers of ships, agreeable to and in no way inferior to the patterns approved of by Prince George on February 2nd, 1705 [-6] , by the Navy Board on November 20th, 1706, and on the date of the present contract; and the slops as vended shall be entered upon the ships' books and the price abated from the seamen's wages at the following rates : — " Striped ticking waistcoats of proper lengths, to be one yard in length at least, with eighteen buttons suitable to the ticking, the holes stitched with thread suitable thereto, lined with white linen, and two white linen pockets, at the rate of five shillings and sixpence each. " Striped ticking breeches of proper lengths, lined with white linen, with two white linen pockets, and sixteen buttons suitable to the ticking, the button holes stitched with thread suitable thereto, at the rate of four shillings each. Shrunk grey kersey jackets, lined with red cotton, with seventeen thread buttons of the colour of the kersey, and two pockets of linen, the button holes stitched with thread of the same colour, at nine shillings and sixpence each. 29 _ "Waistcoats of Welsh, plain or kersey, unlined, with eighteen thread buttons of the same colour, the holes stitched with thread of the same colour, at four shillings and sixpence each. " Eed and cloth colour kersey breeches, lined with linen, with three linen pockets, and thirteen thread buttons of the same colour, the button holes stitched with thread of the same colour, at four shillings and sixpence each. "Eed flowered shag breeches, lined with linen, with three leather pockets, and fourteen thread buttons of the same colour, the button holes stitched with coloured thread, at ten shillings each. " Striped shag breeches, lined with linen, with three leather pockets, and fourteen thread buttons of the same colour, the button holes stitched with thread of the same colour, at nine shillings and sixpence each. " Shirts of blue and white checkered linen, at three shillings and two pence each. "Leather caps, faced with red cotton and lined with black linen, at eightpence each. " Small leather caps, stitched with white thread, at sevenpence each. " Drawers of blue and white checkered linen, or trousers made with canvas, at one shilling and tenpence each. " Grey woollen stockings, at one shilling and sixpence per pair. " Ditto, gloves or mittens, at sixpence per pair. " Double soled shoes, round toes, at three shillings and eightpence per pair. "Brass buckles, with iron tongues, at twopence per pair. ' ' This contract is to continue in force for five years, and is afterwards terminable by twelve months notice given in writing by either party. You are therefore required and directed, whenever slop-clothes are wanted for the seamen of the ship under your command, to apply to Mr. Franklyn for the same, taking care that those which he supplies are in all respects equal to the patterns in quality and goodness. Signed- L. C. A. to Captain Medley in the Downs. 1726 [-6], February 24. — Order to proceed to Portsmouth to be fitted for a foreign voyage and victualled to eight months. When ready for sea to go to Spithead. Any supernumeraries in excess of the highest complement to be put on board the Yarmouth. Signed. Same date.- — If you have on board any men who entered or were prest for the Hampton Court and other ships in the Medway, you are (notwithstanding our orders to you of this day's date) to put them on board one of the sixth rates ordered to return to the Nore. Signed. 30 L. C. A. to Captain Medley, at Portsmouth. 1725[-6], February 26. — Notwithstanding former orders you are to receive on board your ship the money and clerks for paying the workmen of the yard at Plymouth, and carry them thither. You are then to go into Hamoaze, where — instead of at Portsmouth — you will be fitted and victualled. Signed. Same date. — To receive two seamen (named) belonging to the Cruiser sloop, for a passage to Plymouth. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1725 [-6], February 28. — To receive on board a quantity of provisions, to be delivered to the agent victualler at Plymouth. Signed. Same date. — Notwithstanding any former orders to the contrary, you are not to wait for the pay-clerks and money but to proceed immediately to Plymouth, so as not to lose the opportunity of getting your ship docked there the next spring tide. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1725[-6], March 1. — Notwithstanding any orders to the contrary, you are to prepare your ship for the dock, we having ordered her to be fitted at Portsmouth for a foreign voyage. Signed. COMMISSIONEBS OF VICTUALLING tO the SaME. 1725 [-6], March 16. — Our agent at Portsmouth has orders to furnish you with tongues as you desire. L. C. A. to the Same. 1725 [-6], March 18. — The Commissioners of the Navy are ordered to pay the ship to 31st December, 1724. You are to have your pay-books made up to that time and transmitted to the Navy Board. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1725 [-6] , March 23- — " You are hereby required and directed to put yourself under the command of Francis Hosier, Esq., vice-admiral of the blue squadron of his Majesty's fleet, and follow his orders for your further proceedings." Signed. Vice-Admieal Fbancis Hosiee to the Same. 1726, March 31. Breda at Spithead. — Order to receive on board the careening gear as specified. Signed. 31 Vice-Admieal Francis Hosier to Captain Medley. 1726, April 4. Breda at Spithead.— You are hereby directed (o sail in company with me and to follow such orders as you shall from time to time receive from me. Signed. Same date. — You are expressly forbidden to receive on board any goods or merchandise, or to suffer your officers to trade therewith. Signed. Same date. — In case of separation after sailing hence, the place of rendezvous, with the wind westerly, is Spithead; but if you are to the west of the Start, then Torbay ; and after you are clear of the Land's End, then Madeira. Signed. 1726, April 9. — To deliver the careening gear, specified, to the Dunkirk Vice-Admieal Hosier to the Same. 1726, April 17. Breda at sea. — As many inconveniences have frequently attended our seamen going on shore at INIadeira, you are directed whenever you send the long boat for water or any ways for the service of the ship, to send a commission officer in her to keep the people to their duty and not suffer them to go from the boat. Signed. 1726, April 18. Breda at sea. — To put the ship's company to two-thirds allowance of bread, beef, pork, butter and cheese, until further orders. Signed. 1726, May 25. Breda in Tiburon Bay. — It is necessary for his INIajesty's service that you constantly keep eight rounds of powder filled, and hold your ship in readiness for service. And in case at any time you should lose company with me and meet two Spanish ships of war, who are privately fitted out and sent into these parts to carry home the treasure of the galleons, you are to acquaint their captains that if they will put the said treasure on board of his Majesty's ship under your command, you will safely carry it to Europe and assure the delivery of it so soon as the differences of our two crowns are adjusted; but on their refusal, you are to compel them by force of arms ; and when you have so done, you are to secure all the bills of lading, both of the treasure and merchandise, taking copies and delivering the originals to me ; as also to spike the hatches all up. " And in case there should be found on board more goods or money than is expressed in the bills of lading, you are likewise to secure [these], keeping distinct accounts of the whole of each and delivering me copies under your hand ; observing that two-thirds of the said treasure expected home in these ships or galleons belongs to the subjects of other princes in alliance with our Majesty." 32 Yon are likewise not to let any ship or ships pass you, but. strictly examine them by securing the bills of lading ; and if they have any bullion or money on board belonging to the Crown of Spain, you are " to secure the same in the manner before directed, having a particular regard that no chests of money, bales of goods, or other merchandise whatsoever be opened, or any embezzlement made by yourself or any other person, as you will answer the contrary at your peril. And you are not to suffer any person to see these orders but keep them very secret. ' ' Signed. Vice- Admiral Hosiee to Captain Medley. 1726, June 1. Breda off Cartagena. — You, having signified to me that the bread on board the Leopard is on the decay, are to cause the ship's company to be put to whole allowance of the same for a quicker expense. Signed. 1726, June 14. Breda at the Bastimentos. — Order to deliver to the carpenter of the Spence sloop, tallow, 281bs., for paying the sloop's bottom. Signed. 1726, June 15. — Similar order, oakum, 281bs., for caulking the Spence sloop. Signed. 1726, June 25. — Order to deliver to the boatswain of the Spence sloop one cablet of 6 inches. 1726, June 29. — Order to deliver to the boatswain of the Happy sloop one anchor of 8 cwt. 1726, July 7. Breda at the Bastimentos- — Order to send immediately on board the Diamond, five able seamen with arms, there to continue until further orders. 1726, July 30. — Order to receive three persons (named) belonging to the Happy sloop, bearing them on a separate list for victuals only. 1726, July 30. Breda at the Bastimentos. — You are to sail in company with the Kinsale and convoy the Royal George to Jamaica. Having seen them safely arrived there, you are to return and join me here. But if you see any number of ships at Cartagena, you are to see them off the coast as far as the latitude of 13° N., and then make the best of your way to rejoin me. 1726, July 31. — Order to celebrate the anniversary of the King's accession to-morrow, by firing 21 guns. Captain Eichaed Gielington to the Same. 1726, August 4. On board the Kinsale at the Bastimentos. — By virtue of an order from Vice- Admiral Hosier, you are hereby directed to sail in company with me for Jamaica for the better 83 convoying the Royal George belonging to the South Sea Company ; but in case there should be a number of ships at Cartagena, you are to proceed no further off the coast than lat. !13° N. ; then to make the best of your way to rejoin the fleet at the Bastimentos. Signed. In case of separation the place of rendezvous is oif Cartagena, and not finding any of the ships there, you are to make the best of your way to Port Eoyal. harbour. Signed. For the better keeping company with the Royal George, at 4 o'clock every afternoon I will keep upon his starboard quarter and desire you will keep upon his larboard quarter, he always carrying the top and poop lights. Signed. Vice-Admieal Hosier to Capt.^in Medley. 1726, August 4. Breda at the Bastimentos. — On your arrival at Jamaica you are to receive a quantity of provisions on board your ship from the contractors for victualling the navy, and rejoin me here without loss of time. Signed. 1726, September 6. — You are to put your ship's company to two-thirds allowance of bread, pease, and oatmeal, until further orders. Signed. 1726, September 14. — You are to sail in company with the IVinchelsea, following the orders from her captain, till you arrive as far to the eastward as the Brew [Island of Baru] ; after which you are to return and join me here. Signed. Ellis Beakd, Captain of the Winchelsea, to the Same. 1726, September 15. — Pursuant to an order from Vice- Admiral Hosier, you are hereby directed to sail in company with me and to follow such orders as you shall receive from me for his ^Majesty's service. Signed. Vice-Admieal Hosier to the Same. 1726, October 10. Breda at the Bastimentos. — Order to put the ship's company on half allowance of rum, letting them know they shall be paid in specie or money' at our arrival at Jamaica. Signed. October 18. — Order to fire 21 guns on the 20th inst. , in honour of the King's coronation, beginning when I have fired two. Signed. October 20. — Order to send 30 able seamen with a boatswain's mate on board the Dunkirk early in the morning, to overhaul her blocks and riggings and fit her for the sea. The men are to return every evening to be victualled on board their own ship, and to continue on this service till further orders. Signed. c 34 Vice- Admiral Hosier to Captain Medley. October 23. — Order to send 30 seamen to the Nottingham, checking them on your ship's books as lent. Signed. Same date. — The gun tackles and breechings of the Dragon both for the upper and lower deck being rotten and not to be depended on, you are to spare her gunner whatever you can. Signed. 1726, December 14. Breda in Port Eoyal Harbour. — Order to complete provisions to two months. Signed. December 23. — Order to discharge all sick men to the Nottingham. Signed. 1726[-7], January 5. Breda at sea. — Order to deliver your spare anchor to the Dragon. Signed. January 13. Breda at the Brew. — If at any time you should meet with a Spanish guar da costa, you are to bring her to me. Signed. January 14. — Order to receive from the Lynn 30 butts of rum for the use of the ship's company. Signed. February 8- Breda at Jamaica. — Order to complete provisions to four months. Signed. February 10. — Order to deliver to the Superb 1,400 gallons of rum. Signed. February 14. — Order not to impress any seamen out of ships coming from any of the northern colonies. Signed. General Order by Sir Charles Wager. By Sir Charles Wager, Kt., Vice-Admiral of the Bed, and Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's ships employed and to be employed on the coast of Spain. 1727, April 20. On board the Torbay at sea. — " In case of your meeting with any Spanish ships that have treasure on board, from Porto Bello, Cartagena or Vera Cruz, it is his Majesty's pleasure that, noth withstanding the war, you are, upon your taking them, to use your utmost endeavour to prevent any such ship from being plundered; but to cause the hatches to be nailed up and secured, and all bales, boxes, parcels, etc., to be also secured, as well as all letters, papers, bills of lading or invoices of the cargo; it being his Majesty's intention that what shall appear to belong to the subjects of any nation that is in alliance with him shall be restored to them. But as the King of Spain has made war upon his Majesty by besieging Gibraltar, you are to annoy the enemy all you can, by taking, sinking, burning or otherwise destroying all ships or vessels that belong to the King of Spain or his subjects; and for so doing, this shall be your warrant." Copy. 35 Vicb-Admieal Hosibe to Captain Medley. 1727, April 27. Breda off the Havana. — Order to send three men to the Greyhound. Signed. May 16. Breda at sea. — Order to proceed to Port Koyal, there to careen and refit and complete with provisions to four months. Signed. Whilst careening you are to take care not to let your men desert ; every night you are to have a boat rowing round your ship with a petty officer in her, and you are to have a lieutenant on watch by night the same as at sea. Signed. May 31. Breda at Port Royal. — Consequent on your re- presentation of the great hardships your men undergo by the badness and smallness of their provisions, being at two- thirds allowance of all species, you are hereby directed to put your ship's company to whole allowance of all species, butter and cheese excepted. Signed. June 1. Breda at Port Eoyal. — Frequent orders have been given for a commission officer to attend on shore to look after the people who are wooding and watering. These officers have frequently gone away on other affairs, thus giving the men opportunity to desert. You are therefore in future to give strict orders to the officer appointed for that service not to let any men go out of his sight. And if any men desert you are immediately to let me know, as also the name of the officer in charge. Signed. June 9. — As soon as you have careened, fitted and victualled your ship, you are to proceed with such merchant ships as shall be ready to sail and convoy them through the windward passage, and then return to join me off Cartagena. Signed. August 14. — Breda off Cartagena. — Order for hostilities against Spanish ships. Signed. August 15. — Order to cruise between the river Madalena and Point Zamba for five days, keeping as near the shore as possible. Signed. Same date. — Consequent on your representation of the smallness of your beef and pork, and that at two-thirds allowance your men cannot subsist upon it, you are to order that they be continued at whole allowance until further orders. (Hosier died at Jamaica on August 25th, 1727). Captain Edwaed St. Lo, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's ships at Jamaica, to the Same. 1727, October 4. Breda at Port Royal. — I am informed by the master of a sloop lately come from the coast of Cartagena, that Count Clavixo has received orders to go to Porto Bello, there to ship the King's and the merchants' money to carry- it to Cartagena. You are therefore directed to go to the Bastimentos, and gain what intelligence you can as to what ships are in the harbour and whether any money is being shipped, taking under your care all such trading vessels belonging to Jamaica as may be going your way._ _ As soon as you have performed this service, you are to join me off Cartagena or the Brew. Signed. Captain Edwakd St. Lo, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's ships at Jamaica, to Captain Medley. 1727, December 29. Breda at Port Eoyal. — You are to refit your ship with all possible despatch and join me off Point Canoa, the Brew or the river Sino. Signed. (St. Lo was .superseded by Vice- Admiral Hopson on 29th January, 1727 [-8]). Vice-Admieal Edward Hopson to Captain Medley. 1727 [-8], February 2. Lion at Port Eoyal.— Order to complete with water and fit in all other respects for sea. Signed. February 24. Lion at the Grand Brew. — All Spanish ships met at sea are to be brought to me to be examined. On no pretence is there to be any plundering or embezzlement, and the people are to be treated civilly. [? Lieutenant Egbert Beans] to the writer's brother. 1742, October 6- Falmouth. — I must give you a small history of my misfortune which my pen is not capable of expressing. On May f4th, 1741, we lost his Majesty's ship the Wager on a desolate island in the South Seas, in latitude 47.00 S., longitude 81.40 W., from London, where most of our ship's company got asliore with little provisions, no shelter, and continued rains; we were obliged to turn to and build huts ; wood and water were plentiful ; we were obliged to go out every day to seek for provisions, such as clams, limpets and rock-weed, which was the chief of our food; now and then we shot a gull or a shag, which was a fine regale; likewise two dogs that belonged to me. Our people here mutinied, which obliged us to lay under arms. The captain shot one of the midshipmen ; sometime afterwards the men, headed by Captain Pemberton of the invalids, the gunner, carpenter, etc., took Captain Cheap prisoner and set a guard over him. In the meantime we had lengthened our long boat nine feet, in which the captain would not return as a prisoner, but chose to stay with one Lieutenant Hambleton of Meareend, and the surgeon and nine runagates. I chose to go in the long boat, which we called a schooner, being 37 rigged as such; and on October 12th we set sail, being eighty in number, to proceed through the Straits of Magellan. When we had got about eight leagues from the island we sent the pinnace for some necessaries we had left behind, and she never returned, so we proceeded with the small provisions we had, which the men would have served as they pleased, and damned me and the rest of the officers, having secured our arms ; and in the latitude of 50.40 S. , we lost our cutter and one man ; and eleven went on shore with their proportion of victuals and necessaries and never returned. In this small vessel we were obliged to sit, not having room to lay down, for nine hundred leagues in this dismal cold climate, and to go ashore amongst the rocks up to the necks in water for mussels, and our poor fellows dying daily, looking with their ghastly countenances at me to assist them, which was not in my power. We got through the strait as far as Port Desire, where we hved well as we called it, for seal was plentiful, but made our heads ache , which proceeded from our voracious appetites ; however we victualled with that, without salt to cure it, and in a little time it was rotten and stunk, which we also eat, and sailed along the coast till we came into the latitude of 37.25 S., where we got more seal and a horse; the latter we had liked to have quarrelled about. We were reduced again to rotten seal and train oil, and before we got to Eio Grande, two people of the fattest were pointed out for slaughter ; the next day we got to Eio Grande to our great happiness. How- ever, with a tedious passage, I am arrived here without clothes, money or health. I expect the first ship that sails to get to London, where I shall be very glad of a little assistance. [From the narrative by John BulkeUy, the gunner, and John Cummins, the carpenter, published in 1743, it appears that Lieutenant Beans, who remained with the ship's company when they separated from Captain Cheap, parted from them at Rio Grande about March 2,1st, 1742. Bidkeley's party arrived in England early in January, 1742 [-3], when they were told that the lieutenant was before them and had given them a very indifferent character. An extract of a letter from the lieutenant is in the " Gentleman's Magazine," 1742, p. 496, but is not from this^ . Master and Wardens of the Trinity House. 1743[-4] , January 7.^Certificate of the admission of Captain Henry Medley as a younger brother of the Trinity House. L. C. A. to Henry Medley, Esq., Eear-Admiral of the White Squadron of His Majesty's fleet. 1744, September 10. — Order to hoist his flag on board the Sandwich at Portsmouth, and follow the orders of Vice-Admiral Davers. 38 Mbmoeandum of Services. 1744, September 10. — Eear-Admiral Medley hoisted his flag on board the Sandwich at Spithead. 1744, October 25. — Struclc his flag on board the Sandwich and hoisted it on board the Lennox at Spithead. 1744[-5] , February 14. — Struck his flag on board the Lennox and hoisted it on board tlie Ipswich. 1745, May 5. — Struck his flag on board the Ipswich and hoisted it on board the Russell. 1745, July 28. — Vice-Admiral Medley hoisted his blue flag at the fore top-mast head on board the Russell. 1747, May 5. — Hoisted his blue flag on board the Boyne and continued till his death, 5th August. Vice- Admiral Davees to Lieutenant Dove, Commanding Officer on board the Sandwich. 1744, September 11. Cornwall at Spithead. — Order to complete provisions to four months, and to keep the ship in all respects ready to sail the moment you receive orders. Signed. Duke of Newcastle to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1744, September 29. Whitehall. — Mr. Villettes acquaints me that he has sent you the intelligence received by the King of Sardinia, that the Eepublic of Genoa has concluded an offensive alliance with France and Spain, and is preparing, in conjunction with a body of French and Spanish troops, to attack the Sardinian territory on that side. Mr. Ossorio, the Sardinian minister here, has desired that you should be instructed to treat them as enemies on the first motion they shall make to favour France or Spain ; but the King is persuaded that you will consider yourself already sufiiciently authorized to do this without any further orders. I am, however, to acquaint you that the King desires you to send the Genoese a distinct assurance that, whilst the King is unwilling to believe in the truth of this intelligence, should they think proper to join with his enemies in any attempt against his allies, you will be obliged to treat them as enemies and act offensively against them ; that the King would be sorry you should be laid under such a necessity, and that you hope to receive such an answer as will remove all jealousy and suspicion. According to the answer you receive from them, and their future behaviour, you will regulate your conduct towards them ; but if they venture to break the neutrality, you are to act against them in such manner as you shall think proper, and as may most effectually prevent the ill consequences of their junction with the King's enemies. 39 Before committing any acts of hostility against the Genoese, you will, of course, be careful to warn British subjects settled at Genoa to withdraw their persons and effects into Sardinian or Austrian territory where they may remain in full security, and may be assured they will meet with all the assistance they may need. With regard to the employment of the squadron in the Mediterranean, the particular operations must depend upon circumstances which cannot be know here. I am therefore only to refer you in general to the instructions Mr. Mathews has left in your hands, whereby you will find that the support of the King's allies in Italy, the destruction of the French and Spanish squadrons, and the protection of the trade of his Majesty's subjects are to be the principal objects of your care and attention. Extract. Thomas Coebett to Eeae-Admiral Medley, Sandwich, St. Helens. 1744, October 2. — In answ^er to your letter of the 30th September asking how you are to dispose of the Eev. Father Gregory Kassavo, a Greek, I am to signify their lordships' directions to you to cause him to be put on shore. Vice-Admiral Davers to the Same. 1744, October 3. Cornivall at Spithead- — " You are hereby desired and directed to attend on board his Majesty's ship Cornwall to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, to assist at a court martial which I propose to hold then, or as soon after as the weather will permit." Signed. Commissioners of the Navy to the Same. 1744, October 5. — Mr. Cox, now acting as master of the Sandwich by order of Admiral Davers, cannot at present be appointed to her, as he is only qualified for a third rate. If you will send him to London to be examined and he is found qualified, we will, on your recommendation, forthwith give him a warrant for the Sandwich. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1744, October 11. — His Majesty's order in council directs that all qualifications for masters in the navy shall be obtained by an examination at Trinity House. We therefore cannot oblige you by having Mr. Cox examined in the manner you desire. Signed. 40 Thomas Corbett to Eear-Admieal Medley. 1744, October 15. — Their lordships consent to your giving George Cox leave to come to town to pass his examination for master of a first or second rate. Vice-Admieal James Steuaet to the Same. 1744, October 16. Duke at Spithead. — I desire you to consider the enclosed copies of two letters from the Navy Board to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and from him to me ; and be prepared with an opinion thereon after consultation with your master and carpenter. Signed. Enclosing : — /. — Letter from Corbett desiring him to consult ivith the flag officers and some of the captains of ships under his command as to alterations proposed by the Navy Board, and to report thereon to their lordships, October l-2th, 1744. II. — Commissioners of the >.'avy to Thomas Coebett, Secretary of the Admiralty. 1744, August 3. — Captain Dandridge of the "Mary" galley having represented to the L. C. A. that if the ship's bulkheads , dc, were taken down and canvas ones put up in their room, she would be a readier ship of war upjon all occasions than she now is; and that in the end it would be a saving to the government, because they will easily furl up in time of engagement, and soon form the apartments again ivlien let down; and that, in time of war, officers' cabins are quite needless, because good berths for hammacoes might be made in the gun room, and canvas curtains, properly contrived to fall before them, would look more ship-shape. And you having, by your letter of the 1st instant, signified to us their lordships' direction to report our opinion as to ivhether this way of fitting out his Majesty's ships in general would not be more proper in time of war and less expensive than the present way ; ive desire you loill acquaint their lordships that we approve of taking down all the bulkheads under the quarter-deck of the " Mary " galley, and all officers' cabins that arc above the lower deck, except the boatswain' s and carpenter' s in the forecastle, who should lie in their proper cabins, to be upon deck on every call; their cabiiis to be panelled with deal, placed in grooves, so as to be taken down in a moment upon every occasion; and except, also, the cabins on the wing transom on the gun-deck, ivhich should be so shortened as to be entirely clear of the after guns. And near the mizen mast, instead of the foremost bulkhead of tJie great cabin, there should be stanchions or stiles for the present eabir\ door 41 to hang by and shut to; and all the rest of the bulkhead should be painted canvas, fastened by battens to a beam of the quarter-deck, laced down to cleats on the upper deck, so as to roll up to the beam upon every occasion. Abaft that, the bed place should be inclosed with kersey, to roll up in the same manner. Near the mizen mast, on the lower deck, there should be old canvas fixed to inclose an apartment for the officers — as Captain Dandridge has proposed; and the officers to be allowed double hammacoes ; and the " Ludloio Castle " may be fitted in the same manner. And as the fixing of the main capstan on the upper deck of all tioo-deck ships, will afford many advantages to the service ; and when the main capstan is so fitted there will be seldom occasion for the use of the jeer, which may be unshipped and stowed between decks to make room for stoioing the long boat out of the way of the guns; we therefore propose that the main capstan of all two-deck ships be so fitted for the future, and that the main and jeer capstans may be made exactly alike, so that, in case of an accident to either, the other may serve instead of it. Nevertheless, ive are of opinion it may be advisable to recommend to Sir John Balchen, upon his return to Spithead, to consult the other admirals and some of the captains of his Majesty's ships, and consider in what manner it may be best for his Majesty's service to have the ships of each class fitted in time of war, for the lodging and accommodation of the captains and officers, and for the working and fighting of the ships, so that hereafter no alterations may be made therein, in any of his Majesty's ships, ivithout positive commands from their lordships, and thereby prevent a very considerable expense and delay in the despatch of his Majesty's ships. And as you have also acquainted us that Captain Utting of the " Gosport " has requested to be supplied with swivel-guns for the tops and boats, and directed us to give our opinion as to the usefulness of this proposal for 40-gun ships in general, we think that this also should be referred to Sir John Balchen, the other admirals, and some of the captains. Copy. Thomas Coebett to Eear-Admieal Medley. 1744, October 24. — Enclosing copy of information received from Mr. Isaac Cocoartt, dated from Falmouth, 20th October. Information: — The " Duke of Cornwall " privateer has been on the coast of France, between the Seven Islands and Ushant, and off Belle Isle, and was driven from both places by a coast guard vessel. Off each place there is one of about 20 guns and 220 men. 42 L. 0. A. to Eeae- Admiral Medley. 1744, October 23. — Order to take under his command the Lennox, Hampton Court, Edinburgh, Dreadnought, and Falkland, and, with two or three Dutch ships which will be appointed by the Dutch Admiral now at Spithead, cruise in the Soundings for the protection of trade. To return to Spithead by 10th November. Signed. October 26. — A'ice-Admiral Steuart is directed to increase the squadron by two ships — the best conditioned of the following: — Monmouth, Captain, Prince Frederick, Suffolk, Augusta. To proceed to sea immediately, and if any of the ships are in want of provisions, water or stores, to supply them out of others which can spare the same. Signed, Captain Peteb Lawrence to the Same. 1744, October 26. Lemiox at Spithead. — Bequest for an order to cut off 25 fathom, damaged, from the best bower cable. Thomas Coebett to the Same. 1744, October 26. — Enclosing an extract from a letter received from Captain Young of the Kinsale, dated St. John's, Newfoundland, 2nd September. Information : — I ain informed that in the middle of July last, there were seven French East India-men in the harbour of Louisbourg , and two more expected; and five French men of war to convoy those ships and the trade to France. A neic 60-giin ship, built in Canada, has arrived at Louisbourg to strengthen the convoy. Vice-Admibal Steuart to the Same. 1744, October 27. Portsmouth. — Of the five ships named in the order I have just received from the L. C. A., the Monmouth and Augusta are best prepared for accompanying you, and I therefore enclose orders for their completing their provisions and men from the Sandwich, St. George, and Duke ; as also others for Captain Harrison and Captain Hamilton to put themselves under your command. Thomas Gorbett to the Same. 1744, October 29. — Acknowledging his report of the Monmouth and Augusta being placed under his command and enclosing an order from the L. C. A. to extend his cruise till November 20. Enclosure : — Order from the L. C. A. Signed. 43 Thomas Corbbtt to Ebar-Admiral Medley. 1744, November 5. — Acknowledging his report of his proceedings and his return to St. Helens. L. C. A. to the Same. 1744, November 5. — We have ordered your squadron to be reinforced by the Captain and Suffolk, which you are to take under your command and have got ready for sea with all possible diligence. When your whole squadron is ready for sailing you are to acquaint Vice- Admiral Davers, to put yourself under his command and to accompany him 100 leagues into the sea. When you separate from him you are to cruise in the Soundings according to the orders you have already received. Signed. Vicb-Admieal Steuart to the Same. 1744, November 6. Portsmouth. — I have received your letter of yesterday desiring me to send 24 marines to the Monmouth to complete her number ; and to the Falkland sufficient seamen to replace those sent ashore sick. The Monmouth had seamen given her in lieu of the marines she was short, so that Captain Harrison has no room to complain. As to the Falkland, the great ships here cannot spare more men without disabling them from their own necessary business, neither have I any orders to man any of your ships a second time, so that Captain Grenville must make the best shift he can. L. C. A. to the Same. 1744, November 6. — Order to go to Spithead with the English and Dutch ships under his command, and to hold himself in constant readiness for sailing. Signed. Same date. — If he meets with the Chatham, expected from New England with masts and yards, to order one of his ships to see her safely into Plymouth. Signed. Captain E. Boscawbn to the Same. 1744, November 8. Dreadnought at Spithead. — Bequest for a survey on the Dreadnought's best bower cable, which is much rubbed. Signed. L. C. A. to the Same. 1744, November 10. — Order to add the Chester to his squadron if she is ready for sea before he sails. To see the trade for Oporto and Lisbon clear of the Channel and send it on under sufficient convoy ; to continue cruising till the end of the month. If he meets the large convoy coming from 44 the Mediterranean , he is to strengthen his squadron with such of the ships of war as are able to continue at sea ; and if the convoy coming from Jamaica requires it, he is to add to it such ship as he thinks necessary. Signed. Vice-Admiral Davees to PiEAR-ADMrnAL Medley. 1744, November- 10. Cornicall at Sp'thead. — The L. C. A. having directed me to take you and your squadron under my command for the time we shah be together, you'll be pleased to sail and keep company with me, and observe the sailing and fighting instructions which I send you herewith, together with a line of battle and signals ; and to give the necessary directions to the captains of your squadron to do the same. Signed. Same date. — The line of battle : one ship of 80 guns (the Cornwall), six of 70, four of 60, one of 54, and one Dutch, also of 54 guns. Signed. Same date. — The special signals. Signed. Captain Savage Mostyn to the Same. 1744, November 10. Hampton Court at Spithead. — Eequest for a survey on a quantity of beer and cheese "that stinks and is not fit for man's use." Signed. L. C. A. to the Same. 1744, November 3 3. — Order not to take the Chester to sea, but leave her at Spithead. Signed. Thomas C'oebett to the Same. 174 i, November 14. — You are to let their lordships know your rendezvous, in case they should wish to send more ships to you. November 17. — Mr. John Taaffe of the Lennox having being appointed lieutenant of the Speedivell sloop, you are to order him to repair to the Admiralty Office to take out his commission. Vice-Admieal Davbrs to the Same. 1744, November 17. Cornwall at St. Helens. — By the neglect of the purser, this ship is very short of butter and cheese; and as the wind is likely to carry us to sea to-day, you'll be pleased to direct such of your ships as can spare a quantity of those two species, to let the purser of the Cornwall have it. 45 L. C. A. k» Eear-Admtral Medlby. 1744, November 23. — Several French East India ships are reported to be now on their passage home from Louisbourg, under the convoy of three or four French men of war. You are therefore to cruise with your squadron on such stations as you shall think proper for intercepting them or any other French trade, and for the protection of the British trade. You are to continue cruising until the 10th of the next month. Signed. L. C. A. to Captain [Haery] Noeris of the Prince Frederick, at Spithead. 1744, November 29. — Order to join the Sunderland off Plymouth, to take her under his command, and proceed to join Eear-Admiral Medley in the enclosed rendezvous. If he meets the Pearl on the way, he is also to take her under his command, and carry her to join Medley. If he does not meet with Medley, he is to " cruise on the station mentioned in his rendezvous until the 15th of next month, and then return. Copy. Endorsed: — Eeceived [by Medley] December 13. L. C. A. to Eeae-Admiral Medley. 1744, November 29. — We have received information from Sir Daniel Lambert that a large fleet of rich merchant ships, to the number of 80, is expected to come from Lisbon and Oporto under convoy of the Sapphire ; and as the merchants at Lisbon think this too weak a convoy for so large a fleet, they request that two men of war may cruise in the chops of the Channel and Soundings for their security. You are therefore to continue cruising till the 25th of next month, taking the best care you are able for the protection and security of this fleet, and then to return to Spithead. To take the Prince Frederick, Sunderland, and Pearl under your command. Signed. (In duplicate). Endorsed: — Eeceived per Captain Norris, December 15. L. C. A. to Captain Brett of the Siinderlayid, at Plymouth. 1744, November 29. — Order to hold himself in readiness to put to sea, and join the Prince Frederick as soon as she appears off Plymouth Sounds ; to put himself under the command of Captain Norris and follow his orders. Copy. Endorsed : — Eeceived [by Medley] December 13. Thomas Corbett to Eear-Admiral Medley. 1744, December 7. — Acknowledging report of his arrival at Spithead, account of ships spoken with, and copy of orders to Captain Hamilton of the Augusta. 46 On the dorse is a rough draft (in pencil) of a letter : " My Lord: I have the favour of your Lordship's kind letter, which gives rae more pleasure than I can express ; and as I have received the greatest marks of your favour and friendship, permit me, my Lord, to beg leave to assure you they are not lavished on an ingrate, and that nothing in life can give me greater pleasure than an opportunity to approve myself, my Lord, your Lordship's " Thomas Corbbtt to Eeae-Admieal Medley. 1744, December 8. — My lords have desired Lieutenant- Admiral Grave to cause as many ships [Dutch] of his squadron as he can, to be got ready to go to sea with you. It is intended to add the Prince Frederick, Sunderland, and Chester to your squadron. L. C. A. to the Same. 1744, December 10. — Eepeating the intelligence in the letters of November 23rd, 29th, and ordering him to put to sea immediately with his squadron and the Dutch auxiliary ships ; to take the Chester under his command, and to call oif Plymouth for the Prince Frederick and Sunderland. To send a copy of your rendezvous before you sail from Spithead ; to continue on this service till the end of this month. Signed. Thomas Coebett to the Same. Same date. — In addition to your instructions of this date, you are to get what intelligence you can of the enemy's ships at Brest, and to govern j'ourself in your cruising according to such advices as you shall be able to procure. L. C. A. to the Same. Same date. — The Edinburgh has some defects, which we have ordered to be repaired at Spithead. If she is not ready to sail when you are, you are not to wait for her, but leave orders with her captain to follow you. Signed. Thomas Coebett to the Same. 1744, December 12. — Acknowledging his report of the Dutch Admiral's having appointed three ships to sail with him. Same date. — The Prince Frederick and Sunderland sailed from Plymouth on the 9th instant, in pursuance of their orders, a copy of which is enclosed. Same date. — Covering letter. Enclosing : — 47 H. Frankland to Thomas Corbett. 1744, September 18. Boston, New England. — Last night arrived here from Cape Breton three flags of truce, with about 360 English prisoners. They sailed thence on the 7th, and left there, in port, six rich East India ships, bound to Old France, to be convoyed by four men of war. This intelligence is certain. They will sail about the latter end of next month; for one. Captain Mason, who was a prisoner there some time, pretending to be a Jacobite, they put great confidence in him; and being in very great want of provisions , they contracted with him to supply the India ships with bread from New York by the 20th of next month, as appears by the contract and other papers that Mason has laid before the Governor, Mr. Shirley. Extract. Thomas Grimston to Eear-Admiral Medley. 1744, December 12. York. — " My dear Harry: By yester- day's papers I see you are again got to Spithead. I heartily pity you for the bad weather you must have had in your cruise ; it must have made it extreme fatiguing. Colonel Condon's estate at Kilnwick is now to be sold ; it is freehold, to the value of 2801 per annum, with a good house, garden and outhouses. He talks of thirty years purchase, but it may be had cheaper, if you think of it. It lays in a good country. My son is well at Cambridge. Kit Legard made major to the regiment he was in, but pays 1,200/ difference. On Saturday last Anson was chose for Hedon, and Lascelles for Scarborough. I am wind-bound here, but hope to be home next week. Mr. Overend, a friend of mine, has a brother about 18, a stout young man, with about 400/ fortune, wants to go to sea ; if you would recommend him to Griffin's quarter-deck, or any other honest fellow's, I should oblige three people I have a particular esteem for." Thomas Corbett to Eear-Admiral Medley. 1744, December 13. — Has received his account of the pro- ceedings of his squadron. Their lordships hope he will not lose this wind. L. C. A. to the Same. 1744, December 15. — Order to cruise in the Soundings till the 15th January. The Wager man of war, Vulture and Fly sloops, are added to his squadron. The Prince Frederick and Sunderland will join him on his former station. Signed. 48 Ddke of Newcastle to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1744 [-5], January 18. — By the disposition of the French fleet, it is supposed that there can be few or no French ships left at Toulon, and that the Spanish squadron at Cartagena may proceed through the Straits to join the French ships at Cadiz. Should this be so, the squadron under your command, consisting, as I am informed by the Admiralty, of 35 ships of the line of battle, will be many more than can be wanted for any service to be performed in the Mediterranean or on the coast of Italy. It is therefore the King's pleasure that you make careful enquiry as to what strength the French have at Toulon; and if you find, as we are informed here, that the French squadron, or the greatest part of it, has gone through the Straits, and that there are but few French or Spanish men of war at Toulon, that you proceed with the greatest part of your squadron off Cartagena, leaving a sufficient strength under the command of Commodore Osborn or such other officer as you think proper, to perform all the services on the coast of Italy that may be necessary for the security and defence of the states of the King of Sardinia, the Queen of Hungary, and the Great Duke of Tuscany; and you will make the proper disposition of the ships so to be left, for obstructing the passage and motions of the Spaniards as far as may be practicable, and for preventing the landing of any fresh troops from Spain in Italy ; for which purpose a few ships of the line, with the smaller ships of your squadron, may be sufficient. But you will be best able to judge of what may be necessary for this important service, which you will take care, in all events, may be effectually provided for. Extract. Signed: — Will. Rowley. Endorsed : — Received from Vice-Admiral Rowley by Captain Cooper, February 6th, 1745 [-6] . L. C. A. to Rbae-Admieal Medley at Spithead. 1744[-5], February 4. — Order to convoy 14 victuallers to Gibraltar ; thence to join Vice-Admiral Rowley and put himself under his command. Signed. February 9. — Order to convoy the Levant Galley and the Triton as far as Port Mahon. Signed. Thomas Coebett to the Same. 1744[-5], February 11. — I am to signify to you their lordships direction that Sergeant Paul Arnold, of Colonel Buncombe's regiment, is to have a passage to the Mediterranean in one of your ships, he being appomted to take care of the clothing of the regiment ; and you are to speak to Vice-Admiral Rowley to order him home in the first ship bound to England. 49 Thomas Geimston to Ebar-Admiral Medley, Portsmouth. 1744 [-5] , February 20.—" My dear Harry : The young man I mentioned to you is ready to come up the instant you shall write me word for him, and that he may find you at Portsmouth or [that you] will leave a letter for him to some of your friends. Pray your answer by the next post. We are told Mr. Vernon is to go into the Mediterranean ; do you go with him? " York is extreme gay this winter, and very full of company. I believe I shall visit it again very soon, as I have business that hinders my going to London till Lady-day. The General is got into great spirits again now the frost is gone, and looks younger by ten years than he did last week." Memo, by Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1744("-5], March 12. Neptune in Mahon Harbour. — In case of separation, if with a westerly wind, and you cannot get to Formentera, the place of rendezvous is Mahon ; but if you can get under Formentera, the place of rendezvous is Formentera, and thence to Cape de Gatt, and if you do not meet me there, to Gibraltar. Copy. Signed: — Hen. Osborn. Thomas Coebett to Eear-Admiral Medley. 1744[-5], February 13. — Mr. Guerin, agent to Colonel Buncombe's regiment of marines, has written to request that some clothing for the men in the Mediterranean may be carried out in his Majesty's ships in case the merchant ships are unable to do so. I am directed to enclose you a copy of Mr. Guerin's letter, and to desire you to cause the clothing to be distributed among the ships of your squadron, if application is made to you. Same date. — Copy of Mr. Guerin's letter enclosed. James Henshaw [Medley's Agent] to Eear-Admiral Medley. 1744[-5] , February 20. Tower Hill. — An affidavit is wanted for his half-pay from 31st March to 20th June, 1744. He ought to leave an order for his dividends on South Sea stock to be paid to Mr. Grimston. The Same to the Same, at Plymouth. 1744[-5], Marcli 7. Tower Hill. — "I have just returned from Chatham, where I accidentally met Dr. Allen, who gave me an account of your late narrow escape.* To be sure, no * Referring apparently to the bad weather he had experienced on the passage down Channel, with the loss of several of the convoy. Cf. Gentleman's Magazine, 1745, p. 162. D 50 one could be in more imminent danger than you were, and aa far as I have heard, your safety, under God, was owing to your spirit, activity, and knowledge, which I hope are reserved for purposes that may one day do honour and service to your country as well as to yourself. " The rumour of an action in the Mediterranean, or— as some say — near Gibraltar, is not confirmed, though the advices from France mention it strong, and say it was near Gibraltar and a drawn battle. " The hurricane at Jamaica is vanished, which people are much pleased with. " The hearing at the bar of the House of Commons is now what engages the general attention and conversation. Captain Stepney is come, and several officers with him that Mr. Lestock named; but Captain Gascoigne would not come by land, and is expected every day in the Newcastle, though probably he may come too late, especially if the Newcastle puts into Ijisbon. This hearing is not a particular enquiry into Mr. Lestock's conduct, which will be reserved for a court martial, but it is an enquiry into the management of the whole affair, so that the censure will fall wherever it properly affects." Some details of Medley's pay, half-pay, and other pecuniary matters follow. Thomas Grimston to Eear-Admieal Medley, at Plymouth. 1744[-5] , March 9. Elton. — " My dear Harry : I had wrote to you before I received yours, and hope you would get my letter before you left St. Helens. I am sorry, by the papers, to find you have such contrary winds, and are so much hindered m getting clear of the Channel. I hope the rest of your voyage will be prosperous. ' ' I don't need to put you in mind of Ryder, but, at the desire jf Will and Jack Turner, must recommend to you Mr. Motley, i near relation of Mrs. Turner's. He has been many years it sea, and now seven in the Torbay in the Mediterranean, ind not yet a lieutenant. The enclosed for Storr is to acquaint aim with the death of his brother, who died at Hull on Sunday last ; as he made no will. Jack is heir to his real estate, which, with what his father will leave, I hope will be 600Z per annum. [ have wrote to Tom Griffin, who I hope, if not gone to sea, will take the young man I recommended to you. He was ready to set out on the first line from you, had you not sailed. " We have now fine weather, and hope the winter is at an end with us ; it has been severe and hurt the farmers. Let me hear from you as often as you have opportunity, and I shall not fail writing and sending my letters to Bob Osborn to forward to you. The General begins to live again, now that he can hunt ; he and the rest of your friends in this country present their service." 51 L. G. A. to Kear-Admieal Medley. 1744[-5], March 14. — Appointment as Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth, in the absence of a superior officer, for ten days. Signed. Same date. — Authorisation to hold courts martial. Same date. — Order to hold a court martial on Captain John Hardy of the Torrington, and enquire into the truth of the charges of ill treatment of the officers, and of ill conduct in the management of the ship, brought against him by William Hackman, second lieutenant of the Torrington. Signed. James Henshaw to the Same, at Plymouth. 1744r-5], March 14. Tower Hill.— After a statement of Medley's money business — "When Mr. Lestock came before the House, he told them that as he was unaccustomed to speak in public and especially before such an assembly, he had collected in writing the substance of what he could say of the affair in the Mediterranean, which he desired leave to give in ; and it was accordingly received and read by one of the clerks. But before he began, one of the members cautioned Mr. Lestock that as he was to be tried by a court martial, he hoped he had taken care in the writing, and advised him to take care in the answers he should make to the questions that might be asked him, not to say anything that might affect him upon that trial. I believe it was the Speaker that said fthis. When the clerk had done reading the paper, Mr. Lestock was ordered to withdraw ; and being called in again, a great many questions were asked him, which — it is said — he answered distinctly and without hesitation. Some questions, it is said, were asked Mr. Mathews whilst Mr. Lestock was at the bar, which were not so well answered ; but of this one would be very tender, and I should not have mentioned it were it not in all the conversations I meet with. Mr. Ijestock has laid heavy blame on Captains Burrish, WilliamH, Korris, and Ambrose; but what will be the consequence of it, no one can tell. Had Mr. Mathews called these gentlemen and soine others to account in the Mediterranean, the blame of the miscarriage would not have lain so heavy upon him. Mr. Vernon spoke, and I'm told with all possible appearance of impartially ; but he could not help forgetting his text, and got upon what was uppermost at heart — Captain Mostyn's court martial. It is said that these courts are to be new modelled, but I've not heard in what manner. The Speaker told Mr. Lestock it was a clear and distinct account, and gave the House great satisfaction as such. He was allowed a chair. To-day he went again, and Captain Long and a good many more gentlemen are cited — as you will see by the votes— who, I am told, are to be examined upon oath, but I believe that is a mistake," 52 Memo, by Vice-Admieal Eowley. 1744[-5], March 15. Neptune in Mahon Harbour. — For preventing disputes among the naval officers at Gibraltar. The master shipwright has nothing to do with the ordinary, the command of which rests with the master attendant, and, under him, on the storekeeper and clerk of the check. No Genoese are to be entered as watchmen or boatmen, but such capable English seamen as can be procured. Vice-Admiral Eowley to Ebae-Admieal Medley. 1745, April 1. Neptune at sea. — The Secretary of the Admiralty having acquainted me that a convoy of men of war and victuallers were soon to depart from Great Britain to join me in the Mediterranean, I have, for their safety, detached Commodore Osborn with ten sail of the line to cruise between Cape Spartel and Cape St. Vincent. On meeting with Mr. Osborn you are immediately to proceed with the convoy and victuallers, and endeavour to join me off the harbour of Cartagena. Signed. Endorsed: — Eeceived April 23, 1745. L. C. A. to the Same. 1745, April 2. — Order to assemble a court martial for the trial of Lieutenant Charles Graham of the Exeter, on a charge, preferred by Captain Lake of the Exeter, of having absented himself from his duty ever since the 15th of last month. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1745, April 2. — Appointment as Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth for ten days and no longer. Parchment. Signed. Same date. — Authorisation to hold courts martial. Signed. James Henshaw to the Same. 1745, April 6. Tower Hill.— I am sorry for the continuance of this untoward wind, as I know how much it vexes you, and that it is a great disappointment and prejudice to the trade. As it has held for a good while, and is on an unusual point at this season, we may hope for a change soon. This will be brought you by a son of Mr. Wentworth, member of Parliament for York, and a friend of Mr. Grimston's. The want of time compels him to send the young gentleman without your previous leave ; but I believe he has strong reasons tor getting him immediately out of the way of bad habits or bad company. 53 We have nothing new from the Mediterranean. The enquiry is not yet closed, but it is the general opinion that it will be next week, and that the censure will fall on both admirals, with the opinion of the House that both ought to be tried by court martial ; one for not coming up, and the other for not going on. [^Medley, in the "Ipswich," sailed from Plymouth on April 14 ; met Com,modore Osborn on the 23rd, and anchored at Gibraltar on the afternoon of the 24.th. Log of the "Ipswich."]. General Hargeave to Rear- Admiral Medley at Gibraltar. 1745, April 25. Gibraltar. — The enclosed was brought me this morning from Cartagena by a man I sent there. You may depend on the number of ships, and that they are manned and ready to sail. The common report is that they wait for a French squadron to join them, to sail to Cadiz; but that is not to be depended on. I am informed that though they have their full complement, they have taken all manner of people to complete them. My service to Admiral Rowley. If anything offers, you may depend on my letting you know it. Signed. The enclosure — a list of the Spanish men of war in Cartagena — is missing. [4 copy of the letter and the list (16 ships of the line, of from 50 to 114 guns) in Rowley's letter of May 1st. " In Letters," 382]. The Opinion of a Consultation. 1745, April 27. Ipswich off Cape de Gatt, half-past two p.m. — The captains of his Majesty's ships under the command of Rear- Admiral Medley, being called by him to consult as to what course to take for the security of the convoy, since we have failed to meet Vice-Admiral Rowley ; and Mr. Medley having laid before us the orders he received from the vice- admiral, dated 1st April ; and Captain Robinson of the Diamond having produced the orders of the same date, which he received from Vice-Admiral Rowley, desiring him to keep between three and four leagues off the land, where he would be sure to meet some of the squadron ; and having also seen a letter to Mr. Medley from the Governor of Gibraltar, dated the 25th instant, with intelligence and a list of 16 sail of Spanish ships of war at Cartagena, completely manned and ready to proceed to sea : We, considering our situation so near an enemy's port, where there is so superior a force, and the uncertainty of finding Mr. Rowley, as we have lain between Cape de Gatt and 54 Cartagena from ten o'clock last night until two this afternoon without any intelligence of him, are unanimously of opinion that we should bear away and endeavour to gain Port Mahon. Signed: — H. Medley, Chas. Hardy, Eobt. Eobhison, L- Leslie. James Henshaw to [Vice-J Admiral Medley. 1745, April 30. Tower Hill. — " A day or two after you sailed, the House of Commons addressed the King for courts martial to be held upon the Admirals Mathews and Lestock ; on the Captains Burrish, Norris, Williams, Dilke, Frogmere, and Ambrose, and the lieutenants of the Dorsetshire, in order to bring those to condign punishment, by whose misconduct the honour and interest of the nation were sacrificed in the action in the ^lediterranean : which the King received graciously and assured them their requests should be complied with. The inserting of Mr. Mathews' name was objected to by his friends, and it is said that he opposed it himself by urging that he had purposed to demand a court martial of the Lords of the Admiralty, to clear his reputation. To which it was answered that such a profession was now too late, and he should have made the demand before it was out of his power to prevent being tried. The House divided on his account, and there were 215 for his being tried to 78 against it. This great majority, as it shewed the general sense of the House, was no small mortification to him and his friends, who certainly did not know their strength, or else they had never made this unlucky attempt; and so far Mr. P[e!ha]m had forgot to copy his predecessor, who always counted noses before he embarked on any motion. It was certainly a wrong step, for I cannot help thinking that had Mr. Mathews and his friends cheerfully concurred with the House, he would have appeared in a much better light than he did in opposing it ; but no man is at all times wise. It is said that the court martial will be a sort of a court of delegates, consisting of lords, judges, admirals, privy-councillors, etc. It is certain that great preparations are making for it, as you will be in part sensible of by the number of officers sent for home. I have not seen the act for regulating courts martial, but am told that the principal intenion of it is to empower the crown to appoint a prosecutor, to carry on the cause on behalf of the public against all delinquents, as the attorney -general and solicitor do on behalf of the crown in cases of treason. " The vigorous proceedings of the House of Commons have made it a fashion to find fault with the conduct of all sea-officers of the first and second rank. Accordingly we are told that the Jamaica merchants have complained of Mr. Davers, because one of the ships in his convoy was taken, and he is to be recalled and the command given to Admiral Mayne. Mr. Lee, too, does not please the other set of West India merchants, 55 and he is to be recalled; so that in these times, a gentleman who commands may not unproperly be said to have more masters than one. " I believe your commission as vice of the blue was sent out to you by a messenger. I saw Mr. Osborn a day or two ago and told him I would pay for it, which I will do the first time I go or send to the Admiralty. " This day, after long debate and a division of 112 to 34, the House came to a resolution that Captain Norris's trial was partial, arbitrary, and illegal, which we are afraid will affect Mr. Eowley. I cannot add more to-night, only that I rely on your kind assurances to me of your favour in the agency for prizes." L. C. A. to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1745', April 30. — Order to send home four persons named, lieutenants of the M arlborougJi at the time of the engagement on 11th February, 1748 [-4] , as witnesses in the case of Captain Norris. Signed. Thomas Cobbett to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, May 14. — The L. C. A. having appointed Mr. Rowley to be vice-admiral of the white, I enclose his commission to you, together with a power to administer to him the oaths and see that he subscribes the test, and then you will please to deliver the commission. By this opportunity, you will receive from Vice-Admiral Eowley a commission appointing you vice-admiral of the blue ; the established fee, which is 51 Is. 6d., you will please to order to be paid here. Since the above, the fee has been paid by your agent, Mr. Henshaw. Enclosure: — L. C. A. to Vice-Admibal Medley. Same date : — Authority to administer the oaths and test to William Rowley, Esq., before you deliver to him the commission appointing him vice-admiral of the lohite squadron. Signed. The Same to the Same 1745, May 28. — I am commanded to transmit to you the enclosed Act of Parliament passed the last session, for the further regulating and better government of his Majesty's navies, ships of war, and forces by sea, and for regulating the proceedings upon courts martial in the sea service ; and to take notice to you that, by this act, you cannot preside or sit yourself at any courts martial held for offences committed after the 1st June next, but only summon courts martial to be held, and leave the next officer in command to preside thereat. Endorsed : — Eeceived per Shirk sloop, July 4. 56 Thomas Grimston to Vicb-Admibal Medley. 1745, June 3. London. — " My dear Harry : I have regularly twice a week ever since you sailed, enquired after an opportunity of getting a letter to you, but never could hear of one, and how long this may be in setting forward I know not, but leave to Osborn's care. I am extremely glad to hear by some of your friends that you had so quick a passage and joined Mr. Eowley, but should have been more pleased to have had it under your hand. Pray write to me as often as you have an opportunity and leisure ; when you have not the latter, desire the parson to give me a line, and I shall regularly send one to Osborn for you every month. I set out in a few days for Yorkshire by Cambridge, and take the lad to Scarborough ; he is well and desired his service to you. My friend. Kit Legard, has escaped at Tournay being either killed or wounded, but my neighbour Gee fell there : we expect shortly to hear of another battle, but hope it will not be at so great a disadvantage as the last. George Dawnay* is yet here, but was yesterday enquired for at the Board, so is in hopes of getting afloat. Poor Vin Pearsef died this day senight. He had taken a little house near Fulham- The day before he had dined with us in great health and spirits, and that evening was to have met us at supper. After dinner, which he eat cheerfully, he lay down and, as the girl who waited on him thought, fell asleep ; but when she went to awake him to come to town, she could not; and though a, surgeon was sent for, who bled him in the temples, he awaked no more. I fear he died poor and without a will. T. Griffin has taken the young man I wrote to you about, and he set out yesterday for Plymouth to go aboard. Poor Motley, who I recommended to you , is now here upon account of the court martial ; when that is over, he hopes to return into the Mediterranean, before which time you will have the command in chief. My relation Close, too, designs getting on board the first ship and coming out to you. Sir Lionel and ]\Ir. Went worth desire their thanks for your favours. " I never was in better health than this year, and, they tell me, grow fat. May pleasure and happiness ever attend you, and believe me, dear Harry, your affec. T. Grimston." The Same to the Same. ] 7 15 , July 7. Fremmington, Swale Dale. — ' ' My dear Harry : I thank you for yours of April 29th ; it only came to me June 23rd. I hope by this you have got mine , which I left to the care of Mr. Osborn the first week in June. " ^'our friend, Mr. Pearson, begs you will assist a nephew of his, Thomas Pearson, now on board the Essex; he was * Captain in the navy, January 8th, 1741-2. t Captain in the navy, October 5th, 1715. 57 prest out of the merchant service three years ago, and I believe is before the mast. " We have had for two months past the coldest, wettest weather I ever knew; but now, notwithstanding the hills that surround me were a fortnight ago all covered with snow, we have as fine a sky and good weather as you have. I hope it will last for good of the country, which never had greater prospect of plenty, and of us sportsmen, for I am now upon the moors with better dogs than ever I was master of, in great health and spirits, and this evening I expect good company too, Sir Lionel and Mr. Lister, to shoot together for a fortnight. I fear my fox hunting will not last long, for the old General breaks fast. My son and Mr. Hewgill desired their good wishes to you. Griffin has taken the young man I wrote to you about." [Erroneously endorsed, 1743]. The Duke of Newcastle to Consul Stanyfoed at Algiers. 1745, June 14. — By the Pembroke, Captain George Balchen, you will receive a present and letter for the Dey, which you will deliver in the usual form, " making use of such expressions of the King's friendship for the Dey and the Government of Algiers, and of his Majesty's resolution to live in a perfect good correspondence with them, as you shall judge proper." Mr. Thomas Bolton, appointed to reside with you as chaplain of the factory, will embark on board the Pembroke ; and if Captain Balchen cannot himself go to Algiers, Mr. Bolton will bring you the present and the letter. Copy. L. C. A. to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1745, June 14. — To order the captain of any of his ships going to England, to receive on board for a passage to England, Mr. Smith and the workmen employed under him in building and completing the hospital at Gibraltar. Copy. Signed : — Will. Eowley. Commissioners of Victualling to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1745, June 27. — Acquainting him with the intended despatch in the end of July of six months provisions for 16,000 men. Copy. Vice-Admieal Eowley to Ebae-Admiral Medley. 1745, July 5. Neptune at sea. — Order to take the seven ships of the line and one frigate, named, under his command, and cruise between Cape Spartel and Cape St. Mary's till further orders. Signed. 58 Vice-Admiral Eowley to Captain Maynaed of the Ipswich. 1745, July 6. — Order to deliver the enclosed to Captain Hardy of the Torrington , and then to join me at Gibraltar " without one moment's loss of time." Copy. Enclosed: — 1745, July 5. — Order to Captain Hardy of the Torrington to proceed to Lagos Bay, where he will find the Duke fire-ship and the Trelawny store-ship. As soon as these are watered, he is to proceed with them and join Eear- Admiral Medley off Cape Spartel. Copy. Memo, by Vice-Admieal Eowley. The Essex and Antelope, as soon as they join Medley, are to be despatched to Gibraltar. Copy. Vice-Admieal Eowley to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, July 12. Neptune, Gibraltar. — Details of the move- ment of the ships. Send Burford, Rupert, and Phoenix to cruise off Cape St. Vincent, " if you have no objection." I enclose a letter I have just received. If the merchantman falls into your hands, send her here under convoy. Signed. Enclosure : — Leeds* Booth to Vice-Admieal Eowley. 1745, July 12. (O.S.) Gibraltar. — A Portuguese vessel from. Lisbon, with a cargo of beef and flour for the use of this garrison, is reported to have been seized by a British man of loar off Cape St. Mary's. I am humbly to pray that you will be pleased to order her hither under a proper convoy. Thomas Coebett to Vice-Admieal Eowley. 1745, July 19. — Mr. John Boutflower, late master of the Trelawny store-ship, having represented to my L. C. A. that he has been displaced by you and sent home prisoner in the Chichester, without knowing what crime he has committed or is accused of ; and the Navy Board having informed my lords that they know nothing of the matter except what the said master had written to the surveyor of the navy, I am commanded to send you a copy of his letter to the surveyor, and to acquaint you that the'r lordships are surprised you did not inform them of the reasons for your orders to Captain Pye to turn the man out of his employment and send him home in confinement ; and they direct you to send them an account thereof. Copy. Enclosures : — 'Or? Seeds. 59 J. BouTFLOWER to SiR Jacob Acwobth, Surveyor of the Navy. 1745, June 27, July 12. On board the " Chichester " at Spithead. — While serving as master of the " Trelawny " store-ship, my life has been rendered laborious for some time past by sundry captains of men of war continually alleging false accusations against me to Admiral Rowley. I have been shifted into the " 'Neptune" ; thence here, and sent home, without my knowing for what. All my misbehaviour would not admit of a court martial, which I wrote for. No survey was called on the purser's necessaries or cabin furniture. I am stopped here and not admitted to come to London to settle my affairs without an order, which I hope you will grant. I under- stand I am entered on the ship's books for wages and victuals, but do not know what I am rated. All ivho have seen the treatment I have received think it a piece of malice. I have often been told I was a commissioner's man; I believe it is on account of the store-ship's being on a new establishment, and my not being brought up in the navy. Warrant by Captain Thomas Pye of the "Norfolk," to Mr. Thomas Humphreys to act as master of the " Trelawny," till further orders. Order by Captain Pye [_to Mr. Humphreys'} to confine John Boutflower to his cabin till further orders. Statement by J . Boutflower giving the details of his being superseded by Humphreys and placed in confine- merit; of his being sent on board the " Neptune," and afterwards removed to the " Chichester " for a passage to England. Copies ; all on one sheet. (Vice-Admiral Rowley's answer to this, dated, " Marl- borough," in Oristan Bay, October 15th, is in " In Letters," 382; but refers, for his reason for confining Boutflower , to a former letter, which does not seem to hate been preserved). Thomas Coebett to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1745, July 24. — " Vice-Admiral Lestock having, in his letter of the 12th instant, complained to my L. C. A. of your partiality with regard to the witnesses yon lately sent home in behalf of Admiral Mathews and him, in superseding the witnesses required by Mr. Lestock, and only appointing persons to act in the stations of those summoned by Mr. Mathews, and of your neglect in not sending home the fire- ship's people who were saved, according to their lordships' orders, and making use of other unfair expedients and stratagems to destroy him ever since you succeeded him in the Neptune, such as employing persons to examine his quarter-deck people and tamper with his evidence : I am 60 commanded by their lordships to send you an extract of his letter, and to signify their directions to you to give a particular answer to this accusation, which reflects so highly on the character of an officer in your station." Enclosures : — I. — Extract from Lestock's letter of July 12, as referred to. II. — Another extract from the same; laying charges against Captain Slaughter of the "Somerset," icho left his station in the line of battle; Captain Pett of the " Princessa," loho left his station in the line of battle, and ran from the enemy on the contrary lack; Captain West of the " Warwick," who kept to windward, and did not form the line of battle, nor engage the enemy according to the signals abroad; Captain Lloyd of the " Nassau," and Captain Cooper of the " Stirling Castle," who are equally culpable wi'th Captain West. (Lestock's letter of July lQ,th, is in "In Letters," 381; Rowley's answer, dated October 15th, is in " In Letters," 382). Vice-Admikal Eowlby to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, July 25. Neptune at sea. — To remain at Lagos if he thinks it proper- Details of the movements of some of the smaller ships. The Marlborough to remain at Lagos. L. G. A. to the Senior Officer at Gibraltar. 1745, July 27. — Transports are on their way out to carry two regiments from Gibraltar to Louisbourg, " which place has been lately reduced to his Majesty's obedience." We have appointed Vice-Admiral [Isaac] Townsend, if he has not already sailed, to wait till these transports arrive, and convoy them to Louisbourg. But if Vice-Admiral Townsend has sailed for the West Indies, you are to appoint two ships, not under 40 guns, to wait at Gibraltar till they receive our orders from the commander of the convoy that brings the transports out. Signed. Li. C. a. to Vice-Admiral Isaac Townsend. 1745, July 27. — Orders having been given for the despatch to Gibraltar of transports to carry two regiments of that garrison to Louisbourg in Cape Breton, you are — if this order finds you at sea — to return to*Gibraltar, or — if still at Gibraltar — to remain there till the transports arrive. As soon as the regiments are embarked, you are to proceed to sea with the Lennox and Pembroke, and such other ships of war as Vice- Admiral Kowley has added to them, leaving the men of war which come out with the transports to follow their orders ; you are to take the transports under your care and convoy them 61 to Louisbourg, where you will leave them under the care of Commodore Warren or the senior officer there, and make the best of your way to the West Indies in prosecution of your former orders. You are not to take any of his Majesty's ships from under the command of Mr. Warren ; but on the contrary, if the circumstances of the place shall require it, with respect to an apprehension of the enemy coming there with a strong force, you are to leave such ships of your own squadron with Mr. Warren or the commanding officer, as shall be necessary to keep up a superior strength there than what is expected from the enemy. Signed. L. C. A. to Vice-Admibal Kowlby. 1745, July 27. — Order to return to England, leaving the command with Vice-Admiral Medley. Signed. Copy. L. C. A. to Heney Medley, Esq., Vice-Admiral of the Blue, and Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels employed in the Mediterranean. 1745, July 27. — During the King's absence abroad, you are to follow such orders as shall be sent you by the King, and also by the Guardians and Justices of this kingdom. Signed. Same date. — Authority to order courts martial. The Duke of Newcastle to Vice-Admiral Eowley. 1745, July 27. Whitehall. — " His Majesty having received intelligence, which I acquaint you with in the utmost con- fidence, that the resolution is actually formed at the court of Erance to make an invasion immediately upon his Majesty's dominions, and it appearing by the advices that have been received from the coast of France that extraordinary diligence is used in manning and fitting out their ships in the western ports of France, the Lords Justices have thought it absolutely necessary to have as considerable a sea-force at home for the defence of these kingdoms against any such attempt, as can be had consistently with the performance of the necessary services in other parts. In consequence of which you will receive, at the same time with this letter, directions from the L. C. A. to return to England, and to leave the command of his Majesty's ships in the Mediterranean with Vice-Admiral Medley ; and you will bring home with you such of his Majesty's ships as you shall be directed by the L. C. A., who, in their orders to you upon that head, will have a particular regard that a sufficient force may be left with Mr. Medley for any services that may be to be performed in the Mediterranean. 62 ' ' I am directed by the Lords Justices to signify to you their directions that you should deliver to Vice-Admiral Medley your instructions, and all such letters and papers as were delivered by Admiral Mathews, when he left the command of the squadron to you, or have been sent to you by his Majesty's command, as you may judge necessary for his conduct ; and their Excellencies direct that Vice-Admiral Medley should observe and follow all such orders as if they were directed to himself. You will have received from Mr. Villettes an account of the declaration made by the republic of Genoa, of their resolution to act as auxiliaries to the three allied crowns of Prance, Spain, and Naples; and it is not improbable that upon what Mr. Villettes shall have suggested upon that head. Captain Cooper or you may have already put in execution the provisional orders contained in my letter to you of the 29th September last. " You will see by my letter to Vice-Admiral Medley, which I enclose under flying seal for your perusal, and which you will be so good as to deliver to Mr. Medley, that the Lords Justices have thought proper to confirm those orders, and to direct I\Ir. Medley to act agreeably thereto, in such manner as shall be concerted with the King of Sardinia, the commander of the Queen of Hungary's troops in Italy, and Mr. Villettes. " I cannot put an end to my coiTCspondence with you without assuring you of the satisfaction I have had during the course of it ; in which time I must do you the justice to say that you have acted with the greatest prudence and exactness, and with the utmost zeal and attention to the King's service in the execution of all his Majesty's orders that I have transmitted to you." Copy ; in the handwriting of WiUiam Grove, Medley's secretary. ROBEBT OSBORN to ViCE- ADMIRAL MeDLEY Or THE CoMMANDER- in-Chibf in the Mediterranean. 1745, July 28. — My lords have sent orders to Vice-Admiral Townsend to wait at Gibraltar for the arrival of the transports intended lor Louisbourg ; and in case he should have sailed, have sent other orders to the commanding officer at Gibraltar to appoint two ships of not under 44 guns for that service. If the facilitating their lordships' intentions in this, matter comes timely within your notice, their lordships direct you to give the necessary orders for that purpose. Thojias Coebett to Vice-Admiral JJedley. 17i.5, July 28. — Enclosing orders from the L. C. A. to take the fleet in the ^Mediterranean under his command. The enclosures, vhich icould seem to have been dated on the 21th, are absent. 63 Prize List. 1745, July 31. — List of ships and vessels (32 in number) sent into Leghorn between June 4th and July 31st ; and how disposed of. To the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. The case of the oppressed seamen turned over from his Majesty's ship Neivcastle, and the rest of the seamen on board the Leopard. [1745, about July]. — On 8th December, 1744, they were ordered to take their hammocks only and go on board the Leopard ; were not allowed to return to the Newcastle to get their clothes and other necessaries, and were so sent on a cruise in the middle of winter ; the ship was sent into the Mediterranean, and they were kept cruising off Cape Nola without their clothes in the depth of winter, under the snowy mountains of Piedmont. When they were but two nights on board, having being all day at hard work, the midshipmen came in the middle of the night and cut several of them down, letting their own ship's company lie still. The lieutenants were in the habit of calling them " mutinous dogs, villains, rascals, and other such vile epithets." When the watch was hoisting the main topsail, the first lieutenant came into the waist with a stick in his hand, and beat the men fore and aft, cursing them, and saying " You mutinous dogs, you are Newcastle's, but I will let you all know you are on board the Leopard now." For slight or no offence, the second lieutenant would order them to be coped [cobbed] with a board upwards of an inch thick. The boatswain, not thinking a stick made out of an ash oar strong enough to beat men with, ordered his yeomen to get about three foot of two-and-a-half inch rope ; which he wormed and woulded snake fashion with new twine, on purpose to beat the men. They were overworked ; did not get fresh beef when the other ships did ; and on one occasion , when fresh meat was served out, the officers took so much that many of the seamen got only salt-meat ; they were not paid short allowance money when it was ordered to be paid, and were not allowed leave at Mahon when the admiral ordered it. All which, and more, they were ready to justify upon oath whenever called on. There is no covering letter ; but this was sent out to Medley in December, 1745, with instructions to enquire into the matter. After referring it to Lord Colvill and receiving his explanation, which he sent home in August, he waited till the " Leopard " joined the flag ; but on 21st January, 1746 [-7] , Captain Buckle, 64 of the " Russell," went on board the " Leopard," had the hands turned up, and addressed them to the effect that the admiral had sent him to enquire if any person in the ship had any reason of complaint against Lord Golvill When there ivas a general shout of " No! " he said it ivas strange, then, that a letter of complaint should have been sent to the Admiralty , in the name of the lohole ship's company- They declared again that they had no complaint ; but at last ttoo men came forward and stated, that the letter ivas written by one John Hughes, ivho had run at Villafranca; that he had ashed them to sign it, but they refused to have anything to do with it; and another man came forward to say that Hughes had been a ship-mate of his in an East India voyage, and was then known as a troublesome man. Buckle then again told the ship's company that if they hadany complaint to make, this was the time to make it; and again they answered as before, adding that they ivould rather serve icith Lord Colvill than any other comm,ander in the Mediterranean. Report, signed by Captain Matthew Buckle, in Medley's letter of 2ith January, 1746[-7] ("In Letters," 382). I^ord GolviWs ansiver to the charges is enclosed in Medley's letter of the Idth August, 1746 (Ibid.). Vice-Admieal Kowley to Vice-Admiral Medley. [1745, July or August].- — Private signals. Memorandum. The general discharge of An English 90-gun ship is 1606 lbs. 80-gun 1312 lbs. French 74-gun ,, 1705 U lbs. English. An Enghsh 70-gun ship is 1044 lbs. 60-gun 918 lbs. French 64-gun ,, 1103 II lbs. English. The ratio of the French to the English pound is taken as 68 : 63, or very nearly 13 : 12. Vice-Admiral Rowley to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, August 1. Neptune off Lagos. — Finding it absolutely necessary that I should go to the coast of Italy, agreeable to his Majesty's orders, and as I think it of the utmost con- sequence that the Straits' mouth should be so guarded as to prevent a conjunction of the French and Spanish fleets, I intend to leave you the ships named in the margin [twelve ships of the line, three frigates, three small vessels, and hospital ship] to perform the services mentioned in the enclosed copy of an order I propose giving to you. And as you have received a list of the Spanish ships at Cartagena from General Hargrave, which is the latest and best account to be depended on, I 65 desire you will consider whether you shall have a sufficient strength to answer those ends, and give me your opinion, if that be not sufficient, what force you shall require. Signed. Enclosed : — Copy of order. To use your utmost en- deavour to prevent the Spanish ships from passing the Straits and getting into Cadiz, or the French ships from West France coming into the Straits. Details as to stationing the ships, providing for cleaning, etc. Vice-Admieal Eowley to Captain Coenish of the Guernsey. 1745, August 6. Marlborough off Gibraltar. — Order as to stationing the small craft to cruise between Cape Traflagar and Tangier. To tell the Governor that a convoy cannot be sent with the trade to Tetuan. Copy ; signed by SI. Cornish. Same date. Marlborough at sea. — Since writing this morning, I am informed that the Torrington cannot go to sea for want of men. As I cannot consent that a clean 40-gun ship should lie idle, you must man her at all hazards. Further details as to the cruising. Copy; signed: — SI. Cornish. Thomas Corbett to Vice-Admieal Eowley, or, in his absence, Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, August 8. — Captain Bradshaigh, of General Cornwall's regiment of marines on board the Ipswich, to have leave to come to England. [Acknowledged by Medley, October Mth. " In Letters," 382]. The Same to the Same. 1745, August 7. — Mr. Eamsden, Secretary to the Lords Justices, having transmitted to my L. C- A. a copy of a memorial from M. Schicke, Secretary to M. Hop, Envoy Extraordinary from the States General, complaining that a Dutch ship, called the Stad Bergerac, had been taken in the Mediterranean, and ordered by Vice-Admiral Eowley to be carried to Port Mahon, and her papers taken from her; and desiring that she may be set at liberty, with her cargo and papers ; I am commanded by their lordships to send you a copy of the said memorial enclosed, and to direct you to enqnire into this matter and send their lordships the particulars thereof, that they may be able to report thereon to the Lords Justices. Enclosed : — Copy of the memorial referred to. French. [Acknoioledged by Medley in his letter of October 2Uh (" In Letters," 382). He is entirely ignorant of the circumstances , and will have the letter sent to Rowley by the first opportunity. Rowley's answer does not seem to have been preserved]. K 66 Thomas Corbett to Vice-Admiral Eowley, or, in his absence, Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, August 8. — The Spanish ship Asia, of 66 guns, on board which is Admiral Pizarro, and a small snow, were to sail from Buenos Ayres for Europe in the beginning of July, with between three and four millions sterling on board. The Spanish ships from Buenos Ayres to Cadiz or Santander are generally 80 or 90 days in their passage. lAchnowledged by Medley, October 24. "In Letters," 38-J]. Vice-Admieal KoWley to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, August 10. — Order to take the ships named in the margin (as in letter of August 1st) under his command, and employ them as he shall judge most proper for his Majesty's service, agreeable to the order of this day's date (as on August 1st). Same date. Marlborough at sea. — A convoy of victuallers was to leave in the end of last month. On their arrival, you will complete the store at Gibraltar to six months for 4,000 men, and your ships to four months of all species. You will then send the ships without delay to Port Mahon, under such convoy as you think proper. You will take all oppor- tunities of corresponding with me. [EicHAED Holroide] to Captain Klaass Slicker. 1745, August 16. Gibraltar. — As Vice-Admiral Eowley has thought proper to prevent your proceeding to Genoa with your loading of wheat, which appears to him to be intended for his Britannic Majesty's enemies, he gave you liberty to dispose of your cargo in any other manner and to the best advantage for the benefit of the owners ; but as you have refused to comply with his desire, the admiral has given me orders to dispose of the cargo for the most that can be obtained ; and accordingly I have agreed with purchasers for some considerable part of the wheat. I therefore desire that you will deliver such part of your cargo as may be required by the person I shall appoint to receive it. Copy. Annexed : — W. Holway to [EiCHARD Holroide]. 1745, August 7. Marlborough. — I am ordered by the admiral to acquaint you that since the Dutch masters will not sell their cargoes of corn, he would have you do it in the best and most public manner you can. Y''ou are to keep the amount received in your hands, and to pay the freight to the masters. The admiral is of opinion that tbe cargoes — wholly or in great part — belongs to French merchants. 67 Vice-Admieal Eowley to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, August 20. Marlborough in Mahon Harbour. — Order for hostilities against Genoese ships. All Genoese merchandise to be seized and sent either to Mahon or Leghorn. Signed. List of Phizes. 1745, August 22. Mahon. — 13 in number. Vice-Admieal Eowley to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, August 22. Marlborough, Mahon Harbour. — I amved here on the 18th, and shall sail to-morrow for the coast of Italy. Details as to the movements of the ships. All the news in these parts is that we expect that the Spaniards and French have besieged Tortona. I have nothing material to tell you about our ships. Mr. Cooper's squadron having been able to do but little execution, they attempted to bombard Savona ; threw 91 shells, but very few went in the town. They complain that the tackling of the bombs was faulty. I believe part of that may be true, and part is owing to want of skill. It is certain that M. de Lage, in a 74-gun ship, with a 64 and a 40, is at Malta; and it is confidently reported that he went up double manned, in order to man the Dunkirk and Roebuck; but thank God, I found them both safe in this harbour, with five prizes, and expect a sixth in every day. Mr. Cooper has stopped some ships with effects of the Genoese, which I believe will turn out valuable, but has had very little success otherwise against the French and Spaniards. Signed. George Wakeman to Vice-Admieal Eowley. 1745, [August 22-J September 2. Cyprus. — When I wrote on the 20th July, informing you how our trade was hurt by Captain Andrea Scherinci and Captain Cristofero Barcuich, commonly called Grilo, ranging these seas and protecting the French trade, I was unacquainted with the artful agreement they had made, whereby Grilo should be at liberty to seize on all British goods, as well as Andrea. As they have nothing to fear from the Grand Signor, and we have no ships of war in these parts, they don't cruise together, but appoint a rendezvous at certain places and times. Grilo has always a felucca attending him, rowed with 18 oars; she is said to belong to Andrea, and consequently at liberty to attach any goods belonging to British subjects. Of this I had experience some few days ago, when some of my cottons, coming in one of the country boats from Limasol, were taken by this felucca and carried to Grilo, who was riding at anchor off Chitty [Kiti] Point. I immediately sent to demand my goods, and was answered that as they were taken by Captain Andrea's officers, 68 he had not power to give them up ; so that I was obhged to ransom them. Thus Grilo is Maltese or Spaniard as it may answer his purpose. I do not doubt that your Excellency will send a proper command to free us from these pirates, whose vessels sail extremely well ; and I hope that I shall soon hear that their riches have fallen into your hands, and that you have punished their persons according to the nature of their crimes. If this is not done I fear the number of these rogues will increase and we shall be unable to send goods from place to place except in ships of force. Copy. Endorsed (in Grove's hand) : — Eeceived April 15, 1746. Thomas Cohbett to Vice-Admibal Medley. 1745, August 23. — I have received a letter from Mr. Philip Tomlinson, a copy of which I enclose by the command of my L. C. A. ; and I am to signify to you their direction to send for Captain Strange and let him know their lordships are greatly offended to hear of such arbitrary rapacious proceedings in a captain of the fleet ; and to reprimand him severely for it. Their lordships expect that he should make restitution for the sake of his own character. Enclosing : — • Philip Tomlinson to Thomas Coebett. 1745, July 12. " Pelham" store-ship, Gibraltar. — Being on our passage from Mahon to Gibraltar, under convoy of the " Burford," about 5 o'clock on the morning of 5th July, we observed the man of war and one of the merchantmen hoist out their boats and take something in tow. We then espied several butts floating, whereon we hoisted out our boats and took up three of them, which proved to be Malaga wine. I sent the boats a second time and they took up five more. No boats belonging to any ship were near them at that time. But just as my boats were within speech of my ship, Captain Strange \of the " Burford "] sent his boat and forcibly took the five butts of ivine from my people, though his boat was then loaded with others, taken at a great distance from where mine had been. Apprehending that anything so casually met at sea is the property of those that may luckily take it up, I rely on their lordships taking cognizance of this act of violence and injustice. Copy. Addressed by Corbett to Medley, August Mth. [Acknowledged by Medley, October 2ith. Strange' s answer, utterly denying the story of Tomlinson, " a lying, dirty knave," and corroborated by three lieutenants — Tobias Furneaux and Maurice Suckling, being two of them — and the master, dated October 2'3th, is enclosed in Medley's Letter of December 21st "In Letters," 382]. 69 L. C. A. to the Captain of the smallest of the two ships that are at Gibraltar under orders from Vice-Admiral Townsend to convoy transports to Louisbourg ; or if the rate of the ships is equal, to the Senior Captain. 1745, August 24. — Order not to proceed on that service, the Dover having being appointed on it instead. To apply to Vice-Admiral Eov^ley or Vice-Admiral Medley for further orders. Signed. Thomas Coebett to Vice-Admihal Eowley (or Medley, in his absence). 1745, August 24. — Acquainting him v^ith the tenor of the foregoing. L. C. A. to the Captain of any of his Majesty's ships bound up the Mediterranean to Italy. 1745, August 24. — Order to give the bearer, Dominico Cicardetto, a passage to Leghorn ' ' when you proceed thither ' ' ; to bear him on the books for wages and victuals. Signed. L. C. A. to Vice- Admiral Eowley. 1745, August 24. — We send you herewith a copy of a letter we have received from Sir William Yonge, Secretary at War, as aJso of the extracts therein enclosed; and require you, in pursuance of the Lords Justices' direction, to comply carefully with such parts thereof as relate to you. Signed. Enclosures : — I. Sm William Yonge to Thomas Coebett. 1745, August 23. — I send you enclosed, extracts from the orders given to the Governors of Gibraltar and Minorca, concerning the embarcation of Major General Fuller's and Colonel Warburton's regiments of foot for Louisbourg , and of Major General Read's regiment of foot from Minorca to Gibraltar ; and am to desire you to acquaint the L.C.A. that it is the direction of the Lords Justices that they send proper orders to the Commander-in-Chief and other officers in the fleet in the Mediterranean, for putting these in execution. Copy. II. The Same to Lieutenant Gbneeal Haegeave, Governor of Gibraltar. 1745, August 23. — Any detachments from the specified regiments, which are serving on board any of the ships at Gibraltar, you will order on shore, and replace them by others from the garrison; and as to those serving on 70 board other ships, who cannot join their regiments before they leave Gibraltar, you tvill incorporate the private men into such regiments as are weakest, and send the officers to Louisbourg by the first opportunity . Extract. III. The Same to Major Geneeal Wynyaed, or the Officer commanding in chief in Minorca. Not dated. — The Lords Justices having ordered two regiments from Gibraltar to Louisbourg, and General Read's regiment to be transported from Minorca to Gibraltar, you are to cause the said regiments to embark with their arms, bedding, etc., on board such ships, and at such, time as the commander-in-chief of the fleet in the Mediterranean shall appoint. L. C. A. to Vice-Admieal Eowley. 174.5, August 27. — To order the Captain of the Princess Caroline to discharge John Partington, midshipman, with a ticket for the time of his service, and send him to England in the first ship. Signed. Thomas Coebett to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, August 28. — I have received your letter acknowledging the receipt from Vice-Admiral Eowley of your commission as vice-admiral of the blue, and enclosing the test which Vice-Admiral Eowley had subscribed. I am commanded by their lordships to recommend to you Lieutenant Brett, now serving in the squadron under your command, to be made a captain when you have an opportunity. L. C. A. to the Flag Officer or Captain commanding in chief his Majesty's ships at Port Mahon. 1745, August 29. — If the three transports named are at Mahon when the regiment of foot going to Gibraltar is ready to embark, it is to be carried in these transports. Signed. L. C. A. to Vice-Admieal Eowley, or the Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's ships for the time being in the Mediterranean. 1745, August 29. — Order to send home Lieutenant Brown, late first lieutenant of the Russell, in accordance with the request of Admiral Mathews, to give evidence at the court martial to be held for enquiring into the said admiral's conduct in the late engagement off Toulon. Signed. 71 L. C. A. to the Commander-in-Chief for the time being of the ships at Gibraltar. 1745, August 29.— Order to cause three or four months' beef and pork for about 3,000 men, over and above what may be vifanted for the supply of the ships on that station, to be landed from the victuallers for the use of the garrison. Signed. L. C. A. to Vice-Admie.\l Eowley, or the Commanding Officer for the time being in the Mediterranean. 1745, August 31.— Order for Samuel Grape, a midshipman on board the Berwick, to be discharged, and sent home in the first ship. Signed. Same date. — To send Captains Hawke, Henry Marsh and Jasper, to England by the first opportunity, in compliance vfith the request of Admiral Mathews, to give evidence at his court martial. Signed. Messes. Haswell & Co. to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, September 8. Gibraltar. — There is no iron in store proper to make pump chains, etc., for the Nassau, and for other necessary services ; nor is there any in the town except about five tons belonging to Mr. Womb well, who refuses to let us have any unless we take all. We therefore beg for an order to purchase this quantity. Spanish iron is difficult to be got, and is an absolute necessity for some services ; what is not wanted here may be sent to Mahon. Thomas Grimston to Vice-Admibal Medley. 1745, September 13. Elton. — "My dear Harry: I this moment have received yours of August -iSth from Gibraltar, and am very much surprised to hear you have had none from me since you left England, for I do assure you I have wrote to you punctually once a month, and always sent them enclosed to Osborn, who promised to forward them, and some of them he told me he actually had. " I made a long expedition on the moors, where I had very good sport, and have killed greater numbers of partridge than ever I did, and am now ready to mount against the rebels in case of need. All public news you will have from better hands. My son is at present with me, but in a few days sets out for the University again ; he sends his service. The poor General Draper breaks very fast, and fear we shall lose him shortly. I hear nothing of our friend Dawnay — whether he gets a ship or what he does ; for though I writ several letters to him I can get no answer. J. Storr is gone to his father, poor lad, much disappointed ; for though at first they found no will of his brother's, so that he would have been heir, yet sometime after they found one, leaving everything to the old 72 man, who, I bear, is willing to make a handsome settlement on him, provided he will not go to sea again without a ship. I wish he had one, as he has always deserved well. Jack Hill has the command of an armed vessel on these coasts, and is said to very alert. May you ever meet with success and pleasure." Vice-Admieal Medley to Thomas Corbett. 1745, September 15. — The Revenge sent to Gibraltar a Dutch ship laden with corn, from Eochelle for Genoa. As the master refused to sell the cargo, I ordered Mr. Holroide to sell it, to pay the master his freight, and deposit the rest of the money. It appears by the papers to be Dutch property, but I am of opinion it is only covered by Dutch names and really belongs to Frenchmen. Extract. [The whole is in " In Letters," 382]. James Henshaw to [Mrs. Eogers?].* 1745, September 19. Tower Hill. — Madam : I am favoured with yours, and will duly honour your bill of ^20. I have a letter from the admiral, dated 25th August, at Gibraltar, in which he acknowledges the receipt of mine. I have not yet demanded any of the dividends on the South Sea annuities, and do not know whether my power is sufficient to receive them. I will try after Michaelmas. (No address nor endorsement). Vice-Admiral Eowley to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745. — Private signals by day, to be observed by ships meeting at sea. Different for each month, from September to February, inclusive. The Alcayd of Tetuan to the Same. 1745, October 6. — One of Medley's ships has seized and carried to Gibraltar a Dutch vessel laden with merchandise, the greater part of which belongs to Demetri Coletta, who has dwelt here for thirty years, and part to the Emperor, my master. As the detention of this merchandise may cause discord between the two nations, I pray that speedy justice may be done. Spanish. The name ' Haj. Mohamet Temim,' written in Spanish, and followed by the signature in Arabic writing. Witnessed by Will. Petticrew. Thomas Grimston to the S.ame. [1745], October 7. Beverley. — Yours of August 25th, from Gibraltar, I received the middle of last month, and answered that post to the care of Eob. Osborn ; a fortnight after I received * See Henshaw's letter of Jan. 7, 1745-6 ; post, p. 86. 73 yours of August 4, off Lagos Bay. I am greatly concerned that, although I have wrote regularly once a month, you have received no letter from me, but am in hopes before this you have got them all. I thank you for Eyder. I don't doubt but you know our present situation in England, which has made this county, by a subscription amongst the gentry, raise 41 companies of foot independent, to be com- manded by the gentlemen. I have one, and am so hurried with raising them and getting them disciplined ready for the field, that I have not a moment to myself. I am in good health and doubt not able to undergo any fatigue. My son and all your friends are well. The Alcayd of Tetuan to Vice-Admibal Medley. 1745, October 15. — With reference to the detention of Demetri Coletta and his ship, the man, after thirty years' residence here, considers himself a naturalised subject of the Emperor, my master, and I am therefore bound to do every- thing in my power on his behalf. He was sailing under a neutral flag, and was about the business of the Emperor. I am convinced that in detaining Demetri, the Governor [of Gibraltar] is actuated by personal animosity towards me. I must also bring to your notice that a vessel laden with copper and wax, a prize to certain Algerine corsairs, and bought for the Emperor, my master, was refused admission to that port by the Governor. As this, if it came to the Emperor's knowledge, might cause discord between the two nations, I send this by the hand of a friend, together with the consul, who will speak with you by word of mouth. Spanish. Signed as before. The Same to the Same. 1745, November 6. — Thanks him for the liberation of Demetri and the present of three barrels of powder. Assures him of his cordial affection and desire to serve him and all his nation. Spanish. Signed as before. Vice-Admieal Eowley to the Same. 1745, October 15. Marlborough in Oristan Bay. — Lord Forbes has apphed to me about 14 men of Colonel Houghton's regiment, one of those going to Louisbourg. I have sent them down in the Phoenix to be exchanged, if the regiments are not gone. I have no directions to discharge any of those officers or men that are on board the fleet, but I take it for granted they are to be exchanged for other men from the garrison. As the command of the fleet is to devolve on you, I shall leave it to you to act in this as you judge most proper. Signed. , ,, ^ ,, . , , ^-j. (The transports, in charge of the Dover, arrived at Gib- raltar on October 22). 74 Vice-Admieal Eowley to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, October 15. Marlborough in Oristan Bay. — By the Phosnix, which joined me on the 12th, I received the packets from the Duke of Newcastle and the L-C. A.,which were brought out by the Hound sloop. In consequence of their contents, I intend to sail in two days for Mahon, where I shall get wood and water for my ships, and then make the best of my way for Formentera and so to Cape de Gatt, which I think will be a proper place for us to meet at. If I do not meet you there, I shall proceed to Gibraltar. I shall endeavour to get all the necessary papers ready to deliver to you when we meet. If you hear the Spanish squadron is out of Cartagena, it will be proper you should come further up. Signed. Vice-Admieal Rowley to Captain Foebes of the Phcenix. 1745, October 15. — Order to receive on board Lord Forbes and Captain Lawrence, carry them to Gibraltar, and after landing them there proceed to join Mr. Medley. Copy. Same date. — Order to receive one sergeant and 13 men of Colonel Houghton's regiment, bearing them as supernumeraries for victuals only, till Admiral Medley gives further orders concerning them. Copy. Vice-Admieal Eowley to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, October 15. Marlborough, Oristan. — I hope to see you in a few days , and only say now that ' ' I have had a little pickings since I arrived, having taken by our cruisers two Turkey men, both valued at about 20,000, and three or four vessels loaded with corn, besides some valuable Dutch and a Venetian," your share from which cannot be much short of 3,000. Holograph. L. C. A. to the Same. 1745, October 16. — Ships of war or privateers landing prisoners at neutral ports, are to be particular in getting propei receipts from the French consuls residing there, showing the number and quality of the men landed ; or where there are no consuls, then from the chief magistrates, or from the principal prisoners. Such receipts to be transmitted to the Commissioners for Sick and Wounded. Signed. John Phillipson* to the Same. 1745, October 19. Hanover Square. — In favour of Daniel Orlebar, mate or midshipman ; pray take him on board your own ship, and make him a lieutenant when he has served his * M.P. for Harwich, and a Lord of the Admiralty till April 1745. 75 time. Also in favour of Mr. Foster, purser of the Seaford. When a vacancy happens in a bigger ship, I beg you'll remove him. The confusion we are all in at this time of rebellion makes it improper for me to write any news ; and as I have no communication with the Admiralty, I cannot inform you of anything naval. I most heartily wish your success equal to Warren's. B. GoLDSwoETHY to Vice-Admieal Eowlex. 1745, [October 23-] November 3. Leghorn. — After some explanations as to his correspondent's money affairs, he goes on : — The King's troops have been defeated in Scotland, which has given our enemies here and in other places, great hopes ; but at home it has, by all accounts, had a very contrary effect ; for it has roused people out of a lethargy they seemed to be in, and raised such a spirit of zeal, unanimity, and fidelity to his Majesty as has not yet appeared on any occasion. The most suspected counties were arming themselves with a determination to put a stop to the progress of the rebels. Six thousand men were sent for, which, when they arrived, would make up a body of 30,000 men. The Pretender's son was at Edinburgh, and they were marching troops from England to relieve the Castle. It is said he intends to call a Parliament ; but as the appearance there will show how few either of ability or property have joined him, it is imagined he only stays to see if any force from abroad will come to his succour. Affairs in Piedmont go on but ill. Valenza is taken, and Alexandria the same. The Spaniards have been obliged to quit the blockade of the citadel, but will return as soon as ever the waters are abated, if the season afterwards admits. Bus SELL Eevell (Government and General Agent) to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 1745, October 21. Mahon. — Having obtained leave to go to England for the recovery of my health, I have to acquaint you that during my absence, all affairs, public or private, under my direction, will be carried on in my name by my four clerks (named), or any three of them in the necessary absence of the fourth ; for which they have proper deputations and instructions from me. As I have every confidence in their capacity and integrity, I take the liberty of recommending them to your protection. The Same to the Same. 1745, October 25. Mahon.— The duty of my employment as Deputy Paymaster to the troops of this island obliges me to represent to you that the money last sent from Lisbon, 76 for the service of the troops and garrison here, is all issued, and that a supply will be wanted a little before Christmas. I hope this notice will induce you to send one or more ships to Lisbon to bring up money for the service mentioned. Thomas Gbimston to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, October 26. Elton. — Acknowledges Medley's of August 28th, from Gibraltar. Is sorry so few of his letters reach Medley ; he has written pretty nearly every month. Wants a power of attorney to receive Medley's interest on S.S. Annuities. " You mention Marston as a place you would buy. It will not come under 15,000Z, and take 6001 more to make it habitable, besides the bad situation ; but indeed I hear Captain Thompson designs to sell it out in parcels. Everything is well at Smeaton and Hull ; only I fear we shall have Gooch House to new roof next summer, but if it can be made to do without it, it shall. Account of Sales. 1745, October 25. Mahon. — Sale of the St. Louis, captured by the Dunkirk and Roebuck; net proceeds, 2j12,694,,4. 1745, October 25. Mahon. — Sale of sundries unloaded out of the Dutch ship Friendship, taken by the Roijal Oak, Berwick, and Nassau ; net proceeds, 2)13 ,253,, 5. The sundries include : cotton-wool, zafflower, manna, cantharides, rice, coffee, wine, sausages, etc. 1745, October 27. Mahon. — Sale of a Genoese pink, taken by the Marlborough, Nonsuch, Leopard, Antelope, Seaford, Essex, Fevcrsham, Terrible, Carcass, Fire-drake, and Lightning ; net proceeds, 2^3,877, ,4. Vice-Admiral Eowley to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, November 2. Marlborough at sea. — To prevent any mistake on the part of the agents at the several ports, in not knowing your time from mine, I have written to them to account with you for the flag officers' share of all prizes that are not yet accounted for. I have received, through Mr. Eevell, several sums on account of prizes, but there has no account been settled with me for any particular prize since March last. Signed. Autograph postscript: — "Since my arrival at Gibraltar, Mr. Lewis has told me he has got the money I sent down by you to Mr. Holroide, but forgot to enclose your receipt for it, the which I have taken from him and given up to him your receipt. From the day I leave the Straits' mouth, he will account with you, and signify the same to Mr. Eevell 's 77 clerk. Mr. Eevell presents his humble service ; is very sorry he has not seen you, but says proper orders are left with his clerk, Mr. Barclay, to do just the same by you as was done by me on Mr. Mathews leaving the command, as to the account of prizes. "When you can make the agents settle all the prizes taken to the day I leave the Straits, I hope I shall hear from yflll, and before, if you have any commands for me." '.,di io .,.,^3;ephen Thompson* to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, November 8. London.— The dei,030 you sent from Gibraltar , I have paid to Mr . T . Grimston , as you desired . It will be no news to you to acquaint you what a surprising progress the rebels have made ; that they have been lately reinforced with several French officers and engineers, arms, ammunition, and artillery, which have been sent them in four ships, that have slipped into different ports in Scotland ; that they have increased to 10,000, some say much more; that they talk of marching into England, by way of Carlisle, and giving Wade the slip, who will be at Berwick to-morrow; these are things of such a public nature, that I reckon you are fully advised of them; but if my friend Tom's [Grimston's] letters have had no more success in getting to your hands than what he wrote you formerly, you may be still as unacquainted with what has passed amongst our Yorkshire friends in opposition to the rebels. Your friend Grimston has completed a company, of which he is the captain, and Robert Legard is his lieutenant ; but our officers are not like the regiments which the noblemen raise, who enter into the King's pay; ours are above such sordid views as to take advantage of the public distress, for they serve without fee or reward, and there is not a young fellow of fortune in the country, but what is engaged in one shape or other. The bucks, such as Zach. Moore, Hall, G. Thompson, Boynton, Wood, Lascelles, to the number of twenty or thirty, have listed under a mad general — Oglethorpe. They are all well mounted, with every one a man and horse, and some two ; and they are to act as a flying squadron, to harass the enemy in their march, and to give intelligence. They make more noise here than they deserve, their numbers being much magnified. As to the other sober companies, they are to act under the several Lord Lieutenants. Lord Irwin, for the East Biding, has got Major Weddal for his aide-de-camp, and I suppose the others are assisted by old officers in the same way, there not being any that can for shame stand out. Brad and Tim Thompson have each companies in their different Eidings. What I apprehend they are to do is to guard the county ; for I don't hear a man of them has any design of marching out of it, except my neighbour Thornton, of^ Catle, who has joined * Senior member of a firm which managed much of Medley's business, but also an intimate friend both of Medley and Grimston. 78 his company to the King's forces, and gone along with them for Scotland. Now I have entertained you with the loyalty of our countrymen, I must not omit to tell you that Dr. Drake has refused to take the oaths ; upon which a virulent advertisement was handed about, which I will endeavour to inclose you a copy of, and which nobody doubts to father upon Parson Sterne, who was satyrized a long time together in the York Courant, of which Drake has owned himself one of the authors. I am extremely obliged to you for your fresh assurance of your friendship to Mr. Howe,* who, I am pursuaded, you will always find worthy of it. I send this under his cover, and I will send you a copy by way of Lisbon as you direct ; and as I have often occasion to write to Mr. Howe, I shall take care to insert in my letters any piece of news that I think will be agreeable to you , for him to transmit the same to you ; and if there is anything in my power to serve you, you will do me great pleasure in commanding, etc. I drank your health with T. G. and many of your friends at York, ten days since. Dick Darby — I should say Captain- has agreed a separation with his d d wife. Copy. Annexed to the letter of November 19, below. Account of Sales. 1745, November 11. Mahon.- — Two French prizes, the St. Catherine and Happy St. Joseph, taken by the xebec Dragon's Prize and the barco longo Enterprise ; net proceeds, p'28,657. James Henshaw to [Mes. EoGERsJ.t 1745, November 12. Tower Hill. — Madam : Mr. Hardwickt is here and wants more money. He has already had £30, without any directions from the admiral, from whom I have had no letter since I wrote you last. I protest I don't know what to do in it. You say the admiral mentions it to you, but as he has said nothing of it to me, he may blame me for doing such a thing without any direction ; and if any accident should happen to him, I shall be at the mercy of those who come after him, whether to allow it me or not. On the other hand, I'm afraid Mr. Hardwick will lose his sloop if he is not supported. Pray advise me. On the back, Madam has serawled: — In answer to this I told him not [to] be uneasy, for I would be accountable for the £30 he had supplied Mr. Hardwick with. Stephen Thompson to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745, November 19. London. — On the other side is the copy of what I wrote you by way of Lisbon, § since which I have heard nothing either from you or our friend Grimston. • He seems to have been Thompson's brother-in-law. t Cf. post, p. 84, 7 Jan., 1746. J Medley's nephew. § Nov. 8 ; ante, p. 77. 79 The rebels still continue to be su[ccess*]ful, having just now take Carlisle by capitulation for £200 [ *] , the garrison which were mostly militia, being retired into the [castle*] which it's hoped may hold out long enough for Wade to relieve it by a march from Newcastle, from whence he begun his march the 15th, so that we are in daily expectations of hearing of an action, and it's hoped at the same time, an account of the suppression of the rebellion. As the rebels left Edinburgh, that place returned to its duty, and is now in the same way as before the rebels had possession ; the civil magistrates all being returned to their offices, and some forces come about to guard the town from a second visit. One Hardwick, that calls himself a nephew of yours, drew a bill [on] us from the Downs for £20 ; but as we never heard any mention of any such person, and he could not pretend to have any orders from you, we told him it was not the usage of merchants to pay money for a third person's account without the direction of the principal. We hope we have done right therein, as we imagine if you had designed we should pay him anything you would have given us your orders. Since he drew upon us he has been in town , but we persisted in our first resolution of not paying any money without your orders. Thomas Corbett to Vice-Admiral Eowley or, in his absence, Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, November 25. — Covering letter of the following : — L. C. A. to the Same. October 16. — Order to restore, without embezzlement, the Dutch ship Peace snow, which was taken by Captain Young of the Chatham, and carried into Port Mahon ; and to give orders to all captains not to give any such occasions of complaint. Signed. [Medley's answer to this, dated December 21, 1745, is in '' In Letters," 382]. The Same to the Same. November 3. — Complaint has been made by the States General of the capture and detention of several Dutch vessels in the Mediterranean, and of the sale of some of their cargoes, without any form or process or previous condemnation, in direct contravention of the Marine treaty. In accordance with the King's commands, we herewith transmit to you a copy of the complaint, specifying the ships which have been so seized and detained, with the particular circumstances of the case of each ship, and require you to examine into the same, * Torn off. 80 and to report to us what has been done ; and if you find the allegations and complaints to be well founded, you are to cause all due redress to be given to the complainants, and to give the strictest orders to all captains under your command for preventing such contraventions to the Marine treaty for the future. Signed. Enclosing : — I. Me. Trevor, Ambassador at the Hague, to [?The Secretary of State]. The grievances set forth in the enclosed resolution, which has been delivered to me by the Agent of the States, makes no small noise in this country and government, and the redress of them will, I foresee, be solicited very pressingly . October [ll-]22, 1745. Extract. II. Eesolution of the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Counties. 1745, October [8-] 19. — Complaints having been re- ceived from Lewis Butler, acting Consul at Gibraltar, that several ships (specified) carrying the Dutch flag, have been seized in the neighbourhood of Cape St. Vincent, by ships under the command of Admiral Rowley; have been taken to Gibraltar and their cargoes sold there, notwithstanding the protest of the masters and of the said Lewis Butler, and without any legal process; all which is contrary to the treaty of 1674 : It is resolved that copies of the several letters relating to these seizures be sent to Mr. Hop, the Dutch Envoy Extraordinary in England, and that he be instructed to represent, in the strongest possible manner, the illegality and injustice of these proceedings, and to demand restitution and compensation. An extract of this resolution to be given to Mr. Trevor, the Envoy Extraordinary of Great Britain, praying him to make it knoivn to his court, and to second, by his good offices, the equitable and just intention of these States. French. l_Medley's answer to this complaint, dated February 11th, 1745 [-6], is in " In Letters," 382]. Vice- Admiral Eowley to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1745, November 29. Marlborough in Gibraltar Bay. — I am greatly concerned to find that we passed each other in the bad weather. I intend to sail for England with the first favourable wind, and shall take the ships I brought down with me as far as Cape St. Vincent. The Chatham I take home with me. To other ships, named, I have given orders— as detailed. 81 You will herewith receive (agreeable to the enclosed list) sixty-four letters, orders, etc., which I am satisfied will fully explain his Majesty's intentions for your government. I sincerely wish you all manner of success in the execution of them. Signed. Endorsed: — Eeceived by the Phoenix, December 14. Vice-Admibal Eowlry to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, November 29. Marlborough, Gibraltar Bay. — Dear Sir: I am greatly concerned that we did not meet, that I might have had the pleasure to have offered you anything I had on board which you might want; but since fortune, by bad weather, has prevented us that satisfaction, I must now only thank you for your kind offer to take my son* under your protection, and I entirely leave him to your disposal, either to keep him constantly on board your own ship or send him to cruise with Captain Hughes. I have sent him to Leghorn for the winter season to learn Italian and French, and don't doubt but Dunbar will keep him close to his studies ; and if you think proper to leave him till May, I believe it will do him good ; but desire you will send for him when you please, and order him just as your own son. He is checked (with leave absent) on board here till I discharged him into the PiusseU ; he has gone through navigation, if he don't forget it, and could work his Day's Work. Pray order him what money, clothes, etc., just as you please. I have taken the liberty to enclose you a list of persons T recommend to your favour and protection; as to my son, I say nothing. The xebec at Leghorn, if I had joined her, I intended to have commissioned her, but have now left her to your disposal. Mr. Mann wrote me word there was a want of small vessels to intercept the enemy's barks v.'ith ammunition and provisions, which daily creep along shore : if you don't think proper to commission her, you may sell her or keep her for service, as I did, with one of my lieutenants in her ; and as I had a long time employed her in the service, I bought her, and she cost the King six thousand dollars, which pray tell Holcombe of. To be sure, had we met, I should have had a thousand things to have said to you , but now can only once more, with great sincerity, wish you success. I have sent you up one large hogshead of Dorsetshire beer; I do expect beer, cyder, and sugar are gone to Mahon for me ; pray enquire, for I have got but half my cargo, and if you find any of these commodities directed for me, I desire your acceptance of them. Holograph. The Same to the Same. 1745, November 30. Marlborough, Gibraltar Bay.— Mr. James Butler M orn, my secretary, who goes home with me, ♦Afterwards Vice-Admiral Sir Joshua Rowley, (1730 ?-90). 82 is purser of the Princess Caroline. I therefore desire you will give an order to Captain Lovett, of the Princess Caroline, to receive Mr. Kichard Tasker as deputy purser, until Mr. Morn returns to his duty. Signed. Vicb-Admieal Eowley to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1745, December 2. — I have received the enclosed letter from Captain Hardy, and the master of the ship that brought it tells me that he was chased by four ships eight leagues north-west from Cape Spartel, and he is convinced that they were the four ships mentioned by Captain Hardy. I have therefore given Captain Cooper orders, a copy of which I enclose ; also letters from the paymasters for the troops and ordnance, requesting that you will send ships to Lisbon for money. In the present circumstances, I shall give no other orders but what are here enclosed. I am all ready and only wait for a spirt of wind to cary me through. Enclosures : — 7. — Letter from Captain Hardy. Missing. II. — Order to Captain TJwmas Cooper to hoist a broad red pennant on board any of the ships under his command l^six ships of the line, a frigate, and hospital ship^, and to cruise in search of a French squadron of four sail reported to be in the neighbourhood ; and afterwards as detailed, till he receive further orders from Vice-Admiral Medley. Copy. Signed. Captain Cooper to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745, December 2. — Acquaints him with Rowley's order to hoist a broad pennant, and appointing Captain Fawler to command the Stirling Castle. Congratulates him on being Commander-in-Chief. Signed. William Pettickbw to the Same. 1745, December 10. Tetuan. — The Emperor has lately publicly declared that as his Britannic Majesty has not, in so long a time, discharged the debt due on the late redemption, he looks upon it as a breach of faith, and of the peace that subsisted between the two crowns, which he will no longer observe, and has notified the same to the alcayds of his ports- He has likewise condemned to slavery seven English subjects, who, being prisoners in Spain, made their escape to Tangier in hopes of returning quickly to their country ; and has also ordered Captain Candeel to take possession of the ship that went lately from Tangier to Gibraltar, to lit her out as a cruiser, and make reprisals on our colours. You can best judge of the many inconveniences attending these orders to the fleet, to the garrison of Gibraltar, and the trade in general. 83 Edward Allen to Vice-Admiral Medley. [1745, December 24-J 1746, January 4. Naples.— He en- closes a translation of a letter he has received from the Duke of Monteallegre, reclaiming a Neapolitan vessel picked up by an English man of war in the Archipelago, and carried to Mahon. The patron and his crew mistook the English ship for an Algerine corsair, and abandoned their vessel ; but having learned their error, have applied to his Sicilian Majesty to obtain restitution. Enclosing : — Translation (barely intelligible) of the Duke's letter (dated 1745, December 20), to the above effect. Vice-Admiral Eowlby to Captain Cooper. 1745 [-6], January 6. Marlborough in Gibraltar Bay. — Notwithstanding the orders you have received from Vice- Admiral Medley, you are — agreeable to your former orders — to proceed to sea in company with me, and to continue wearing the broad pennant. [Medley had entirely disapproved of the order for Cooper to loear a broad pennant, and on learning of it had immediately sent him an order to strike it, December 29th, 1745. "InLetters", 382]. Jambs Henshaw to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1745 [-6], January 7. Tower Hill. — "It is a good while since I wrote to you , occasioned by the great uncertainty where my letters should find you. My advices from Leghorn told me three months ago that Mr. Eowley was gone downwards on his way home, which made me and everybody conclude that you must go upwards, where the scene of action is of the most consequence ; and even my writing by the way of Lisbon, I find to be attended with great uncertainty, since by yours of November 7th, which I was favoured with a few days ago, I do not find that mine of October 2nd was come to hand. We look for Mr. Eowley every moment, and I apprehend there will be a convoy appointed for the storeship upon his arrival, by which I shall send you the magazines, that you may have the full contents of what has been doing here, and there has been variety enough ; the principal heads of which I will give you. ' ' The rebels carried all before them until they came to Carlisle, where they met with a little opposition, but the city and castle soon after surrendered to them, and they pro- ceeded from thence through Penrith, Preston, Manchester, and so on to Derby, without any interruption, having been joined by about 500 of the lower sort of people, and five or six gentlemen. Upon the Duke's approach to Derby, they 84 retreated and made more haste back than they did forward, losing a good many of their people by a skirmish on Clifton Moor, and the forced marches they were obliged to make, the Duke being always at their heels. "They threw about 400 men into Carlisle, and, without stopping, crossed the Esk, where several of them were drowned, and the rest got into Scotland. Our last advices from thence say they were at Glasgow, where they commit great outrages and demand heavy exactions ; but whether they will cross the Forth directly above Stirling again, and join their brother rebels under Lord John Drummond, or march to Edinburgh, is as yet an uncertainty. The Duke took Carlisle in four or five days, the garrison having surrendered themselves prisoners at discretion. The officers are for the most part Irish, and the soldiers, the poor deluded fellows that enlisted in Lanca- shire etc. The Duke is come to town, but it's said goes away for Scotland in a few days. General Wade's — now Hawley's— army is marched thither, and so is a good part of the Duke's. Lord John Drummond and Lord Louis Gordon, have, it's said, about 4,000 men at Perth, with a considerable number of Scotch, Irish, and French officers and engineers, who, notwithstanding all our vigilance, have, under cover of long nights and foggy weather, got to them from Dunkirk. We reckon that the Pretender's son may have about 6,000 with him. On our side. General Campbell has about 3,000 of the Argyle men; Lord Loudoun about 2,000 of the other clans, and the army of Hawley, etc., will be about 15,000, so that our apprehensions are pretty much abated ; but we are sensibly touched with the miseries of the poor people in Scotland, who suffer greatly for their loyalty. " We have been alarmed for almost two months past with an invasion from Dunkirk, the formidableness of which has been trumpeted from Rome, Paris, etc., and the Pretender's youngest son, with several princes, generals, and volunteers, have been for some time at the towns on the French coast. This has put us to a vast expense, and has given us an infinite deal of trouble. Our troops are spread all along the coasts so as to be assembled with as much despatch as possible. Beacons and lighthouses are planted on every hill and eminence ; the people are ordered to drive their cattle twenty miles inland. We have six and twenty line of battle ships between Plymouth and the Nore, and great numbers of small ships, sloops, cutters, yachts, etc., continually on the French coast ; the Admirals Vernon, Martin, and Mayne in the Downs ; Captain Knowles on the coast of France ; Captain Thomas Smith in the Swin ; Captain Boscawen at the Nore ; and Admiral Byng on the coast of Scotland. After all this bustle, which still continues, we are told that it is a perfect farce, designed to amuse us and keep us at bay, whilst the stroke is really designed some other way, which time alone must set us right in. Mr. Knowles tells me in a letter I had 85 from him a post or two ago, that he had stood into Dunkirk, Ostend, Calais, and Boulogne until the shot flew over him, and by the nearest computation he could make, there were not vessels enough to carry the necessary materials for an embarkation of 10,000 men, much less the men themselves; so that if there really was an invasion intended, it must have been with the Ferroll and Brest squadrons, and troops on board of them and large transports ; and the materials, as Mr. Knowles observes, were to be transported in these small embarkations. Had this been attempted before Mr. Martin returned with his squadron, and before the Bast India and Cape Breton convoys arrived — which together makes seventeen of the line of battle ships now at home — they might have given us a world of trouble, and it is plain by the Pretender's forced marches directly for London that something of that kind was intended ; otherwise his little army might have been eaten up here, where nine men in ten were resolved to expose themselves to all hazards in opposition to him. We have now 25,000 regular troops in and about London, so that we are in no want of spirits. " The Admiralty and Admiral Vernon have quarrelled much. A few days ago an order went to him to strike his flag, which he did on Sunday, and is come to town, greatly dissatisfied, which we shall hear of, no doubt, from the House of Commons. Captain Ambrose was dismissed and rendered incapable of serving during the King's pleasure, which some people sneer at as a very idle expression. He has printed his defence, and in it made some reflections on Captain Williams, which most people were angry with him for, and which Captain Williams answered. Captain Pett was acquitted. Captain West and Captain Dilke are dismissed. Most people are sorry for Captain West, and think he has had hard measure. I am told he is going to print his case. The dismissing of Captain West has occasioned the calling home of Captain Cooper and Captain Lloyd, who being in the same circum- stances with him, and the conduct of the former more eminently liable to objection, as he led the van, than Captain West's, they must by a parity of reason be liable to the same censure. I am truly sorry for both these gentlemen, and particularly for the former, whose correspondence I have been favoured with many years; and if I find out where the point pinches, I will labour all I can to help him. Mr. M[athews] is greatly mortified at all this, as he declared in the House, that he did not think any one was to blame in his conduct but Mr. L[estock]. The court martial was to have begun upon Mr. Lestock to-day, but the principal persons that compose it being absent upon duty, it is put off for a week. It is said that there will soon be a change at the Admiralty, but with what foundation I know not. " I have received your half-pay as captain, ill lis., and I have received your flag pay from January 1, 1744, to June 30, 86 1745, 3631 lis. I have let Mr. Hardwick have at times 601; I know I have no authority for this, and can only plead for my excuse that he must have lost his employment if I had not done it, which you know cannot be carried on without money ; and for my further encouragement to do it. Mrs. Eogers says she has a letter from you about it, and she firmly believes you will approve of my not letting your nephew sink after you had given him an employment, and that you would have been very angry if I had suffered him to fall for want of a little money; however, I shall stop my hand, and let him have as little as possible until I have the pleasure of hearing from you, and I will take the utmost care of his behaviour in regard to his business. He is at present in Scotland. " There is some half-pay due to you as a flag officer, the time of which I cannot come at to-night, but will send it you by next post." B. Maricone to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745[-6], Januaiy [9-]'20. Leghorn. — " Mon depart de Genes m'a prive de I'honneur de continuer les nouvelles a messieurs les amii'aux et commandants de la flotte de sa Majeste Jiritannique, suivant I'ordre que j'avais de 1' Impera- trice, ma tres gracieuse souveraine, et peutetre votre Excel- lence en aura eu quelque connaissance. Je profite de I'ouvertiure qui vient de me faire Monsieur le Comte d' Ulfeld, Grand Chancelier de la Cour, faisant part a votre Excellence de I'ordre que je refois en date du 6e du courant de son Excellence M. le Grand Chancelier, qui ajoute de sa main cet article dans sa lettre : — Una o due fregate della flotta saranno indispensabili nell' Adriatico, se si vogliono impedire li trasporti nemici,e secondare li nostri — c'est a dire,qu' il est indispensable qu' une ou deux fregates de la flotte command^e par votre Excellence entrent dans la mer Adriatique, si on veut empecher les transports des ennemis et favoriser les notres. Je supplie votre Excellence de me faire la grace de la reponse, afin que je la puisse passer a la cour. La meme lettre contient ce qui suit. " ' In seguito alia pace f atta col Ee di Prussia, qui si travaglia attualmente sovra un rescritto circolare per instruire li ministri imperiali delle circonstanze che hanno accompagnato '1 sudetto avvenimento, com' eziandio della condotta che osservar dovranno nelle rispettive Corti ov essi risiedono. Intanto qui si sta di piu occupato a fare '1 ripartimento delle armate, con pigliar' tali misure, le quali ci possano mettere in istato per la primavera prossima di fare testa, si in Italia come ne Paesi Bassi ed al Reno.' " Votre Excellence trouvera ci-]ointe la tabelle des regiments nommes pour I'ltalie, [11 d'infanterie, 6 de cavalerie] , et partie de ceux qu'on a detach^ du Ehin est deja en marche, ainsi 87 que les recrues de I'armee de M. le Prince de Lichtenstein, qui, par les derniers avis, etait toujours post6 sur le Novarese, et jusqu' a present on n'a pas encore la nouvelle que soit ioTm& le siege du Chateau de Milan. " Je supplie votre Excellence de I'honneur de sea commande- ments." L. C. A. to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745 [-6] , January 14. — Y ice-Admiral Lestock having accused Captain Cooper of the Stirling Castle, and Captain Lloyd, late of the Nassau, of raisconduct in the engagement off Toulon, we have thought proper that these officers should be sent home to answer such charges as shall be exhibited against them. You are therefore directed hereby to put them into immediate arrest, and send them to England in the first ship. Other captains will be appointed to their ships, and meantime the first lieutenant is to command by acting order. You are to let the aforesaid officers know that their conduct is to be enquired into at a court martial ; and to advise them to give you a list of such persons as they judge necessary to give evidence in their behalf ; whom you are to order to take passage along with them. Signed. James Henshaw to the Same. 1745[-6], January 17. Tower Hill. — After a duplicate of the letter of January 7th, he goes on : — " Above, you have a copy of what I wrote you the 7th instant by the way of Lisbon. By the Dutch mail of yesterday, we have advice of your being got to Port Mahon, so that now I shall be able to write you regularly by the post to Leghorn, which I purpose to do every Friday. " The Duke does not go back to Scotland. The Pretender with his principal strength is about Stirling, and Lord John Drummond from the Highlands is endeavouring to join him, in order to lay siege to Stirling Castle ; but we hope they will be prevented by General Hawley and the people of the country, who are all hearty and steady in their loyalty. Mr. Hawley 's army consists of about 9,000 regular troops. The Dutch cannot act with him because of the French auxiliary troops that are in the Pretender's army ; but the transports with the Hessians are to sail directly to the Firth, and as the weather is now open, we hope to hear soon of their being arrived. The invasion we believe is all over, though our vigilance and preparations are not at all lessened. "The King's speech gives universal satisfaction, and the notice he has taken of public credit has revived it a good deal, which indeed was very much wanted; for what with the stop, in a manner, to all public payments and the sinking of the value of all stocks and public securities, the calamity, by the want of circulation of money, has been and is felt even by people of superior fortunes. I thank God I have done very well, not having been obliged to sell bills or anything else; but then I have been obliged to hold my hand and make suppUes fewer and lower than usual. " The court martial is again adjourned for a fortnight, and from thence it is said it will be for two months, then to four months, from thence to six, and there end. This contrivance is st<,id to be designed to save Mr. Mathews, but I give it only as a hearsay. " Captain Griffin, Lord George, and somebody else are going to the East Indies. Captain -Legge and two more are going ou a favourite cruise. Admiral Vernon is gone into Suffolk, and has not yet been in the House. ... " Captain Murray tells me that you were so kind as to recommend me to him in regard to the bounty money for the privateer he took, which was exceedingly good of you, and the more so as he had forgot me, though I have been favoured with his correspondence for a good many years, which is still maintained between us. I have wrote to him by this post. There js an agreement between Messrs. Lefroy and Charron of Leghorn and me, upon the carpet, in regard to the agency for prizes and the victualling of the King's ships, but not yet perfected. If anything of that kind should happen, and you approve of my design, I only beg you would please to stipulate with them that I am to be equally concerned in the commissions until the agreement is perfected." Thomas Grimston to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745 [-6], January 19. Beverley. — " My dear Harry: Last week I had the pleasure of yours, dated November 7th, Gib- raltar ; the last before it was of August 5th, from the same place. I assure you I never miss writing every month or oftener, some to the care of Osborn, others by S. Thompson to Lisbon. I have not yet been able to put out the 1,030Z you remitted, or the money I had in my hands of yours, which long ago I sent up to Thompson, but this damned rebellion has made stocks so uncertain that it still lays in his hand I will take the best care I can about Kirton's farm — as also about Henry Fogge's, who died lately — as soon as I can go over, but at present, and indeed for some months, all my time has been taken up in receiving and giving orders, raising men and then disciplining them, that, though my quarters have — except a march or two — been generally here, I have not seen my own house four times since September. At present I have five companies under me, and cannot stir. "We are told the East Riding forces are to be regimented and taken into the King's pay very soon. I little thought to have turned soldier in my old days, but my health was never better, and my inclination to serve my country as good as any man's ; I wish my ability so too. I hope in a short time the rebellious rascals will receive their due punishment, for we are told Hawley and Huske are within twelve miles of them; if they dare stay their coming up, I don't doubt a good account of them I thank you for Kyder, who, I imagine, will come in well for a share in the Martinico ships, and for Mr. Close, whose friends are all very thankful. I am ever, dear Harry, your T. Grimston." W. Pettichew to Vice-Ad MiEAL Medley. 1745 [-6], January 20. Tangier- — Captain Veale of the Prosperous privateer,* of London, was wrecked in this bay on the 4th inst. ; 96 of his men were drowned, 87, the captain included, escaped, but are detained here by the alcayd till the Emperor's pleasure is knov/n. It is to be feared, from the resentment he has lately expressed, that he will keep them, both as a security for the old debt, and with the view of gettmg another ransom. Should this prove the case, and the people continue here, as the town is quite defenceless, and the greater part of the inhabitants inclined to deliver them, if you think proper to order two or three ships here to act in case of necessity, I am persuaded they would speedily be sent on board without any expense, whereas I have already offered a considerable sum to no purpose. This day Captain Veale, four of his officers and two seamen, made their escape from my house, where, to free them from many insults of the Moors, I prevailed on the alcayd to let them stay. This action of theirs has caused me abundance of trouble, which I had no method of remedying but by entering into an obligation, that should a ransom be paid for the others, these should also be included. HoBACB Mann to the Same. 174[5-]6, [January 21-] February 1. Florence. — The despatch from Mr. Villettes, which I have just received, obliges me to give you this trouble, though I much doubt if my packet will arrive at Leghorn before Lord Colvill's departure. Mr. Villettes has written to you so fully on all the points which require your attention, that it is useless for me to comply with his desire to intreat you to reflect on the necessity of supporting the enterprise against Corsica, and enabling Mr. Townshend to complete the reduction of that island, as the failure of it cannot but produce the worst consequences both with regard to the honour of the crowns engaged in it * See "Barbarian Cruelty ; or an Accurate and Impartial Narrative of the Unparalled Sufferings and almost incredible Hardships of the British Captives belonging to the Inspector privateer, Capt. Eichard veale, commander. 12mo. 1751. The ship is here named Prosperous in error. In a later letter, April 23 (post, p. 114), Petticrew speaks of her as Inspector. 90 and to the navigation in these seas. The Levant trade and that of Leghorn must be vastly interrupted if the French or Spaniards should become masters of so important a post, and we shall no longer have it in our power to prevent their doing what they please on the coast of France and Genoa, to the infinite prejudice of the common cause. I am very well persuaded that nobody will be more convinced of all this than yourself, therefore it is quite needless for me to take up more of your time on this subject, or to send you any extracts of Mr. Villettes' letters to me. The more I am convinced of your zeal and desire to recover the affairs of Corsica, the more I am persuaded of the perplexity you will be in to do it, as I cannot think it depends solely on your squadron, unless you had troops to debark. It is my firm opinion that unless the courts interested in the conquest of that island send a person of credit and capacity to conduct the affairs by land, and with money to pay what troops are necessary to oppose the Genoese, as well as to reconcile the chiefs, all other attempts will be vain. I have written strongly on these points to the Court of Turin and to Sir Thomas Robinson , and can add nothing to what I have written to you on the same subject. By the letters which I have this morning received from Rome, Cardinal Albani acquaints me that a very considerable number of barks, with recruits, ammunition and provisions, daily pass by the ports in the Ecclesiastical State for the coasts of Genoa. Recruits are raised in all parts of the Pope's dominions, and even in Rome, and are sent to Civita Vecchia, to a country house of the Spanish Consul, where they remain till a sufficient number is collected to embark them. Their agents likewise buy up all the corn and other grain they can get for the same purpose. From Genoa, we are informed that all sorts of embarkations daily arrive there from the west and other parts. These circumstances require your attention, as the enemy's receiving such reinforcements can only be prevented by your ships. Holograph. B. Maeicone to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 174[5-]6, [January 22-]February 2. Leghorn. — Repeats, from his letter of January 20th, Count Ulfeld's message, dated January 5th. In a later letter, dated January 12th, Count Uifeld has again desired him to urge the necessity of sending some frigates into the Adriatic. He goes on: — " Et comme a present son Excellence s'explique avec moi plus positivement, j'en fais part a votre Excellence, la priant de vouloir depecher quelques vaisseaux dans la mer Adriatique pour favoriser la cause commune. J' en ai parle k M. Burrington Goldsworthy, Consul de sa Majesty Britannique, et il m'a promis d'en faire part h votre Excellence, secondant ce projet. 91 " Ti' irregularity des postes, par rapport a la position des ennemis en Lombardie, empeche le cours des lettres du quartier-general de M. le Feld-Mareclial Prince de Lichtenstein ; cependant je viens d'en recevoir une du lime du mois dernier, de Novara, dans laquelle son altesse m'^crit ce qui suit. _ " ' Je ne saurais vous marquer, Monsieur, d'autres nouvelles, si non que Sa Ma]est(^ Imp(iriale commanda 30 mille hommes pour r Italic d'abord apres la paix signee avec le Roi de Prusse, les conditions de laquelle me sont encore inconnues, attendant k tons moments un courier de Vienne. Je suis vis-a-vis I'ennemi tant du cote de Terre, que du Tessin. S'il m'attaque il sera bien regi ; en attendant il ne fait rien, et nous gagnons temps que les secours puissent arriver, et il faut esp6rer en Dieu qu'il ira mieux.' " Thomas Sims to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745 [-6], January 22. Gibraltar. — Account of work done to the ships since November 20th. Mr. Smith, the inspector at the hospital, and the workmen there have been sent to England, and Admiral Eowley has left the management of it to Mr. Wallen, the storekeeper. I'm afraid Mr. Wallen is as little experienced in mechanics as in other business. Matt. Wallen to the Same. 1745 [-6] , January 23. Gibraltar. — Has engaged the Surprise for the King's service. Congratulates him on coming to the command- B. Mabiconb to the Same. 174[5-]6, [January 23-]February 8. Leghorn. — I have communicated to Mr. Goldsworthy a letter which I have received from Cardinal Albani, and now enclose you an extract from it, in order that you may see what pressing need there is of some frigates in the Adriatic. I beg that you will communicate to me your intentions, so that I may advise my court and Prince Lichtenstein. From Mantua, General Baron de Veltes wrote on 27th ulto. : " Un courier, parti le 20, arrive hier, nous a apporte que r armee est tranquille; il ne manque rien. M. le Prince de Lichtenstein assure qu'il a 16 bataillons et deux reg'iments de cavallerie sardes, avec les troupes de 1' Imperatrice. De notre cote, rien de nouveau, hors qu'il parait que les ennemis veuillent fortifier le chateau de Parme. Les troupes destinies pour ici sont en pleine marche ; nous en attendons ici la tete vers le 12 du mois prochain." Field Marshal Count Traun writes to me from Heidelberg on the 18th past :— All the troops ordered for Italy are now on the way, as also those for Flanders ; so that I hope to start for Vienna by the 22nd. French. Enclosing : — II Caedinale Alessandeo Albani di Eoma, all' Agente Maeiconb presso la republica di Genova, e presentamente in Livorno. 174[5-]6, January [18-J29. — / wrote last week to Count Ulfeld and to Count Joseph Harrach, President of the Council of War, stating the need of two British frigates in the Adriatic, both to ensure the safety of our transports from the Neapolitan ships of war, which come off Ancona and range along the coast of the Papal States, and also to keep open the mouths of the Po, and to cruise on the Austrian coast for the service of the army of Lombardy . I had previously spoken of this to D. Pietro de Carlevarijs , her Majesty's commissary of war and transports in Gorizia, who agreed that a part of the reinforcements intended for Italy could be brought through Styria and Garinthia, to embark at Fiume and Trieste. At the same time I communicated it to Mr. Manyi, the British minister at Florence, and loell disposed to our court, so that he might bring it to the knowledge of Vice-Admiral Medley. I have duly received his reply that he ivill not fail to urge the matter on the vice- admiral on the first opportunity, but wishing to know exactly ivhcji the frigates will be wanted, as at this season the Adriatic is a stormy sea and the winds are persistently foul. I shall this evening report this to the aforementioned ministers and commissary , desiring them to send me word, as nearly as can be, when the ships should sail to meet the transports at the mouth of the Goro, and reminding them that the frigates sent by Admiral Mathews, in January, 1744, toere iii great danger of being lost. Meanwhile, I wrote, on the 26th, to all the imperial consuls on the Adriatic coast of this State, to keep a watch on the movements of the Neapolitan men of war, and to send me immediate notice of them, that I may advise the commissary . I write this to you that you may understand and relate it to the High Chancellor, to wJiom I suggest that it wight be advantageous and ivould save lime, if, in addition to the request sent to the Court of London, they would obtain the good offices of Sir Thomas Robinson, so that he may write about it to the vice-admiral, who, I am persuaded, will make no difficulties, as the need is that of the well-being of the common cause and of the army of Italy. You might also intimate to Mr. Mann that small frigates of 18, 20, or 24 guns will be most 93 suitable for this service, as there is hut little depth of water in the harbour of Ancona and others, so that larger ships would not be able to go in. Extract. Italian. Samuel Ceawlby [Consul] to Vice-Admieal Medley. 174[5-]6, [January 24-] February 4. Smyrna. — By Mr. Eowley's letter of October 26th, I learn that he was departing for England, and that the command of the fleet in the Mediter- ranean is committed to your care ; upon which I most sincerely congratulate you, and wish you success in all your undertakings. I shall take the liberty to keep you advised of all that passes in these parts, and should esteem it a favour if you would give me a line of advice whenever you resolve to send any ships this way. There is here now, loading by French merchants for Mar- seilles, one neutral ship, Dutch. I believe there is an end to that trade, as the King of France, by his arret of December Slst, has revoked the privileges granted to them by the treaty of commerce of 1739- " It would be very much for the interest and honour of the nation to keep a couple of frigates in these seas, when you can spare them from more important services ; but as the French keep a good watch and have punctual intelligence from all the islands by meaiis of priests and friars, they ought to avoid going into any harbour, but cruise, sometimes on the coast of Syria and Egypt, sometimes in the Arches [Archipelago], looking into the Gulf of Salonica, and as high as Mitylene and Scio, which I am persuaded would distress the French navigation and answer all expectations. Four French barks arrived this week from Marseilles, richly laden for this scale* and Constantinople." Captain Andrea Scarenzi and his consort, Captain Grilli, still reign and plunder. This latter has now got a sambequin of 32 guns and 200 men, rigged like a ship. Their usual haunts are Faros, Cassa, and Cerigotto. B. Maeicone to the Same. 174[5-]6, February [1-]12. Leghorn. — I have already re- presented to you the anxiety of Count Ulfeld to have two frigates sent into the Adriatic, to ensure the safe transport of the troops from the ports of Tstria to the several harbours of Lombardy. He has again written to me, under date of the 26th ult., that if you wait for orders from England he fears it will be too late ; and that without this assurance of safety, it will not be possible to transport the troops by sea necessary as it is to do so in order to accelerate the expedition. * Italian, scala. 94 I have communicated this passage of Count Ulfeld's letter to Messrs. Goldsworthy and Birtles, the English consuls, in order that they too may represent to you the need there is for these frigates in the Adriatic, to support the enterprise in Lombardy. Cardinal Albani, writing on the 5th, again desires me to beg you to send the two frigates to the Adriatic, and adds by way of news : — " Principiano gli Spagnuoli a temere dell' assedio del castello di Milano, quale colle lettere de 26 Gennaro da quelle capitale si voleva differito ad altri 20 giorni. Mentre in tal tempo r aspetto delle cose in Lombardia sarS, molto cambiato. Non vi fe settimana che in Civita Vecchia non giungano legni carichi di soldati, o munizioni da guerra e da bocca. In questa ve ne sono arrivati due ben grandi, uno con 120 uomini di truppa regolata, I'altro col pieno di polvere ; tralascio quelli bastimenti che non toccano questo porto proseguendo felicemente il loro viaggio." The Grand Chancellor adds the following : — "Ha poi il Residente di Baviera ricevuto la plenipotenza necessaria per accedere al Trattato di Dresda a nome della Corte Palatina ; onde sembra che quest' affare sarS, messo a fine hk pochi giorni." General Baron de Vettes writes from Mantua on the 2nd, that the enemy are fortifying Guastalla, and even the lower Po, in order — perhaps — to lay siege to Modena or la Mirandola. French. Captain Cooper to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 1745[-6], February 5.-5 p.m. Stirling Castle at sea; east end of Cabrera, N.W. by N., distant four leagues. — On the 5th January I received your orders by the Phcenix; on the 6th I received those from Vice-Admiral Eowley, of which I enclose a copy; and on the 9th, yours by the Spence sloop. We sailed from Gibraltar with Mr. Eowley on the 9th, and parted from him on the evening of the 12th, about 43 leagues to the west of Cape Spartel. On the 19th I anchored at Gibraltar, and sailed on the 24th with the six ships named, taking also with me a large Dutch ship laden with masts and other naval stores for Toulon, which had been stopped by the Benvich. I thought it of too much consequence to let her escape to an enemy's port without your directions, so I ordered the Rupert to take her in tow and look after her till our arrival at Mahon. We have been delayed by bad weather and foul winds, but I hope now to join you very shortly after you receive this. James Henshaw to [? T. Grimston]. 1745 [-6] , February 6. Tower Hill.—" I am at the greatest loss imaginable how to act in regard to Mr. Hardwick, the admiral's nephew, who he made purser of the Hound sloop, 95 which is now in Scotland. This gentleman is a perfect stranger to the business he has undertaken, and though I believe his captain, or any captain he may have, would be glad to do him service on the admiral's account, yet I am afraid he is liable to be imposed upon, or that he is not so frugal in his own expenses as he ought to be. I have no order whatever from the admiral to supply him, and yet, by Mrs. Eogers's encouragement, I have gone as far as threescore pounds. He now wants more, and I protest I don't know what to do. If I refuse him it is ten to one but he quits his sloop, and the admiral may be angry ; and if I supply him, he may blame me for doing anything T have no authority for ; and indeed, in case of any accident to him, I shall be wholly at the mercy of his executors, as I never can expect anything of Mr. Hardwick. Pray think of this and give me your opinion." Thomas Cobbett to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1745 [-6] , February 6. — I am commanded by my L. C. A. to signify their directions to you to give Mr. James Butler Morn, purser of the Princess Caroline, leave to be absent from his duty for four months, according to the desire of Vice- Admiral Rowley ; he having provided a sufficient deputy.* The Same to the Same. 1745[-6], February 6. — Lord Sandwich "prays the favour of you that you will be so good," if you have not made Mr. Benjamin Clive, now a midshipman in the Royal Oak, a lieutenant, or cannot soon make him, as to send him home ; his lordship intending to provide for him here. The Same to the Same. 1745[-6], February 7. — Mr. Glaus Vosbein, an officer in the Danish service, being desirous of serving in the fleet under your command, I am commanded to recommend him to you, to serve in one of the ships under your command, to be rated able, and to do the duty of a midshipman. James Henshaw to the Same. 1745[-6], February 7. Tower Hill. — " I have not wrote to you since the 17th of last month, because till within this week, there has nothing material happened worth your knowledge. The unlucky affair at Falkirk depressed our spirits greatly, and the impression it made on all ranks and conditions of men was visible in every countenance, as the gaiety and insolence of the papists was too remarkable to escape the notice of every one that • See November 30, ante, p. 80, 96 conversed with them. Thank God they are disappointed, and may they ever be so in all their attempts to take avs^ay the religious and civil liberties of a free people, and reduce them to the slavish conditions dictated by their principals- The Duke went from thence the 31st of January, at midnight, and got to Edinburgh the 5th of February, at noon. On the 6th he moved towards the rebels, who were then at Falkirk and Stirling, but by the time he got to Linlithgow he had advice that they had taken to their heels and were gone over the Forth into the Highlands, at a ford called Frew, a little above Stirling ; but they did an infinite deal of mischief before they retired in blowing up St. Ninian's Church, where their powder was, by which a great number of poor people were killed. They destroyed and cut all the baggage to pieces that they could not carry with them, they spiked up all the cannon, and rendered all the arms useless ; in short, they acted like men that endeavoured to exasperate the King's troops to such a degree as to show them no mercy if ever they were over- po\^ered, which in all likelihood will be the case. The Duke proposes to follow them even to Perth, which in this rigorous season and in that country, will be severe service. Mr. Byng is in the Forth, and will no doubt do his utmost to prevent the escape of the rebels. I am told that as soon as this service is over, he will come to you with a reinforcement. " The scheme of Mr. Legge's going to the westward is, I am told, laid aside, and Mr. Martin is going out with a squadron. The merchants complain greatly of their losses, and indeed they have been very heavy ; but I suppose we shall now be at liberty to take more care of the trade than we could of late. Mr. Vernon has been very quiet ; the wags say he is ashamed of his nakedness. I will send you his little pamphlet called Naked Truth, and likewise Captain West's defence. " It's now said that the court martial will actually take place again the 18th instant, and I have some reason to believe it will. Mr. Fearn is going to publish the trials in separate volumes, the first of which will contain those of the lieutenants of the Dorsetshire, and that of Captain Burrish ; please to let me know if I shall send them to you. " We have advice of a rich prize being taken by some of our men of war, and sent or carried into Lisbon. My good old friend Mr. Falkingham — who is very well and sends his compliments — thinks that she must have been taken by Captain Cooper and the other two ships. If that should be the case, I wish it may not be attended with some perplexity to you ; for if I understand things right, Mr. Eowley gave Captain Cooper orders posterior to yours; but let that be as it will, you may depend on my assiduous care of your interest, and I think I have sufficient experience not to want any lesson. We have had no Lisbon mail with any account of this, so that it must come by the way of France ; my Lord Harrington acknowledging that he has such advice. 97 " What must I, or what can I do, with Mr. Hardwick? He wants more money, and I'm afraid will quit his ship if he has not it. The money he has had is sixty-two pounds. I will venture on ten pounds more, but not a denier more, let the consequence be what it will, until I am favoured with a line from you, which I heartily wish may be soon." Thomas Coebett to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745 [-6], February 7. — The Folkestone will convoy the Princess Royal store-ship to Gbiraltar. You are to provide a proper convoy for her thence to Port Mahon. John Shales to the Same. 1745 [-6], February 12. Portsmouth. — You know that your old acquaintance has always something to ask of friends in power. There is a young gentleman, named Weston Varlo, a lieutenant of the Dunkirk, who is in high esteem with me and with some of my particular friends. If on enquiry you find him deserving, and think proper to take notice of him in any shape, you will greatly oblige. Commodoee H. Osboen to the Same. 1745 [-6] , February 14. Portsmouth Dock. — " Ever since I had the pleasure of writing to you last, by the threats of our enemies and the rebellion in Scotland, the nation has been under some trouble, but now I have the pleasure to say — though after some unlucky events — the designs of each party are in a manner frustrated. The rebels are now flying in Scotland, and the invasion seems to be at an end ; the first owing to the presence of the Duke, and the latter to our formidable state of defence, though there is just now another unlucky event on the anvil that alarms us at present, which is the resignation of our two Secretaries of State, and an entire change of ministry, which is not yet far enough advanced for me to send you the particulars. I can only say this reformation is brought about by the management of Lord Granville, Win — ch — sea, and Bath. I shall set out for London to-morrow to attend i^Ir. Lestock's court martial , where I shall hear more. " I was afraid the ship would sail, and was unwilling to omit even this, as well as expressing my concern for the welfare of a young man on board the Essex, named George Ijawrence, whom I have been breeding up for a purser, and who, I liope, has so well qualified himself for the employment as to make himself useful in the fleet and deserving your favour. He desires no other opportunity to give you a proof of his abilities than your admitting him to the honour of serving under your secretary. " We have several rumours here, by the way of Lisbon, of your good fortune in meeting with Admiral Eeggio from the Havana, with the richest ladings of any ship that has set out for Spain. I wish it may be true ; and if it is, I beg leave to assure you nobody has more pleasure in giving you joy of it." Holograph. Commissioners of Victualling to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745[-6], February 17. — Enclosing an abstract of the provisions aboard the Bedford victualler, which will unload at Gibraltar. Other victuallers, named, have been sent out; and we have taken up four more, named, which will sail about the 20th March, and complete the provisions in the Mediterranean to four months for 12,000 men. No enclosures. James Henshaw to [? T. Grimston]. 1745 [-6] , February 20. Tower Hill.— "When Admiral Medley made Mr. Hard wick a purser, if he had kept him under his eye in the squadron with him, under strict discipline, probably he might have done something to his advantage ; but as he is now at large, unacquainted with the nature of his business, and liable to imposition and temptations, I am afraid he will make no hand of it, and I am at the greatest loss imaginable how to behave in it, having already advanced to him above ;£'60 without any order at all. " We have had no Lisbon mail lately to set us right in regard to the prize you mention, which, as far as I can learn, will be an embarrassed, troublesome affair, by different claims. When I know more I will advise you." L. C. A. to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1745 [-6], February 24.— By his Majesty's order, the Earl of Harrington has transmitted to us an extract of a letter from Mr. Trevor, his Majesty's minister plenipotentiary at the Hague, with a copy of a memorial of the deputies of Enchuysen, complaining that a vessel of that town, called the Enchuysen, has been seized by an English privateer and carried to Port Mahon ; and has desired us to enquire into the matter of this complaint, and if we find it to be as represented, to give the necessary orders that , due and immediate satisfaction be made, and care taken to prevent any further infractions of the engagements between his Majesty and the States General. We therefore send you a copy of the said complaint, and direct you to make a strict enquiry thereinto ; and to give the necessary orders accordingly. 99 Enclosure : — 174[5-]6, February [7-]18.— Tfce Deputies of Enchutjsen to the States of Holland and West Fries- land, are ordered by the government of their town to represent that the ship " Enchuysen," belonging to the burghermaster of the town, was chartered last October by a burgess and merchant of Amsterdam to take a cargo from Amsterdam to Toulon. On her way to this port she tvas seized by the English and conducted to Port Mahon, without her officers being able to conceive the pretext of this seizure, as the owner of the ship, the master, and the freighter are all inhabitants and subjects of this state ; the cargo consisted of permitted merchandise ; the ship was furnished with all necessary papers, and the port of destination toas not blockaded. It folloios that the capture of this ship was an act of wild passion on the part of the privateer, beiy^g directly contrary to the treaty of 1674, and to the declaration of his Britannic Majesty of SOth April, 1744. It seems that in England these decrees are ineffectual, and can be contravened with impunity, so that there is no security for Butch shipping from the English, whose violent proceedings have already given rise to many complaints, lohich have not been redressed, and have naturally caused general discontent. The said deputies therefore demand and expect that the ministers of this state at the court of Great Britain, shall press their reinonstrances and complaints to the King and his ministers, to the end that the said ship shall be forthwith restored, and full compensation made for the loss that has been caused. [Medley acknowledged this in his letter of April 29th. The " Enchuysen " was brought in, in November or December, by his Majesty's ships "Nassau" and "Royal Oak." She was laden with masts and naval stores, ivhich ivere proved in the Admiralty Court to be the property of the King's enemies, and were condemned. The ship was discharged, the master receiving his freight and all charges. " In Letters," 382]. B. Mariconb to Vice- Admiral Medley. 174[5-]6, [February 22-] March 5. Leghorn. — On the 26th ulto., I received from Mr. Birtles your letter of 26th January, O.S.' and immediately sent on a copy of it to Prince Licht- enstein at Novara, adding that, in my letters of the 2nd, 3rd, and 12th, I had represented to you the service for which these frigates were wanted, and that I believed they were on the point of being sent, so that he might order the troops and stores down to the Austrian coast at once. I sent copies of this letter also to Count Ulfeld and to Cardinal Albani, for their information. 100 Yesterday I received yours, dated from Mahon on 13th February, O.S., and was delighted to see by it that you had ordered two frigates to the Adriatic, under the co.nmand of Captain WiJlson. At the same time I learned from Mr. Goldsworthy that they have actually sailed. Being post day for Liombardy, Rome, and Vienna, I immediately despatched copies of your letter to Prince Lichtenstein, Count Ulfeld, and Cardinal Albani, announcing also the departure of the frigates. Passing on to the news which has reached me, Count Ulfeld, in his letter of the 16th ulto., says : — Notwithstanding the severity of the season, the enemy is everywhere on the move; and on our side also, the march of the troops is being hurried on. At Brussels there are 18 batallions and 12 squadrons, as well as plenty of stores of all kinds, so that we may hope for the best; the more so as the rains prevent the enemy bringing up their artillery, and our troops who were on the Ehine had been concentrated at Cologne, and in a few days would be at Antwerp under the command of Prince Waldeck. Cardinal Albani wrote as follows on the 26th : — The Neapolitan men of war continue in Adriatic waters, mainly as a convoy for the transports for Genoa, which are loading at Ancona with grain for the use of Napolispan army. The extortion and tyranny of the Neapolitan Government are almost incredible, both in respect of the levies of soldiers and of the exhorbitant taxes, far in excess of what have been known hitherto, though these were considerable enough. An order has been issued for each commune to pay 50 ducats of their money, and for each feudatory, for a third time, to provide a well equipped horse and man. It 'is prohibited, under severe punishments, to carry provisions of any kind out of the kingdom, even to the adjacent districts; and on the border, the guards have been doubled in order to catch those deserters who are trying to get out of the kingdom, so as to escape being obliged to hazard their lives in the service of a prince they cannot love. This very week orders have been given to two squadrons of cavalry to pass from the Terra di Lavoro through this State and Tuscany to join the alhed army in Lombardy. As at present arranged, they will stay for a while at Yiterbo ; and if it seems advisable, the same number of men will return to Naples ; just as 85 foot soldiers were sent from the Riviera in a Neapolitan bark. All this shows that there is no idea of recalling the troops for the defence of the kingdom, as was at first supposed. General Vettes writes from Mantua on the 24th : — I have to tell you that Count Brown is arrived. The first column is near at hand, so I hope operations will soon begin. The enemy have collected a number of heavy guns at Milan, but I doubt if they mean to undertake the seige of the Castle. The army is still at Novara. 101 Another letter from Vienna of the 19th says that the Duke Charles of Lorraine will command on the Ehine, having under him the Marshals Konigsegg and Lobkowitz ; and that Marshal Batthiany will go to the Low Countries. All the arrangements for the coming campaign seem to promise that it will be a successful one, and I shall have real pleasure in punctually sending you all the news that reaches me. French; Extracts in Italian. B. Maricone to Vice-Admiral Medlfa'. 174[5-]6, [February 28-] March 11. Leghorn. — Writing on the 6th inst., Cardinal Albani desires me to acquaint you that, under date 19th ult., he had received from Count Harrach, President of the Council of War, the resolution of the Empress to countermand the march of the four regiments of infantry and the 2,000 Yarasdins, who were to embark on the Austrian coast, and to send them to Mantua by land, so as not to subject them at this season of the year to the danger and delay of the sea, as it is essential that they should join the army in Lombardy at the appointed time; but that the provisions, forage, and war material should still be conveyed by sea from Trieste and Fiume to the Groro mouth and its neighbourhood, under the escort of the two English frigates. His Eminence adds that the despatch of these stores by sea is a very serious consideration, involving the subsistence of the whole imperial army ; for Lombardy, with the Venetian territory and the two legations of Ferrara and Bologna, is not able at this season of the year to provide food for it ; for of course the enemy will do all they can to prevent our forming magazines, which they themselves are also making, if only as a hindrance to our doing so. On the 23rd, Count Ulfeld wrote that the Elector Palatine had given in his accession to the treaty of Dresden, the business having been settled by the signatures of the ministers of both courts. Lieutenant-Marshal Baron de Vettes writes from Mantua, on the 3rd : — The first column of the troops coming from the empire has arrived; it consists of two regiments of infantry, one of cuirassiers, and one of dragoons. Of the second column, two regiments — one of dragoons, the other of hussars — have arrived; the two infantry regiments, which make the rest of the column, and the artillery have passed Trent, and will be here next week. Half of the third column has passed Eeutta, on the frontier of the Tyrol; the rest will arrive shortly. Of the six infantry regiments which are commg from Bohemia, the two which compose the first column, should be to-day, one at Bolzano, the other at Brixen. Two others should be at Linz by the day after to-morrow; and the 102 remaining two are between Linz and Klagenfurt, so that by the end of the month they should all be here except two batallions from the empire, which cannot arrive till about the 10th April. We are also receiving every day a good number of recruits for the regiments that are here. I must not omit to tell you that what the enemy have published about the retreat of the Prince, is not true. He has, indeed, made a backward movement, but has not left his guns on the road. I congratulate your Excellency on the Duke of Cumberland's complete victory at Stirling, but am sorry to hear of the loss of Brussels, which surrendered on the 19th, the garrison, to the number of 8,000 men, becoming prisoners. French. James Howe to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 174[5-]6, [February 26-]March 9. Leghorn.— Enclosing account of sale of a prize, the Virgin of the Rosary, taken by the xebec Dragon's Prize on October 1st, 1745. Any commands you may be pleased to honour us with shall be punctually executed- For Tucker, Becher & Co. No enclosure. The Same to the Same. 174[5-]6, [February 27-] March 10. Leghorn. — Acknow- ledges Medley's letters of 26th January and 17th February, Fears that the unexpected check the King's troops have met with in Scotland will keep the malignant flame alive longer than is to be wished. Encloses a statement of what is judged wanting to make the xebec just swim to Mahon ; to repair her properly for service would take a month, and cost at least four hundred dollars. To sell her, the most that has been offered is 600 dollars. As there is a daily charge for looking after her, it will be well to come to some resolution either to refit or dispose of her. Gives some particulars of the sale of prizes, and the division of flag shares between Eowley and Medley. It will be difficult to dispose of the cannon and military stores, as they are not for private people's money ; the cannon indeed might be broken up and melted ; but the shells and ball are of no use to anybody but princes. Thomas Corbett to the Same. 1745 [-6], March 3.— To send home Mr. Samuel Grape, midshipman on board the Berwick, to pass his examination for a lieutenant. 103 Me. Kevell's Deputies to Vice-Admikal Medley. 1745 [-6], March 4. Mahon.— Much better cattle can be had at Algiers than in Sardinia, and as it is necessary to provide a sufficiency for the use of the Hospital here, we hope you will, when convenient, order a tender to be sent there for loading. Enclosure : — Account of provisions remaining in store. COMMISSIONBKS OF VICTUALLING to the SaMB 1745 [-6] , March 11 .—During the time that Admiral Mathews commanded in the Mediterranean, the victuallers for the fleet being prevented from getting out as soon as was expected, he was obliged to have recourse to all possible ways to procure provisions to enable the fleet to keep the sea, and ordered our correspondent at Genoa to furnish the ships with live oxen, and hay to subsist them aboard. 'J hough the necessity no longer exists, we find the commanders of ships continue to demand live cattle and hay from our correspondent at Leghorn. As the method is contrary to the practice of the navy, is attended with great extra expense, and is subject to many abuses, you will please to give orders to the commanders of ships on the coast of Italy to discontinue it. We have signified to Mr. Goldsworthy, our correspondent at Leghorn, that we shall not accept any bills he may draw on us on that account. Signed- Mariconb to the Same. 174[6-]6, March [20-] 31. Leghorn.— The two ships which you have ordered to the Adriatic, left this on the night of the 25th inst. ; and on the 16th, Count Ulfeld wrote that, in response to your letter of February 13-24, he had at once despatched orders to Trieste to send pilots to meet them ; he hoped the ships would arrive in time to facilitate the victualling of the army. This they will no doubt do ; the more so, as we have taken and continue to take large stores from the enemy. The Count adds that the Hessian troops which were at Edinburgh will return to the Lov/ Countries, now that the rebellion in Scotland has been quelled. On the 26th inst. , Cardinal Albani told me that all sorts of military stores and victuals are still sent from the kingdom of Naples ; that they have large stores of \vheat and barley at Terracina, which they transport to the Eiviera of Genoa; and that in the Gulf of Venice they have two large armed tartans, fitted out at Naples, to hinder our transports carrying stores into Lombardy. I enclose an account of all the news I have from Italy. French- Enclosure : — Letter from Genoa of the 26th inst., announces that some regiments of French cavalry and two Neapolitan 104 batallions had arrived at Sampierdarena. The latter, in very bad order, are returning to Naples ; the French regiments will go back to Lombardy, though their numbers are much diminished by continued fatigues. Meanwhile Marshal Maillebois, to whom and to his army entrance into Tortona had been denied, wrote to the republic justifying his own conduct, and assuring it that he would remain in the Genovese territory so as to secure it from any hostile invasion, having, in fact, orders from the King to do so. The defence of the western Eiviera was seriously thought of, there being some apprehension that the Sardinian troops might occupy it, so as to cut off the retreat of the allies from Lombardy, and prevent the advance of any reinforcements which might be sent from Prance. It was believed that the Infante had determined to withdraw from I'lacentia to Genoa, a part of his baggage having already arrived at Sampierdarena. The same letter brought the following story, which was told in Genoa by the Dukes d'Agenois and JMontmorency, who, being prisoners of war, were on their way to Paris by Antibes. It chanced that, just as the attack on Asti was pending, the Count de ^Maillebois, son of the IMarshal, had to go to Turin to sign the treaty between the two courts. He reached Eivoli on the 5th, and sent to Turin to ask permission to come on to the city. The answer was that as the Prince of Lichtenstein was there just then, but on the point of leaving, the Count had better wait, so as not to awaken suspicion. So he waited at Eivoli, till having learned that the Prince had left, he repeated his request to be admitted to Turin. Again he was asked to wait a little longer ; he was as.:ured that word would be sent him as soon as it was opportune. And mean- while, Prince Lichtenstein with the General Lentrow pushed on their army towards Asti and finished that business, as is known. On which a message was sent to Count de Maillebois, who was waiting at Eivoli for permission to go to Turin, that he could depart as soon as he pleased ; it was the only course that at that time was convenient to his Sardinian Majesty. On the 24th, a plot was discovered in Fort Santa Maria of Spezia, and eighty soldiers were arrested on a charge of having agreed to kill the officers, spike the guns, sack the fortress, and make their escape. Letters from Venice of the 26th, and from Bologna of the 28th, announce that the Imperial troops had taken Guastalla after a sanguinary battle with the Spaniards, who were defeated. This, however, requires confirmation. Italian. Thomas Geimston to Vicb-Admihal Medley. 1745 [-6] , March 20. Elton.— My dear Harry : " This damned rebellion is not yet at an end ; it unhinged everything so much that I durst not put your money into the stocks, which have all along kept fahing. . . I have paid your niece, Kilvington, the 51 you ordered. 105 "I am now a broken officer, the troops we raised by our subscription being all disbanded. Though we had no enemy to encounter, we flatter ourselves we were of use in keeping every- thing quiet in this county ; we had got together a fine body of men, and, the connoisseurs owned, well disciplined; many of them are since gone in the troops; the rest, ready to join us again if their country shall be so unhappy as to want them. One, Dr. Burton, of York, was taken up some time ago, and lately sent up to London by a messenger ; it is to be hoped he will squeak and tell who are our secret enemies in and about that town. All your friends in this country are well, but General Draper breaks fast, and what has hurt him most has been the hard weather continuing so long, that he has had little hunting. My son is at Cambridge, and always desires his service to you. May you be ever happy, and meet with success." Wm. Petticeew to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 1746 [-6], March 24. Gibraltar.— The Emperor has sent an order for the unfortunate people at Tangier to be kept prisoners until satisfaction is made him for the national debt. As they are not put to daily work, I believe that at present he has no other intention than to keep them as a security for the debt ; but if that is not soon paid, he may change his mind ; and if they are once sent up country, it may be a costly work to get them back again. And meantime, they are not victualled, and would have starved had I not drawn a bill at my own risk for 1521. That has been expended, and as I am not able to venture more, they are now in a starving condition. The Same to the Same. 17-16, March 25- Gibraltar. — As a person is to be appointed to conduct all business with Barbary, I shall be ever grateful if you will write home in my favour. Your good opinion will be strengthened by General Hargrave and Mr. Eowley ; but my chief dependence is on you. Captain Strange intends to carry up thirty or forty bullocks with him ; and more can be ready whenever you think proper to send to Tetuan for them. Also wood; but the order for it should be given in good time, or there may be a difficulty about getting it cut. I must again remind you of the unhappy people at Tangier, who, without some subsistence from you, m.ust actually perish. Stephen Thompson to the Same. 1746, March 25. London. — I hope, long before you receive this, that you wiU be convinced that I am not so lazy a cur as you thought me, by my letters getting to your hand, of which you wdll find that I have wrote you several, as I ought. I don't know how it has happened, but on both sides I find our letters have been a very long while in getting round; nay, r 106 even your draft of 501, which was wrote in May, did not get to hand till last month, when it was duly paid and placed to Grimston's account, as you order. I have since received yours of December 24th, with your remittance for 646?, which is now near due, and shall be placed to your credit; and as to the disposing of it, Tom and I are to talk of that when he comes to town, which he tells me he will next month. I have been exceeding fortunate in not having had your former remittance of 1,0301 invested in the public funds, as they have been falling ever since, and God knows when they will recover, for there is little room to think whilst the rebellion remains on foot, and the Government is obliged to raise money at a high interest, but that the old funds must suffer in proportion to what they are w orse than the new ; and what is a further cause of their fall is that the very persons interested in the new loans are obliged to sell out their old stock to supply the new. As to the rebels, they are far from being quelled yet, and I am afraid it will be sometime before they are so, for the French and Spaniards find it very well worth their while to keep the flame up amongst us, and therefore feed it daily with fresh supplies ; in so much that it is now become a doubt whether they are not full as strong as the Duke ; however, it is certain he has wrote to contradict their sending him more forces, alleging that he is strong enough for them ; however, it is resolved to send some to Glasgow to join the Hessians that are at Stirling, in order to oppose the rebels getting into England that way, as it is not very improbable but they may once more give him the slip and get before him, in which case such a body in reserve may prevent bad consequences. I suppose it will be no news to you that the young Pretender has got a salvo to prevent our hurting him in case he should fall into our hands, by being appointed Generalissimo of all the French and Spanish forces in Great Britain, so that he must be ransomed as such, according to the cartel settled with those nations. I refer you to the enclosed from Grimston for Yorkshire news. Matt. Wallbn to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, March 25. Gibraltar. — Mr. Eussell arrived here on the 8th with the L. C. A.'s warrant to the naval storekeeper, etc. , at this place. We applied to Captain Forbes for an order to begin the survey, and are now upon it. I shall be proud to know your commands before I leave this place. Tho. Sims to the Same. 1746, March 26. Gibraltar. — My leave to go to England came in the Folkestone by a person appointed to supply my place. I have only time to say that I shall be proud of your commands, when you may please to think me capable of rendering you any service. 107 John Eussell to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, March 26. Gibraltar. — I had the honour of being appointed storekeeper, clerk of the check and survey, on 12th July, and arrived here on the 8th Inst- by the Folkestone ; and on the 15th, agreeable to an order from Captain Forbes, began surveying the stores in Mr. Wallen's charge- There are here in store for the King of Sardinia, fifty-two cases of musket barrels, locks, screvps, and ramrods. Adam Hayes to the Same. 1746, March 26. Gibraltar. — Encloses a copy of his orders. Since his arrival, the artificers are employed preparing stone for building new storehouses on the new mole ; there is already a great quantity, but there are no men to carry on the work. The carpenters and caulkers are employed in obedience to your commands, as I was informed by Mr. Haswell, master attendant. I am on Mr. Russell's survey ; as there are but few stores, I hope we shall not be long about it. We are much distressed for want of shipwrights and caulkers, and for all manner of stores fit for the service. Enclosure : — Navy Boaed to Adam Hayes. 1745 [-6], January 29. — Appointing him to attend the duty of master shipwright at Gibraltar during the absence of Mr. Thomas Sims, who has six months' leave to return to England- Copy. John Stone to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, March 27. Gibraltar. — Has sent by the Bur ford a book containing the charges of the hospital for the Michaelmas quarter; it should have been sent before, but with the great number of returns required by the commissioners for sick and hurt, it was not finished. Another for Christmas shall be sent as soon as it can be got ready. The hospital remains much the same as when the admiral saw it. Eighteen invalids for England have been put on board the Folkestone. It would be well if an order to receive such men could be sent to captains bound to England. B. Maeiconb to the Same. 1746, [March 27-J April 7. Leghorn. — On the 5th inst. I received, through Mr. Goldsworthy, your letter of the 5th ulto (OS)'. By to-morrow's post I will send the extracts from it to Field Marshal Prince Lichtenstein , the Grand Chancellor Count Ulfeld, and to Cardinal Albani, thus repeating 108 what I had previously told them of the two frigates sent to the Adriatic with orders to Captain Willson to provide for the safety of the vessels laden with provisions and munitions of A\ar. The sending three vessels to cruise along the Eiviera, east and west of Genoa, has proved a most happy and well timed measure, for — as you will see from the annexed extracts — we have gained considerable advantages in Lombardy. If you send other ships to range along the coast from Nice as far as the States of Tuscany, they will be of great assistance to the war in Lombardy, which will soon be finished, if we judge by the situation in which the enemies now find themselves. Count Ulfeld sends me the following, under date, 23rd March. French. On Wednesday last we had news that all was quiet in Scotland. Some of the rebels had got away in ships, and some had escaped to the mountains, vvdiere they were lying hid. The ministers in London, observing the zeal and good will of our troops, have granted a subsidy of 400,000/ sterling. Letters from Holland mention that as the change in Scotland was not known at Dunkirk, divers Irish regiments in the service of France had embarked there. They will run great risk of meeting Admiral Byng, who is off Montrose; and in fact two large transports have already been taken by ships detached from the English fleet, and many prisoners of rank; among them, the Duke of Fitz James, T3'rconnel, and Eoth,* etc. The maritime powers have asked for a large number of troops from Dresden and Munich in return for subsidies ; ours, which have been sent, cannot now be far from the Low Countries, where the army will be commanded by Count Battiani, till the Duke of Cumberland arrives with the English troops. Italian. The Cardinal, on the 2nd inst., writes: — I suppose that, as regards the particular treaty of peace between the courts of Turin and Versailles, the trick of the French, by which they hoped to sow distrust between our allies, has this time turned out to their disadvantage, and has made them suspected by the Spaniards, who doubt their good faith, which more than anything must tend to undo them. Who would ever have thought such a change in our affairs in Italy possible, after the great disasters and losses of the past campaign ! From such happy beginnings I am hopeful of still greater successes, and of seeing the theatre of war closed in Lombardy, to be opened in some other provinces. Italian. The General Baron de Vettes writes to me from Mantua on the 31st ulto. : — Praised be God, the campaign is opening with his blessings. You know of the evacuation of Milan, so I will not say anything about it, but will relate what has happened in this neighbourhood. Early on the morning of the 27th, Count Nadasti attacked the tete du pont over the Crostolo, and after some resistance drove out the enemy with * Generals in the French army, but not near Scotland at this time. 109 a loss of about four hundred killed, whilst, of killed and wounded, we had not more than nineteen. After this Count Giorgio de Caraffa, who commanded at Guastalla, capitulated, surrendering himself as prisoner of war. The number of the enemy taken, what at Guastalla, what at the tete du pont, is one thousand four hundred and eighty, with nine flags and a standard. Of the men, most are Swiss and Albanians, with some Neapolitans. The day before yesterday, the 29th, Count Nadasti made a further advance and seized the two bridges over the Lenza,* the one at Sorbolo and the other at St. Prospero, about five miles from Parma, which cuts the Eoman road. The army of Count Brown has marched to Bercetto ; we are expecting news of it to-day, and I hope shall hear that Nadasti has entered Parma. Of the army of Prince Lichtenstein, I have no news except that on the 22nd it was at San Salvatore in the neighbourhood of Yalenza. We are expecting to hear that M. de Gages has quitted Pavia- With the exception of Barangay, all our troops have arrived; every one is in the best of spirits, and I hope my next batch of news may be even better than this. At Ponte Sorbolo we took two hundred men and thirty officers. French. I shall be careful to keep you informed of all the news that reaches me. The following to Maricone from Prince Lichtenstein, at Turin, on March 28 (NS), is in Maricone' s writing and clearly belongs to the foregoing, though it is not mentioned. I received your letters of the 4th, 7th, and 11th inst. all at the same time, and thank you for the news you send. I beg you to continue to send what you have. You have done excellently in insisting on the despatch of the two frigates to the Adriatic ; just now they are wanted for the protection of the victuals ; who knows but that they will prove equally useful for convoying troops. Meanwhile, matters in Italy have changed markedly to our advantage; we have not only retaken Asti and relieved Alessandria, but have forced the enemy to evacuate the Milanese, excepting Pavia, where the greater part of the Spanish force is now gathered; that of the French, after having lost some 12,000 men — what with prisoners and deserters — has retired into the mountains of Novi. We are just now besieging the Castello di Cassale, and shall I hope shortly reduce it. We shall then see what we are to do next. lixlract. Italian. Intelligence [from Maricone]. 1746, [March 27-J April 7. Leghorn. — On the 7th ult., a batallion of the Auxerrois regiment, which had been quartered * Sic, " Sur la Lenza " for Enza. 110 at Monaco, came to San Eemo and continued its march towards Sampierdarena. There, on the 29th, it was joined by a batahion of the regiment de la Fare, and the same day it continued its march. Other French bataUions, the number of which is not stated, were on the march from different parts of Provence and Dauphiny, but will not arrive for some time- Meanwhile, the commissaries have got together a quantity of corn, etc., at San Eemo, for the use of the troops on the march to Sampierdarena. On the preceding days, a body of I'iedmontese had shown itself at Trinita, near Nice, but after causing some alarm there, fell back to Sospello. Defensive preparations were being pushed on at San Eemo ; many couriers passed through in that week, and eight, Spanish or French, in twenty-four hours, on their way from Lombardy to Madrid or Paris. From Genoa on the 2nd inst. we have advices that ten bataUions were on their way from Provence and Dauphiny to reinforce the allies in Lombardy, and that others were under orders. The Government is, therefore, omitting no preparation for defence ; and a census has been taken with a view to the assessment of the parishes for an additional levy of 12,000 men. And, meanwhile, the bataUions of the city are dwindling away, as also are some others 'which have returned from Lombardy to the western Eiviera to protect it from the apprehended invasion. About a hundred bales of the baggage of the Infant, Don J'hilip, had already arrived at Sampierdarena, and the Prince himself was expected in the city, he having determined to send the force he had commanded to join the army of General de Gages in the Pavese. The French infantry were continuing to fall back from Sampierdarena to Kovi, and the cavalry, much weakened by want of forage, was waiting in the aforesaid town to recruit itself; the French commissary had made a contract for 20,000 cantars of hay for 20,000 sequins. General de Gages was making some movements in the Pavese, but with what object was not known. The republic, however, \\as not hopeful, considering the many recent disasters, which have frightened it not a little. It is especially apprehensive of bad results from the distrust which has sprung up between the French and Spanish. The Government, however, is flattering itself that there may be a similar breach between the Austrians and Sardinians on account of the treaty lately made between the courts of 1'urin and Versailles, and that some good may come out of it. But another letter from Genoa says that tlie Government was contemplating the despatch of two of tlie chief nobles to A lenna and to London, in hopes of preventing tlie dreaded hostilities. 'J'he report of the conspiracy of the garrison of fort Santa Maria of Spezia was quite unfounded. A galley was hastily sent there with soldiers, judge, and executioners, but found no culprits. Italian. Ill Cardinal Alessandeo Albani to Maeicone 1746, [Majch 29-J April 9. Eome.— Consequent on the notices they receive of the continued success of our arms and of the allies in Lombardy, the confusion in Naples increases daily. Some troops which were on the point of sailing for the Eiviera of Genoa have been landed again ; and at Terracina and other ports of the kingdom they have stopped the shipment of provisions destined for the Neapolitan army, which — it was feared — would very shortly be dispersed or reduced to a deplorable condition, by reason of the suspicions entertained against the French , and of the great 'losses they have suffered in the opening of the campaign. On the other hand they continue the forced levy of soldiers, who are confined in the fortresses to prevent desertion. The departure of the Duke of Salas, Secretary of State, is believed to be fixed; his place will be taken by the Marquis Fogliari, at present their minister at the Hague. I learn from Count I'ironi, the imperial consul at Ancona, that the two pilots appointed for the English frigates in the Adriatic are now there. He has been charged by the Baron di Fin, Commandant of Trieste, to attend to the business of convoying our transports ; on the good success of which, judging from the arrangements he has made, I confidently rely. Extract. Italian. Intelligence [from Maeicone]. 1746, Anril [3-]14. Leghorn. — From Genoa on the 9th inst., the news is confirmed that General de Gages has evacuated Pavia and marched with his whole army to Placentia ; that Marshal de Maillebois, in compliance with the order from his court to act in concert with De Gages, was remaining at Novi to augment his force with the troops from Sampierdarena, from Monaco and its neighbourhood and with those that were coming from France. It is certain that by a recent order from Paris the monthly payment of 600,000 francs is increased to 900,000. No one, however, believes in the large French reinforcement said to be on the march. A Genoese courier just arrived from Paris declares that he saw nothing of it. In consequence of the apprehensions of the Government, the five gates of the new walls are ordered to be blocked up, those della Lanterna and of Bisagno only being left open. The enrolment of men for the defence of the Western Eiviera is bein" hurried on, and it is in contemplation to send some troops to the Sarzanese on account of the movements of the Austrians on the side of Eeggio and Fivizano, in the view of descending on Ulla- , • . ., Anticipating that the appomted mustermg of the people will not yield a sufficient number for guarding their territories, the republic has written to Switzerland for a regiment to be raised for its service ; and meanwhile has published its ]12 manifesto in ansswer to those of the Court of Turin, of 2nd October, and of the Court of Vienna, of 3rd January last past- In Genoa, the Infant will reside in the palace of the Duke of Tursi ; but he will not be detached from the army till the permission comes from Madrid for General de Gages to make use of the troops in the personal service of his Royal Highness. Italian. James Henshaw to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, April 4. Tower Hill. — " I am not favoured with any of your commands since my last, which was February 27th, and there has so little happened of any moment since, that it was not worth while to trouble you with a letter. What Mr. Vernon foretold would be the consequence of sending ships and troops to Cape Breton in the rigorous season of the year, has been fully verified by the miscarriage of the transports froin hence and those from Gibraltar, and last of all by Admiral Townsend's attempt to get there with his squadron, in which we have too much reason to fear he has miscarried, as the Princessa is come to Spithead in a wretched condition, and gives a mortifying account of the rest. We are now preparing for a much larger transport for that place, there being no less than 6,000 tons of shipping taken up for that purpose. " Mr. Knowles is gone with the Norwich and Canterbury to take upon him the government of Cape Breton, for which he has a patent, and the command of all the King's ships there in the absence of a flag officer by commission. I think I told }'ou that Captain H. Osborn refused tliis government and command, and the reason given for it is said to be that there was only ±'500 a year tacked to the government. Mr. Knowles accepted of it in that manner, but he got i.500 more tacked to it afterwards. " The evidence at the court martial are nothing but a scene of contradiction. Captain I'owlett swore positively that ]\Ir. Lestock reefed. Captain Stepney and all Mr. L.'s officers swear they never did. Mr. IMathews protested against the proceedings of the court because they would not allow him to ask questions of the evidence but through the president, and then withdrew and came to London, but he was ordei'ed back, and his liberty restrained more than it was before. I am told that a memorial was presented to the King for him by Lord Talbot, complaining of the hardships he laboured under by the proceeding of the court. A few days after, a motion was made in the House of Commons to have all the proceedings laid before them, which is accordingly done, but there has been no vote yet in regard to them. ]Mr. L.'s assiduous and unwearied application, together with the command he has of his passions, gives him great advantages, and he has certainly an uncommon penetration as well as an improved understanding, which have shown themselves conspicuously in this affair. We will draw 113 a veil over the rest, though I think nothing can be said worse of a man than that his actions will not bear the light. He wrote a letter to the court martial and told them that he had no manner of objection to Mr. Mathews-' asking questions any way he thought fit ; and when Captain Powlett was roasting him he was as calm as Jupiter upon Olympus. Captain H. Osborn, at the close of his examination, declared that he thought that the miscarriage of the fatal day was owing to the misconduct of the vice-admiral. " The rebels still hold out, and it must be owned that they have done what men could do, but it's almost impossible they should now be supported by our enemies, whose losses in Italy and at Port Orient — where their vast magazine has been entirely consumed — have in all probability put it out of their power to do so much mischief as they purposed ; nay, we are told that some soft overtures have already come from the court of Madrid by the way of Lisbon, and that shouild they be found to be in earnest, Lord Chesterfield — who is sent for in a hurry — will be sent to the Spanish court. " We have had courts martial in abundance. Lord Forrester was cashiered; Captain Bury, upon the report of the court martiaJ, was struck off the list* ; Captain Cosby, for not chasing a ship, acquitted; Captain Webb, for not obeying orders, mulcted four months pay ; and we have more coming on. " I have not heard from Mr. Hardwick lately, and I fancy he has quitted his ship. I shall send you some fine old ling by the storeship, and the newspapers, etc., since those I sent by Captain Gregory." The Alcayd of Tetuan to General Hargeavb. 1746, April [10-] 21. Tetuan. — He renews former expressions of friendship and a desire for concord between the two nations. He requests the General's good offices for the collector of his dues, who with a servant is going to Gibraltar. Signed : — Jaigs Mohamet Temim, and also in Arabic. Spanish . Adam Hayes to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, April 21. Gibraltar. — Is much distressed by want of men to assist in the several services of the yard ; ask'S for an order to have twelve men, borne as laboureis, to be under his direction. April 25. — Asks to be supplied with a six oared boat, his duty often requiring him to be afloat. * March 21 1745-6, for unjustly disrating a midsliipnian so as to deprive liim of a corresponding share of prize money— The Court only pronounced it " an uniuBt procedure ; " but Boscawen, who was president, accompanied the hndmg of the Court -n-ith a letter— not now with the minutes— which seems to have guided the decision of the Admiralty. " Jn Letters," 6288. H 114 William Petticrbw to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, April 23. Gibraltar. — I have already informed you that the crew of the Inspector privateer, wrecked at Tangier, are, by orders of the Emperor, detained as security for the redemption money due to him ; and that if the demand was not speedily complied with, the people would probably be sent to Mequines, from which they would not be released without ransom and many difficulties. It now looks as if this may be prevented by a proper present being sent to the Emperor, who is still at Morocco. He has not been successful in subduing the southern provinces, which are struggling for their independence, and is in possession of but a small part of the country inland. Jambs Calder to [the Same]. 1746, May 2. Parkhouse, near Maidstone. — Enquiring about two boxes of papers and books which belonged to his late brother, Alexander Calder, who died, purser of the Boyne, about eighteen months ago- Mr. Sutherland, the surgeon of the Boyne, wrote that the boxes had been sealed and given in charge of Mr. Ives, the surgeon of the Dragon, then thought to be the first ship to come home; but on that being altered, Mr. Ives returned them to the Boyne ; but since then nothing has been heard of them. Will be greatly obliged if the admiral will order enquiry to be made, and have them sent home. Memorandum : — The two boxes were sent home by Mr. Thomas Winchelsea, deputy purser of the Barfleur. Samuel Ceawley, Consul, to the Same. 1746, May [6-] 17. Smyrna. — By a country boat, twenty- two days from Cyprus, I hear that Mr. Eobinson was there with a prize, and sent two more to Leghorn. As French vessels swarm on that coast and in these seas, he must be very unlucky if he does not pick up more. 1'here are here nine French vessels entirely laden, and four of them very rich, for Marseilles. It is said they will not depart till October, when M. de Lage is expected in these seas with three men of war. It is thought that he will not come higher than Malta, which will be the general rendezvous for all the Levant trade. As these merchant men will proceed to Malta alone, a couple of frigates cruising off Cerigo and to the southward of Candia would intercept many of them. William Pbtticeew to the Same. 1746, May 18. Tangier. — On my coming here, I found the Alcayd had peremptory orders from the Emperor to send the people up. However, I prevailed on him to let them wait at Ijarach till the return of a courier I was sending to the Emperor to assure him of our ambassador's coming, 115 and of the speedy compliance with his demands. The people left this yesterday morning, and a few hours after, met ten horsemen from the Emperor, now in Meqiiines, who were sent to bring them up immediately. This day they are gone, so that any farther endeavours of mine would be in vain. They will certainly not be released without a ransom and many exorbitant charges, besides unforeseen difficulties that are always started on such cases in this country. The people unanimously say that as they have been so neglected at home, they will go before the Emperor and turn Moors. I have done all I could to prevent this disaster. I gave them the subsistence you directed till the 26th inst.* As they were quite destitute of all necessaries, I divided a hundred dollars among them ; and as they were allowed only twenty mules, and travelling on foot at this season would have killed a number of them, I paid for twenty more, besides expenses on the horsemen and presents to the Emperor's ministers. You will judge the necessity of these circumstances being represented at home. William Petticrew to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, May 19. Tangier. — I wrote to you yesterday of the departure of the Alcayd with the poor people. It was with great difficulty and expense that I prevented myself being carried up with them. At his departure, the Alcayd told me I might go where and when I thought fit ; but I was not permitted to go on board the Spence this morning, "the deceitful African having privately left such orders, which causes me to believe his design is to get the Emperor to send for me." I have sent a messenger to him, and if he permits me to go off , I shall proceed with Captain Forbes to Gibraltar. If he does not, his intent must be as I have said, and I beg you will consider it is on a national affair and assist me with what will be necessary, as the least it will cost me will be about £400. The cattle that I have provided for the fleet run great risk. Part I will send to Gibraltar with Captain Forbes ; the rest — about seventy — must remain till you can send for them. The Same to the Same. Same date. — By the return of my messenger, the Alcayd refuses to let me go. He, as well as the Alcayd of Tetuan, thinks it very necessary for me to go up to the Emperor to prevent the people being condemned to slavery ; and says plainly that if I do not go the Emperor Avill send for me, and I must go up in disgrace. With your approval, I had better make a virtue of necessity and show my readiness. As it is for the public service, I am in hopes that you will supply me with what is necessary. The most frugal and well adapted * So written : presumably this is N.S. and date at top O.S. 116 present that I could carry, would be twenty barrels of powder, with 800 dollars for purchasing some other things and defraying expenses. The Alcayd gives me the strongest assurances that no boats shall be molested in his port, but as I was stopped just as the Spence's boat was coming on shore, I gave what I tlaought a necessary caution. W. Young* to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 1746, May 19. King Square Court. — I some time since acquainted you, in answer to your letter of the 9th January last, that I knew of no appointments of officers allowed Mr. Mathews, when he commanded in the Mediterranean, more than the customary ones, except a linguist, who is allowed 100/ a year, to be charged in your account of contingencies, and consequently to be appointed by you. I know of no contingent money Mr. Mathews had; when he was in want, I believe he drew on the commissioners of the navy; indeed, he was accountable to them for the same when he came home ; and his manner of doing it was by making out a contingent bill on account, and laying the same before one of the secretaries of state, who procured his Majesty's order for allowing the same. The nature of a contingent account will not, as I apprehend , be of any service to you while abroad ; when you come home I will get you a sight of Mr. Eowley's and Mr- Mathews' , by which you will frame your own. I am pleased to hear the character you gave of my son.t As he chose to stay abroad with you rather than come home, T hope he will make good the opinion you had of his being a lucky cruiser; and in order to try him, when you have an opportunity, I could wish he may be one sent to cruise off Cadiz and so to Lisbon. Those things, I am told, have been done ; nay, that the service requires the same to be done, and that frequently ; but you know best. The rebellion is, we hope and believe, quite at an end by the glorious success of the Duke of Cumberland ; but in order to put it out of the power of the Highlanders to disturb us any more by their rebelling in favour of a popish pretender, it is thought his Royal Highness will traverse all the Highlands , ferret those robbers out of their holes and fastnesses, and thereby disable them from ever attempting the like again. You well know that I am no great retailer of news, and will therefore excuse my not saying anything on that head ; only I can't help telling you that the court martial at Deptford have not yet gone through with Mr. Lestock, nor never will, I apprehend, if the gentlemen who compose that court stick to the resolution they came to on Friday last, a copy of which I herewith send you ; by which you will see these gentlemen imagine themselves, during their being upon the court martial, * His name appeals in the list of the Commissioners of Greenmeh Hospital. t James Young, captain of the Dunkirk, 117 no more liable to an action at law than a peer or a member during the sitting of Parliament. What is fhere called an arrest of the president, they are mistaken in; it was only notice given Mr. Maine, in his chariot, when in town, I think, to appear by his attorney in the court of common pleas, I think in November next. However, the court was so fired at first, that they resolved to impeach the Lord Chief Justice of that court before the Parliament, for the indignity — as they imagine — he had oflered to theirs ; but that matter, upon more mature consideration, was dropped. Postscript : — I wrote you a few lines the 17th inst. in favour of Lieutenant William Hamilton. I wish with all my heart you would serve him, and you would much oblige yours most faithfully. Eev. St.weley Paekek. to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, May [19-]30. Lisbon. — He was for some years in the service, but for the last three has been chaplain of the factory at Lisbon. He proposes to continue there, but begs for a warrant as chaplain of a ship. He couldn't — it is true — perform his duty aboard, but he could endeavour to make up the deficiency by attending the Hospital. He has always been willing to do that, but in three years has never once been sent for, and his visits, unasked, might be looked on as impertinent unless he had a proper order to make them. And so the sick and dying seamen, being under the care of a Eomish surgeon, are exposed to the temptation of Irish priests. Mrs. Parker to the Sajie. 1746, [May 21-]June 1. Lisbon. — Hopes that her husband may be appointed chaplain of one of the ships. Trusts that the admiral will not be less kind than the captain, who treated her with great civility at Portsmouth. Cash Account. 1746, [May 22-]June 2. Leghorn. — Statement of account by John Birtles, with cost of different artices purchased for the Admiral, including: — 6 dozen champagne wine An embroidered waistcoat 19 braces of pink lutestring 19 braces of white damask 18 braces of Maltese silk, at 8 15 pair of dove coloured silk serge, at 3/ 3s. 8 : (J A crimson embroidered waistcoat ... 73 : 8 2 sets of gold and silver buttons ... 15 : 10 57 : 6] : 5 14 : 5 20 : 11 24 : 1 8 8 118 A box . containing 7J palmes crimson velvet, at il 10s. per pme ; 45 pmes white serge de soye, at sols 24 per pme; and one dozen of women's gloves; in all 97/ 10s., at 51 9s., is 17 : 17 : 9 [The account is in pezzi di otto (dollars) , though the several prices are given in lire, tohich are differently valued at 51 9s., 5fZ, and 61 to the pezzo. At Leghorn, both lire and pezzi were divided into 20 and 12]. Horace Mann to [? Captain Townshend]. 1746, [May 24-]June 4. Plorence. — I am not informed whether my letter of the 28th ult. has been sent to you. I am extremely impatient for a conveyance for this, that I may know when you design to send a ship to the admiral. I believe the despatches here for him are of such importance, that in any case a ship ought to go, if only to carry them. As you told me that any ship going to the admiral must first come to Leghorn for water and other necessaries, I send this at once, without waiting till I can prepare my letter for the admiral. " By the courier that brought these packets to my hands, I received many letters which point out to me, in a great measure, the contents of those to the admiral ; one principal circumstance of which is, that it is the opinion of the Lords of the Admiralty and of the Ministry that it is in vain to persist in the enterprize against Corsica, as you will see by the extracts which I herein enclose of the letters I have received from Marquis de Gorsegno and ]\Ir. Villettes, by which you will observe the great reluctancy and with what concern the King of Sardinia gives up this point, purely in compliance to the sentiment of our court. This, however, being the case, the first circum- stance to be considered is to do it with as much delicacy as possible with regard to the honour of the courts that promised the malcontents of Corsica their protection, and in order that those unhappy people may not be exposed to the vengeance of the Genoese and fall a sacrifice to it, as many have already done. This point you will see is recommended very par- ticularly to me to concert with you, and which I most willingly engage in, being persuaded that the above motive, and particularly that of humanity, will be as strong with you as it is with me, to succeed in this commission and save the lives of so many deluded people, whose situation is really deplorable, and the more so as they have been drawn into it by their reliance on the strongest promises of protection. I shall take no step in this affair till I know your sentiments about it, and till I am informed what notices you may have conveyed to them already, both on your first return in these seas and in consequence of the discourses we had together on this subject, as well as the last letter I wrote to you ; and 119 as the safety of those people must be our first and principal point, it will be extremely necessary to execute it in the best manner that lays in our power, before it be known that the enterpnze itself is to be abandoned. " It is needless for me to repeat to you what Mr. Villettes says in his letter on this subject, neither am I persuaded that any indirect means of conveying that notice to them, as he mentions, would produce the effect, as the chief malcontents would hardly rely upon it. I must own, therefore, that it 13 my opinion the most effectual way to do it would be to send a ship to San Fiorenzo, under pretence of enquiring into the state of their affairs, and give the commission to anyone in whose experience and dexterity you can confide, who by degrees might let them know that you see plainly they will not be able to maintain their engagement to conquer the island and drive the Genoese out, which they offered to do with the assistance only of two or three ships, which they have had in a much greater number ; but that a squadron can do no more than you have already done, and that it is plain they cannot subsist long in the way they are in , or have hopes of bringing their engagement to a happy issue; which being the case, it would be better to desist from it without shedding any more blood or exposing themselves to any further dangers. Such a discourse would naturally lead them to ask assistance for securing their persons, which the gentleman you send may then offer them, and particularly to transport any of them to Sardinia ; and if at the same time any number of the Genoese, or those in their party, could be secured there, or by any other of your ships on the coast of Genoa, it might facilitate the means of the chief malcontents making their peace afterwards, and likewise deter the Genoese from punish- ing any that might have the misfortune to fall into their hands. " I offer you these hints only as my opinion. I might perhaps be able to find means to convey indirect notices to them that the squadron is not to assist them any more, but I fear such would have no effect, and you will observe by Mr. Villettes' letter that according to the conferences be has had with the King of Sardinia's ministers, it is not thought proper that I should appear openly in it, or that they should even guess from whence the notice comes. In the manner I have mentioned of your sending a ship to S. Fiorenzo under pretence of enquiring into the affairs, and the person whom you send starting difficulties about the probability of their being able to proceed with any hopes of success, the consequence of their demanding the means of securing themselves by a retreat will naturally arise from themselves, so that it will appear their own proposal. In order to add force to those insinuations and induce them to come to our point, it may not be improper to let drop in discourse that the animosities among themselves have been the sole cause of the ill success ; that therefore, they have nobody to blame but themselves, as they have had the assistance for many months of more 120 ships than they asked for, and that this was all the assistance the}^ demanded ; for the deputies whom they sent to Turin never once mentioned the want either of money or troops from abroad; but, on the contraiy, asserted that all the inhabitants would rise and procure their own liberty, provided two or three ships were stationed to prevent the Genoese landing regular troops in the island ; and that on those assurances the enterprize was begun. I am very sensible of the delicacy of this commission, both with regard to the honour of the powers who engaged in the enterprize, and with regard to the security of those \vlio, on the assurances given them, took up arms. The execution of it, therefore, requires mature deliberation, and as at this distance I cannot say anything more particular relating to it, I have thought it necessary to send you extracts of the letters which I have received about it, that you may be as fully informed of the affair as I am. I beg, however, that you will take no notice of this in case jou write to Mr. Villettes, but that you will favour me with your sentiments on these points as soon as possible. "^'ou will see that both Marquis de Gorsegno and Mr- ^'illettes persist in advising you to secure some principal Genoese as the sole means of procuring tolerable conditions for the unhappy people who may fall into their hands ; and farther, that you should call on jNIessrs. Eossi and Saluzzi to return to your ship. This I must leave totally to you ; I had proposed that those people should be sent to Sardinia, by which means you will be eased of the trouble of them. As to the stationing your ships on the coast of Genoa to prevent embarkations getting there, you are undoubtedly the best judge. I cannot, however, help repeating to you that it has been constantly represented to me by people who have long resided in Genoa, that Porto Fino and Cape Delle Melle are two points of great consequence, and that if even one ship was stationed at each of those places with orders to cruise backwards and forwards, so as to meet and cross each other, nothing could pass. " In Lombardy nothing has happened of consequence since my last letter. ]3y the freshest accounts, the Spaniards still remained at Piacena, and the Austrian army very near them. Prince Lichtenstein had sent for artillery from Parma with a design, as was believed, to attack the Spaniards in their entrenchments. The King of Sardinia's troops are uniting near Alessandria ; he was to be at the head of his army in a few days, and would probably march towards M. de Maillebois, who would in all likelihood retire on his approach ; in which case he would leave the state of Genoa open to the King of Sardinia's troops." The Duke of Cumberland's success is looked upon as a decisive blow for the rebels, and it appears the advantages increase daily. Public rejoicings have been made all over England, and it is said that Parliament will increase the Duke's income from £15,000 to £40,000. The Hessian troops 121 will be sent to Flanders; probably also a body of English, and the Duke to command there ; but he desires to put a total end to the rebellion in Scotland before he leaves it. Copy. William Mawman to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, [May 27-]June 7. Lisbon.— Captain Hardy and Captain Weller being now on departure, I cannot let slip so good an opportunity without paying you my best com- pliments. I am heartily sorry your commands for some Lafitte wine did not come some months sooner, when I could have secured for you some of what came last winter, which is now almost all drunk out, and what remains is in such hands as will as soon part with their children as their wine. Next season I will secure for you whatever you will order, the certainty of which I ought to know in August or September. I understand that these two men of war do not take in any money for Italy, because so little has been offered that it is not worth their while. This will not happen to the next ship you order this way. I say this, because probably I shall be the person that will ship the King of Sardinia's money, which some of my friends in London have contracted for. I should take it as a favour if you will give me a hint when we may expect another conveyance to Italy ; you may depend it shall go no further. Honest Prank Warden, our builder, tenders you his best compliments, and desires I would mention his brother Jack to you. Our friends, Maynes, beg leave to recommend the surgeon of the Roebuck to your protection. The great honour you do me is the cause of another humble address to you from the Eev. Mr. Parker, chaplain to the factory, whose lady — I apprehend — you will remember at Portsmouth. Her living here brings them into a larger expense than he is well able to bear. I am ignorant whether what he petitions for can be granted ; but as he lives well with the factory and is an excellent preacher, I should esteem it very much if it be in your power to help him. Francis Warden to the Same. 1746, [May 27-] June 7. Lisbon.- — I could not omit so good an opportunity as this by the Guernsey to enquire after your health, which I hope you enjoy. Captains Hardy and Weller will gather all the news they can to relate to you. The former spoke to me for some caulkers to carry to Gibraltar, but I could not prevail with any of these Welsh rascals to go at present ; the warning was too short, and twenty other ridiculous excuses. As Captain Hardy told me the terms they were to go on, if I can persuade any of them to proceed for Gibraltar, I will advise you. I have taken the liberty to send by the Guernsey half-a- hogshead of excellent arrack, which I hope you will accept of. 122 Enclosed are the Eoman Catholic ministers' letters to our principal secretaries of state, with their answers, which are reckoned very good. Likewise a droll, comical advertisement on the young knight errant and his brother, which may have escaped you- Enclosures : — Missing. Abraham Castres to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, [May 27-]June 7. Lisbon. — Acknowledges Medley's letters and his despatches for England, which were duly for- warded. Congratulates him on the important command he has been honoured with. There have been so many reports of the Spanish squadron at Cartagena being ordered to get ready for sea, that he is very glad to learn that Medley is on the coast, as also that the Spanish ships are in want of a good deal of repair. In any case they will not care to put to sea whilst Medley is in the neighbourhood. He continues : — ' ' I think it a particular happiness that I should have it in my power, by the first letter I have had occasion to trouble you with, to wish you joy of a complete victory obtained over the rebels by his Eoyal Highness, the Duke, near Inverness, on April 16th (O.S.), a full account of which you will find in the several gazettes that go herewith. When you have perused them all, I need not have added that by all the public as well as private accounts I have received of this glorious affair, solely the work of our young hero, it has put a final period to the horrid and unnatural rebellion we have been plagued with for so many months. "I have nothing either from Elanders or Italy worth mention- ing to you. The French King, as the last letters from Paris will have it, had taken possession of Mechlin and was marching towards the allies, to drive them, if possible, from their advantageous camp behind the Dyle. Our successess in Italy seem to be at a stand, a detachment of 4,000 men of Count Brown's army having been defeated by a much larger body of Spaniards, and Marechal Maillebois having again taken possession of Aqui, and dislodged the King of Sardinia from all his small ports in the Tortonese. ' ' They write confidently from Paris that the Brest squadron had set sail on May 8th (N.S.) with a large quantity of trans- ports, but whither bound, no one can tell. The Ferrol squadron, which it was so long reported was to have joined the French, is still at the Groyne, and by all accounts will not so soon be fit to put to sea again." The Same to the Same. 1746, [May 28]June 8. Lisbon.— I had promised Mr. Parker, chaplain to this factory, to mention him in my letter of yesterday ; but it having gone out of my head, and my 123 packets being already on board the Jersey, I trouble you with these lines apart — not to solicit any favour for him, as having no sort of title to apply to you in his or any other gentleman's behalf, but — merely to observe to you that if the thing he desires can be done, it will be of great service to our poor stragglers in the Hospital, which has been constantly filled with British sailors, particularly since the beginning of this war. Mr. Parker is a most worthy man, and the factory has a very high regard for him. Postscript : — Captain Hardy having passed the Castles before this could be got down to him, I am obliged to forward it by way of Faro. Victualling Board to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1746, May 30, — The four victuallers of which we advised you in our letter of the 14th inst., are still at Spithead waiting for convoy. Part of the flesh and suet on board them has been cured after three different methods by way of experiment, and the beef cut into eight, the pork into four pound pieces. The casks containing this are marked A, B, and C, to dis- tinguish the different sorts from each other, and from the other cut into four and two pound pieces, according to the usual method of this office, which is marked D. You will please to let us know, on their coming to be issued, whether the double pieces have any advantage over those cut in the common way. You will also please to order two casks of beef and two of pork of each experiment, and two of the flesh cut and cured in the common method of this office, to be reserved on board such ships as you shall judge proper, and kept always full of pickle for twelve months, and at the end of that time to be sent to England by some man of war. Signed. John Le Keux* to the Same. 1746, May-June. Will's Coffee House. — I fear the several letters I have written to you may have been miscarried, as I have not heard from you for some months, though we do get occasional news of you from the newspapers. Our last accounts were that from off Cartagena you had gone to Gibraltar ; but this they say does not prevent the Spaniards landing troops, etc., in Italy, nor the Neapohtans sending provisions to Genoa. From Leghorn we hear that the two men of war that were off Kaples are gone to Trieste to convoy the Austrian troops on some expedition ; and as none have been sent to replace them, the Neapolitan vessels had got safely away to Genoa. The Court of Vienna are surely not thinking of attacking Naples; their last faux pas in leaving the King of Sardinia to shift for himself should be a warning * His name appears in the Treasury Papers, as " a lottery manager." 124 to them. If the Austrians and Piedmontese act together, they may drive both Spaniards and French out of Lombardy ; it would then be time enough to follow them to Naples. I hope these whims of the Court of Vienna may not drive our hero, the King of Sardinia, to a neutrality rather than be again exposed to lose his own dominions. From letters that come here, we learn that some persons are not very well pleased that things should be carried with so high a hand as they are in the Mediterranean ; this is also much talked of at Portsmouth. We don't mind such reports, but it's as well you should know that you have enemies as well as other commanders-in-chief ; though perhaps as few as anybody. We frequently drink your health at the Grievance Office, and wish you health and success. " Captain Berkeley seems to be in declining way. Mr. Byng is to join you, and Mr. Mayne goes to relieve Davers as soon as the court martial is over; the complainants against him, both at home and from Jamaica, having gained their point. "Mr. Vernon, from a mistaken zeal , by endeavouring to make himself popular, in publishing his own letters to the Board, has so displeased the King that he is taken off the list of admirals. So there is a good, honest, well meaning man quite out of the service — which he gives himself very little trouble about. Mr. Martin is cruising to the westward, while the Brest squadron is gone to Eochelle, bound, it is supposed, for Cape Breton." The court martial would have been ended last week and Mr. Lestock — it is said — honourably acquitted, but the judge advocate being charged with some partial practices, in favour of Mr. Mathews and in order to hurt Mr. Lestock, the court adjourned till the deputy-judge came to town. The crime seems so great as to give room to believe he will be displaced. And since this, Lord Chief Justice Willes has granted a writ against Sir Chaloner [Ogle], Mayne, Kentone, and all those who were on the court martial at Jamaica on Lieutenant Fry ; such has been the partiality of this judge against the sea-corps. Upon which Mr. Mayne, the president of the present court, adjourned it, determining to sit no more nor bear these insults any longer, till Parliament had explained their power. But upon the Duke of Newcastle complaining to the King, he was pleased to order the court to proceed, for he would inquire into the affair and prevent these things for the future. So that we reckon the judge will have a rap on the knuckles. With all that has been said against Lestock, it is thought the other will be capitally convicted — things, it is said, appear so black. Let but justice be done and the saddle put upon the right horse. I reckon that as soon as Lestock's trial is ended, they go on with the other, which will soon be over. As to our rebellion, we have killed and taken near 6,000 of the rebels, which we hope will soon put an end to it. The court martial came to a resolution to charge Lord Chief Justice Willes with partiality in regard to the proceedings 125 against the sea-officers, and were unanimous ; and I am af eared have made a faux pas for want of taking advice from counsel ; for my Lord calls it a libel, and intends to prosecute every member of the court. Postscript : — " There is one Eobert Dugdale, a mate in the Burford, Captain Strange, who, I am told, is a very honest, good officer. If you find him such, I wish you'd make him a lieutenant on board some ship in the fleet under your command." Mr. Lestock is acquitted [June 3] , made admiral of the blue [June 5], and kissed the King's hand. It is thought Mr. Eowley will be tried. John Le Kedx to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, June [4-] 10. Will's Coffee House. — The court martial acquitted Mr. Lestock yesterday. He was tried upon every article laid to his charge, and to every article, reasons are given for acquitting him honourably, so that in the whole the charge is looked upon as a malicious endeavour on the part of Mr. INIathews to ruin Lestock and to clear himself. His own trial comes on the 16th inst. "It's thought he'll be capitally convicted, and that Mr. Lestock will prosecute him for false imprisonment, etc., and will also bring Mr. Eowley to a court martial, who they say will hardly be able to clear himself. But these things are nothing to me, any otherwise than to give you an account of what is done and said at home. It's now reported that Mr. Lestock is to command the westward squadron ; for they say how comes it , a war with France and Spain, and but two admirals employed at sea in Europe, Mr. Medley and ]\Iartin? both good men, but surely there ought to be more flags with them. Sir John Norris, Haddock, Vernon, Sir Chaloner [Ogle] , Anson, Vere, Mathews, Eowley, in all likelihood will not go to sea any more, so that there is only Mr. Medley, Martin, Davers, Mayne, Byng, and Steuart that can be employed. But we have a very hot talk of a peace being soon made; there is certainly a plan come over from the King of Prussia, which has been sent to Vienna, Paris, and Holland. I hope you'll have made yourself quite easy, and have got a plentiful fortune before that's concluded, which is what all your friends wish, because you so much deserve it. " There are accounts from the Mediterranean that hint people are not quite pleased with things — as they say — being carried with too high a hand. It comes from Portsmouth, so that you see you are not without some enemies as well as other great men ; yet I dare venture to say you have as few as anybody, and though this is of no great signification, yet I thought proper as a friend to give you notice, that you might perhaps give a guess from whence this discourse should arise. " Mr. Mayne goes to relieve Mr. Davers in September, the complainants having gained their point, and he is to come 126 home. As to Mr. Byng, he can't come to you till the court martial is over ; and who knows what alterations may be made or how matters may go between this and then. The Board go on as usual. Mr. Anson has a pretty good share of power there, as well as Lord Sandwich. ' ' The news of a peace is all over. There are twelve regiments ordered to Flanders, and the secret expedition that General Sinclair was to have commanded is laid aside, and we shall only send a reinforcement to Cape Breton. Mr. Lestock is made admiral of the blue, and has since kissed the King's hand; and as soon as Mr. Mathews' trial is over, he is to command in the Channel or go to the Mediterranean ; and this is the best account I am able to give you of what passes at home. " I find the Austrians have not followed their success, but as usual go on slowly — and more so when in want of money. We shall have 90 or 100,000 men in Flanders next month, then we shall attack the monsieurs. The Duke is expected here in ten days, the rebellion being as good as over and the Pretender got off. There is a bill of attainder against thirteen of the chiefs of one degree or other, and another lately come from Scotland of forty more. What we shall do with them I can't say; some example must be made." " Lady Margaret sends her compliments to you." [The letter seems to have been on hand for nearly a week ; the date (June 10th) is at the end] . William Caylby to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, June [12-]23. Faro. — I have just now received your letter of May 20th off Cartagena, where we had heard you v^ere gone upon intelligence that the Spanish squadron was preparing to put to sea. This gave me some concern, as I had been assured that a very rich register ship from Buenos Ayres was daily expected (which is since arrived), and was therefore apprehensive that any new dispositions of the Spanish squadron might be only a feint to draw you that way, as well as to facilitate the safe arrival of that register ship, as the departure of the several others outward bound, which were mentioned to you in my last, and, according to advices from Cadiz of the 14th instant, were still in the Bay with two others belonging to the Guipuscoa Company that arrived from America in April last, and are now going from Cadiz to Biscay. But they will no doubt all of them be for seizing the present occasion of getting out, unless two English privateers, the one of forty, the other of twenty-four guns, which were lately on this coast and are gone before Cadiz, should prevent it. The register ship from Buenos Ayres arrived the 4th instant , and brought three hundred thousand pieces of eight in register, and, it is thought, out of register, about two hundred thousand more, besides eighteen thousand hides and a large parcel of 127 vicuna wool. Another register ship arrived there the clay following (the 5th) from Perrol, where she came not long ago from the Havana with a cargo of tobacco, which was landed at Ferrol, so that she was of small value. As soon as the news of your having repassed the Straits was received at Cadiz, five or six tartans were despatched to cruise as some people imagine for Monsieur Eeggio, whom they would have to be on his way from the Havana with the treasure that has been so long lying there; a conjecture, however, not very probable, because that admiral is not I am told expected before the autumn, and it is generally believed will then come to Ferrol or some port on that side of the kingdom, and not to Cadiz. The service on which those tartans were sent was, I understand, to range the sea as far as Cape St. Vincent, and examine how many of his Majesty's ships you had left behind you, and on what stations they chiefly kept; that the outward bound register ships might thereupon be the better able to take the proper measures for proceeding with safety. Postscript : — The Brest squadron is sailed, and it is thought to Cape Breton. Lefroy and Charron to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, June [12-] 23. Leghorn. — Statement of account. — " There are no Portugal pieces to be had, so that the best coin to send you was milled dollars, which are also become very scarce." Navy Board to the Same. 1746, June 13. — We are very well satisfied with your un- loading the Princess Royal storeship at Gibraltar, and are glad you have met with so seasonable a supply of masts from the Dutch ships you mention. The Portsmouth storeship, which sailed from Deptford on the 24th of February last, is still at Spithead; the Britannia, with 850 tons of stores for Gibraltar, has been detained at Spithead for convoy since the beginning of April. Signed. John Le Keux to William Grove, Secretary to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746 June 17. Will's Coffee House. — I have written several letters to Mr. Medley, but have not heard of their reaching him. I hope this, which goes by private hands to Gibraltar, will come We have been frightened out of our wits, what with our affairs not going well in Flanders and the damned Scotch rebellion, which is over, and the Duke expected in town in a few 128 days. The rebels were 9,000, and beat by 6,000 of our troops ; since which, including killed in the battle, with prisoners and those who have laid down their arms and submitted to the King's mercy, there is not 100 of them left. As a lady said, we gave them a good bleeding in the battle, and since a good purging. " ]\Iathew's trial came on on Monday last [13]. Lestock's charge is so heavy against him, that it is generally believed he'll be a lost man. Lestock was honourably acquitted, and to every article a reason annexed for so doing ; he is made admiral of the blue, and is to command in the Channel or Mediterranean — I believe the former. It's thought Mr. Eowley will hardly escape being tried. I have been told it will appear that he, as well as Mathews, fairly ran away — a bad article to be tried on. " The Commons and Lords are still sitting, and will not be up this month. We are in hopes of driving the French from their conquests in Flanders at the end of this month, or are to try it as soon as "the reinforcements arrive. We are sending more troops there. All is quiet and well at home. " I have desired Mr. Medley to make one Eobert Dugdale, in the But ford, who is a mate, a lieutenant in some sloop or ship if he deserves it. Captain Strange will give him a character. I wish you'd put Mr. Medley in mind of it, for fear it should slip his memory in the hurry of business." Vice-Admieal Medley to Captain Gardiner of the Feversham. 1746, June 18. Russell at sea. — When you have performed the service in the Adriatic agreeable to my former instructions, and have returned to Port Mahon, you are with all despatch to careen, refit, and complete with provisions, and proceed and join Captain Townshend of the Bedford, and put yourself under his command. William Cayley to Vice-Admiral Medley 1746, [June 24-] July 5. Faro. — Since my last of June 23rd, I have had advice of the arrival of two register ships at Ferrol, the one from Vera Cruz, the other from Buenos Ayres or the South Seas, both very rich ; and I wish that Monsieur Eeggio, whose coming with the treasure from the Havana is still warmly talked of, may not go to the same part of the kingdom, and of consequence be out of your reach. The outward bound register ships continue all at Cadiz, as does the Glorioso man of war at the Caracas. The death of Mr. Winnington you will see has occasioned several removals. 129 Abraham Castees to Vice-Admiral Medley- 1746, July [1-]12. Lisbon. — Acknowledges the receipt of Medley's letter of May 29th (O.S.) with a packet for England, which would be forwarded at once. He hopes the admiral duly received his letter enclosing an account of the victory gained near Culloden. By later news from England, it seems that the rebels were totally dispersed ; those of the lower sort had laid down their arms and returned to their homes ; the chiefs had either surrendered or been taken prisoners. He continues : — " It was the general opinion in London, by our last letters of June 3rd, that the young Italian had made his escape, with five or six of his principal adherents, on board two large French privateers who had been laying in wait for him upon the coast of Lochaber ; but what we are much surprised at is to find there is no account yet of his arrival in any of the French ports, though we have letters from Paris of June 21st (N.S.), which makes most people believe he chose to land in some port of Norway. It is generally said the Duke of Perth died of the wounds he received at the battle of Culloden. ' ' I am now to give you joy of another action greatly to the advantage of the Queen of Hungary, and much to the honour of the Prince de Lichtenstein. All we know of it as yet is that the battle was fought on June 16th (N.S.), under the walls of Placentia, and that the Court of Spain confess they lost that day about six thousand men, whilst most of the private letters from Madrid agree the loss amounts to between eleven and twelve thousand, including French, Genoese, and Neapolitans. In the account I have seen, they also add that upon the news of this glorious action, the King of Sardinia, who had been raising heavy contributions in the Genoese state, had bent his march towards Placentia, in order to hem in the rest of the French and Spanish army (iMaillebois having joined Count de Gages a few days before the battle) ; so that it was believed the broken remains of the combined army would be obliged to surrender prisoners of war for want of provisions. If so, there is an end of the Queen of Spain's pretensions to an establishment for Don Philip in Italy. " As to the situation of affairs in Flanders, you will doubtless have heard that the Castle of Antwerp had surrendered, and that the French have actually laid siege to Mons and Charleroi. The allied army were still encamped about Breda, receiving daily reinforcements from Germany ; and as the Dutch had absolutely rejected the offers of a neutrality, it is no longer doubted but that they will heartily join in a war against France, unless they soon find means to bring about a general and solid pacification, which some people imagined there was great hopes of a month ago, there having been put a sudden stop to the embarkation of twelve thousand of our troops that were desio-ned for Flanders. But whether this late action at Placentialnay not totally subvert this pacific system, time only can show. 130 " I have nothing further to trouble you with by this occasion, and as I have reason to believe this will meet you at Gibraltar, I must beg the favour of you to impart the contents of this to General Hargrave, and to acquaint him, with my best com- pliments, that I have received his letter of the 8th of June, which I intend to answer as soon as I have received a full and distinct account of the affair near Placentia." John Le Keux to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, July 2. — " Mr. Mathews trial goes on, and every day it appears more and more to his disadvantage. Mr. Martin has let the Brest fleet slip by him, which has set the people in the city in great rage against him ; nothing but calling him to a court martial will satisfy them. He's quite out of favour at Court as well as over the way. Low as the navy had sunk before this happened, it has brought it a peg lower. He's gone to Ireland, and if he does not find the Monsieurs there, he proposes to mend the matter by coming to Plymouth with the foul ships, and to leave the command of the fleet to Commodore Boscawen. Admirals in these cases were used to keep the seas and send the oldest captain into port with the foul ships ; but our wife is at Plymouth. The city folk say he's too great a beau to do anything at sea. " It's not certain as yet whether Mr. Rowley will be tried or not ; it will all depend upon what Mr. Mathews may say of him when he comes to make his defence. All our friends are well at the Grievance Office. We are very busy in the preparations to try the rebels, and we hope some example will be made to deter them for the future." Horace INIann to Arthur Villettes. 1746, July [4-]16. — " The last letter which I wrote to you departed hence early on Tuesday morning, the 12th inst. The same evening, late, I received a packet from Mr. Townshend with the inclosed for you, which, in consequence of the per- mission you formerly gave me, I opened in order to see whether Mr. Townshend had sent you copies of the letters he had received from Count Eivarola and others ; that in case he had not I might inclose them to you, with others that were consigned to me the day after by the Abbe Zerbi, Eivarola's nephew, in answer to the letter I wrote to him the 14th of last month (a copy of which I then sent you), and with which Mr. Townshend sent a ship to San Fiorenzo on purpose, with a view, as you know, to provide for the safety of the principal malcontents of that island. Eivarola, however, sent that ship back immediately, nor would accept the party* I proposed, for the reasons he alleges in his letter; as neither •French, "parti." 131 he or his friends can resolve to abandon the enterprise, and by that means expose so many of their adherents to the vengeance of the Genoese, at a time that, by being masters of the whole country except the garrisons, they flattered themselves with a complete success ; and so much the more as the Genoese are so straitened in those garrisons that they cannot go to any distance from them. " I had much discourse with Abb^ Zerbi and Captain Luri, nor could avoid hearing their complaints, to the justness of which I had nothing to object ; and though I concealed to them my opinion, yet I cannot help thinking it is the utmost cruelty in the Courts of Vienna and Turin to abandon these people, after having been the sole cause of their revolt. " However, I confined my discourse to the contents of my letter to Eivarola and the necessity of providing for their safety. The Abb^, in the utmost dispair, and seeing all the horror of their situation, made bitter complaints that they had not received the least assistance from the Courts of Vienna and Turin, notwithstanding the promises of protection by their patents, the reliance upon which was the motive of their rising ; they having been convinced that without some assistance from those courts by land to second the operations by sea, the squadron alone could do nothing. ' ' This is so precisely what I have represented from the very beginning to Marquis de Gorsegno, that I could not help feeling the whole force of it ; but that minister has always avoided giving me any particular answer to that point, or indeed [saying] what either his court or that of Vienna meant by their patents and promises of protection, if they did not design to do anything for the Corsicans ; for I think it is not possible that either of them could suppose that ships alone could conduct the enterprise to a happy conclusion ; and, as I have mentioned to you before, were that the case, the patents of those two courts would have been totally useless. " I am very sorry to observe, by the Marquis de Gorsegno's letter, and by the discourses of other dependents of his court, that it is to be supposed that England has abandoned the enterprise, though it was undertaken with the consent of Admiral Bowley and with your approbation — which are the words of his letter, though I am very well persuaded that neither of you meant any more than that the squadron should assist and bear its part, on a full persuasion that the two courts, which were likewise engaged in it, should comply with what they promised by their patents. Those, therefore, who have failed on their part, most justly are to be taxed with abandoning the enterprise and with all the consequences of it, by rendering totally useless all the operations by sea, which were so early and so effectually granted and would have been continued, as it is plain from Mr. Medley's having sent Mr. Townshend back again to these seas with some ships and a train of artillery proper to be landed. But you may remember that the admiral wrote at the same time, and 132 desired me likewise to represent to the Court of Turin, that he expected the operations by sea should be supported by land ; and desired that court to reflect that, otherwise, the efforts of the squadrons would avail nothing. ' ' The perfect knowledge of all these circumstances shews plainly with how little reason the blame is shifted upon England alone ; but still you will imagine I concealed them to Abbe Zerbi- Though his complaints would have been so much more justly addressed to a minister of the Court of Turin or Vienna than to me, I still returned to my point, and told him that all I could do was to contribute towards the safety of the person of his uncle and his friends, and that the means of doing it should not be wanting ; a proof of which they had received by one of his Majesty's ships having been sent to them purely for that purpose. To this he replied, with tears in his eyes, that it was a very poor consolation to reflect that a few of the chiefs might be saved at a time that so many hundred families would be exposed to the vengeance of the most cruel tyrants ; that his uncle, being in the immediate service of the King of Sardinia, neither could or would accept the party I proposed without an absolute order from his master ; and that being charged with letters from his uncle for Marquis de Gorsegno, he proposed carrying them himself, as Mr. Glerico had advised him. He wanted to have my approbation, but I would by no means give it him, as I believe his presence will be un- grateful, and so much the more as his complaints are just. I could not, however, refuse him a passport, as he demanded, as that would have been opposing his going, which I did not think myself obliged to do ; and as he was determined, I have taken the opportunity to send my packets both to you and Marquis de Gorsegno by him, with copies of all the letters I have received on this occasion , which I fear will give you as much uneasiness as I have had, except that everybody has been taught to apply to me, though no one step has been followed that I have taken the liberty to advise since the enterprise has been undertaken ; about which I was not consulted before, though I am very sorry to say that I both foresaw and foretold to Marquis de Gorsegno and to you the unhappy issue of it. " You will now have all the papers before you, duplicates of which I send to Marquis de Gorsegno ; and I wish I had likewise time to send you a copy of my letter to that minister, but I hope he will shew it you. The Abbe Zerbi and Captain Luri are to set out within an hour, which makes it impossible for me to get it copied in time. I leave much, however, for you to say on the subject. The commission which I received from the Court of Turin, was to contribute to procure the means for the security of Eivarola and his friends. These means you will [see] were found, but have as yet been rejected, as Eivarola says he cannot take any step without positive orders from the King of Sardinia, on whom for this reason all other future proceedings depend. 133 " You will observe by Captain Townshend's letter that he approves of the scheme to arm small barks to cruise. I sent immediately for the officer to inform him of it, and he wrote the same evening to Monsieur Toussaint at Vienna. In the meantime Monsieur de la Combe is gone to Leghorn to take his measures, and will wait there 'till he receives by my means the Kiiig of Sardinia's patents, as he will not communicate the affa'r to Mr. Clerico or anyone else there." Copy. Horace Mann to the Marquis de Gorsegno. 1746, July [4-]15. — " J'eus I'honneiir d'ecrire a votre Excel- lence mardi mat'u [-ar le courier de votre cour ; at bien tard du meme soir, je re9us une lettre de Monsieur Townshend, pour me marquer que Monsieur Eivarola avait renvoye le vaisseau de guerre par lequel il lui avait remis ma lettre, et qui etait destine pour son service et celui de ses amis, ne voulant point s'en servir, pour les raisons qu'il allegue dans sa lettre a Monsieur Townshend, qui regut en meme temps une autre, de la part de Messieurs Gaffori et Matra, lesquelles lettres lui furent remises par une personne que Monsieur Eivarola lui avait depeche expres, et qui etait chargee, en meme temps, des lettres pour moi, avec lesquelles Monsieur Townshend la fit passer a Livourne. " L' Abbe Zerbi, neveu de Monsieur Eivarola, qui ^tait parti de Corse avant I'arrivee du dit vaisseau de guerre, s'est fait accompagner par le Capitaine Luri, pour venir a Florence me rendreles lettres dont ils etaient charges. J'ai eu beaucoup de discours avec eux, et j'ai eprouve la plus grande mortification d' entendre leurs plaintes au sujet de la situation dans laquelle le peuple de la Corse se trouve, apres la confiance qu'ils ont eu de la protection qui leur etait promise, se trouvant a present a la veille d'etre exposes a la vengeance de leurs tyrants par la necessite d'abandonner I'entreprise dans le temps qu'etant maitres de tout le pays excepte les quatre places fortes, ils avaient 1' esperance de la conduire a une heureuse fin. " Je tachai de borner mon discours a 1' Abbe Zerbi au contenu de ma lettre a son oncle du 14e du mois passe, et a la necessite presentement de pourvoir a sa suretc , et a celle des autres chefs ; en I'assurant que le moyen ne manquerait pas, et dont on lui avait donne une preuve par I'envoye d'un vaisseau exprfes. Mais il etait sourd a ce discours, me disant que son oncle et les autres chefs, quoique alarmes au dernier point par I'horreur de leur situation, ne pouvaient jamais se resoudre d' abandonner tant de leurs adherents a la plus cruelle vengeance des Genois. II se plaignait, avec les larmes aux yeux, de ce que le peuple de la Corse n'avait pas eprouve aucuu ellet des tres gracieuses promesses de Sa Majeste le Eoi de Sardaigne et de la Cour de Vienne, qui leur avaient ete donnees par le moyen de leurs patentes , et sur lesquelles ils avaient toujours compte ; me disant que, sans une entiere confiance de quelque assistance de la part de ces deux Cours pour pouvoir agir par terre et 134 seconder les operations par mer, ses compatriotes ne se seraieut point remues, ayant toujours ete convaincus que I'escadre seule ne pouvait rien faire. " Votre Excellence jugera bien de I'embarras dans lequel j'ai du etre a ce discours, et la peine que cela m'a caus6, n'ayant rien a lui dire sur ce sujet, et devant me borner toujours a lui faire comprendre que tout ce que dependait de moi etait de contribuer a la surete de son oncle et ses principaux adherents. Ce serait inutile d'informer votre Excellence de chaque particularite de notre discours. II me dit a la fin que son oncle, etant au service actuel de S. M. Sarde, devait dependre uniquement de ses ordres, et ne pouvait pas se prefer k ce que je lui avals propose, sans un ordre precis et absolu de son maitre ; et qu'etant lui-meme charge des lettres pour votre Excellence, il etait oblige d'en etre le porteur, il ne donna pas lieu a mon conseil sur ce point, me priant seulement de lui fournir d'un passport, lequel je n'ai pas pu lui refuser; et j'ai voulu profiter de cette occasion pour envoyer a votre Excellence ce paquet avec les copies de toutes les lettres qui me sont parvenues sur ce sujet. "La precaution que j'ai pris de faire passer un vaisseau expres de Livourne pour porter ma lettre a Monsieur Townshend touchant le projet qui avait ete fait a S. M. Sarde pouT armer des batiments legers, m'a mis en etat, plutot que je ne pouvais esperer, de marquer a votre Excellence que le dit commandant I'approuve entierement, et souhaite de le voir mettre en execution le plutot qu'il soit possible ; promettant de proieger les dits batiments, et de leur donner toute I'assistance en cas de besoin. Je lis venir d'abord chez moi I'officier De la Combe, pour Jul dire, afin qu'il profitat du depart de la poste le meme soir pour en informer Monsieur Toussaint. II est ensuite parti pour Livourne pour prendre les mesures, oil il attendra les patentes de S. M. le Roi de Sardaigne, comme il m'a prie de marquer a votre Excellence. Je m' acquitte volontiers de cette commission, dans 1' esperance que la cause commune tirera beauooup de profit de ce projet." Copy. James Henshaw to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, July 5. Leytonstone. — Acknowledges Medley's letters ; gives details and explanations of Medley's business and pecuniary affairs, and continues: — " Last week all the troops on board the transports at St. Helens were ordered to be landed again, and accordingly they came in to Spithead, and some regiments were put on shore. A few days ago they were ordered to embark again in great hurry. Whether this is a piece of finesse of ours, or that certain fresh advices have occasioned us to alter our measures, time must discover. " The destination of the Brest squadron is still a secret. By our last accounts they were at Ferrol, probably to be joined by some Spaniards ; and as the affairs of Don Philip in Italy 135 are m a very bad way, we are in some pain lest they should be too many for you. Some think they are going to Quebec to secure that place; others, that they are going to Scotland, where the pretender's son is still lurking, and the spirit of his party not entirely subdued, though there is not a handful of them remammg, and those skulking about in the most wretched condition that can attend human creatures. " Mr. Mathew« goes now pretty smoothly on with the court martial, and has so much calmed all his passions, that his humility has begot a certain complacence in the court, which is exceedingly happy for him ; and I make no doubt but he is become so sensible of the advantages of an even temper and decent behaviour, that he heartily wishes he had never behaved with the imperious haughtiness and arbitrary disposition with which he is generally charged." Demetrio Colbty to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, July [16-] 27. Tetuan.— Expresses his sense of the many favours he has received from the Admiral. Spanish. Endorsed, in Grove's handwriting : — Mr. Demetrio. Eeceived 20th (O.S.). A present : — Basket of hams, basket of oranges, barrel of olives, quarter-cask of muscadel wine, two sheep, two turkeys. Samuel Ceawley to the Same. ] 746, July [19-] 30. Smyrna.— The importance of the advices from here must be my excuse for troubling you again. The French convoy from Marseilles, consisting of three men of war with seventeen merchantmen for Salonica, Constanti- nople, and this place, in their passage up took the Pearl privateer (Captain Champion) off Cerigo. These men of war are to see all the merchantmen to their respective ports, and afterwards to cruise in the Arches* and on the coast of Syria and Egypt. The merchantmen when laden are to proceed to Suda in Candia, and there wait for the men of war, who will join them about the beginning of October. As all the vessels have been detained in Turkey since last March on account of the Diamond and Lowestoft cruising in these seas, I am of opinion that the convoy from Suda will be upwards of a hundred sail of all sorts, great and small. A Neapolitan bark, loaded here for Marseilles, chiefly with raw hides and mohair yarn, will be very rich. Any men of war that are sent here should have a sufficient supply of biscuits, as by reason of a very bad harvest, the price has gone up to 6 J dollars per quintal, and exportation is rigorously prohibited. * Sc. the Archipelago. 136 The names of the three Prench men of war are : — Fier, of 74 guns, 900 men, fitted out by the King. Ferine, ol 60 guns, 600 men, fitted out by the commerce, Flore, of 30 guns, 240 men, fitted out by the commerce, under the command of M. de Marsillac. Stephen Thompson to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, July 22. London. — Acknowledges the receipt of certain remittances, as to the disposal of which he will act according to T. Grimston's direction. Medley will find Mr- Howe [of Leghorn] very deserving of his friendship. " We have been in no little pain on your account lest the French Brest squadron should join that of the Spaniard at Cartagena, which amongst many other conjectures was one, and that they would attack Port Mahon. It is whispered that Martin might have spoke with them at sea, but that he chose rather to steer another course upon their appearance ; they add too that Boscawen has publicly declared this. Be it as it will, Lestock and Anson — it's said — are to command that squadron. I doubt not but you have heard with \\hat a high hand the former has been cleared of Mathews' accusation, and how badly it goes on his side. The whole cry is now against him for having brought on the very expensive trial, which must cost the nation an immense sum before it is over. That court has made a little faux pas in regard to Lord Chief Justice Willes, who sent a warrant, or rather, under whose authority a warrant was issued against some that were to give evidence before them. Whereupon the captains took fire and drew up a strong protest, which Willes calls a libel against him and his authority, and insists that [they] ask his pardon publicly ; but I suppose it will be made up after a little time, that they have cooled upon the matter on each side." S.4MUEL Crawley to the Same. 1746, [July 26-J August 6. Smyrna.—"! did myself the honour of writing you last under 30th past, since which all the French merchantmen who came under convoy of the three men of war bound for this scale, are arrived here, and I am informed that two of the men of war are gone upon the coast of Syria and Egypt, and the others cruise off Cerigo. The ten Frenchmen who have been detained here entirely laden ever since March last, depart this day for Suda in Candia, and must there wait till the others arrive from the several scales of Turkey, and the men of war come to join them, which may be in the beginning of October. Captain Champion offered to freight a French vessel to carry him and his men to Mahon, but the commodore would not agree to it, so they continue on board the French man of war, and the Pearl is fitted out as a cruiser and accompanies the 74 gun ship. 137 " Here is a Swedish snow, the Hope, Captain Andrew Becks, in loading for Marseilles by Mr. Asmond Palm, who is the same that received the goods from a French house and shipped them on the Speculation, Captain Looze. It's suspected that this cargo is also the property of Frenchmen, but they now manage it more discreetly." Postscript : — " The plague is now very hot at Constantinople. The Vizir was deposed about ten days ago, and is banished to Rhodes. His deputy succeeds him, who is reckoned a very able minister. ' ' Maeiconb to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1746, August [1-]12. Leghorn. — The news from San Eemo on the 2nd, is that some battalions — the numbers not stated — had arrived in Provence and in Dauphiny. It was as yet doubtful whether they would be sent towards Exilles, or by the Var to join the allied army in Lombardy. The Piedmontese had been repulsed with loss at the pass of La Trinita, which they attacked in hopes of drawing the enemy in that direction, and so being able to occupy Albenga in force and cut the Gallispans' communication from Finale to Sampierdarena. The Genoese militia from all that district had orders to march towards Triola ; except those from San Eemo and Ventimiglia, who were intended to meet any movements which might be made from the side of Saorgio and La Briga. Letters from Genoa of the 6th do not agree with those from Madrid of the 19th ulto. in their account of the designs of the new King of Spain ; some representing him as disposed to continue the war, and others, as inclined towards a settlement. A change had been made in the Spanish ministry, bringing in the Count de Montijo, the Marquis de la Mina, Don Luca Spinola, and, according to some, the Duke de Montemar. The papers of the Marquis Scotti had been seized after he had left the court ; and it is further said that an order had been sent to arrest him wherever he might be found. A general stop had been put to the raising of troops, especially in Catalonia, where it had been very pressing. A strict economy is also ordered, extending to the limiting of the number of couriers to Italy to two in the week. Things point to an agreement ; and in fact letters from Barcelona of the 23rd ulto., as also five ships newly arrived at Genoa from the Catalan coast, have no word about that embarking of troops which was previously being pushed on. The Government has determined to place 5,000 men in the district of Chiavari, to be commanded by General Cicil. This arrangement — says the letter — has given rise to a report that the allied army contemplates securing itself by crossing the Appenines a second time, if it does not succeed in re-opening the communication with Novi ; a task which is now rendered more difficult by the presence in that neighbourhood of some 138 8,000 Piedmontese, enrolled in the Marquisate of Cava, with a view of going from there to the district of Albenga, and opposng the march of French troops by the Eiviera- General Mirepoix coming from Lombardy by Bologna will join the Count de Maillebois in Genoa, and take command of the troops which are gathering in the western Eiviera. As to our army in Lombardy, the Marquis Botta, the commander-in-chief, writes to me on the 2nd, from his camp near the Trebbia : — Yesterday morning the King of Sardinia passed from the other side of the Po with all the rest of his troops to join the force under General Brown, so that in all probability we shall shortly have some important news from that quarter. Meanwhile our army here has taken up a position with its left resting on the Trebbia and its right on the Eifiuto, where it has been strengthened by some battalions which were at Pizzighitone, and by a body of Hungarians from Ponte Xura and San Lazaro, under the command of General Nadasti. The way through the Duchy of Parma being thus left open to the enemy, we may believe that he will very soon resolve on some definite step, especially as he can now no longer hope to receive any provisions from the country round Lodi, as he has done hitherto. Yesterday a detachment was sent by General Brown to dislodge the enemy from a post called La Madonna del Monte, near Chignolo, and forty-six French grenadiers with their officers surrendered without making any defence. Count Eichecourt, from the camp of Santa Cristina, writes on the 4th : — Dans les circonstances presents de la mort du Eoi d'Espagne et de la Dauphine, 1' armee alliee se trouve dans un etat malheureux. From Count Ulfeld on the 27th, and from Cardinal Albani on the 6th, I have no news worth troubling you with; but I enclose the advices from Naples transmitted by the Cardinal. Italian. Enclosed: — By letters of June 16th, 1746, we have some notices of the military preparations in the Abruzzi. It has been prohibited under severe penalties to carry letters and advices, written or printed, into the Abruzzi in any other way than in the ordinary post bags, which are taken to the commandant of Pescara at Teramo, and in his presence the letters are opened. The due execution of this is ensured by stationing a body of police to watch day and night, and search all travellers irrespective of their rank. A quantity of provisions and military stores had been carried from the town of Pescara to the Castel dell' Aquila, but as yet there are no troops for whom it was said these preparations were being made. It is now thought that the stores are to be carried to Colonnella, a station on the Toronto, where it is said a redoubt is to be constructed. It has since become known that the stores landed at Pescara consisted of 40 guns and 3,500 barrels of powder, 100 of which have been carried to the Castel dell' Aquila, and the 139 guns have been placed in two redoubts already constructed in the town, where the sawyers, who were forcibly impressed in the mountains, are kept continuously at work sawing boards for the fortifications and casements. Numerous spies have been sent by the commandant aforesaid and by the Abbe Orazio Delfico into the papal States, to try and get some news of Monsignor Cavui, and of the physician Palermi of Ascoli. Some of them are staying in that city, where they pass as deserters, and keep up a correspondence with the commandant. A little time since an order was issued to stop the raising of soldiers, with the idea that the young men who had run away would return to their houses. As, however, they did not do so, a distress has been levied on their families. After the prohibition of letters being brought, it was believed that no one could get at the truth of what was happening abroad ; so glorious victories of the Napoli-Gallispan army in Lombardy were reported, and on the 15th ultimo the commandant made arrangements for a Te Deum to celebrate the total defeat of the royal and imperial army in Lombardy, all with a view of curbing and holding in fear the people who are discontented with the present Government. Italian. William Caylby to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1746, August [7-] 18. Faro. — "Mr. Brunet, who arrived here two days ago, delivered me your letter of the 31st past, by which I see you are of the same opinion I had been led to entertain of the preparations at Cartagena- Your going, however, that way has been of no other ill consequence, as far as I can discover, than of facilitating perhaps the arrival of the register ship from Buenos Ayres, mentioned in my letter of June 23rd; for as to the register ships outward bound, of which I formerly gave you an account, they are still in the bay, as also the French man of war of fifty-six guns, taken notice of in my letter of May 13th, which is laden and bound to Vera Cruz, and another large register ship bound to the Havana ; so that they make in all eight or nine sail, and it is supposed will put to sea in company. But they have not hitherto attempted it ; whether deterred by the advice they must no doubt have had of part of his Majesty's ships under your command being in these seas, or detained by orders from Court upon any prospect of a speedy change in the situation of their affairs with Great Britain, I can not certainly learn. What contributes to make people imagine that some proposals of an accommodation must have been made by the court of Madrid to ours, is that the Marquis de Abrantes' yacht and another small vessel have been despatched by the Court of Portugal to England upon the receipt of two different expresses from Madrid immediately after the late King of Spain's death. 140 " The news of the last post was that of the death of the Dauphiness three days after being delivered of a princess, and a rumour that had got abroad at Lisbon just before the post came away, of Don Philipe's being made a prisoner in Italy, which, if true, must in a post or two be confirmed, and in all likelihood put an entire end to the war on that side. " As the conveyance I now make use of is not a very safe one, I shall avoid entering into other particulars." DuKB OF Newcastle to [Commodore TownshendJ the Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's ships on the Coast of Italy. 1746, August 22. Whitehall. — " His Majesty having been informed that the King of Sardinia and the general com- manding the Austrian troops in Italy, do intend to march with a considerable army to the frontiers of France, in order to penetrate into that kingdom, I am commanded to signify to you his ^Majesty's pleasure, that you should forthwith get together such a number of his INIajesty's ships as you shall be able, or as you shall think sufficient for the service, and immediately proceed with them off the coast of Provence or to such other place as shall be advised by Mr. Villettes, his Majesty's minister at Turin, in order to second and support the operations that shall be carried on by the combined army of his Majesty's allies. For which purpose you will follow such directions as shall be sent you by Mr. Villettes, in concert with his Sardinian Majesty and the commander of the Austrian troops. This letter will be forwarded to you by Mr. Villettes, who will accompany it with such advices and directions as shall be thought proper for your guidance in the execution of these his Majesty's orders." Copy ; signed, Geo. Townshend. Maequis de Gorsegno to Horace Mann. 1746, September [3-] 14. From the King of Sardinia's head- quarters at Spotorno. — " Nous voici dans la Eiviere du Ponant depuis quelque jours, comme vous le verrez, Monsieur, par la relation que j'ai le plaisir de vous envoyer ci-jointe. A peine nous y sommes arrives que nous avons eu la satisfaction de voir entrer dans la baye de Vado les galeres du roi, et aussitot apres les trois vaisseaux Anglais qui croisaient au Cap de Noli. Je vous laisse a penser si Ton a ete empresse de connaitre personnellement Monsr. Townshend, et de conferer avec lui sur I'etat present des affaires. II vint dimanche matin au quartier du roi, accompagne de Monsr. Villettes; et par les entretiens qu'on a eu ensemble, on a lieu de se confirmer agreablement dans I'opinion avantageuse qu'on avait deja oon^ue avec raison de son merite personnel, et de ses bonnes dispositions pour tout ce qui pent contribuer au bien de la cause commune. Sa Majeste a etc hier au matin sur son bord, et par la fa^on polie, obligeante et cordiale, dont Elle 141 a ^t^ regue, Elle a aisement reconnu que Monsr. Townshend et les ofQciers qui servent sous ses ordres se sont fait une joie de manifester a son egard les sentiments de respect et d'amour dont Elle sait la nation Anglaise remplie pour sa personne ; desquels je vous avoue que Sa Majeste se tient extremement flattie. " Dans les conferences qu'on a cues avec Monsr. Townshend, aux quels Monsr. de Villettes a assiste, on a du beaucoup parler de la capitulation que Monsieur le Marquis Botta a fait avec la republique de Genes, a 1' insu et sans la participation de Sa Majeste, dont nous avons lieu d'etre tout a fait mecontents ; car il n'y est fait nulle mention expresse ni du roi mon maitre, ni du roi de la Grande Bretagne, tout comme s'ils n'avaient rien a demeler avec la republique, et n'eussent aucunement contribu6 a la reduction de Genes, lorsqu' au vu et au su de toute I'Europe, ils ont ete joues et offenses par les Genois autant que peut I'avoir et^ I'imperatrice, et ont beaucoup contribue de leur cote, I'un par ses troupes, et 1' autre par son escadre, a faire prendre a I'armee frangaise et espagnole le parti de quitter les environs de Genes, et a mettre par consequent la republique dans la dure necessite de devoir se soumettre. Cependant Monsr. Botta n'a songe qu'a sauver I'honneur et les interets de sa Cour, sans se soucier de pourvoir a ce qui pouvait regarder les allies ; nous jettant par la dans un plus grand embarras a regard des Genois, vu qu'on ne saurait point si on doit les considerer encore comme ennemis declares, ou bien comme ennemis caches. " Sa Majeste n'a pu s'empecher de donner a connaitre a Monsr. Botta son mecontentement aussitot qu' Elle a su les articles de la capitulation. Elle a expedie un courier a Vienne, pour protester contre cette capitulation, qui peut etre regardee comme une contravention au traits de Worms ; ayant lieu de se flatter que 1' imp^ratrice reeonnaitra la justice de ses representations ; et Elle envoie un officier a Monsr. Botta, pour Ten informer, le faisant partir demain, en compagnie de Monsr. Townshend et de Monsr. Villettes, qui vont aussi faire leur protestations, et avec qui vous jugez bien que Sa Majeste est convenue de la maniere dont les troupes et les vaisseaux pourront s'entre-secourir dans leurs operations respectives. En attendant, Sa Majesty fait de son mieux pour ne pas laisser ^clater les choses, et pour empecher qu'on ne croie dans le public qu'il y' ait de la mesintelligence parmi les allies. Elle se contente de faire bloquer le chateau de Savone par une simple brigade, et ayant fait prendre le devant depuis deux jours a deux brigades, Elle s'est mise en marche ce matin avec le reste de son arm^e, pour continuer a poursuivre les ennemis, s'etant concertee pour cet effet avec IMonsr. le Gi^neral Comte Gorani, lequel est venu camper aujourd'hui avec deux brigades de troupes imperiales tout a fait prfes de Vado. Demain nous marcherons a Finale, oil il faudra s'arreter suivant le plus ou moins de resistance que feront les deux chateaux qu'il y a, qui ne sont pourtant pas grande chose." Extract. 142 Me. Eevell's Deputies to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, September 9. Mahon. — As there is an opportunity to Algiers, we are sending " a proper fund of money for the purchase of as many beeves " as the tender appointed by Commissioner Trefusis for this service can bring. James Howe to the Same. 1746, September [15-] 26. Leghorn. — Some account of the news from the north of Italy ; mention of the surrender of Genoa. Congratulates the admiral " on this surprising event, as well as on the happy suppression of our intestine troubles." Captain John Willson to the Same. 1746, October 1. Seaford in Trieste Bay. — It is signified to us that the imperial army has no further occasion for us in these parts, as you will see by the enclosed. As the French squadron is in the Levant, we have thought proper to give our ships a parliament heel. We hope to depart from this place in five days, and shall join Mr. Townshend if possible. Captain Gardiner desires his compliments to you. Enclosing : — I. SiE Thomas Eobinson to Captain Willson. 1746, [September 20-]October 1. Vienna. — "/ ivas faroured in its due time with your letter of August 24th, ayid have since received that of the IQth past (N.S.). It is with great pleasure that I have obtained at last of this court, as you icill see by the enclosed letter from Prince Lichtenstein, commander-in-chief of the empress' forces in Italy, her Imperial Majesty's signification of her having no further occasion of your assistance in the Adriatic; but yon will be pleased to observe at the same time, how much this Court thinks it may import to the common cause that you should be able to take upon you to join the fleet tchieh is engaged in an enter prize of the greatest consecpience along the coast of Genoa ayid of France. You will have observed through the luhole course of my correspondence, with ichat delicacy I have declined to influence your operations, as quite foreign to my department ; but upon so important an occasion as the present, when conformable to the King our royal master's instances, the Austrians are resolved to penetrate into France through the Riviera of Genoa, in which enterprize it appears so necessary to have all the naval as.sistance that can possibly be given to them, and particularly in convoying their stores, provisions, and ammunition, I could not, I must own to you, refrain from writing to Mr. Villettes in the manner you will see by the inclosed 143 extract of my letter of the llth fast, N.S., of which I thought it as much my duty to give you the earliest notice, as of an advice lohich I have received from Constantinople , viz. : — that three French men of war — Le Fier, 74 guns, 900 men; Le Ferme, 60 guns, 600 men; La Flore, 30 guns, 240 men — lohich have lately taken the " Pearl," an English privateer of 30 guns, and increased their strength thereby, are upon the point of convoying all the French ships home bound from Turkey, and that the general rendezvous was to be at Suda in Gandia, but inhere it loas reckoned that they icould hardly be all got together till this month. In these critical circumstances , I can do possibly no more, nor can you I believe expect more of me than to leave the whole to your oivn prudence avd knoivn zeal for his Majesty's service." Copy. II Sir Thomas Eobinson to Me. Villettes. 1746, September [16-J27. Vienna. — " I am in hopes to obtain soon of this court the dismission of Captain Willson and Captain Gardiner from their service in the Adriatic, where they have beeyi of the greatest use to the imperial army ; but as they seem inclinable, according to the letter of their instructions, to return forthivith to Mahon, I leave it to your zeal for the general service to judge tohether they might not by a line from Mr. Toionshend, which may perhaps still find them at Trieste, be invited to augment the number of his ships upon this most critical, important, and decisive moment for the fate of Europe." Extract. III. Captain Willson to Sir Thomas Eobinson. 1746, October 1[-12]. " Seaford" in Trieste Bay.— Acknowledges his letter and the extracts. Will join Mr. Townshend if possible; but it must depend on the length of the passage, whether their provisions hold out. Thanks him for the intelligence about the French squadron, which hoicever they had before. He is giving the .ships as large a heel as possible, for fear of falling into their hands. Hopes to depart in four or five days. Copy. The Alcayd of Tangier to Vice- Admiral Medley ^ 1746, October [10-] 21. Tangier.— Thanks him for the musket and spy glass which he had sent him. Wishes to reciprocate, and sends him a colt which he chose for his own use; but the admiral is as himself. Desires to encourage good feeling and friendship between the two nations, and hopes that as occasions arise, the admiral will send ships 144 to Tangier. As the country is very much disturbed at present, it is not a favourable time for the coming of the English Ambassador, and thinks that it had better be postponed. Signed: — Alcaid Azus Ben Mohamet, and in Arabic. Spanish. LoED Verb Beadclerk to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1746, October 16. Admiralty. — Eecommending for prefer- ment, ]Mr. Thomas Spurling," at present a midshipman aboard of the Norfolk." Holograph. Earl of Winchilsea to the Same. 1746, November 1. — " I did not trouble you with an answer to yours which I received some months ago, because I thought to send you only my thanks for your remembrance of me would be giving you an unnecessary trouble, who to be sure have business enough upon your hands by the command which is now under your care, and to which at all times, and particularly wh'lst under your direction, I shall wish success. ' ' I am sorry to hear — though I have but an imperfect notion of it, now I am in the country — that you have been obliged to send home so many of your captains; though, as I hear two of them are out of those captains that were sent you out from hence, my surprise is not great; because I was more astonished they were sent out than to hear they are sent home. I hope, whatever their case is, that you have tried with them and done with them; for to say the truth, people here in general are grown very sick of courts martial at home." He begs his favour and protection for a young lieutenant — Henry lUchard Dubois, if he prove to be worthy of them; if not, " leave him as you found him." " I made him a lieutenant above two years ago, when he came back from the ^Mediterranean with Captain P. Osborn in the Salisbury. It was a very great misfortune to him that he came home in that ship ; lor there, being young and willing to show his parts, he fell into the acquaintance of both ]\rr. Ijestock and his lieutenant, C'ockburn, who easily took hold of a young boy's prating, and so pinned him down to attend the trial and the courts martial ; and though it does not appear that he could say much one way or other, yet it has had this ill effect, that he has lost being out at sea for his improvement." Holograpjh. Lefroy and Chaeron to the Sajie. 1746, [November 21-] December 2. Leghorn. — We hope shortly to be able to adjust your accounts with Admiral Rowley, to whom we have already remitted 75,000 dollars, which — \vith what more we shall remit him — he intends to put into the Bank of England. "It would be very strange indeed 145 that these effects should not be given to the captors, as the Austrians and Sardinians have received such immense contributions ; and we very much rely on Admiral Eowley's presence in London to bring this affair about to the advantage of the captors, who — and their agents — have had more fatigue and trouble about it than if it had been fifty times the value of French prizes." We have received a letter from Mr. Green, by which he informs us that he does not doubt but that we shall get a sentence for the confiscation of the rice that Captains Eobinson and Bowdler delivered us. " We so little doubted of it that a very few days after their arrival, we made a dividend of the amount thereof. It would be a fine precedent indeed that a cargo taken on board an enemy's vessel, without proofs or papers on board, should be claimed afterwards by fifty people capable, for a trifling reward, of disguising the truth and asserting one thing for another. " Since the French have got into their winter quarters in Flanders, we are very scarce of news. It is believed that by the spring, the Dutch will order a new augmentation of troops- If then the Austrians, with your good assistance, succeed in keeping the French troops employed in Provence or Dauphiny, the King of France won't begin the campaign so soon as his subjects brag of." [Here, the signature of the firm; the rest is written, by the party signing ; apparently Gharron']. A French polacca was cruising about twelve days ago between Elba and Corsica ; she has about seventy men. We hear now that she has gone towards Bona and the coast of Barbary. By our last, a week ago, we mentioned that " though accord- ing to the treaty between King Charles and the Dutch, they may even carry provisions to the enemy, nevertheless a block- aded place is excluded; so that, should it so happen with 3,Iarseilles, your cruisers would catch many corn vessels; for from this place, >.'aples and Sicily, many are freighted, some with a sham contract for Lisbon — but that place is in no need of corn. There are some freighted to carry it as far as Cette and Agde. There will be a great distress in Provence for want of corn, if it is hindered from going to Marseilles. "By the private letters written by the St. Tropez to the Levant, the convoy which was to go there for the trade was, at furthest, to come back in December ; so that if no contrary orders are gone, you may expect their appeara,nce every day. May you have the honour and advantage of intercepting it, which would be a terrible blow for the Levant traders in France." Arthur Villbttes to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1746, [November 22-]December 3. Nice.— Messrs. Bouer, De Lou & Co., English naturalised subjects settled at Genoa, have contracted with the Sardinian Government to deliver at J 146 Finale, Villafranca, and Nice, a certain quantity of corn and other provisions for the use of the Sardinian army ; and have applied to me to procure them a general passport. I feel sure you will readily grant this , to promote the success of the present expedition. Holograph. L.C.A. to Vice- Admiral Medley- 1746, November 24. — The Duke of Newcastle has sent us a copy of a memorial from M. Pucci, the minister here of the emperor, as Great Duke of Tuscany, complaining that the trade of the Great Duke's subjects is much interrupted and injured by the aggressive and illegal conduct of the captains of ships under your command- We send you a copy of this memorial, and desire that you will give such instructions to all your captains as may prevent his Imperial Majesty's ships from being unjustly molested. Signed. Enclosing : — Vincent Pucci to the Duke of Newcastle. 1746, November 17. London. — According to common law and the law of nations, the neutral flag of the emperor (as Great Duke of Tuscany) protects from seizure and confiscation, not only the ships which carry it, hut also the persons and goods on board those ships; and that loithoiit exception. The principle has been so far recognised by Great Britain , that iyi commercial treaties made with several different natioyis, she has endeavoured to limit this right; so that in fact it has been agreed that munitions of war, victuals and other articles designated contraband, either in reference to the icar or to the circumstances of blockaded ports, shall be good prize; but that if a ship is stopped loith only a small quantity of such contraband articles on board her, they are to be taken out — at the risk of the captor — and the ship alloived to proceed. His Imperial Majesty, as Great Duke of Tuscany, has no such treaty with Great Britain, and could claim the right and privileges of the law of nations in their fullest extent. But as he does not wish that his flag should cover any injury to Great Britain, he has consented that ships under his flag may be visited, and that if found laden wholly or in great part with contraband intended for the enemies of Great Britain, they may be conducted back to Leghorn to have the case properly tried- He had hoped that this concession on his part icould have met ivith some return from the commanders of his Britannic Majesty's fleet and ships; but far from this being the case, these officers pass all bounds in their search of ships under the Tuscan flag. They are not content with making them strike the flag and ivith examining their papers, but on the slightest pretext, they put an officer 147 and some rr^en on hoard, and carry the ship to Leghorn under the British flag ; nor so long as these are on hoard ivill they permit the Tuscan flag to he rehoisted. This is at once an insult to the flag of his Imperial Majesty, and a great injury to the commerce of his suhjects. His Imperial Majesty is sure that he may depend on the justice and friendship of the King of Great Britain to put an end to this state of things, and to order the commanders of his fleets and ships to allow his flag all the privileges of neutrality, or at least to treat ships carrying that flag with the same respect that they do ships of other neutral nations with which Great Britain has treaties. French. [Acknowledged in Medley's letter to the Admiralty, dated 20ih January, 17461-7] (" In Letters," 382). " I shall ohserve their lordships' order thereupon, and give proper directions to prevent the like complaints for the future."] HoEACE Mann to [Vice-Admieal Medley]. 1746, [November 26-]December 7. Florence. — " I formerly communicated to Captain Townshend some original informa- tions that I had received by the means of Messrs. Morin and Chollmely at Leghorn, relating to a very considerable convoy of French merchant ships that was collecting in the different ports of the Levant, in order to return to France under the convoy of some French men of war, the number and strength of which I particularly mentioned in my letter to Mr. Townshend, and which he acquainted me he had forwarded to you. Sir, in order that you might take what resolutions thereupon you should judge proper. I make no doubt that the above intelligences were connnunicated to you ; and as, by the post of yesterday, I received from the same hands farther informations relating to the same affair, I think it highly necessary to communicate them to you, which I cannot more fully do than by transmitting to you tlie enclosed extracts of letters from Messrs. Masters and Lee, who are settled at Smyrna and consequently in a situation to be informed of what passes in those parts. It is my humble opinion that the affair deserves your attention, both as it would be a great blow to the commerce of France if you could intercept so considerable a convoy, and as it is greatly to be feared that the English merchant ships, which I hear are going to the Levant, may be taken by the French ships of war that are there, unless they are sufficiently guarded. I therefore submit the whole to your consideration, as well as the circumstance that is mentioned in the extract of September 4th, relating to the French seizing all English goods, though in neutral bottoms and consignable to neutral people. This, I apprehend, is what we have not done with regard to French goods in the like cases ; and no week passes but great quantities of 148 merchandises of all sorts from France arrive at Leghorn, addressed to the emperor's subjects and other merchants residing there, which on that account have never been made prizes of; nay, hitherto it has been thought sufficient when such goods have been taken that any neutral person should prove his claim ; on which they have, during the whole war, been released, without any consideration that such effects are the produce or manufacture of France. Therefore, as in this point we have infinitely the disadvantage, I should be extremely glad to know your opinion about it. " I had the honour to write to you on the 3rd inst. by the return of the same post which brought me the notice of your arrival in these parts. I have only to add to the notices that I then communicated to you, that on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of last month, thirteen transports arrived at Naples with Spanish troops on board, eleven of which from Antibes, and two from Oran ; another from the latter place is I hear arrived at Leghorn, and many more I am assured are expected at Naples with troops from Antibes, Barcelona, and other ports in Spain ; of which resolution I long since gave advice to the commander of his Majesty's squadron in your absence." Holograiih. No Enclosures. Stephen Thompson to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, November 28. London. — Details of money business. " A Spanish peace seems coming on, for it's certain the prohibition of importing Spanish goods will be taken off soon." Stephen Thompson to Thomas Grimston. 1746, December 2. London. — The enclosed copy is the best account I can give you of our friend, and I daresay the most satisfactory- Enclosure : — Vice-Admieal Medley to Stephen Thompson. 1746, October 19. Gibraltar. — " Enclosed I send you a bill for 1,0001, and can only say, as I have done before, that Tom Grimston and you must dispose of it in such manner for me as you shall judge most proper. I shall soon remit you a good deal more, for we have picked up a good many small prizes. I wish much to take some of the enemies' men of war and to intercept the French Levant convoy, for which purpose I have appointed two separate squadrons to look after them, and as I design to sail to-morrow for Mahon, I hope to have a third ready before they get to Marseilles. I have not time to write to Grimston, therefore desire that you would be so good." Copy. 149 LoBD CoLviLL to Vice-Admiral Medlby. 1746, December 2. Leopard at sea. — " Last night Captain Cornish delivered me an order from you without any date, which in general contains directions for me to assist and second General Brown's operations in Provence. I hope you will please to send me further instructions for the regulation of my conduct, as the particulars of this order are not altogether obvious to my understanding. Captain Cornish is entirely of my opinion in this point, in so much that he has given me a general order to put yours in execution, but will not take it upon him to direct me in it where I am to find General Brown, to what place I am to carry the Leopard, or where the vessels mentioned in the margin of your order are ; but says 'tis your desire that I should go to Gourjean Bay [Golfe Jouan] , where I will find General Brown and the above mentioned vessels. The present exigency may be very great, and the service may suffer through delay ; therefore I shall esteem a verbal direction sufficient, and am now making the best of my way for Gourjean Bay, where I shall exert my best judgment and utmost power to carry on the common cause, a good character being my only fortune, and your approbation my chief est honour." The Same to the Same. 1746, December 6. Leopard at sea. — I have this morning stopped a Eoman settee, with what I suspect to be Spanish effects on board. I have therefore sent her to you, to be disposed of as you shall think proper. Since I received your orders from Captain Cornish, it has been mostly calm, and I have drifted considerably to the westward. There is now a small breeze at S.S.E., and I am extremely anxious to get into Gourjean Bay. The Same to Captain Baetok of the fireship Duke. 1746, December 5. Leopard at sea. — Order to take charge of the settee and see her safe into Villafranca harbour, there to attend the admiral's pleasure ; and to rejoin the Leopard in Gourjean Bay. Count Eichecour to [Vice-Admieal Medley]. 1746, December [5-]16. Nice. — " Les troupes aliiees ont pris poste avant hier au soir dans I'ile de Ste. Marguerite ; mais comme il n'est pas possible de prendre le fort sans gros canon, et qu'il importe beaucoup, n'ayant pas Antibes, de se saisir, le plutot qu'il sera possible, des iles de Ste. Marguerite et St. Honorat, M. le Comte de Brown m'a charge d'ecrire 150 a votre Excellence, en la priant de vouloir bien lui donner six pieces de canon, avec la munition necessaire, de la batterie du milieu de chacun des deux vaisseaux de 80 pieces qui sent dans le port de Ville-Franche. Ce qui I'oblige a faire cette demande a votre Excellence est que les vaisseaux Leopard et Guernsey, d'oii il devait tirer cette artillerie, n'ont pas encore paru ; il m'a charge de promettre en meme temps a votre Excellence que d'abord que les forts de Ste. Marguerite et St. Honorat seront pris, il renverra les douze pieces de canon a votre Excellence. Le Capitaine Latham, qui doit etre arrive a Ville-Franche avec une grosse tartane pour les charger, les escortera en allant et en revenant. " Je ne doute pas, que votre Excellence ne se prete a une chose si utile pour la cause commune, et si necessaire pour le soutien de 1' armee en Provence, surtout depuis la perte de Genes; et j'ai I'honneur de Ten requerir, au nom de I'lmpera- trice Eeine. " M. le Capitaine Jermy, qui bombarde le fort, s'est beaucoup distingue, et M. le Comte Brown lui a rendu publiquement la justice qui lui est due." Signed. Lord Colvill to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, December 6. Leopard in Gourjean Bay. — " Yesterday evening I anchored in this road, and this morning the castle on the island of Ste. Marguerite capitulated. I waited on General Brown and communicated to him your order of the 6th instant, which was delivered to me by Captain Latham. The General has desired me to wait on him to-morrow morning, in order to concert measures for the good of the common cause so far as it can be carried on by sea. I went this afternoon, in company with an Austrian engineer and our officer of the train, to reconnoitre the ground between this and Antibes. We had a fair prospect of the town, and in my opinion can make a good bombardment ; to prepare the way for which , I am now sounding that part of this bay nearest to Antibes, and making a sketch of the same to shew where the bomb can lie most advantageously ; which to-morrow morning I intend to give to General Brown, and as soon as I receive his commands, shall proceed forthwith and put your orders in execution. This is a fine bay, sufficiently sheltered from all winds, and large enough for a very numerous fleet ; we now lie in eight fathoms of water, about three-quarters of a mile from the shore, and at least a mile within the Boot Eock, which lies in the middle of the bay. The town of Cannes, where the General resides at present, is five miles from this, and before it is a tolerable good road, where all our small vessels now are. I persuade myself that you believe I have his Majesty's service and the execution of my duty preferable to all other concerns at heart." 151 Lord Colvill to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1746, December 8. Leopard in Gourjean Bay. — This morn- ing I received your letter of yesterday's date, and likewise an order to put the ship's company to short allowance of beef and pork. " I should be extremely sorry to have made use of wrong expressions in any of my letters ; if I have done so, I assure you I did not intend to give oft'ence. I thought it necessary to be instructed how far I was to obey General Brown's directions; and, Sir, you very well know how great a difference there is between the sea and land service. This great general , whose gallant actions are at this time deservedly the topic of conversation all over Europe," is — I thought — mighty little acquainted with a seaman's duty, so that he may expect impossibilities, and not understand why they cannot be done. This is what occurred to me after I received your order from Captain Cornish ; ' ' but since being here , I have found things quite otherways. General Brown has be- haved to me with the greatest good manners, affability, and complaisance. These good qualities gain him the esteem of all people, and so much the more as they are not always to be met with in men of such high rank." General Brown has given up all the small vessels which lay under the castle of Ste. Marguerite to the garrison to transport them to Marseilles, and wishes me to convoy them thither, which I shall do unless I receive orders from you to the contrary. I have in no ways interfered with Captain Latham in his command, " but have given him my advice where I thought necessary, and my assistance in placing the bomb- She began to play upon Antibes to-day about noon, to such good purpose that in a few hours the town was set on fire, which the General was an eye witness of and observed with great pleasure. In the night our boats cruise off Cape Garousse ; in the day they are employed in sounding all parts of the harbour, in order to make ourselves perfectly acquainted with a place capable of containing a great fleet in the utmost security. There is plenty of wood here growing very near the water side, which article we are in great want of, and there is likewise a very good watering place." Lefroy and Charron to the Same. 1746, December [8-] 19. Leghorn. — Statement of personal account. The Fame privateer has brought in a French bark, with the Prince Campo Florido's equipage, with an English pass; she has also brought in a Swede, bound for Alexandria, having found a letter of a Jew from this place to the French consul, giving intelligence of the Turkey convoy being here bound for Smyrna. As you are better informed of what passes at Genoa than we, it is useless to write you anything about it. Those that 152 could escape have done so and come here, with vast sums of money, in feluccas. It would be a great disappointment for them if they were taken by English cruisers. Victualling Boabd to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1746, December 10. — They are glad he agrees with them as to the impropriety of commanders demanding live cattle and hay from the agent at Leghorn. They have written to Goldsworthy that they will not accept any bills that he may draw for those articles. The ships named in their letter of the 6th October are now completed in their lading and on their way to Spithead. They enclose an abstract of the provisions on board each of them. Enclosure : — As stated. Almost the whole of the beef is in 4 lb. pieces, and the pork in 2 lb. pieces. [The above letter from the Victualling Board refers to the subject of the following, copies of which were sent to Medley ; but the covering letter has not been preserved] . Captain E[ichard] H[ughesJ of the Essex to Bdreington Goldsworthy, Counsul at Leghorn. 1746, October n. "Essex" in Vado Bay. — He is short of provisions, the supply having been detained at Mahon, and desires Goldsioorthy to send immediately, bread, 65,800 lbs. ; oxen, 12, with hay for their food. The Same to the Victualling Board. 1746, October 17. — Notwithstanding their order for- bidding any more live cattle and hay to be taken on board any of his Majesty's ships, the necessities of the squadron under his command have compelled him to send the fore- going order to Goldsworthy- The Same to the Same. November 1. — The supply of provisions from Mahon has now arrived, and he -will discontinue the receiving live cattle and hay. The Same to B. Goldsworthy. 1746 [-7], Jam(ar|/ 1. " Essex" in Mahon Harbour. — In reply to your letter of December 8th (N.S.), asking " that the bread procured by my order might be taken off your hands," I believe it was done long since by the quantity supplied. My demand was for 65,800 lbs., which ivas supplied; any further quantity you have on hand ivas not ordered by me; and though I shall be glad to recommend it to the Adiniral to take it if possible, it is clear that I am in no way responsible for it. 153 Emanuel Eosano to [Vicb-Admieal Medley]. 1746, December [10-]21. [Orbitello] .—Memorial setting forth that the petitioner had a quantity of corn on board a Neapolitan ship which was captured by the Seaford (Captain Willson) and sent to Leghorn, where ship and cargo were sold by Lefroy and Charron. The petitioner appealed to the court at Mahon, which gave a decision in his favour, ordering a restitution of the goods and payment of the costs by Willson. ]3ut Lefroy and Charron refuse to make restitution, and an advocate whom he employed at Port Mahon, and to whom he gave an honorarium of three hundred crowns, has sent him a bill for divers expenses which in no way concerns him. He prays the Admiral to give orders for the carrying out of the most just sentence of that court. French, " traduite de ritalien." Lefroy and Charron to the Same. 1746, December [12-] 23. Leghorn. — Enclosing a duplicate of their letter of the 19th. " It is a disappointment to us that Captain Man was forced back by contrary weather, on account of the several letters he had of us. We venture the copy of yours, and at the same time inform j'ou that the 17th November, the convoy departed from Malta with thirty-three loaded French vessels. There are four men of war and two armed barks. The letters from England of 18th November (O.S.), bring no news." Sir Thomas Eobinson to the Same. 1746, December [13-] 24. Vienna. — Fifteen Spanish priests (whose names and qualities are in the enclosed list) are to repair to a general chapter to be held at Leghorn. The Empress trusts that considering the nature of their order, which is established for the redemption of Christian slaves, you will order the release of any of them who in the passage from Spain to Italy may fall into the hands of any of your officers. Her Majesty's recommendation on so inoffensive an occasion appeared to me too reasonable for me to refuse to transmit it to you, and to leave to your prudence to act in such a manner as you shall think proper. Signed. Enclosure : — Nomina Capitularium qui ex Hispania ad capitulum generale ordinis SS. Trinitatis Liburnii celebrant dum comparere debent. General Hargrave to the Same. 1746, December 13. Gibraltar. — 1 cannot expect to hear from you , as I am informed that you have gone with the fleet to Villafranca to meet the King of Sardinia. I am pleased to hear of great success against the Spaniards and French, which I am sure you rejoice at. 154 I had word from Barcelona that the Spaniards were making a road to draw their cannon this way ; but a person I sent to Seville to enquire about it, reports that they are doing nothing but some ordinary repairs where the road had been broken down by the rains. At Cartagena things remain the same. There are no men, and it is said that the ships will never go thence. From Barbary there is no news of any importance. Thomas Gkimston to Vice- Admiral Medley. [1746], December 14. Elton. — Yours, after the passage of the Var, I received with the greatest joy, as it answered my wishes for a long time that you might have a share in the most distinguishable actions that should happen, and this seems to lead very considerable ones for the good and honour of our country. I hope this campaign before Toulon will make up for the last and that of Bretague. The Gazette has made every one drink "The Admiral," though they do not know Harry Medley. I wTote you word sometime ago, in answer to yours about Marston, that they designed to sell it in small parcels, and that it would go extravagantly dear ; that the house is so bad as to want as much repair as would build a much better. The estate of Condon's is to be parted with much cheaper than at first talked of, as I am told ; but unless it will come worth while I shall have nothing to say about it. I shall, when I go to York after Christmas, talk to him about it ; if I meet any encouragement as to the price, get proper persons to view it and make all other proper enquiries into the farms, all the out payments and conditions of the house, before I enter into any treaty about it. Mr. Motley, who I recommended to you some time ago, wrote me word he was much obliged to you for the civil reception you gave him off Cadiz. If it is reasonable, I hope you will serve him ; he, I suppose, being likely to join jiou at his return from the Levant. His cousin, the widow Bathurst, is not married ; the match between her and Captain Anderson broke off after he had disposed of his commission, and he went volunteer to Quiberon. I jog on the same as usual, hunting and shooting, and never was in better health and spirits ; by that time we meet, I shall be so fat you will not know me. Jack Storr is still commander of the St. Quentin armed vessel, at Hull and that station; I wish he had been sent to you . , , I hear now and then of my friend, Major Legard, from quarters in Holland ; he is well. Board of Victualling to the Same. 1746, December 17. — The Prince of Denmark, one of the victuallers named in our letter of the 10th inst., ran on a sand in her way from the Nore to Spithead, and received so 155 much damage that she had to be brought up the river to unload and repair. We have written to our agent at Portsmouth to take up a ship there if he can find one, and load her so as to sail with the convoy ; but we very much doubt whether he will be able to find a suitable vessel. Arthur Villettbs to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, December [17-] 28. Nice. — Introducing an Austrian artillery officer whom General Brown is sending to Savona to attend the cannon and mortars which the King of Sardinia is supplying there for the siege of Savona. As he speaks nothing but German and cannot ride, I am to ask you to give him a passage towards Genoa and drop him at Vado Bay. Thomas Corbett to the Same. 1746, December 18. — I am to acquaint you that Eear-Admiral Byng is coming out to you with the Superb of 60 guns, Lichfield and Colchester of 50, and eight transports having provisions for 11,000 men for four months, except some of the pork, which will be taken on board another transport at Cork. He will probably sail from Spithead in a week or ten days. The Advice, another 50 gun ship, is also coming out to you. She will go to Cork and bring on the victualler, as also two other victuallers for the garrisons of Gibraltar and Port Mahon. Arthur Villettes to the Same. 174[6-]7, [December 22-]January 2. Nice. — I forward the enclosed letters, which were brought to me last night. " General Brown desires Count Eichecourt to make his best respects acceptable to you, as well as his excuses for not returning you his thanks himself for the cannon of the Roebuck you have been so good to lend him, which he was hindered doing by the absence of the officer who writes his English letters. There was no account yesterday noon of the Roebuck's being come to an anchor in Gourjean Bay ; neither has the Antelope got into that of Cannes, though she was in sight about three or four leagues at sea. General Brown desires the Diamond with the vessels loaden with cannon under her convoy, may not be suffered to come to an anchor in Villafranca, but on the contrary, that they may all be ordered directly into Gourjean Bay. This I hope you will find means to do, as the addition of that cannon will greatly accelerate the siege. The imperial general likewise desires you would suffer the barca-longa (in case she has not already come away) to continue at Savona till the 8th or 10th inst. (N.S.), as by that time he expects several battalions of the reinforcements actually coming to him will be there to be embarked on transports hired for that service. If therefore you will send 156 the necessary orders to the commander of the barca-longa to take these transports and troops under his convoy, and to proceed with them to General Brown's head quarters at Cannes, and let me have your letters for that purpose before the evening, I hope I shall be able to get them conveyed to Savona by land, under cover to Brigadier Paterson. If they reach tlae commander of the barca-longa in time, well and good; and if not, we have done our part, and she may at the worst be ordered thither again." I have just received your packet for Captain Latham, which I will forward this evening. My hands are so full of business that I cannot wait on you before to-morrow noon. Holograph. L. C. A. to Bear- Admiral Byng. 1746, December 22. — Instructions to proceed to the Mediterranean with a squadron of His Majesty's ships. To repair to Portsmouth and take on himself the command of the ships (Superb, Advice, Lichfield, and Colchester) , and with the victuallers (named) to proceed to the Mediterranean, and there put himself under the command of Vice-Admiral Medley. And as the Winchelsea is appointed to convoy the trade to Portugal, he is to take her also under his command, and take her and the trade with him till they come into a proper latitude to be sent into the ports of Portugal. Copy. John Le Keux to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1746, December 24. Will's. — I have done myself the honour to give you all the news we had by two former letters, besides those I wrote to Mr. Groves. Since which, it is resolved that Mr. Byng is to set out by sea to join you. Mr. Lestock died a few days ago, and is to be buried in Westminster Abbey. Mr. M[athe]ws has outlived him, but never man appeared to the world so insensible as he doth after such a sentence passed on him. The minutes of the court martial are ordered to be laid before the House. It's thought he'll be expelled. We shall soon know which way that will go ; in the meanwhile he frequents the court and all public places, and gives himself very little concern, which aggravates some. He's very happy to be of such a temper to feel no concern in his case ; but this is no business of mine ; I only hint it to you as the chit- chat of the town and coffee houses. Mr. Lestock has left his old nurse, who the public papers calls Bocca Cheeka, one hundred pounds a year; to Mr. Fox, secretary at war, a set of silver plate ; the remainder of his estate they say he has left it to Captain Cockburn and Mr. Monk, an apothecary, who he has made his executor. Now he's gone, the world will have it that he could have done better if he would, though the other was not capable of the command he had ; in short the world will have it that it had been better for us neither had ever been born. This nation feels the ill consequences of 157 their behaviour, which it's to be hoped will encourage others to agree better, especially as the success of an engagement depends on a good union and a good understanding between the general officers, who by such a conduct have worn the laurel with so much glory. " I am afeared we shall lose friend Captain Berkeley. Sed- wick holds out stoutly. Friend Earn owns his marriage from the year 20. He is the more excusable, because it was a year the people were almost infatuated with one scheme or other. I see Doctor Allen now and then, and as often as we meet at the Grievance Office, we drink health and success to all our friends in the Mediterranean. I must congratulate you on the justice the King of Sardinia and General Brown have done you by their thanks for your good services done them at the Austrians passing the Var ; 'tis in all our papers, and was mentioned in the House, and I hope you'll come home with a crown of laurel. I wish the Austrians may be strong enough to keep their ground. The French Court are in the greatest consternation, and sending succours from everywhei'e in order as usual to outnumber the enemy. It's to be hoped the Austrians will take their measures accordingly. " Sir Chaloner is member for Eochester ; he's snug and will hardly care to go to sea any more. As for Admiral Eowley, he is very quiet, and we hear no talk of him. Steuart is at his old station, Portsmouth. We are likely to have a quiet session, and money never was more plenty, nor the subscribers to the loans so forward to do it ; four per cent, per annum is the interest, besides some other little advantages. Mr. Vernon as usual makes warm speeches, which [make] his friends wish he would confine himself a little more to sea affairs; but there is no altering a man's temper. Admiral Davers is dead ; the command devolves to Captain Mitchell. Some letters from Jamaica tell us he can clear himself of the faux pas laid to his charge. For my part I do not understand it ; where there is smoke there must he some fire. It is not fixed as yet who is to go to Jamaica ; Mayne was talked of." Postscript: — " Lestock's nurse is supposed to be his bed- fellow. I send you his epitaph. " The Dutch have consented to augment their troops, but will not declare war. The Duke is to command them next spring, when 'tis hoped the army will exceed one hundred thousand. Great preparations are making at home for a vigorous campaign in Flanders. We shall raise near nine millions this year. You'll say : When will all these debts be paid? We must first have done borrowing before we think of paying." L. C. A. to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1746, December 26. — The Tilbury which convoyed the Deptfo'rd storeship to Gibraltar, and has been sent up to Port Mahon, is to be ordered home at once. We send you a copy 158 of Eear-Admiral Byng's instructions. In the spring the 70-gun ship Princessa is to come out, and Byng is to hoist his flag in hear. You will then send home the two 80-gun ships, together with the Dartmouth, Diamond, and Fever sham, which you have reported as in a very bad condition. Signed. L. C. A. to Eeae-Admieal Byng. 1746, December 26. — Additional Instructions: If you find the Advice at Gibraltar, you are to give her commander orders to collect the homeward bound trade, and to convoy it to England. If the Advice has not arrived, you will leave these orders for her, and will also leave one of the 50-gun ships to convoy the trade and victuallers that come out with the Advice to Port Mahon. But if the Advice has preceded you and already gone to Mahon, you will send either the Lichfield or Colchester home with the trade in her stead. If you meet the Tilbury, you are to order her to return to England forthwith. Copy. Thomas Coebett to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746, December 29. — Their lordships approve of the dis- tribution you have made of the ships under your command ; also of your establishing sick quarters at Villafranca, but commend it to you to cause this to be done in the most frugal manner that may be. Their lordships take notice that though they sent you an order, dated 9th June last, to enquire at a court martial into the conduct of Captain Townshend upon his meeting a small squadron of French men of war, the receipt of which you acknowledged from Gibraltar on 26th August, and acquainted their lordships that you had ordered him to be suspended and in arrest, but must defer appointing a court martial on him till your arrival at Minorca ; and though you have since been at Minorca, Captain Townshend has not yet been tried. I am therefore commanded to acquaint you that they think it very hard upon an officer of his rank and birth to be kept so long under suspension and arrest, with an imputation lying on his character ; and they direct you to cause all things to be prepared for holding the court martial as soon as can be with convenience to the public service, and to send the result to their lordships. SiE John Noeeis* to the Same. 1746, December 29. — " Admiral Byng is just come to me to acquaint me he has received orders to proceed to you, to put himself under your command and serve with you as a junior officer. The late surprising news of the insurrection and * Norris was at this time in his 87th year. 159 massacre of the Germans in Genoa, occasions a great surprise, and makes us fear it may be some hindrance to General Brown's proceeding in Provence. We hear you have been serviceable to him at passing the Var, and in the taking the island Saint Marguerite; and while I am now writing, I hope in taking Antibes, that the Germans may have a free passage into Provence to maintain themselves there, which will draw the French from Flanders, and enable his Eoyal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, who is to command [there] in chief, [to have] that superiority over the French as to beat them in the field, and gain the ground we have lost in those parts, and be a means to bring about a good peace. If Count Brown can keep his ground in Provence, we may soon hope to see one ; and your command will be so useful to their support , that I persuade myself, and assure those who have greater power, that you will endeavour to do everything that is possible for you to their assistance in apporting what shall be wanting, and employing yourself and ships for their service, preferable to any other views that may be more lucrative ; which in my opinion is never to be thought on while so great means of reducing France can any ways be brought about. It is with great pleasure I see you in so high a command ; that draws the observation of mankind upon your conduct, which I am persuaded you will endeavour to the utmost to give them a public satisfaction in your conduct. I hope you will pardon this scrawl, which I write as my good wishes for your welfare. ' ' The French ships from America are returned to France ; have almost lost all the troops they carried out, and their ships in very bad condition. Admiral Warren is just arrived, and in his opinion Louisbourg is safe in our hands. Mr. Anson is now on a cruise with ten or eleven sail, it is said in expectation of meeting the galleons." Holograph. Arthur Villettes to Vice-Admiral Medley. 174[6-]7; [December 31-]January 11. Nice. — "You will be the less surprised to receive one of my letters dated from hence, as you must in some measure know our ill luck and the bad weather we have met with at sea , for a more particular account of which I must refer you to Captain Barton's letter enclosed. You will see we have been obliged to put into Gourjean Bay, and as for my own part, I think it no small happiness that we were not drove to the leeward of it. I went immediately in Captain Latham's boat to General Brown's quarters at Cannes, where I dined, and was provided with post horses to come hither. I am now preparing to set out by land and over the Col de Tende, which I so much dread, for Turin, as I could neither answer it to my superiors or myself to be absent from my post for several weeks at this important and critical juncture ; which , should I meet with such another levanter as we had the day before yesterday, might very well be my case. I am not sure whether I shall be able 160 to set out to-day, though I will endeavour it if possible. This, together with some little business I have to do here, in order to send on some provisions before me, will not allow me to pay you my respects and take my leave of you again ; but your commands, if you have any, will either find me here at the vice-consul's, Mr. Cabanis, or be sent after me so as to reach me at my first stage. In the meanwhile I cannot omit returning you my thanks for putting me in such good hands as Captain Barton's, whose care of me and civilities can neither be expressed or sufficiently acknowledged by me. The old colonel, who will not leave me, joins in his thanks to you on this score, and in his best compliments. He has left a bale of camp furniture here in the hands of the vice- consul, whom I have directed to carry it on board the Russell to Mr. Grove, and I must beg, in the colonel's name and my own, that it may go by the first ship of ours that sails for Savona, where it is directed. You shall hear of my arrival at Turin by the first conveyance for these parts." Horace M.\nn to Vice- Admiral Medley. 174[6-]7, January [5-]16. Florence. — "By the first post that departed hence for Leghorn, I forwarded the letters you sent me for Mr. Goldsworthy and Captain Wright,* to whom the consul delivered your letter in the presence of Mr. Birtles and one of the commanders of his Majesty's ships. Captain AVright desired some time to consider of it, and then returned to Mr. Goldsworthy to acquaint him that he was ready to deliver up the French bark with Prince Campo Florido's effects, which resolution being communicated to Marquis Silva, he answered that as he had too much reason to believe that many of the effects had been embezzled, he could not possibly take upon him to receive them without examining them according to the inventories which the prince's gentleman had. To this Captain Wright objected, pretend- ing not to be answerable for anything that might be missing, seeming determined to deliver them just in the condition they then were. Many messages (as Mr. Goldsworthy has ac- quainted me) passed between him and Marquis Silva on this account, when the latter proposed, as the only expedient to facilitate this affair, that Mr. Goldsworthy's vice-consul might put the consul's seal upon them, in order that the bales and trunks might be opened in the presence of Mr. Allen at Naples, and the contents examined before him. Mr. Goldsworthy did not choose to consent to this without knowing my opinion ; in answer to which I acquainted him that if finishing the whole affair at Leghorn would be attended with any expense or inconvenience, I saw none in agreeing to what Marquis Silva proposed as to his sealing the cases, or referring the examination of them to Naples ; and that though Captain Wright might * Fortunatus Wright, captain of the Fame privateer. See ante, p. 151. 161 object to it, I thought his consent not at all nec(^,ssary. I suppose therefore that this method will be followed ; but I very much fear that there may be large demands made for what is either damaged or missing, which I conclude Captain Wright must be accountable for, though I don't know in what manner. " I was obliged to defer making an answer to the private letter you favoured me with by the last post about the clothes you had ordered to be sent to me, as I was then uncertain whether I could possibly receive them, on account of the new and very strange orders in relation to things directed to me, as well as other foreign ministers ; as the conditions on which that privilege is to be continued to us are so injurious for us to submit to, insomuch that I have some trifles of my own that have laid above two months without the gates of the town without [my] being able to receive them. I would most willing- ly have had the clothes directed to a private person, and have paid the custom for it, had this expedient not been excluded by foreign cloth being contraband. All the members of the regency are very sensible of the injury done to the foreign ministers by these new orders, but still have not authority to deviate from them ; but [as] I was extremely desirous to find some method to execute your commission, I desired Prince Craon for this once to let the parcel be directed to him, which he very obligingly consented to ; and when I receive it I will take care to get the clothes embroidered in the best manner I can, according to the directions I may receive with them. ' ' I have lately received the enclosed letter for you from a person at Leghorn, complaining of an injury in relation to a prize which was formerly made by one of the King's ships, notwithstanding the sentence at Port Mahon was given in his favour. As these are aifairs which fall totally under your inspection, people having no tribunal to apply to, I refer it to your consideration, and shall acquaint the person with whatever answer you shall please to give me. Signed. James Henshaw to Admieal Medley. 1746[-7], January 6. Tower Hill. — " As things seem to be at a stand and perhaps may rise again, I have bought you six hundred pounds South Sea annuities, viz. : — 3001 old at lOOJZ, and 300Z new at 99|Z ; so now the cash is all laid out, and when the demands on the late subscription are paid in, it may reasonably be expected that stocks will rise, especially if we have a peace, which I cannot think is far off. " We are now told of six new admirals to be made, which are said to be, Osborn, Berkeley, Stapylton, Lee, Barnett, and Griffin. Mr. Lee is to be kept in petto until his trial is over, which Mr. Legge, who sailed last Friday, is to bring on as soon as he gets to Antigua. Mr. Mead* told me about * Samuel Mead, next above Byng on the captains' list, but at this time, and till his death in 1776, a commissioner of customs, K 162 two years ago, that he would apply for his flag when it came to his turn, but it appears he has been otherwise advised. People in general seem to be sorry for Mr. Gascoigne, who they allow to be a good officer ; but his interest depending wholly on Mr. Lestock's friends, who had pretty much forsook him before he died, their neglect of Mr. Gascoigne is not much to be wondered at. " Mr. Bj^ng went for Portsmouth last Saturday, and proceeds with all possible despatch for Gibraltar in the Superb, with the Lichfield and two ships more. The Princessa is to follow him, and is given to young Captain Hervey. It's said she will require a world of fitting, and some make it a doubt whether she will be found capable of service. Captain Cockburn who commanded her under Mr. Lestock, and was his lieutenant in the MediteiTanean and great assistant in the affairs of his trial, is set aside without any provision that I hear of. Captain Mitchell is dead at Jamaica, so that the command is devolved on Captain Dent. Mr. Mayne, I am told, has been denied the command there, and Mr. Smith has not health enough to accept of it, so that though a convoy has been intimated to the merchants to sail a fortnight hence, we do not know who is to command it. " I hope this will find you in possession of Antibes. The vivacity with which you have assisted the Austrians, and the sharp look out in preventing succours going to the Genoese, has given a general satisfaction here." Postscript : — " My vessel, the Moggy Lauder, is coming out, by whom I shall send anything that I think will be agreeable to you . ' ' Thom.'VS Coebett to Admibal Medley. 1746 [-7] , January 12. — The L. C. A. having heard a good character of Captain Jenny of the bomb Carcass, and of his judicious conduct in assisting the operations of the Austrian army in Provence, I am ordered by their lordships to signify to you their direction to make him a post captain when a vacancy happens. John Le Kedx to the Same. 1746 [-7] , January 19. Will's Coffee House.—" I have done myself the pleasure to give you all the news we have had by former letters. Some were sent to the Duke of Newcastle's office, others were put in at the Admiralty office, and presume these last will come to you by the ships which go with Mr. Byng, who is now at Portsmouth and will sail the first fair wind to join j'ou. I can with pleasure tell you that you aie a favourite flag with the voice of the people ; Mr. Warren, another ; all the others seem in no great vogue with the city. The lawyers are angry with those of the late court martial, and the city with Mr. Anson, who they say has done nothing 163 since he has been out, but gone from the Channel and let the French take their ships. There is great talk of making soon six new flags- The list is — Captain Osborn, Berkeley, Smith, Stapylton, Barnett, and Griffin. Berkerley died* two or three days ago, and it is said Captain Towry will be made one. He is named commodore on the Scotch station ; he married Mr. Clevland's sister, who is now deputy secretary of the Admiralty. But it is whispered about as if Sir Chaloner [Ogle] , Steuart, Martin, and Townsend will be superannuated, with each a pension. This they say is a scheme to go as far as Captain Legge. My Lord G[owe]r gives up Fitz Roy L[ee] to put in Stapylton, and Lady Betty Germain! [managed] by the interest of Lord Berkeley that Captain Berkeley was one of the six ; so that you see interest is the best relation a man can have as things go now a days. " Captain Windham goes to the Navy Board or Victualling office ; his gout prevents his being able to go to sea , and Mr. Eevell they say quits the Victualling to oblige the Board over the way, who wants to put in one Blackball, a merchant lately met with misfortunes. Captain Hawke is a little doubtful. Next is Knowles, Forbes, Boscawen, and Captain Legge. This takes in the three honourables and good men. How this will go I cannot tell, but I give you this as a thing talked of by some who pretend to be in the secret. It has been hinted to put the postponed captains upon flag half-pay, but as the debt of the navy is near six millions, it will hardly be granted. They say Captain Smith is to go to Jamaica and not Mr. Mayne, though it is not yet quite fixed. It is to be wished the navy was better supported than it is. There is a bill for the House to regulate the prize money ; they talk of taking one eighth from the captains, and giving it to the warrant officers and ships' company. What must the admirals have is not settled, nor is it thought the bill will pass. The Duke sets out soon for Flanders, and ah the troops are preparing to embark, so that with 140,000 men we shall be able to cope with the monsieurs in Flanders- The Genoese revolting is an unlucky affair ; we wish General Brown can keep his ground . If the Emperor don't send succours to Italy, the French will outnumber you in the spring, and perhaps follow the Austrians into Italy. However, we have ruined all the French schemes by going into Provence. . How came General Brown to go without artillery? All friends are well, and as often as we meet we do not forget ours in the Mediterranean. Peggy sends her duty to you." Postscript: — "They are going to make the postponed captains flags, and put them on half -pay till employed. My next will tell you more of this unexpected scheme. Endorsed, in Grove's ivriting :— Colo' Le Keuse. [But there is no officer of the name (which is certainly Le Keux) in the Army List of the date] . * 1.5th .January, 1746-7. t Daughter of the second and aunt of the then Earl Berkeley. 164 L. C. A. to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1746 [-7], January 24. — The Governor and Company of merchants trading to the Levant, have represented to us that, though in June last the Lyvn was appointed to convoy the Delaivare, Levant Galley, and other ships to Turkey and back again, this convoy has been and by the last advices still is detained at Ijeghorn by your orders, whilst the Lynn is at sea cruising; and as this delay is very prejudicial to the trade, they pray that a sufficient convoy may be appointed to proceed forthwith to and from Turkey. You are therefore, in accordance with this request, immediately to send the Lynn or some other ship of equal or superior force, to convoy the said ships to Turkey and back to England. The Committee of the Levant Company appointed to settle the time of stay of their ships at the several ports, have requested that the convoy may remain twenty days at Smyrna, three days at Cyprus, and sixty days at Scanderoon, for them to unload and load again such goods as may offer ; then to Tripoli, and continue there four days; to Cyprus, and there stay ten days if there be occasion, to take in the remainder of their cargoes, and then proceed on their homeward voyage for London. You are therefore to direct the captain of the ship you send on this service to remain the said number of days at each of these ports, and when they are ready to come away for England, to joroceed with them as far as the Downs, and remain there till further orders. You are to direct the captain of the convoy to take all possible care to keep company with the said ships, and to appoint a rendezvous where to join him in case of an unavoidable separation. If during the course of the voyage he shall get certain intelligence that the enemy has got such knowledge of his motions as to lie in the way to intercept him with a superior strength, he is to advise the masters of the Turkish ships of the danger; and if it shall be judged not safe to proceed, he is to take the best care that may be for their common preservation in some place of safety, and send advice to you of his situation ; and in such case you are to strengthen him with some of the ships under your command, in such manner as you shall judge may be effectual for his security and that of the trade under his convoy, as far as other necessary services will possibly admit of. Signed. B.^LI Eeggio to the Marquis Silva. 174 [6-] 7, February [3-] 14. Naples.— About two-and-a-half months ago, a Catalan pink, Antony Mora, master, was taken olf iMonaco by an English man of war. She had on board 270 soldiers, who were sent to Mahon ; the pink was sold at Monaco. There \\'as in her, belongings to me, a blue velvet coat lined with white taffety, a gold tissue waistcoat, 165 and '' a cina cradle." I entreat you to prevail on Mr. Mann to write to the commander of the said man of war to restore the clothes and cradle. I doubt not but that he will have no difficulty in interposing his good offices, " as the English are not at war with the King of Naples, in whose service lam." Extract. Lefroy and Ghaeron to Vige-Admiral Medley. 174[6-]7, February [6-]17. Leghorn. — We send you in a small bag by the Phoenix : — 74Portugalpieces,atp. 8:13 each. Doll. 640: 0: Deduction for want of weight 3 : 17 : 2 636 : 2 : 10 More, 300 weighty sequins 895 : 13 : To the debit of your account. Doll. 1531 : 15 : 10 Moidores are very scarce, so that we should be glad to know if sequins or bills on Turin, at the exchange of 86 sols for each of these dollars, would not suit you as well. We have news from Marseilles that your ships have taken four or five vessels of the Maltese convoy, and hope for still better success. Our advices from England of January 16th, continue to mention a separate peace with Spain, and that it was expected that goods of Spanish growth would soon be admitted freely. Follows : — A further statement of some prize accounts. [The dollar, or pezzo di otto, at Leghorn, was subdivided into 20 and 12] . Brigadier James Paterson to the Same. 174 [6-] 7, February [10-]21. Savona.— "I have received both your letters of February 2nd, and am very much obliged to you for the account you have been pleased to give me of the embarkation of 4,000 men that is carrying on at Toulon, as likewise for the disposition you have thought proper to take to hinder those succours getting into Genoa. The xebec, arrived here to-day, is a very proper vessel for that service, as she can take up all the small vessels that come close in shore all along from the eastward, and carry every day some small succours either of officers or men into Genoa. If the settee that you have commissioned could be spared, she would likewise be a very proper vessel for this station, as the Genoese expect daily reinforcements from Naples- I have informed the King, my master, by this post of what you have wrote me, and the measures you have taken to hinder all manner of embarkations, military stores and troops getting into Genoa. " As soon as I received Captain Strange's letter, I used all my endeavour to get some wood for the fleet ; but that 166 commodity is so scarce with us, that it is with great difficulty that we can get a daily provisions for our officers and troops ; for my part, am obliged to go without fire because can get none, especially now as the Germans are arrived, who take it all away from the people of the country and pay nobody. I am sure you can be provided at Leghorn, where there is plenty, with much better wood and cheaper by the half. " Captain Willson has left the papers with me belonging to the Dutchman loaded with oats, masts, and plank. As we are in great want of the two last articles, and really cannot go to sea without them, if you think proper that the ships lading should be disposed of here, where it will be better sold than at any other place, I know the King will give as much as anybody else for some of the said masts and plank. I beg that you will let me know by the next your sentiments on this head, that I may take proper measures to procure them elsewhere, in case you do not intend to sell them. " I do assure you. Sir, it was never the King's intention nor mine that the money arising from the prizes taken by the ga to lleys in company with the Lowestoft, should not be divided according to what I told Captain Bowdler. The disputes we have had on their validity with the Court of Eome and that of Naples, and what with our agents being a little too dilatory, and my long sickness, has been in a great measure the occasion of that delay. Had the money been shared to our officers and people, those of the Lowestoft would have had some reason to complain; but as that has not been the case, I think they have not the least grounds of being dissatisfied, and may be very easy till such time I can clear up all the accounts and get in the money, which I am doing all that lies in my power to hasten. As to your writing to Mr. Villettes concerning this affair, you may do in that as you think most proper. " Captain Eobinson arrived here last night from Leghorn, and as he has brought a great many letters both for you and the officers of the fleet, he thinks it necessary I should despatch a courier, that you may receive them as soon as possible, the post not going from this place to Nice till Saturday next." Postscript : — "As the courier that brings you this may impose upon you, I shall pay the whole charges according to what is rated by the King, and place it to your account." D. Gabriel Olivab, Judge Delegate of the Vice- Admiralty Court at Mahon, to Vice-Admieal Medley. 174[6-]7, [February 23-] March 6. Mahon.— Enclosing the judgment of the court in the case of the Dutch ship Don Pedro. Spanish. Enclosure : — 174[6-]7, February [9-] 20.— The agents for Captain Abel Smith of his Majesty's ship Chatham, claim that the Dutch ship Don Pedro, Roelof Laurens master, and her cargo of 167 wheat, is lawful prize, not only because Marseilles to which she was bound is blockaded, but because particular orders had been given to prevent any relief being thrown into the place ; to which Captain Laurens has replied that INIarseiUes is not actually blockaded. It is very reasonable to prevent such a large cargo of wheat being carried the enemy's country, especially as we are assured that the French in Provence suffer greatly from the want of grain; and on the other side, it is not reasonable that the owners of the said cargo should suffer loss [if the port is not actually blockaded] . But as it will require a considerable time to ascertain this, and by the evidence before us, the corn is already much heated, in bad condition, and with weevils in it, so that meantime it would be utterly spoiled and worthless, we order the said wheat to be discharged and sold by public auction. Captain Laurens to be paid freight and other legal charges as if he had carried his cargo to Marseilles, and the net produce of the sale deposited in the hands of Commissioner Trefusis until the principal point be determined, or the orders of Vice- Admiral Medley clearly known. This sentence was published to the respective parties the same day. Spanish, with English translation. Geneeal John Wynyaed to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1746[-7] , February 2-5. Mahon. — By what I learn you have business enough cut out for you this spring, and though always glad to receive your commands, yet I must dispense with any ceremonies, being persuaded you have not time left upon your hands to bestow upon matters of no consequence. The com- missioner is so obliging as to communicate to me any public transaction that has hitherto passed on your side of the water. As your favour came to me but last night, I have not had time to see the commissioner in regard to the getting people on this island to supply the wants of the fleet. I am afraid we shall meet with many difficulties, but nothing shall be wanting on my part to use all means possible towards such a supply. Just as I was writing this the commissioner called upon me, and in our discourse about this we agreed that if there were directions from home to pay the islanders here, it would in all probability encourage many more to serve on board the fleet than hitherto have done. I am apt to believe proper remonstrance from you to the Lords of the Admiralty might obtain such an order. We have no public news here but what you anticipated, and I have nothing to add but to wish you success and health. Marquis de Roquepine, Colonel du Bataillon detache de la Marine, to [Vice- Admiral Medley]. 174 [6-] 7, March [9-] 20. Monaco. — He has learnt that some of the vessels carrying troops under his command have been captured by the English ships, and reclaims the hospital ship 168 with all on board her, according to the cartel of Frankfort, after the battle of Dettingen. He is confident that if any of the officers fallen into Medley's hands are in need of assistance, they will be supplied with what is necessary. French. General James Pateeson to Vice-Admieal Medley. 174[6-]7, March [18-J29. Savona. — According to your desire I have agreed with the postmaster to furnish you with a pair of good horse and a coachman for eleven livers a day. He would not abate a farthing, for hay and man's provisions are prodigious dear here at present. As to a chariot for two persons, I hope to procure one in a day or two ; in the meantime. Count Milesimo begs it as a particular favour you would make use of his. Mr. Villettes writes me he will be here the latter end of the week. Pray let me know if you despatch a courier to him this evening, that I may answer his letter by the same. I shall be obliged if Mr. Groves will furnish me with an account of the French officers and prisoners that are taken hitherto, our court desiring to have it. Geneeal Haegeavb to the Same. 1746[-7], March 18. Gibraltar.— I am glad to hear by yours of 17th February, of the success the Austrians and Piedmontese have had in Provence, but am sorry to learn that the Genoese, encouraged by the French, gave the Austrians so much trouble, which was owing as we are informed to General Botta, who commanded there. I do not doubt but they will be rewarded for their insolent behaviour. I am very glad that General Brown behaved in so distinguished a manner in his retreat over the Var. I have no news from England to send you ; and as to our neighbours in Barbary, they remain in the same confusion and are like to continue so. The Governor of Tangier has sent hither nine of the English prisoners, notwithstanding they had turned Moors ; but the Governor of Tetuan will not send any of those he has, and demands the v/hole ransom money, without making any allowance for what has been paid. Having a report from a merchant ship that she had seen eight ships which came out of the Straits, and which she judged to be men of war going into Cadiz, I sent a man there to enquire about it, thinking they might be some of the ships from Cartagena. If I get any account worth your notice, I will send it to you by the first opportunity. I am obhged by your sending orders to Captain Hardy to send for the money for the garrison. If you think proper, I should be glad you would let Lieutenant O'Hara go home' to do himself service. 169 Maequis db la Mina to Vice- Admiral Medley. 174[6-]7, March [19-]30. Montpellier.— Ee juests that the Spanish prisoners lately made by the English squadron, may be returned, in accordance with the terms of exchange agreed on with Admiral Mathews. Spanish. Victualling of Sick Seamen. 1746 [-7] , March 21. — Articles of Agreement and Contract made between Vice-Admiral Medley on behalf of the com- missioners for sick and hurt seamen on the one part, and Peter Provenciale of Vado on the other part. The said Peter Provenciale agrees to provide convenient houses to receive and lodge the sick men belonging to his Majesty's ships ; to build and make such alterations as the agent shall think proper, and provide all kinds of utensils as may be proper for the sick, for their lodging, eating and drinking, as also a sufficient number of nurses,- cooks, and attendants for the services of the hospital ; to provide firing for the several wards, and good and wholesome provisions for every man in the hospital ; the broth to be thickened with rice or oatmeal, and as much cabbage, celery, or other vegetables put into it as the surgeon shall think necessary. The allowance of provisions for every man per day shall be as follows : — One pound of bread, 16 ounces English, 1 ^^^ ^ and one pmt oi wme. j ^ j j Sunday. on ay. Beei or muttton, 16 ounces English, per man, Thursda' I ^^^^ °^ *^°^® ^^^^' Friday. J -^ , -, '] Water gruel or rice with raisins, and flour We nes ay. , ^^^^ raisins, twice a day for each of those baturday. j ^^^^^ To be altered when the surgeon thinks necessary, for other provisions not exceeding in value those named. In consideration of this, he is to be allowed at the rate of eighteen pence sterling per man per day for every sick person victualled and provided for, for the first six months ensuing the date hereof; and after that, no more than fifteen pence farthing per man per day ; and in cases of small pox a further allowance of sixpence per man per day for the first ten days that he shall be ill. Signed : — H. Medley. Pietro Provenciale. Consul Edward Pumelli to His Excellency James Porter, Ambassador at Constantinople. 1746-7, March 24. Latakia. — I think it incumbent on me to acquaint you with the violent proceedings of a British privateer brigantine, now cruising between this coast and 170 that of Egypt. It is supposed to be Captain Fortunatus Wright of the Fame, who was in tliose parts last summer, and hath very lately taken four French ships that loaded rice and coffee and other goods at Damiata. One was bound to France, two to Constantinople and Smyrna, and one to Bayas. The three latter's cargo belonging to Turkish sub- jects, he hath sent them all to Leghorn without distinction, and it is said landed the Turks passengers somewhere on this coast, after stripping them of what they had. The merchants in this town being greatly concerned in the cargo of the Bayas ship, which consisted ch'efly in coffee and fine goods, it caused a great uproar among the people here, and the Governor sent me word that if the effects were not recovered, he could not be responsible for the consequences of the people's fury. A boat hath been despatched to find out the privateer, with letters from me, in which I have sent him a copy of the orders sent me by Mr. Aspinwall, which he received from the Duke of Newcastle to send to all the consuls, notifying his Majesty's pleasure that his subjects shall not take such Turks' efl'ects as they may find in the French vessels, and that they restore what is so taken, and refrain from the like violences in future. I wish he may pay a due regard to this order- I have likewise acquainted him and all other privateers that I have procured our Pasha's promise that they may safely bring to this place airy French ship they may take with effects belonging to the Turks on this coast, without fear of being molested, as others have formerly been, by instigation of the French at Tripoli, and that the freights of the said ships shall be forthwith paid them, and the ship itself delivered to them after receiving the effects of the Turkish subjects ; and for a due performance of all this at this place I will be responsible. More than this I think could not be done for them in any place, and my chief view therein is to take away all pretence from them of their not being sure to meet with justice on bringing their prizes into a Turkish port. In order to take away any pretence of ignorance, I let no French vessel that is loaded here by Turkish subjects depart without a manifest attested by me, expressing his Majesty's order on this head. If they take any of these vessels and make prize of them, I shall be very anxious for the consequences of the rage of the multitude at this place, who have already too much cause afforded them from the vessel that was loaded with rice for their account, and taken in May last by our men of war, and for which hitherto they have received no satisfaction, notwithstanding the Levant Company say that directions had been sent from England to Leghorn and Port Mahon to prevent a condemnation of the rice taken by Captain Robinson and Bowdler on board the French ship of Captain Pane, and that they were informed Admiral Medley would order the captains to restore the goods or its value ; but I heard nothing from the consul of Leghorn, to whom I wrote about it, desiring him to receive and remit 171 it me ; and it is with much difSculty and fair promises that I have hitherto kept our merchants from applying to the Porte for redress; but if they find none from us, and our privateers continue plundering their effects, it can't be expected they can be any longer persuaded from applying to Constantinople for justice by means of the Pasha, which might give your Excellency a great deal of trouble, and possibly cause a great expense to the nation. I'll do what lays in my power to prevent the former from hence ; and a means to recover the latter would in my opinion be, if your Excellency thinks proper, to write the consul of Leghorn and other neutral places, to endeavour to prevent any ships being condemned that our privateers send thither from the Levant, till they can receive advice from these parts whether the effects belong to Turkish or French subjects; and in the meantime, if your Excellency pleases to send any new orders to be communicated to our privateers, it may have some good effect if they are not downright pirates. Cojoy. Commissioner Thomas Trefusis to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 1747, March 27. Mahon. — Many applications have been made to me to ask the favour for Captain Preston , whose turn it is to relieve Captain Erskine, to stay with the regiment, as he is adjutant and the major is in England, and that the lieuten- ant may command the detachment of General Anstruther's regiment on board the fleet under your command. I promised to mention it to you, as General Wynyard consents to it, that you might do in it as you judge proper. Everybody here has it that Mr. Byng is come to relieve you, and as usual, great court is paid to the rising sun. When I hear it from you, I shall believe it. General Wynyard to the Same. 1747 , April 7 . Mahon . — I received your letter of 26th March , and one from the Duke of Newcastle, three days ago by the hands of Lord Colvill. I am extremely rejoiced at the good fortune you have had in taking eleven of the transports that were designed for the relief of Genoa, and that most of the rest are dispersed. If the Austrians take advantage of this favourable opportunity and carry on the siege of that place with vigour, it is to be hoped that it will soon be reduced. May this lucky action of yours be only forerunner of future successes. I have several times since you left us issued orders for taking up vagabonds and idle fellows, of which we got a few ; but I must observe to you that of late many of the merchants who have brought prizes here, and likewise several of the natives, have taken out Mediterranean passes, which, together with the ships employed in the corn trade from Barbary — which is of 172 great service both to us and to the fleet — has employed most of the sea people in the island ; so that — for instance — on the exchanging of the different garrisons, as is appointed every spring, we could hardly find sailors enough to navigate the boats to transport the officers' baggage. However, if I have the least encouragement from home, I shall use all the means that lie in my power. Lieutenant Daulton of General Roads' regiment, who arrived here the day before yesterday in the Diike fireship, I have not seen and hope I shall not ; but shall take care, when any of his Majesty's ships shall be bound to Gibraltar, that he embark for that garrison. Postscript : — I beg the favour you'll forward the two enclosed letters for the Duke of Newcastle and Mr. Pelham. Count de Beiqubbas to [William Grove]. 1747, April [7-] 18. Savona. — Encloses a copy of a letter wTitten by the French resident at Genoa to M. de Belleisle. The felucca which carried it was taken off Noli by a privateer out of Finale. There were other letters addressed to MM. de Puisieux and d'Argenson, which have been sent by courier to Turin. Asks him to send on the next day to take the other soldiers engaged for the fleet. French. The Same to the Same. 1747, April [9-] 20. Savona.— Sends 52i rubs of forage for the cattle, for which he has paid 12 solds the rub (money and weight of Genoa). A felucca must be sent for it as there are no carts. As to the cordage, it is not to be got at 32 l[ivTes2 the cantar, the dealers insisting on 33. French. Lefeoy and Chaeron to the Same. 1747, April [9-]20. Leghorn. — The admiral's account cur- rent, including : — To charges of embroidering a suit of clothes at Florence p87 : 13 : 4 General Wynyard to the Eight Hon. Henry Pelham. 1747, April 9. Mahon.— In December, 1746, off GallipoU, a French polacca attacked two Mahon vessels, which, however, captured her and brought her here. As they had no letters of marque, I seized the prize and put a guard on board her till she was condemned and sold for 2131 16s. sterling which was placed in the hands of Mr. Boyd, deputy receiver-general of his Majesty's revenues here. 173 On 5th January (N.S.) last, a polacca of this island, also without letters of marque, captured a French tartan going to load corn at Bona, and with 767 dollars on board. When she was brought here, I took possession of her, as of the other, till she was condemned and sold for, including the dollars, 2S11 14s. 6d. sterling, which has been ordered to be placed in the hands of Mr. Commissioner Trelusis. I conceive this to be irregular and tending to prejudice the authority of the Commander-in-Chief in this island. I am told by the lawyers here that I am the only person entitled to the benefit of these small prizes — not by Act of Parliament, which only mentions admirals, captains of men of war and masters of privateers, but by his Majesty's declaration of war. However, as I build not upon their counsel and advice, and I take it the payment of this money ought properly to be returned into his Rlajesty's ex- chequer, I should be glad if you would signify your commands to me therein. Copy. Signed. General Wynyaed to the Duke of Newcastle. 1747, April 9. Mahon. — Acknowledges the King's commands to acquaint the Judge of the High Admiralty Court that he is not to condemn any property of subjects of the Grand Signor found on board Prench or other vessels brought in as prizes, nor any prize, till he is satisfied that none of the effects on board are the property of the Grand Signor's subjects. The captains of privateers have been publicly warned that they are not — at their peril — to detain any effects belonging to Turkish subjects ; but that such, if found on board French or other prizes, are to be forthwith restored to their owners. No case, however, has hitherto occurred of goods belonging to subjects of the Grand Signor having been condemned in this court ; they have been always restored without any expense to the owners. Copy. Signed. General Haegeavb to Vicb-Admieal Medley. 1747, April 10. Gibraltar. — " I hear that they are fitting out the fleet at Cartagena. Others report that they can't send them to sea for want of men. I sent a man there to enquire, but he is not returned, and as it is so long ago I fear he is demolished. " We have an account by a Dutchman that came fourteen days ago from Marseilles, that your fleet took and sunk an embarkation that sailed thence for Genoa, consisting of 10,000 men ; which I rejoice to hear and hope is true. " The people in Barbary continue in great confusion. It is very uncertain when we shall get the slaves." I beg the favour that you will give my humble service to Admiral Byng, and let him know that if he has any commands here, I beg that he will employ me. 174 John Hill* to Vice-Admibal Medley. 1747, April 10. London. — Congratulates him on having, by his vigilance and activity, broken the measures of the French, and dissipated their succours for the relief of Genoa — the only piece of service at sea which has answered the expectations of the nation during this expensive and lingering war. Count de Bbiqueeas to [William Grove]. 1747, April [14-325. Savona. — Will attend to the matter of the cordage. Wishes to know about the price of the muskets and bayonets which have been sent for sale. Some are new ; some have been used. French. Count Bbown to [Vice-Admibal Medley]. 1747, April [16-]27. Milan. — " I have received the honour of your most obliging letter, and pray you to be assured I shall always be very glad to have the occasions [of] convincing you of my outmost regard towards your worthy person." Eeab-Admieal Byng to the Same. 1747, April 27. Superbe, off the island of Ste. Marguerite. — T arrived here on Saturday evening [25th] , and was disappointed in not finding the Diainond as I had expected. Yesterday morning I spoke the Essex, Captain Hughes, who acquainted me that Captain Eobinson had left on the 18th ; that Captain Townshend with the rest of the ships had been driven to the westward by calms and the westerly current, and that he him- self was separated from him by a chace. On Saturday afternoon he stood into the Gulf of Napoule to reconnoitre the position of the French galleys and two barks which were moored in a small cove near Napoule on the west side behind a point of rocks. At Kapoule he saw a small fascine battery, and another on the point to the westward ; between the two, a small camp; and at Cannes, a fascine battery almost in the middle of the town, close down on the beach; another, a small one, at the west end of the town ; and a large one, en barbette, on the point to the westward of that. By this you will see how they have fortified all the Gulf of Napoule from Cannes to where the galleys lie. At two in the afternoon he saw four galleys rowing out towards Ste. ^Marguerite, but on his approach they retired to their anchoring place. There were many small vessels before Cannes ; and in the evening a great number of fishing boats came round Cape de la Garoupe and passed between Ste. ^Marguerite and the main. In the forenoon I was joined by Captain Eobinson in the Diamond, \\ho told me that whilst lying at anchor on the * Commissioner of Customs. 175 evening of the 18th , he saw four galleys and four other vessels rowing towards him, in hopes — as he was informed by the patron of a Maltese polacca — to surprise the Diamond and burn her. Captain Townshend with his squadron was then not far off, and " being quite calm, he [Townshend] thought proper to order all the boats in to tow him [Robinson] out." About eleven o'clock I sent Captain Eobinson in with a letter to Major d' Ortel to acquaint him of my arrival here, and to desire he would let me know how I can be of service to him, and would give me what intelligence he could as to the situation and motions of the enemy. This afternoon Captain Eobinson brought me off a letter from him — a copy of which I enclose — acquainting me that the enemy are very numerous by sea and land, and still in motion, but that he does not know their object, unless it is to make a descent on Ste. Marguerite. About two days ago he saw a great train of artillery pass towards Antibes ; and this day, some batallions and baggage. Whilst on shore, Captain Eobinson could see with his glass that the galleys and the two barks were at anchor in a little basin near ZN'apoule, behind some rocks, ^vhere there is no getting at them , and they are defended by a castle and a battery. I have had here with me. Lieutenant Tilliard of the Bedford, who was appointed some time ago by Mr. Mathews, in an armed vessel, to cruise upon the coast of Provence, and who is very well acquainted with the coast. He has been at anchor with his vessel in the place where the galleys now lie, and says it is so very narrow there is scarce room for a ship to swing, and that they have one anchor out in very deep water and a fast ashore ; their sterns lie close to the rocks, where there is ten fathom, and it is very deep water all without. From all this I find it will be impracticable to destroy these galleys, otherwise I had thought to have made a fire-vessel of the barca-longa ; but the place is so small and narrow , and so well fortified, and the water so very deep without, that there is no such thing as a ship going in to cover her. But I will not give over the thought of making the barca-longa a fire-vessel whenever I find an opportunity of destroying either their galleys or transports. ' ' I am greatly afraid they will soon make themselves masters of these islands without having it in my power to prevent them, for I think if I should place a ship or two to the westward of Ste. Marguerite, where the Diamond lay, which is the most that can lie there, they would run the greatest risk of being set on fire by the galleys in the night in case of a calm ; and their lying on that side will never prevent their landing to the east- ward of the island. Besides, they have erected two batteries — one of cannon and a bomb battery — on the extreme point to the southward of Cannes, opposite the castle on Ste. Marguerite, which commands all that side, so that there is not a place about the island where I can place a ship that can be of service out of reach of their cannon and shells. All that I can do in the present circumstance of affairs, will be to keep the ships plying about 176 the island, but this can only be done when there is wind ; neither do I apprehend they will ever make a landing in the day time while we are off the islands ; what they do will be in the night, when it is out of our power to prevent them." I am sending this to Nice to be forwarded to you by express. By the enclosed weekly accounts you will see that the ships which were with Mr. Townshend are very short of provisions. I will supply them out of this ship to put us all upon an equal foot ; but their water grows short, " so that I shall be obliged if we stay here any time to send one or two of them to Villa- franca to water, if we are not prevented before by the French and Spaniards having possession of that place, for it is strongly my opinion that they intend to pass the Var to make a diversion that way, and to possess themselves of Nice and Villafranca, which will entirely deprive our ships of the conveniency of that port." Signed. Enclosing : — Major D'Oetel, Commandant des lies, to Eear- Admiral Byng. He is glad to knoio of the admiral's arrival as the garrison is very tveak, and the enemy are numerous and appear to be preparing for a descent on the island. Two days ago a great train of artillery passed towards Antibes. Captain Robinson has given him an English ensign to make a signal with when he shall have any neios to communicate ; and if the enemy land, he loill make the signal and fire four guns. St. Honorat, [April 25th-]May 6th, 1747. Endorsed by Grove: — Received [on board the " Russell " in Vado Bay^ by an express from. Nice, May 1st. Answered May 4th, per express to Nice. Major d'Oetel to [Eeae-Admiral Byng]. [1747, ? April 27-May 8]. [Ste. Marguerite] .—I received your letter by Mr. Morgan. Your directions and care are a great support to the islands. The enemy this day have begun their preparations to attack us. They have fixed six mortars. We expect their attack every moment. The barca-longa has arrived this afternoon, and we are expecting the settee. I beg that you will give them orders to hinder an embarkation ; and also that you will immediately send back Captain Morgan, as we cannot do without him. Eear-Admieal Byng to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, April 28. Superbe at sea, ofE Ste. Marguerite. — Last night, after I had sent Mr. Pollard's felucca to Nice with my letter to you, I was joined by Mr. Morgan with his felucca. He had very narrowly escaped being taken by two of the French galleys, which, seeing him coming out to me in the 177 offing, pursued him and came up with him so near that several of their shot went over him. He had been at Ste. Marguerite that morning with a tartan from Villafranca with cattle for the garrison. I was becalmed out in the offing and saw the galleys pursue him, but could give him no relief; and as good luck would have it, night came on and they left off the pursuit, so that he got safe to me. This was not his only narrow escape, for in the morning, at day break, he was pursued by two half-galleys and an armed felucca, but being near the island he got in before they could cut him off. " This part of the coast is now so lined with galleys, row boats, and other armed vessels, that it makes it almost an impossibility for these feluccas to pass between me and Villafranca without the utmost hazard of being taken by them ; and indeed, under the present circumstances, Wynn's settee and Veale's barca-longa are but of little or no use to me, for I cannot venture to send them from me without a ship to attend them. ' ' We were becalmed all last night and driven to the west- ward almost as far as St. Tropez ; but the sea breeze this morning has just served to bring us back to these islands, where it has now left us becalmed to drive back to the westward again. In this situation it will be impossible for me to afford relief or assistance to these islands, but you may depend I will do everything that lies in my power to protect them. " I send this by express that you may know as soon as possible that the Prench, this afternoon between four and five, opened their bomb battery upon the castle of Ste. Marguerite, and have thrown several very successful shells into it. What the event of all this will be, I am not able to tell you. The garrison is very weak — not above 400 men in it — and wanting of everything for its defence ; it is my opinion it must fall, and what is very mortifying to me is to be oiT here and in sight of it and not able to assist them." Captain Eobinson complains of the bad condition of the Diamond, and says she is not fit to keep the sea. I should be glad if you would direct me how to dispose of her. At present, as it is very hazardous sending the feluccas backwards and forwards, I shall employ her in carrying despatches between this and Villafranca. This goes to Villafranca by Mr. Morgan, who, I hope, will escape the diligent look out the French Iveep for him. He is a very alert man, and I like him much. Signed. Marquis db la Mina to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1747, [April 29-] May 10. Montpellier. — I have just received your letter, which has been delayed on the road; but I am surprised to see that it is dated at Vado Bay on 1st April in answer to mine of 30th March. Clearly there is some mistake ; but as it does not affect the purport, I pass on to speak of this. I cannot help being astonished at finding that a person in your exalted position is unacquainted with the terms of the 178 Carted concluded between our masters, and published in their dominions and through all Europe, and that you do not know that it refers to troops captured at sea. If it did not it would be of very little use, for between our nations there are no hostilities by land except casually or in remote parts. I am obliged, however, to accept your assurance, and there- fore enclose an authorized copy of the Cartel as a proof of my anxiety for its observance, and my wish to alleviate the hard lot of those unfortunate men who have been made prisoners. Far be it from me to ask of your Excellency anything incom- patible with your duty ; but it appears to me that your honour and mine compels us to the strict observance of the treaty. I have already pointed out to you the punctuality with which, in 1744, I complied with the terms of the Cartel, in restoring to Admiral Mathews, at the cost of my King, the English prisoners whom we took at Villafranca ; they were men from the fleet serving on shore. There was a similar case when I was in Spain, in the restoration of some English prisoners made at Oneglia or Port Maurice. The men which you have now taken were land soldiers passing by sea, so that the cases exactly correspond ; and from the known character of your nation, I cannot doubt that after reading the Cartel you will act according to these precedents. I therefore formally reclaim such of the King's troops — whether Spaniards or foreigners — as have been taken by your squadron, and I shall be ready to give the proper receipts, and to pay any extraordinary expenses which have been incurred for their maintenance. I beg that the said prisoners may be sent to some French port in Provence or Languedoc, as may be most convenient to you, advising me of the same that I may appoint a commissary to receive them. Spanish. Count de Bbiqueras to William Grove. 1747, May [2-] 13. Savona. — He encloses an account of the expenditure of the prisoners of war. Among the sick there are about ten deserters from the Sardinian army. With the admiral's permission he will have them sent to their proper regiments, undertaking that they shall not be punished. French. Ebae-Admihal Byng to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1747, May 4. Superbe at sea, off Ste. Marguerite. — Acknow- ledges receipt of letters of the 26th and 27th April ; he has sent the barca-longa to Mahon with the admiral's packet. If the French fleet which has sailed from Brest should come into the Mediterranean, the Superbe is not a proper ship for his flag, and with the admiral's leave he will change into the Princess Caroline. Has advised Major d'Ortel to place a gun or two on the water side to hinder the galleys coming in to disturb him, as they have done when the ships are becalmed in the offing. 179 On the 29th past, about 4 in the afternoon, two of the French galleys came out of Napoule and rowed close under the island to the eastward after some Small vessels in the offing. At five, two more came out and rowed close under St. Honorat, where they began to fire upon the island. Does not know what damage was done. The ships were becalmed and could not get inshore to annoy them. About seven they retired to their anchoring place. They only come out when there's a calm. There are now two galleys and other row boats at Antibes ; and a barque du roi and a xebec lying under Cape de la Garoupe, so that in calms and light winds they have it in their power to speak to every vessel that passes that way, and so to intercept the supplies sent from Villafranca for the islands. To prevent this as much as possible. Captains Hamilton and Dent are ordered to cruise of Cape Garoupe and Antibes ; the rest of the squadron will cruise off Cape Koux and the islands. Signed. Eear-Admieal Byng to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, May 6. Superbe, off Ste. Marguerite. — Yesterday after- noon Captain Eobinson sent a boat to Ste. Marguerite ; in the evening she brought me off a letter from Major d'Ortel, a copy of which I enclose, and his despatches for General Shock at Nice, which I am sending at once by Captain Eobinson. " I am informed by M. McGoren, an Irish officer who brought me off INIajor d'Ortel's letter, that the French have thrown upwards of a thousand shells into the castle, which has entirely laid it all in rubbish; and by what I could pick out of him, he seems to think that Major d'Ortel will not be able to keep the place after they land, and that there are many places in both islands where they may land in boats with great ease ; and indeed I cannot flatter myself that I shall have it in my power to prevent them, but you may be assured that whatever means can be put in practice to do it, shall not be left un- executed by me." By taking provisions out of the Colchester, Nons^ich, and this ship, I am completing the ships that were with Townshend to two months, though they will be in want of water. " I should be glad to have your directions whether the squadron should continue at whole allowance, or be put to short, as you are the only judge how long I am to continue here, and in what manner the squadron is to be supplied." In accordance with your directions of the 26th past, I have ordered Captain O'Bryen in the Colchester to proceed off Cape Begu and cruise there for one and twenty days, and get all the intelligence he can of the French fleet. If he should be well informed that they have entered the Mediterranean, he is immediately to rejoin me, or not finding me here, to make the best of his way to join you. Signed. No enclosure. 180 Eeae-Admieal Byng to Vice-Admieal Medley. 1747, May 8. Five in the evening. Svperhe, off Ste. Mar- guerite. — I have just received by the Nonsuch a letter from Captain Hamilton to acquaint me that he is advised by Mr. Cabanis, our consul at Nice, that here are now in Monaco 3,000 French troops ready to sail for Genoa in small feluccas ; and that he has gone to cruise off there till further orders, to endeavour to intercept them if they should sail thence. As this may be of material service, I shall not call him off till you send a ship to relieve him, or send me further directions. Since I wrote on the 6th, I have had a letter from Major d'Ortel acquainting me that the French are making another great battery upon the point of Croisette to bear on the castle, which is now reduced to a mere heap of rubbish. They have not fired on it these two days ; the reason I am not able to tell you ; it cannot be for want of ammunition, for their whole train of artillery is at Cannes. I had hoped to hear from you by the return of the Diamond, but Mr. Cabanis acquaints me that he had no despatches from you for me. I make no doubt but you are well acquainted with him, and that he is a Frenchman. Is he to be trusted? I am informed that the Jersey and Dunkirk have arrived at Mahon. Signed. HoEACE Mann to Me. Chaeeon. 1747, May [9-] 20. Florence. — " I am extremely glad to hear you approve of the resolution that has been taken in Holland to declare the Prince of Orange stadholder. You may well imagine I rejoice on this occasion, and really I cannot help thinking that every honest Dutchman must be better pleased at this event than to see his countrymen tamely submit to the dictates and menaces of France. Monsieur du Cange, who vras always against a stadholder, is quite of this opinion, aod applauds the resolution. You know such a one always was and must be brought about by force by the people whom the French did not seem to know, though I am afraid they were too well acquainted with many of the Government. My Lord Sandwich writes that this event was brought about with less disorder than was to be expected, though one of the burgo-master's houses was levelled to the ground in Middelburg. The affair having succeeded in Zealand and Eotterdam, four deputies from the latter place were sent to the Hague, who proposed him in the States of Holland then assembled, for stadholder of that province. The members of that assembly endeavoured at first to gain time, but the populace, who were many thousands in number, began to grow tumultuous and threatened the lives of the members who were in Council. Monsieur Allvin of Dort narrowly escaped. He attempted to go out, was much beat and abused, and narrowly escaped a blow that was made at him with a knife or dagger. The people threatened the 181 pensionary, and declared they -vrould be revenged of him; and that besides they would not stir from thence till they were assured of the choice of the Prince of Orange for stadholder, and till they saw the Orange standard flying upon the town- house. This was immediately complied with, and Monsieur Bentinck, with the Bailli de Wassenaer, sent to assure the people that the rest should be complied with, and that the only motive for their not doing it immediately, was that the nomination would be invalid without authority from their respective towns, which authority they engaged to have by the next Wednesday ; upon which the people retired quietly to their houses, but the pensionary and many of the principal regents were obliged to stay till the dusk of the evening, when they went away one by one under the protection of Count Bentinck and the other friends of the people. At the departure of the letter from Lord Sandwich of May 1st, he says he did not doubt that by the Wednesday following the Prince of Orange would be declared stadholder of all the seven provinces. " He says positively that the allied army was above 110,000 eifective men and fine troops. The army was assembled near Antwerp, the right wing extending to Brascaten, and the left to Wastmael. General de la Eoque with about five thousand Dutch troops was at Hulst, and was in hopes to be able to make a stand. Orders were sent to another Dutch battalion and three English ones, that were arrived at Flushing, to march to join him. I hope to hear a confirmation of the news you send me of 500 Prench being drowned, and the rest being drove away by the inundation. Let us hope for a vast deal of good in general from this great event." Eeae- Admiral Byng to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1747, May 11. Superbe, off Ste. Marguerite. — Yesterday morning I received your letter of the 4th inst., by which you seem to think that the great preparations the enemy are making in this neighbourhood can only be with a design to watch a favourable opportunity to attack these islands. In my opinion they may have that opportunity whenever they please without any interruption from our ships, for the reasons I have already given you. I am astonished that for these five days past they have not fired one shot or shell at the castle, nor made any attempt to land, which, whenever they do, they will soon make themselves masters of the castle, as in my opinion it is not tenable. I cannot bring myself to think that the great army they have in this neighbourhood, and the vast prepara- tions they are making, can be solely to make an attack on these islands. They must have other, greater views ; and I am informed they are laying in great magazines of all kinds at Antibes, so that it appears to me that their chief view is to pass the Var, which can never be prevented by these islands bedng in possession of the Queen of Hungary. 182 You were certainly misinformed when you were told that the castle of Ste. Marguerite could hold out against a great deal of bombardment, and the people secure themselves in their casemates. I assure you, on the report of those now in the castle, that there is neither casemate nor cover for the people; that it is quite open, and so exposed to the shells that the garrison in the day time are obliged to withdraw, leaving only the proper guard within ; and even the magazine is so exposed that they have been obliged to make a cover of clay and fascines to prevent — as much as was in their power — its being set on fire by their shells. I wish their being so tardy in their attack on Ste. Marguerite may not be with a view of keeping this squadron here and divert us from cruising off Toulon, where we might annoy them in a more sensible part ; and I cannot help thinking that the two 50-gun ships and the 40 would be sufficient to attend these islands. But this I must leave to your better judgment. The fate of the islands cannot be long depending ; and as it is now summer time and the weather is very fine, the Diamond may be kept on this service a little longer, and it will then be necessary to send her to Mahon, for by all report she is in a very bad condition. In my letter of the 8th, which I hope you have received, I acquainted you that Captain Hamilton had information that there were at Monaco, 3,000 French troops ready to sail for Genoa, and that he was gone off there to endeavour to intercept them. From the continual calms, he has not been able to get the length of Monaco, and on Saturday last [9th inst.] , he learned at Nice that three or four nights ago, fourteen companies of grenadiers in sixty-three small vessels went from Monaco for Genoa, and that a company of 110 grenadiers, with some general officers, was at Antibes waiting for an oppor- tunity thence to Genoa ; that troops are daily going from Antibes to Monaco, and thence in feluccas to Genoa. I have sent Captain Dent in the Nonsuch to cruise off' Monaco till relieved by a ship from you, or further orders ; and have ordered Captain Hamilton to continue off' Cape Garoupe and Antibes, to prevent if possible the enemy's embarkations getting out hence for Monaco, and to protect the supplies coming from Villafranca for the garrison of Ste. Marguerite. Yesterday morning. Captain Dent took off' Antibes a settee laden with wine ; she came from Catalonia, was under Spanish colours, but had no papers except a pass from the King of Sardinia. The master said the cargo belonged to himself, and that he was bound with it to Villafranca. I have sent her to Mahon as a prize. There is a very great abuse of Sardinian passes ; every vessel that we speak with produces one and says she is bound to Villafranca, and as soon as she is released goes for Antibes or Monaco for the supply of the army in those places. It seems to me a very gi-eat abuse, which I hope you'll find necessary to rectify with the court of Sardinia. Yesterday, about noon, the Jersey and Dunkirk joined me 183 here. I am sending you this by Captain Hardy, who will acquaint you with the situation of the ships he left at Mahon. I have sent up by him i\Ir. i\Iorgan and his ragged crew belong- ing to the Boyne, who have had neither shirts nor bedding these many months; likewise Mr. Pollard, and the Russell's crew who were in his felucca. Captain Hamilton has the care of her, and shall take care of that which was Morgan's. Signed. Eeae-Admieal 1>yx(i to Yice-Admieal Medley. 1747, May 15. Five in the evening. Princess Caroline, off Ste. Marguerite. — On Wednesday morning I was joined by the Princess Caroline, which brought me your letter of the 11th, and the line of battle for the squadron. The same day we had a very hard gale of wind at W. b N. , and W.X.W. , which drove us to the eastwards as far as IMonaco. Yesterday it was almost calm, and this day we have had a light easterly breeze which just served to cairry us the length of the islands again, where, " to my great mortification, I observed the French had taken the opportunity in my absence of landing a great body of men , who had entrenched themselves and erected batteries in three several places of the island, besides those they had on the main ; from which places they kept a warm fire the whole afternoon, so that the communication now is entirely cut off between me and ]Major d'Ortel, and I can give you but very little hopes of its continuing in the possession of the Queen of Hungary, if he has not already been obliged to surrender, which I am apprehensive he has by the fire ceasing on all sides, and with my glass I think I observed their troops marching up towards the castle, and believe they have now capitulated. "I send this by express by Captain Hamilton, to be for- warded to you with the utmost expedition , that you may have the earliest notice of the fate of these islands." I am extremely obliged for the offer you make me of appoint- ing my secretary, Mr. William Burton, to be purser of the Carcass sloop. He accepts your favour with many thanks. I make no doubt that you will prefer him when you have an opportunity of doing it. Signed. Endorsed by Grove : — Received May 2{)th. Ansioered May 21st. The Same to the Same. 1747, May 16. Princess Caroline, off Ste. Marguerite. — " Early this morning I sent Captain Eobinson in to make what observation he could, that I might the better judge whether the French were in actual possession of the islands, and this evening he joined me again. I send you enclosed his report to me of the observation he made, by which you'll see 184 that the castle and the islands are in their hands ; and that they are busily employed fortifying and entrenching themselves in different parts; by all which circumstances, there is no room to doubt but the French are in full possession, so that by the present situation of things, this squadron can be of no further sei'vice here, and this evening I shall steer away for Cape Sicie, oil which place I shall cruise till I am honoured with your further commands." The Bedford, Essex, and Dartmouth are extremely short of water and wood, having been at sea nearly fifty days. They have been supplied with water out of the Siiperbe and Revenge, and now out of the Princess Caroline, but neither of them has above a week's firing on board. I am at a loss to know which way they are to be .supplied, for it will be extremely hazardous to send them to Villafranca. If the French should pass the Var, as by all reports is certainly their intention, Nice and Villafranca must fall into their hands ; and from the nature of the place, the ships might have great difficulty in getting out. My present scheme is to send the Bedford to San Eemo where. Captain Townshend assures me, she can wood and water with great ease and expedition, and when she joins me, to send the Essex. As I shall be at so great a distance from the Nonsuch off I\Ionaco, I hope when }'ou find she can be of no further service there, you will give Captain Dent orders to return to me. I shall send the Diamond to Mahon, and direct Mr. Trefusis to repair her in the best manner he can for her voyage to England, and to dispose of her men according to your direction. [This is the duplicate, and is' not signed. The original is missingi . Enclosure : — Captain Eobin son's Eepoet. On board his Majesty's ship " Diamond," Saturday, May 16th, 1747. — " Stood in with the islands of Ste. Mar- guerite and St. Honorat, and discovered a camp on the N .E. part of Ste. Marguerite, with a great many men at work in throwing up the ground, in order to make a battery — as we suppose — on the east of the said island. We like- wise saw many men at work on those neio batteries, which they fired from yesterday. " The soldiers walking indifferently about the island, in their white and red regimentals. The enemy have thrown up an entrenchment round a little chapel, and have mount- ed some guns on St. Honorat, at the loest entrance of the channel beioeen the two islands. There is no flag flying at the castle of Ste. Marguerite." Eear-Admieal J3yng to Yice-Admieal Medley. 1747, May 17. Princess Caroline at sea. Cape Eoux, N., five or six leagues. — I was joined this morning by the Leopard, out of which I have taken thirty tun of water as a small supply 185 for the Bedford and Essex. She now goes on to join you, and I am sending with her General Brown's felucca, which in the less favourable weather off Cape Sicie, would be rather a hindrance and a plague than of any material service. General Wynyaed to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, May 18. Mahon. — A letter from General liargrave [at Gibraltar], dated May 1st, says : — " I have been informed that a great quantity of Spanish troops have maixhed from Catalonia to Cartagena. If there is any such thing, it is possible you have heard of it; if not, I would have you make some enquiry about it. I have sent a man to get further intelligence, and shall inform you as soon as I get a certainty." I send you this that you may use means to inform yourself thereof, and should be glad if — when you have an opportunity — you will let me know whether it is fact, that we may be on our guard. We hear from Savona that the Genoese are blocked on the land side by the Germans and Piedmontese, and on the sea coast by your ships, so it is to be hoped that those people will in a little time repent of their rash undertaking. Memorandum. 1747, May 19. Mahon. — A list of the several sorts of liquors belonging to Admiral Medley found in the cellars : at the admiral's house, about thirty-five dozen of different sorts, and a quarter-cask ; at the bakehouse, two butts and one quarter-cask. " There was an infinite deal of trouble to find the qualities of the wines, they being all intermixed. Part of the wines are sour, occasioned by their being badly corked." Lieutbnant-General Thomas Wentworth to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, May [19-] 30. Turin.—" Not being able to reach this place before last night, I could not sooner convey to you the enclosed ; but I flatter myself with the hopes of seeing you in a few days, nor shall anything prevent it but the increase of my indisposit-on, which now hangs heavily upon me, though as it is in great measure occasioned by fatigue, possibly rest may soon remove it. As I am entirely a stranger to what has lately passed at Genoa, I can now only send you my good wishes for a happy issue of that siege ; till when all other operations must necessarily be suspended. The French are making some movements as if they had a design to penetrate into Piedmont , which is not unlikely, as their great point must be to make a diversion in favour of the Genoese, to oblige the King of Sardinia to recall his troops for the defence of his frontiers. 186 T shall be detained here till after the post sets out for London, wh'ch will be on Saturday next. I then propose to go to the army, and shall take the first opportunity of paying you my jDersonal respects. ' ' Signed. Stephen Thompson to Vice-Admieal Medley 1747, May 19. London. — Acknowledges the receipt of bills to the amount of 3,000L Tom Grimston left this two days ago with an intention of buying for you, Kiln wick. Colonel Cundum's seat, which, though he holds up at a high rate of thirty years' purchase, yet, as the situation is fine, and every- thing ready to enjoy life, with only a little finishing of the house, and there is a prospect of adding to the purchase by some considerable sales of land, which are contiguous, and which Tom says must come to the market, I advised him to stay no longer, shall I, shall I, but to buy it at once, and that I believe is his resolution. I bought for you with the last remittances, 5,0001 of the Annuity, 1747, which, with the premium upon it, is 5,500/. KEAE-ADMm.\L Byng to the Same. 1747, May 22. Princess Caroline, Cape Sicie, N., twelve leagues. — Since my last by the Leopard [May 17th], nothing material has happened. Captain Hamilton tells me he has acquainted you very fully of all that passed between him and the French galleys off Antibes on the 18th, so I shall not trouble you with a repetition of that affair. Last Tuesday, the 19th, I sent Captain Hughes [in the Essex^ to look in at Toulon to see what they were doing there, and I kept out with the rest of the squadron that they might not know we were upon their coast. Yesterday afternoon Captain Hughes rejoined me. He saw in the basin five ships, four of which had all their standing masts in; the fifth, only her main mast, with a flag at the mast head. In the inner road, one — he judged her a 50-gun ship — rigged, with her sails bent. I think, by your last accounts from Toulon, there were seven ships fitting for the sea. As there are now but five, the report you had of two having sailed for Constantinople may probably be true. From their being in no great readiness, we have little to apprehend from thence; however, I shall always keep a ship or two looking in to that place, but at present shall keep about fifteen leagues off the coast, a fair track, I think, for their Levant and Bona trade. Yesterday afternoon we took a French settee laden with oil from the Morea bound to Marseilles, and sent her to Mahon for con- demnation. " I am sorry to hear the French have introduced so many troops into Genoa. It will make the affair more bloody and prolong the siege. I pray God you may succeed, as I think 187 you must when the Austrians are in possession of the Bisagno, for then they will be entirely surrounded and cut off from every supply ; but the are very slow in their motions, or this great work might have been done before this reinforcement from France." Captain Fawler joined me this afternoon, by whom I send this. I have taken about thirty tun of water out of him for the Bedford, Essex, and Dartmouth, but do not meddle with the provisions, as I do not know what necessity you may be in. Signed. Eear-Admieal Byng to Vicb-Admiral Medley. 1747, May 24. Princess Caroline, Cape Sicie, N.N.E., seventeen leagues. — Yesterday morning Captain Townshend brought into the squadron a Dutch built ship under Leghorn colours, with a freight of com from Leghorn, and bills of lading for Lisbon. But as, when Captain Townshend first saw her, she was steering towards the N.N.W., with a wind from the S.E. quarter, there is no doubt that she was going to Marseilles. As, however, we cannot legally prove this to make the corn a prize to us, and as no doubt the German army must be in want of corn, I send her to you as a supply to them, and to make certain it does not go as a supply to the French. This morning Captain Murray brought in another little prize, a French polacca from Bona with corn for Marseilles. Captain Murray sends her to Vado as the best market for her cargo. Signed. Count Schulembueg-Oeykhausen,* Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian army before Genoa, to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1747, [May 24-] June 4. Camp de S. Fran5ois. — There are at Leghorn 2 ,000 measures of barley for the subsistence of this army. He requests that a man of war may be sent to convoy the vessel charged to bring it to Sestri du Ponent. Signed. French. The Same to the Same. 1747, [May 25-] June 5. Camp de S. Franfois. — We are meditating an attempt in a few days, for which we shall need the guns now at Vado under your protection. I am sending the Chevalier Saint Clair to see if the vessels laden with them are ready to sail, and if you can appoint a ship to convoy them ; he is authorized to explain our plans fully to you by word of mouth. Signed. French. • A nephew (sister's son) of the celebrated Venetian miirshal. 188 Gabriel Bonyol to William Grove. 1747, [May 29-] June 9. Turin.— Statement of account.'— liie Gallispans entered Kice last Sunday, but if Grove had any money in the hands of Mr. Cabanis, it will be quite safe, and the writer will hold it for him. He wishes to know if Mr. Richard Hamilton is an officer of the navy or of the marines, and what ship he belongs to. A bill for BOl sterling, on Edward Lovibond, which Mr. Cabanis cashed, has been returned pro- tested, and Mr. Hamilton is expected to set the matter right. Stephen Thompson to Thomas Geimston. 1747, May 30. London. — " I congratulate you on your pur- chase of Kilnwick, in which I wish you all the happiness and enjoyment that you can desire." He goes on to discuss the means of providing the purchase money [9,000J], partly by the sale of annuities, " the discount on which may be more or less, according to the success of our arms in Flanders; " and continues: — " This purchase for the admiral will surprise some people, as they have got a report that he was about to buy J3aron Hilton's estate, which they say will only be 75,OOOZ- Such a lucky hit as Anson's last would do the business, and I most heartily wish it." Postscript : — Annunity 1747 is now at 96§. [A letter of July '2nd, on the same subject, quotes it as 95]. Lefeoy and Chaeron to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, June [9-] 20. Leghorn. — Details of sundry prizes. — • We have credited Admiral Byng with J of -J- of all prizes taken since 8th March, 1747, so that instead of 1,167Z 7s. 9d. passed to your credit on 22nd May, we only credit you 778Z 5s. We are impatient to know how Captain Forbes has succeeded in chasing the vessels convoyed by the two Genoese galleys. We made it our study to give punctual intelligence to Captain Holcombe of what passed here, and we have continued it to Captain Durrell. "Before Patron Vincenzo Caffiero's departure, we agreed with him to pay his freight and 501 present, to let him be taken by the men of war ; and accordingly he fell in with the Nassau. Indeed it is but a poor cargo and very bad wine — about 220 casks we sold at 61 per cask — but it had been liked at Genoa. We are pretty sure that a like scheme will succeed in a day or two for a vessel of about 2,000 sacks of corn, one Patron Euggiero, who is bound for Marseilles and apparently for Lisbon, and he is to let himself be taken by the ships on this station." We have no particular news from England. From Holland an augmentation of 30,000 men was agreed on, but war was not yet declai'ed against France, perhaps to give their ships time to get home. 189 The Chevalieb Sforza Pallavicini to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, June [13-] 24. Savona. — Encloses a copy of a letter from the Baron de Leutrum. Signed. French. Enclosure : — Baron de Leutrum to the Chevalier Pallavicini. June [ll-]22. Head Quarters, Lusignasco. — Has arrived here from Nice, having orders from the King to protect the principality of Oneglia and the Western Riviera. Prays him to acquaint Admiral Medley and the Goimt de la Rogue with this. He will keep him informed of his positon. Has no news from Vintimille, and does not know that the enemies have any battery there, nor that they have ad- vanced beyo7id that point, except some Miquelets who are at San Remo. Will be glad of news, especially from Genoa. Copy. French. Edward Allen to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, June [16-]27. Naples. — I write at the request of cer- tain Neapolitans, owners of the goods taken out of a Maltese vessel — George Camilieri, master — by an English privateer and carried into Nice. The proofs of ownership have been sent to Mr. Jackson at Leghorn. They pray for your protection, in hopes to obtain the release of the goods or their value. " As far as the property of the goods being Neapolitan will militate for their releasement, it is evidently so in general." All here is tranquil, and there appears no present intention to move the Spanish or Neapolitan troops quartered near the Eoman state. The galleys are gone out in quest of the Tripoline rovers who infest these coasts and have lately taken several Neapolitan vessels ; the peace lately made with that Govern- ment being already broken. A small man of war sailed last week for Constantinople to bring back the envoy from this court. Brigadier Paterson to the Same [1747, ? June 19-30*] . Friday, 9 o'clock at night. Savona. According to what we agreed at parting, I spoke to the governor about planting a battery at the head of the mole. He assured me he had this day sent an engineer to visit the post, but he found it impracticable. As our transports lying without the mole-head are very much exposed to be burnt or carried off, you may think it proper to order a 50-gun ship at anchor there, to cover them as well as the mouth of the harbour and even the town itself, where we have our magazines. * The dates of this and the next two letters are suggested by that of Briijueras of June 22-July 3, immediately following. 190 Beigadiek Pateeson to Vice- Admiral Medley. [1747, ?June 20-July 1]. Saturday, 12 o'clock at night. Savona. — I have just received your letter virith the enclosed advice from the Governor of Finale. I cannot see what the enemies can propose by occupying the island of Albenga, neither do I thnk they intend to land any troops that way. However, if you think proper to send two ships to anchor between the island and the main, to observe their motions and discover what they are about, I think it will not be amiss. I will wait on you to-morrow morning, and if the weather proves better and you think it necessary, we can send the galleys that way as well. Brigadier Paterson to William Grove. [1747, ? June 21-July 2]. Sunday night. Savona. — I forgot to tell you when I was on board the admiral that I have written to Count Briqueras by this post, to let him know that I have agreed with you to take an eighth betwixt myself and him of each of the two vessels that we propose to send out a cruising, and have desired him to take up the two commissions at the Secretary of War's office, and likewise to speak to the Minister of War from me about permission for Mr. Buckland to command one of them. CoDNT DE Briqueras to [William Grove]. 1747, [June 22-]July 3. — Fenestrelle. — Expresses his deep sense of the obligations he is under to Grove and his excellency the admiral. Nothing can give him greater pleasure than an opportunity of rendering any service to them, to Admiral Byng, or the gentlemen of the fleet. Wishes for definite instructions about the hemp and cordage ; he understands that a requisition has been made to Mr. Villettes to procure a remission of the duty on these articles for the use of the fleet. If the news of the revolt of Peru is true, Spain will be obliged to make peace with England, so that she may be able to send her forces there. This will give trouble to France. As to the fitting out of the privateer, what Groves decides is best shall be done. General Paterson was to write to the minister about it, and the affair will probably be settled satisfactorily. A nasty piece of business has befallen Colonel des Hautbois near Vintimille, but the result is not yet known. It is ru- moured that the enemy have a design on Demont, but it is doubtful. Also that the King of France has left the army, which seems to carry with it the continuation of the siege of Genoa. Such things are a mystery above the capacity of the writer. French. 191 The Chevalier Pallavicini* to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, [June 23-] July 4. Savona. — News reaches me this morning from Baron de Leutrum that two barks have left for Bisagno, and three others are getting ready for sea. French. M. DE Mauriac to [Vice-Admiral Medley] . 1747, [June 28-] July 9. Genoa. — Eequesting a passport to Marseilles for the domestics and effects of the late Due de Boufflers,! " Mort a Genes le deux juin " ;t also for the tartan St. Claude, patron, and eight seamen. Enclosure : — Nominal list of the domestics. French. Endorsed : — Dated 9th July, N.S. Answered 18th July. B. Mariconb to Vice- Admiral Medley. 1747, July [4-] 15. Vado. — Asks that the case of the patron Eisso, who bi ought his baggage from Leghorn, may be hasten- ed. It appears that the wine in question, which has been taken for the use of the fleet, was not — as alleged — the property of Catalans. Risso carried him from Leghorn to Genoa last year, and has always been attached to their common cause. French. M. de Mauriac to [Vice-Admiral Medley]. 1747, July [4-] 15. Genoa. — Begs that he may have the passport asked for, or be told that he cannot have it. French. Count Schulemburg to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, July [5-] 16. Quartier-General devant Genes. — The enclosed for you from General Brown no doubt informs you of the proposed movement of this army. Some battalions will pass along the Eiviera. French. Enclosure : — Count Brown to the Same. 1747, July 14. N.S. Milan. — Lieutenant Parisi is en- tirely assigned to your orders, and can remain as long as you find him necessary. My being only arrived, and design- ing to join the army in a feio days and resume the command of it, gives me so much to do that I must beg you to excuse my shortness. Signed. Endorsed : — Answered July 17th ♦ Governor of Savona. t Commander-in-Chief of the French forces at Genoa, * According to the Biographic Universelle, he died on July 2, of small-pox. 192 Lieut. Parisi to [William Gbove]. 1747, July [5-] 16. Savona. — Notwithstanding the order you conveyed to me from his excellence [Medley] , my duty compels me to beg you to obtain for me an audience to-morrow. I assure you it will not go beyond praying for a continuation of his powerful protection, and for his orders for Count Brown. French. Marquis de Bissy* to [Vice-Admieal Medley]. 1747, July [7-] 18. Genoa. — Eequesting a passport for a tai-tan carrying to France eight persons of the household of the Due de Boufflers. French. Count Schulemburg to the Same. 1747, July [7-] 18. Quartier-General devant Genes. — " Je regois dans ce moment 1' obligeante lettre de V. E. et suis infiniment sensible aux gracieux sentiments qu' elle veut bien me temoigner au sujet de 1' expedition de Genes dont j'etais charge. II m'est sans doute bien chagrinant de voir tons les soins ©t toutes les peines que je me suis donn^ devenus inutiles dans le temps que je croyais toucher a 1' instant de la reussite. Comme V. E. remarque fort bien, les evcnements de la guerre sont douteux ; la consolation que j'ai dans celui-ci est de n'avoir rien a me reprocher dans la mauvaise reussite que nous avons essuye. V E. se trouve assurement dans le meme cas; car je ne puis que me louer du zele qu'elle a temoigne et de la promptitude avec laquelle elle s'est prete a tout ce que j'ai demande d'elle quand 1' occasion s'est presentee. " J'ai fait savoir a Monsieur le Capitaine Cornish qu'il pourra partir dernain avec les autres vaisseaux de guerre, comme je fais un mouvement avec I'armee qui m' eloigne de la cote de Genes. A 1' egard de I'artillerie, comme le comte de Brown m'a marque qu'il souhaitait qu' elle restat encore a Vado, je ne doute pas qu'il ne se soit entendu avec V. E. la dessus. Comme Monsieur le Capitaine Smith a montr^ un zele par- ticulier, et s'est beaucoup donne de soin du cote de Bisagno, je prends la liberte de le recommander a V. E., de meme le Lieutenant Kidd, du Rupert, qui a beaucoup assiste a 1' embar- quement de 1' artillerie et munitions a Sestri. J'ai a la verity lieu d'etre content de tous ces Messieurs, mais je le suis en particulier beaucoup de ceux que j'ai I'honneur de vous nommer. " Je fais compte de quitter 1' armee en quelques jours, atten- dant pour cet eil'et un courier de ma cour. Partout ou je me trouverai, je serai charmc d'etre honored du resouvenir de V. E." Signed. Endorsed : — From the General Quarters nigh Sestri. * Succeeded the Due de Boufflers in the command at Genoa. 193 Stephen Thompson to William Stables. 1747, July 7. London. — Matters of private business, invest- ments, etc. — " Tell T[homas] G[rimston] that I have informed myself fully about the scandalous story of our friend Medley, which you have seen published in the News, for which there is not the least foundation. The ministry — particularly the Duke of Newcastle — know nothing of it, and the Sardinian Ambassador as little. I think these rascals should be obliged to make some recantation, which I believe they will readily do, with a few high words or a line from some attorney. Captain Hai-dwick was with me to-day; all, it seems, to make some merit of his being with one of the printers about it, which I told him I would mention to T. G." Private affairs. Arthur Villettes to Vice-Admiral Medley. 1747, July [10-]21. Turin. — " Upon my arrival here on Mon- day evening, I met with your letter of the 29th past, (O.S.), but the feverish disorder and rheumatic pain in my head still continuing, the physicians have thought fit to desire me to abstain from business for a fortnight or three weeks, and indeed it is impossible for me to apply to any at present, so that I can only send you the enclosed packet from Sir Thomas Eobinson, and the account of our first successes here. " General Wentworth having spoken to the King of Sardinia and the Count de Bogin about cattle for the fleet, was assured bj' both that you should be supplied with as many as possible. " I find by letters I have seen from the army in Flanders, that the French have no reason to boast of their victory, our loss not exceeding 3,500 men, and 1 am assured from good authority that theirs is above 10,000. Besides, they are dis- appointed in their design of keeping the allies from Maastricht." Postscript : — ' ' I add two papers I have this instant received from Mr. Mann, by which it seems old Count Rivarola has again got possession of the town of Bastia in Corsica, and is extremely desirous some of our ships might appear off that island. But how far that is possible and consistent with your instructions, no one can better convince Mr. Mann of than yourself, which T wish you would take the trouble of doing, as I cannot write to him this fortnight. " I send you enclosed an extract of the Duke of Newcastle's letter to me of the 19th past, by which you will see that his Majesty authorises General Wentworth, yourself and me, to dispose of the French prisoners in such a manner as the exigency of affairs may require. As the King of Sardinia seems a little uneasy at having so many French officers in the heart of his dominions, if you will please to leave it to Mr. Wentworth and me, we will let the officers return upon their parole, and the soldiers remain where they are at present ; his Sardinian Majesty being rather inclined to keep them than to have them go to reinforce the enemy at this time. 194 " General Wentworth is gone to Milan to hasten Count Brown, who seems yet irresolute and slow. I don't expect him back till to-morrow. ' ' Signed. Enclosures : — I. Don Luigi Zerbi to Mr. Mann. mi, [June ^Q-'jJuly 10. Leghorn. — A piece of news from Corsica induces me to trouble you with this to acquaint you with the reduction of Bastia. Two of our party being introduced by some citizens into the town on the night of the 7th, soon made themselves masters of the outer city, the citadel only remaining in the hands of the accursed Genoese. They cannot keep it long, both from the situation of the place and for xcant of provisions. I do not yet know all the circumstances of this affair, having the account only from a small boat which escaped in the confusion with many others — carrying ivhole families — which are arrived at the island of Cabrera; but there is no doubt of the truth of the fact itself. The favour you have always shown this poor island makes me confide in the continuance of it, and trust that you will at least procure the appearance of a ship on the coast to animate the people and assure them of protection. Though we lost a city, we have regained it, and I think we ought to be helped. The Genoese are intriguing at Naples, hoping to make a party there for their support. As soon as I have more distinct accounts, I will send them to you. Copy. II. The Same to the Same. 1747, July [3-] 14. Leghorn. — Your kind answer of the 11th encourages me to continue the news from Bastia. On Tuesday last some small vessels arrived from Cabrera to buy stores for the castle of Bastia, and were supplied ivith 300 sacks of flour, 18 barrels of powder, and a quantity of shot. I had imagined that the people here ivere not allowed to furnish stores and ammunition to the avowed enemies of her Imperial Majesty, but in fact they are very willing to furnish the Genoese with anything they want. From the patron of a bark which arrived this morning we learn that my uncle is in town with numerous attendants ; and that the com- missary of Galri with some French officers had ariived at Cabrera intending to throw themselves, with succotirs, into the castle of Bastia. We are masters of the port, but the enemy have yet a communication ivith the sea, by means of a passage by the walls near the shore, by which they have continual succours from the sea, ive having no armed vessels to intercept them. We have not, as yet, received any letters from our friends, by reason of the difficulty of the passage, for the Genoese have some armed feluccas to gtiard the coast and Gape Corse. I confide m^tch in your protection and intercession, and implore your endeavour for a ready siuicour in this emergency. Copy. 195 Thompsons and Seward to Thomas Grimston. 1747, July 30. London. — We received your favour of the 24th inst. Our S[teph6n] T[hompson] had before concerted with his friends what was proper to be done in vindication of the admiral against the scandalous reflection thrown upon him, m consequence of which Mr. George Stainforth and a friend of his published a contradiction of it in all the papers ; but as to prosecuting the printers, we understand it would not have any effect as they only copied it from the foreign prints, which is for them a sufficient excuse. However, if you think anything else can be done that will be of service, we shall not only very readily obey your commands, but also share with you in the pleasure of convincing the world of his honour and integrity. Inventory. 1747, August 5. — " An Inventory of Vice-Admiral Medley's things on board the Boyne." Cabin furniture, table plate, etc. — Eight silver candlesticks, six of which hath sockets ; one silver snuffstand with a pair steel snuffers; one pair steel spurs; swords: one silver hilted, one mourning, one broad ; pistols : one pair silver mounted, one pair brass mounted ; two spying glasses. [Vice- Admiral Medley died on hoard the " Boyne " at Savona on August 5th^. Hospital Bxpenditubb. 1747, August 5. — An account of money received and dis- bursed at Vado Hospital, in part of Michaelmas Quarter commencing 1st July and ending 5th August. Among the items is five gallons of rum used for embalming the deceased admiral. P. HicKiNGTON to Thomas Grimston. 1747, August 17. Minorca. — This day the melancholy news of poor Mr. Medley's death was brought us here, which you will easily believe I am heartily sorry for, for many reasons that I need not mention. I pray God bless you with all that affluence which providence has now thrown into your hands. A copy of the will, I make no doubt, has been sent and may probably be with you about this time. I have seen a short sketch of it myself, and by what I see and hear, I wish it has not been made in too much haste, for by an unaccountable oversight, as I am informed, nobody is appointed or empowered here to look after or settle or adjust affairs or accounts, which I am afraid will be found in some confusion. There is money, etc., etc., lying here, a considerable quantity on board the Boyne, and above 10,000i at Gibraltar, which cannot be paid 196 or parted with without proper authority from you for it. I most lieartily wish it may suit you to come out yourself directly ; I am very sure it will be your interest to do it if you can, for the world are extremely mistaken if the man Mr. Medley confided in most, and who had the management both of him and of all his affairs, be half so honest as he believed him. If you cannot come, some clever man — a man of figures, and one you can confide in — should be sent with full power and authority to act for you. Grove, the secretary, was in a dying condition when the admiral died ; and luckily for you, Captain Edmund Strange, an honest, worthy man as ever lived, had the command. He loved the admiral, and would take care to prevent frauds and embezzlement as far as lay in his power. P. HiCKiNGTON to Thomas Geimston. 1747, August 21. Minorca. — I am afraid from what I hear that the admiral's affairs will be found in some disorder. It is, in my opinion, most necessary that you should at once either come out yourself or send some capable man of business to take charge. " Very fortunately for you, some people were confined by sickness when Mr Medley died," and Captain Strange, who was with him, is as worthy, honest a man as ever lived. As I mentioned in my former letter, there is a great deal of cash on board the Boyne — how much I know not. Here, in different hands, are marbles, paintings, etc., etc., the spoil and plunder of the perfidious Genoese ; and above ten thousand pounds at Gibraltar, which can neither be lawfully demanded, or paid, or parted with till }'ou either come or send. There is an odd story written to me and others by those who were on the spot, about five thousand pounds that the admiral thought himself cheated out of, and talkexl of to the last. How it is T really know not, nor can I learn. James Henshaw to Thomas Grimston. 1747, August 25. Tower Hill. — " By the time this comes to your hand, you will no doubt have the melancholy news of the admiral's death, the particulars of which I have no manner of account of further than that he died on the sixth day after he was taken ill. I wish that the unaccountable report of his being under arrest, together with some disagreeable letters that T am told were wrote to him from hence in regard to his conduct, may not have fretted him so much as to occasion the fever he had and hasten his fate. I have wrote to Mr. Grove, the secretary, and desired him to seal up, in sight and concert with the captain and officers of the ship, all Mr. Medley's most valuable effects ; but as to those of the lower order, such as rab'Ji and kitchen furniture, clothes, etc., I thought it would lie by much the best way to sell them abroad rather than to 197 send them home here, where they would not fetch near the price they will there, and to pay the money into the merchant's haiids at Leghorn with whom the admiral corresponded ; for which he was to take bills payable to you or order, and remit them hither to my care. 1 have likewise told him that it was to you alone that he must be accountable for everything that regarded the admiral, and that he would hear from you as soon as you could conveniently write. " Mr. Medley in his insti-uctions to me desires that if Mrs. Rogers should die, I would immediately take care of the furniture etc. of the house at Gosport ; but whether he designed it for Mrs. Eogers in case he died before her, is what I don't know. I have about six hundred pounds of the admiral's not invested in stock, as it has been continually falling ; but I told him in my last that he should have five per cent, for it until it was laid out. When you think fit to call it out, please to give me what warning you can, as it does not lie idle. You Ivnow best whether there is any necessity for your coming to town presently, and therefore I shall not take upon me to advise. I have not received any salary since that due at Christmas last." Stephen Thompsok to Thomas Grimston. 1747, October 3. Kirby Hall. — I enclose you a letter I received from our friend Howe, by which you will see that Grove has not left Italy, and though he has been ill, methinks he might have given you some account of the admiral's affairs — at least of his cash. A letter is soon dictated, if he could not write himself. I advised you not to take the money out of the hands in which the admiral had lodged any, and to desire those persons to make remittances ; but in regard to the cash in the admiral's possession, I think it will be as well to order it into Mr. Howe's hands as any others. You know him to be an honest man, and it may give him an opportunity of inspecting the admiral's books, and prevent any juggle betwixt Grove and his friends. As Howe is an intimate acquaintance of yours, it may excuse all suspicion of jealousy, and I think can't be taken amiss that you should give a friend a commission before a stranger. I suppose Grove will wait your orders before he does anything ; he ought to have desired them of himself. Enclosure : — James Howe to Stephen Thompson. 1747. [August Sl-^Sej^tember 11. Lenhnni. — Dear brother .... Mr. Grove is latehj come here, hut as I have not seen him I can f/ive you no (-ertainii/ fnmi Ids own mouth about Mr. Medley's affairs. The current report is that he had a very large sum of money in e/ish aboard his ship; of tchich and other things Grove has probably given Mr. Grimston an account. If this story subsists, I presume orders will be given about the disposal of it, to 198 somebody ; and I should imagine the best method of having it home zvoidd be by remittances ; whereto I mill only add that if that should, be the manner approved of by Mr. Grimston, and he gives directions for it to be sent to me, I will make him returns in secure bills at the most favourable exchange. This is a hint ivhich you may improve to your own and my advantage, as I presume the remittances tvill pass through your house. When Orove came I loas a little indisposed, which prevented my seeing him, and he is gone now into the country for the benefit of the air, having been at the point of death with the same sort of fever ivhich carried off Mr. Medley. Jambs Howe to Thomas Grimston. 1747, November [9-] 20. Leghorn. — By the last post I re- ceived your letter of October 4th, enclosing one for Captain Latham, which I have sent forward to Vado Bay where the Boyne now is. I do not doubt that he will readily comply with your order for the late admiral's plate and money chests to be sent to me. When I receive them, I will have them opened and examined before witnesses, and an inventory of the contents taken. I observe what legacies you would have discharged, and when that is done I will remit the residue of the money to our friends, Messrs. Thompson and Seward, on your account, and send the plate to them by the first safe opportunity. Grove is now at Florence, and still much out of order. I sent on your letter to him immediately, at the same time asking him to let me know whether the expenses at Savona for em- balming the corpse had been paid, and if not, what they amount to and to whom due. Postscript : — I have advice from Florence that my letter had been delivered to Grove, who was ill abed, which I presume may be the reaeon that I have no answer from him. If the late admiral had any efi'ects here, they are most likely in the hands of Lefroy and Charron. I believe it would be proper for you to send me a general power of attorney to demand and recover from them or others all the effects of the deceased. Stephen Thompson to Thomas Grimston. 1747, November 17. London. — Thompson, Admiral Medley's servant, was with me yesterday and again this morning, when Kilvington came with him. They and two others will attend the corpse down. " Hardwick, who is outrageously angry with his disappointment, says he will go also, and if there is not room for him in the coach, will hire a horse, being resolved to see his uncle buried with his relations. Kilvington, before he came, had told me he was tired to death with him, and desired I would endeavour to dissuade him from his resolution, so when he came, Thompson and Kilvington went away, and I used all 199 my arguments to dissuade him from going down or making a bustle about his disappointment, telling him that though I knew nothing, yet everyone must fancy that he must have given great reason to the admiral to leave him out of his will, therefore his making a noise would only reflect upon himself and could possibly do him no good. However, this argument had very little weight with him, and come down he will." Description of the proposed arrangements for sending down the body. W. Stables to [Thomas Geimston]. 1747, November 23. York. — Mr. Eeynoldson has just been with me about the orders of your letter in relation to the funeral. I think it will answer no purpose to have him lie in state at Tadcaster, for who is there to see it? and it will be attended with the expense of hanging the room with black, and there must be escutcheons made on purpose to put upon the cloth, and it might as well be expected he should lie in state at every inn they laid at upon the road. It will be proper that your servants and his should ride before the hearse on horseback in black cloaks, and I think it would be better to have six of them than only four. I have only got twelve rings as you ordered, which I believe will scarce be as many as you will want. I observe you have only named eight bearers. Would it not be right to make Mr. Norcliffe be bearer, and some other person to join with him, and make them ten instead of eight? The pulpit and reading desks must be put in mourning, and it is very common to have a strip of black baize put round the upper part of the church ; but as to that you may do as you think proper. If you approve of it, it would be right to send a servant over with directions to Eeynoldson about it. There must be a hearsement over the grave covered with black and escutcheons. This I told him he must take care to have ready. The bearers we think need go no farther than Dringhouses. You did not mention in your letter whether you propose to have the funeral by daylight or torchlight. Notice must be given to the bearers as near as possible of the time that the corpse will be at Dring- houses. Postscript : — I suppose there is a coach comes down with the hearse. If so, two more will be sufficient ; if not, there must be three. I wish Mrs. Styles may be sober enough to appear I believe it is more than she has been of some time before. If you resolve to have a lying in state at Tadcaster, you must send over immediately. Stephen Thompson to Thomas Geimston at William Stables, Esq., York. 1747, December 12. London. — Kilviiigton has been with me to desire another 50/, which I paid him, taking his receipt. He asked how I proposed to send down the corpse. I said we 200 had agreed before, with one mourning coach. He said he would not go with tlae servants, and tliought he should have had a coach separate. I said that when he was last with me he was fearful lest Hardwick should go in the coach, and had therefore proposed to fill it that he might have no pretence for a place, and also to make the servants full mourning. It was now too late to alter anything. He then asked if I would pay for the hire of two horses for himself and servant ; to which I answered that I had no order, and he had better speak to you about it. He said he would not, and began to reflect on our manner of burying the admiral : that one coach was mean. I told him I thought two coaches would not make the matter much better, and that if it was proposed to make a pomp to York, there should have been several more, and the corpse lie in state at every town it passed through. He said he would hire horses; and then began to cast reflections on the admiral, saying he had not done justice in leaving his fortune from his family. I said, as it was his own acquiring, he had a right to do with it as he pleased. He said no, there was a paternal estate. I said I believed what he had left to him and his was of greater value than it. So he parted in a huff. I find he is a very weak , silly fellow, and somebody has been spiriting him up, so I fear you will have little satisfaction with him. James Howe to Stephen Thompson. 1747[-8], January [4-]15. Leghorn. — I enclose you a copy of a letter I have received from Vice-Admiral Byng and of my reply, so that you and Mr. Grimston may be fully informed of what passes, in order to your consulting what is fit to be done. Kew difficulties are like to arise from the motives suggested in Mr. Byng's letter; and as everything seems to be blended together, and there have been no accounts regularly kept but such as Mr. Grove will now patch up — wherein to be sure he will have a strict eye to his own interest and security — I doubt it will be a very troublesome and intricate affair. Since writing this, a person of my acquaintance, who has powers of attorney from two captains of men of war, told me that on applying to Grove for their share of some prize money from prizes sold by him, his excuse was that the money being locked up in Mr Medley's chest, he could not comply with the demand till it was delivered to him ; which tallies with what Mr. Byng writes. Enclosures : — I. Vice-Admieal Byng to James Howe. 1747, December 21. Vaclo Bay. — I have received your letter of November 11, N.8., wherein you acquaint me that Mr. Grimston, the late Vice-Admiral Medley's executor, has desired Captain Latham to send you by the first opportunity all the plate and money chests belonging to the deceased, and has given you directions concerning the disposal of it. '201 "As that is an affair of pnvafe concern, which I cannot take upon me to give any directions about, I mvst beg yoa'll excuse me from meddling in it, having all my life-time endeavoured to keep myself out of [Vestniinster Hall and long and tedious Chancery suits, ivhich affairs of that kind generally involve one in ; but at the same time must observe to you that I don't look upon Mr. Grimston's letter to you to be sufficient autliority for yoxi to act upon; for, in the first place, he should have proved himself to be the lawful executor, which he cannot have done, because the orignal will— to my knowledge — is not yet gone home, and there are several people who think they have a greater claim to be Mr. Medley's executor than him, ivhich may occasion great dispute. Not only that, but after he was declared the lawful executor, he should empower you by iwoper letter of attorney to act for him ; for depend upon it, without your being properly authorized. Captain Latham cannot take upon him to deliver the money chests, nor any oj the effects of the late Mr. Medley that are lodged in his hands. " I must likewise observe to you, that several of the captains oj the fleet have large claims upon this chest for prize money which was lodged in Mr. Medley's hands. Not only that, but there are large sums of money in deposit on account of Genoese effects stopped by the fleet, which Mr. Grimston — as Mr. Medley's executor — can have no right to ; that money not being the property of the late vice- admiral, hut only deposited there till his Majesty's further pleasure he known, whether it shall be restored to the original proprietors , or deemed as capture and distributed to the ships who made the seizure." Copy. II. James Howe to Vice-Admiral Byng. 1747[-8j, January [1-]12. Leghorn. — "I this morning received your letter of December 21st (O.S.), and I am obliged to you for giving me so freely your sentiments about the affair I took the liberty of mentioning to you, lohich I thought it my duty to do that you might he acquainted with what passed, hut not with a design that you should have any trouble, much less be involved in litigious dis- putes, which I will likewise endeavour to avoid, though I would willingly do everything in my power to serve Mr. Grimston. "I am entirely of your opinion that Mr. Grimston's bare letter to me did not sufficiently authorize me to proceed; but I informed Captain Latham that I have since received a letter of attorney — which I enclose you an authentic copy of — whereby, I judge, I am fully empowered to act, sup- posing Mr. Grimston is admitted to be the late Vice- Admiral Medley's lawful executor and has proved the will ■ — a point that must soon be cleared up. He has also sent me an authentic copy of the said will, which appears to 202 be transcribed from one which is attested by Captain Strange and Captain Latham to be a true copy of the original ivill sent to Mr. Grimston after Mr. Medley's decease. "I likewise observe what you are pleased to say about the claims of several captains upon the chest for prize money lodged in Mr. Medley's hands; and that there are other large sums of money in deposit on account of the Genoese effects stopped by the fleet, which I am. sensible may cause disputes. And by what I have been able to gather by the correspondence I have had with Mr. Grove, I find things were left in such great confusion — no regular accounts having been hept — that I apprehend it will be a difficult task to clear up matters, at least to the satisfaction of all parties. But I should think that in case the money is remitted to England, as Mr. Grimston is a man of fortune, it would be perfectly safe, and that the claims any gentle- men have loould be equally valid if laid there as here, till things can be better cleared up ; and such sums as appear to be in deposit on account of the Genoese effects stopped by the fleet, might be placed in the bank until his Majesty's further pleasure be known about the disposal thereof." William Grove to Thomas Grimston. 1747[-8], March [15-]26. Savona. — I wrote to you from Pisa of my convalescence and my intention to come here. This I did last week, and found Mr. Byng inclined to assist me in extricating myself out of the public debts that have been con- tracted here by the late Vice-Admiral Medley's order for the service of the fleet ; and I am now preparing the statement to lay before him in order to obtain money to pay off the same. This gives me an infinite trouble and occasions my delay abroad : but I hope soon to put an end to it. The amount of the dis- bursement is about 5,000i sterling, for which accounts must be passed at the Navy Board. It would remove many difficulties in the way of passing these if you could obtain leave from the Aamiralty for the coming home of the persons charged by Mr. Medley with receiving and issuing the stores in question, and who ' ' had a warrant from him, the one to act as master builder, the other as master attendant for carrying on the service here ; of which employs they were immediately dispossessed by Mr. Byng, who had other people to provide for." They are John Wilson, carpenter, and Nicholas Coxworthy, boatswain, late of the Boyne, but now of the Princessa. Their presence will be of the greatest consequence to you in passing your accounts, and I recommend the obtaining permission for their return, as an object deserving your consideration. Captain Latham tells me that there is no embargo on the admiral's money or plate, and that he would not accept one. He only wai,ts to see the probate of the will to remit the whole according to your order and power. There do not appear to 203 be any pretensions upon it on account of deposits ; and of this I have notified Mr. Howe, as also that the money will not be sent him till he shows a certificate of the probate. I am informed that Mr. Kilvington was charged with the admiral's original will, and I hope that long ere this he may have delivered it to you. Prize Account. 1748. — Statement of cash received and expended by E. Holroide, of Gibraltar, on behalf of Vice-Admiral Medley. — N.B. — "A chest with church plate was put on board his Majesty's ship Russell, which [the admiral] carried with him to be disposed of in Italy. The said plate weighed here 989 ounces, but by some advices ought to be 1,000 ounces. No advice hath been given me what became of that plate, or how much money it produced ; and as I gave security in this Vice- Admiralty Court, so I must naturally require the produce of the said plate being put into my hands." William Grove to Thomas Geimston. 1749, April 8. London. — I have paid Mr. Hardwick to-day the ten guineas you ordered. He was impatient, and would have the whole at once ; he is now decently quiet. 1749, April 20. — I am indeed sorry Mr. Hardwick took from me the ten guineas at once, but such was his impatience that I could not keep any part behind, nor have I seen him since. I have enquired about his books at the Navy Office, and no such thing is yet to be found ; and, as the principal clerk told me, it is not registered, though it's the custom to minute down every book in a ledger upon the delivery ; but possibly this is a mistake in the ofiice. However, he has got from me all his papers. I shall nevertheless give him what assistance I can, though I am not much in his good graces. 1749, December 5. London. — Mr. Eowley is just come to town and, as I am informed, is to preside at the court martial to be held at Chatham for the trial of Admiral Knowles and several captains on complaints against each other; but the cunning admiral has got a seat in the House of Commons last week, and it is supposed he will have art enough to acquit him- self at his trial. We have strange doings in our neighbourhood at the election in Covent Gardens of a member for Westminster, and the curious Grub Street witticisms on both sides are entertaining. A friend is making a collection of the whole, which I will send you, from which you can judge of the measures better than I can inform you ; but so much bribery, threats and compulsions, on the part of Lord Trentham* and Duke of Bedford are * Son of Earl Gower and brother of the Duchess of Bedford. 204 scandalous and base ; y&t if Sir George [Vandeput] can obtain a scrutiny lie will be duly elected ; but at the closing of the poll it will probably appear that Lord Trentham has a majority. This is easily accounted for, several persons having been detected in voting five, six and even nine times eachj besides numbers who have been admitted who never before were allowed a voice. . . . The repulse his brother meets shocks the Duke of Bedford much as it does the Lord Gower, who, 'tis said, is ill since the beginning, as it shows their interest weaker than was supposed at Court; but I refer you to the collection I shall send as soon as the polling is over, which I suppose may be in two days. 1749, December 12. London. — This day Mr. Knowles and the several (four) captains are to begin their trial at Deptford. The court martial is to be held on board the Charlotte yacht, where the members are to eat, drink and sleep, and not stir from the ship till they have passed sentence, though it may last some days. 1749[-50], January 21. London. — "I have not seen Mr. Eowley since his return from the country, as he has chiefly been and is still employed on the court martial at Deptford, that will perhaps be over next week. . . Captain Cooper, whom Mr. Eowley appointed a commodore and the late vice-admiral superseded, has been with me to give in for you a demand of a share of some prizes taken while his broad pennant was hoisted. He has brought a copy of the order from the Admiralty allowing him pay as commodore to February 6th, and has given me a memorandum, taken from the journals, of two prizes captured on February 7th, which by the style used on board ship, he says, is the sixth of a common way of reckoning on shore. I shall look further into this before I transmit you his papers. 1749[-50], February 10. London. — He has been much out of health for some months and is going next week to the Bath, where he hopes to stay two months. He must leave various matters of business till his return. " The affair with Mr. Byng I also suspend, since you have not sent the power of attorney As to Captain Cooper's demand, I think we have sufficient to invalidate it, and though I could not yet get the copy of the order from the Admiralty I before mentioned, yet I am certain it is dated February 6th ; for I have examined at the Navy Office the journal of the Stirling Castle — the ship Captain Cooper had his broad pennant on board — and find the following remark : — February 7 , at ^ p.m. (afternoon) , made the signal for anchoring. At J past one, hauled down the pennant. At 2, saluted the admiral. 205 And in the journal of the Guernsey. — February 7, at 2 p.m., looked into Barcelona; saw no ship. At 3, saw a sail to the S.W.; gave chase. At 6, brought-to the chase. She proved to be a Dutch ship from Cadiz, bound to Marseilles, with coffee, sugar, etc. The same case in the Phoenix's prize. The way of reckon- ing on board ship is beginning the day at noon. Captain Cooper desired me to send him what answer you made to his demand. He is out of town, and I shall write to him what I find in the journal of his ship, and also that I am going to Bath , which must suspend any further proceedings till I return. 1749[-50], February 15.— My health is better and I find myself mending apace, yet I propose, when I can, to get to the Bath for about two months. As to Captain Cooper's affair, I think I have sufiicient proof from what I before wrote to you, to set aside his pretentions ; and when I can I will get the copy of the admiral's order to him to strike his broad pennant. I have already wrote to him what I mentioned to you I found in the journal of his own ship ; but as I shall engage in a literary contest with him, I have deferred further particulars till I come from the Bath, and shall then give you an account of my proceedings. Captain Thomas Cooper to [Thomas Grimston]. 1749[-50], March 13. London. — When I was in town in January last, Mr. Grove, late secretary to the deceased Admiral Medley, told me he would write to you in regard to a demand I have on you as the late admiral's executor, which is for my share of prizes taken by any of his Majesty's ships of the fleet during the time I wore a broad pennant, with a captain under me, which was from December 2nd, 1745, to February 6th, 1745 [-6] , both days inclusive, for which I was confirmed at my coming to England and was paid by an order from the L. C. A. Now as my share amounts to near 500?, and as you will see how long I have been out of my money, and as I have not the honour to be known to you, and the great character I have heard of Mr. Grimston's honour and justice, I make no doubt but you will order your correspondent in London to settle this account with me while I am in town, which will be a fortnight. Postscript : — Be pleased to direct for me at the Turk's Head, m Bedford Street, Covent Gardens. Power of Attorney to William Grove. [?1750]. — Thomas Grimston, of Kilnwick, County of York, executor of the last will of Henry Medley, Esq., deceased, late vice-admiral of the blue, constituting William Grove, of Tavis- tock Street, in the parish of St. Paul, Covent Garden, in the County of Middlesex, my true and lawful attorney, to demand 206 and sue for, recover and receive from the Hon. John Byng, Esq., vice-admiral of the blue, all and every sum and sums of money whatsoever due to Vice-Admiral Medley or to me as his executor. IStamps, three of vi. pence ; not dated; not signed, sealed, nor delivered^ . Case for Counsel, stated by Gbovb. A vice-admiral, commander-in-chief of his Majesty's ships employed in the Mediterranean, being ordered to return to England and to leave the said command to a rear-admiral then in the second post, thought proper on his departure to create a new officer, viz., a commodore, and did give a commission accordingly to a captain in the said fleet. The rear-admiral was not acquainted with this creation (beng at some dstance from the vice-admiral when he quitted the command before mentioned) until the said commodore joined him ; and then , being February 6th in the morning, he sent a boat with a written order of that date, directing the said commodore to strike his distinguishing pennant (a.s is worn with the com- mission of a commodore), and did divest him of that authority, which was approved by the Admiralty ; but the said commodore, by an order of the Admiralty, copy whereof is hereunto annexed, did obtain the pay that is allowed to that post from the date of the vice-admiral's commission until February 6th, the day the rear-admiral sent to divest the commodore of his said office ; between which times the said commodore is allowed to share in the second post all prizes taken within the said command. It appears by the journal kept on board the said commodore that his broad pennant was not struck till one o'clock in the afternoon, which — according to the computation of time at sea — commences February 7th. It happened in the district of the command before mentioned, a prize was taken by a ship of the fleet, about five o'clock on February 7th, which is about four hours after the said commodore's distinguishing pennant was struck. Query : — Is the commodore entitled to a share in the said prize ? Annexed : — Copy of the order to the Navy Board to pay the commodore as stated. Counsel's Opinion : George Lee. 1750, May 7. — According to the facts above stated, this gentleman had received orders to strike his pennant, and had actually struck it, and was out of pay as commodore before the prize was taken. Under these circumstances I am clearly of opinion he has no right to share as commodore in a prize taken four hours after his commission or appointment as commodore was expired. Signed: — Geo. Lee. Endorsed : — Captain Cooper's case [in Grove's writing] , and Dr. Lee's opinion. Stated by T. Grimston, Esq. 207 W. Geove to Thomas Geimston. 1750, May 8. London. — I was plagued by Captain Everitt, who is here charged with Captain Cooper's claim, so that I had gone to counsel before I received your letter, or I should have applied to Dr. Simpson. However, Dr. Lee bears a very eminent character, and enclosed you will see his opinion, which he makes to be indisputably in your favour, and I assure you the facts stated are just. Cooper is dissatisfied with me for my opposition , and therefore I should be glad you would write him that, in the opinion of counsel, he can have no right to the prize taken by the Guernsey (for which he claims about 4500 , and that by the Phcenix (about 300p*). As to the others taken within the time his broad pennant was flying and not yet accounted, you will allow him his share (I think about 50Z to 600. ... If you think proper to send Captain Cooper a copy of the enclosed draft and opinion , that as you please ; but please to return me the original, which I will show Captain Everitt. Admiral Eowley to [W. Geove]. 1750, May 19. Tendring Hall. — I am very sorry there should be any dispute between Mr. Byng and Mr. Medley's repre- sentatives , and am always ready to assist in making up difference between brother officers sooner than have them throw their money away in law ; but I don't see how I can appear properly in this affair without Mr. Grimston writes me a letter, and tells me there is an account between Mr. Byng and him which he is afraid may cause a law suit between them if not submitted to arbitration , which he is ready to do , and desires I will appear for him. This I will willingly do, and think better than having your name made use of. Mr. Medley and you having any private contracts won't be so well to mention to Mr. Byng or any arbitrators. Holograph. W. Geove to Thomas Geimston. 1750, May 24. London.— I informed you long ago I proposed to get Mr. Eowley to settle with Admiral Byng our demands upon him, and accordingly I wrote to him the state of our pretentions, Mr. Byng having, in answer to the letter I wrote to him, denied he owed anything; and enclosed you have Mr. Rowley's letter. I don't very well understand what he means by submitting to arbitration ; however, as you approve of it, you may please to write to him. William Grove to [Thomas Grimston]. 1750, June 2. London. — Captain Cooper has seen Dr. Lee's opinion, and is to call upon me when he comes to town. " Mr. Byng hath got himself elected at Rochester, and I am of opinion * p = peazi di otto = dollars. 208 he is E ue enough to delay settling our demands till he can plead his privilege, which, however, cannot happen these six months or more ; therefore, I think it would be advisable, as Mr. Eowley seems ready to undertake the business, that you should write to him to get some answer from Mr. Byng, that we may judge of his intentions and always be in time to have our recourse in Chancery." Be pleased to inform me what success Mr. Eowley hath in his good offices. William Grove to Thomas Geimston. 1750, August 23. London. — I have purchased a small farm of ±'200 per annum at Buckland, near Kingsbridge. As it is all upon my hands, " I am jumped into a business which I am unacquainted with, but it is ready stocked to my hands and being esteemed a cheap purchase, at the rate of twenty years value, without any consideration for a very good house upon it, I have concluded the agreement. It is situate in the South- hams, convenient for shipping off cyder and corn, in both which articles I propose to engage. " I have had Hardwick with me already, and in my absence he got two guineas from my friend, Mr. Bernard; he is very penitential, and promises to be very good and dutiful, and will give me any writing I please that he never will give you any further trouble if you will forget his former behaviour and get him a purserage. About this I may, in a week or two, let you know what I can do for him in that way." 1750, August 30. London. — Mr. Eowley, not having been in town this summer, nothing is done with Mr. Byng. I propose in the next week to go to Mr. Eowley in Suffolk, and lay before him the state of our affairs ; and what he shall say, I will advise you. William Grove to [Thomas GeimstonJ. 1750, September 18. London. — Is concerned to hear such a poor account of Grimston's health. " Last night I returned from a visit to Admiral Eowley at his seat in Suffolk, where I exhibited to him all the papers relating to our affair with Mr. Byng, which he looked on with astonish- ment, declaring he did not see the least pretence that unworthy could have for detaining the money from us, and he promises, at his coming to town, to use his good offices to prevent such matters being made public by a course of law. . . " Captain Cooper told his case to Mr. Harris, who was secretary to the late Admiral Haddock, who mentioned the affair to me ; he seemed to acquiesce with Dr. Lee's opinion and approves of your referring it to civilians. Captain Cooper's obtaining pay or not for the day is not material and is no grounds to go upon; the matter is, from the moment of liis striking the pennant he is no longer in that service, and can '209 be no more aiding and assisting in that capacity. The Admiralty may grant pay upon application to an officer till he arrives and strikes his flag in England, and shall he, from that, be entitled to prizes taken in the Mediterranean ? " Hardwick is a wrong headed fellow, and will not take things right. I only told him what you were about to effect for him, and desired him to go and enquire of the clerks of the Admiralty if there was any vacancy, and to give his attendance to be at hand when he should be called for ; for that he must wait with patience ; the Admiralty could not build a ship for him. I have not seen him of late, but I shall send ajid talk to him." William Grove to Thomas Grimston. 1750, October 23. Buckland. — Is glad to hear of Grimston's recovery. "Will attend to certain matters of business on his return to town. " Hardwick hath wrote me two letters of Mr. Frankland's ajrival in town, pressing me to resign my ship in his favour. How far you would desire that , I do not know , but I have wrote to Mr. Frankland [that] if he thinks that will be agreeable to you, I [will] resign it, though it now produces me about 501 per annum, and with one week's attendance per month would be worth 701 per annum to him. The Same to the Same. 1750, November 9. Buckland. — Is glad to hear that Grim- ston's health is so much better, and hopes that now it will soon be perfectly re-established. Is going to town, and would be glad to see him about Mr. Byng's aftair, and Captain Cooper's ; perhaps Grimston may think it advisable also to go to London for bettetr medical advice than he can get in the country. " Gastaldi, the Genoese minister, . . . has given me a list of several prizes which, from the Court books of Mahon, were taken and condemned before [Medley's] death, which I am quite unacquainted with. . . I suspect, if the produce has been received, it may be lodged with the honest Mr. B— g. ... " I have [just] received a letter from Hardwick, who ac- quaints me Mr. Frankland has obtained Lord Sandwich's per- mission for my waiTant to be transferred to him, which I shall this day re-confirm in the manner Hardwick mentions ; though had Mr. Frankland wrote himself, it might be more clear how I should proceed." The Same to the Same. 1750, December 14. Buckland. — " Mr. Frankland wrote me about three weeks ago to send a formal resignation of my warrant for the Burford," since which I have not heard the result, " though I doubt not Hardwick is thereby provided for ; that is, for the present ; but I fear for his negligence." 210 William Geovb to Thomas Geimston. 1750, December 30. Buckland. — Is very glad to hear of his recovery. Hopes that now, knowing his case, he will be more " easy in the observance of the doctor's disagreeable proceed- ings and regimen. ' ' Has not heard from Hardwick since his pre- ferment; wishes he may succeed in it, but fears he will not be so careful as he ought. Is very busy with his farm, but would be glad to let it, as he does not understand the business, and it interferes with the little commercial affairs he is engaged in ; besides which, he finds that under the guise of simplicity, the country people hide much designs and cunning, " which is only to be warded off with proper care and trouble." The Same to the Same. 1750[-1], March 9. Buckland.—" I have two letters from Hardwick. In the first he returns me thanks for my resigna- tion of the Burford, and I find all that Mr. Frankland could effect was with the giving up my warrant of the Burford to the purser of the Panther, for Mr. Hardwick to succeed him, and he advises the receipt of 1001 from you as was proposed in your kind offer to him, which I thought full sufficient provision, and he promised to be satisfied with. But his second letter does not show that, but a disposition far otherwise, and impudently says I promised he should have 300?. He concludes that he should be extremely glad to end the rest of his days on shore, which I take for no good omen, as his ship is of 50-guns, and has a chance to be in commission to go abroad ; but I have not answered either of his letters, nor will take any further notice of him unless by your directions." The Same to the Same. 1751, April 6. London. — Has had a severe attack of rheu- matism in the right arm, but is now nearly well. Is sorry Grimston's health prevents his coming to town. " Hardwick is a wretch indeed. He called upon me at Buckland about a fortnight since, leaving Plymouth, which is thirty miles from me, only for a visit, as he said ; but I refused to lodge him, and he did not stay above an hour. He wants money, nor is it possible it can be otherwise. He has taken up his quarters with a dock-landlord, whom he earned in this expedition, which I am sure must be expensive, and I expect at my return to hear he is in gaol ; where he may be for me, and I think for you also, for he is deserving of no compassion." 1751, May 8. London. — I have a letter from Captain Cooper of the 2nd instant, enclosing a case of his own forming, which in the main agrees with that I sent you, but in some circum- stances differing. He concludes thus: — " I told Mr. Grim- ston I thought two sea-officers would be the properest referees, 211 and I believe you will think the same." That is not in the least my opinion, which iiS " that after so great a readiness on yonr part to despatch this matter in the least expensive way, and snch disappointments from the other side, you should now give yourself no farther concern, let him take what method he pleases." Case foe Counsel : Stated by Captain Cooper. "Vice-Admiral Rowley, commander-in-chief of his Majesty's ships employed in the Mediterranean, being ordered to return to England and leave the said command to Rear- Admiral Medley, then in the second post, the said vice-admiral thought it proper for his Majesty's service to appoint Captain Cooper a commodore with a captain under him, and did give a com- mission accordingly to the said Captain Cooper, bearing date the second day of December, 1745. And whereas the com- modore received orders from Eear-Admiral Medley to join him at Mahon, with the squadron under his command, which he did on the sixth day of February, 1745, and at his entrance into Mahon harbour [the said rear-admiral] sent a boat on board, with an officer to order the said commodore to strike his broad pennant, which he immediately complied with, and went on shore directly, where the rear-admiral then was, to ask him his reason for so doing ; and all the reason he gave was that Vice- Admiral Eowley had no power to give such a commission ; which [it] will very plainly appear he had, from the Lords of the Admiralty confirming that commission by giving an order to the Navy Board for making him an allowance equal to the pay of a rear-admiral of his Majesty's fleet for the said time, both days inclusive : And whereas it appears by journals kept on board the said commodore, that his broad pennant was not struck till one o'clock in the afternoon, which, according to the computation of time at sea, commences the 7th of February, it happened in the district of the command before mentioned, a prize was taken by a ship of the fleet, after a chase of several hours, but was not taken till about five o'clock on the 7th of February, which was after the distinguishing pennant was struck, but [the commodore] was then actually in pay until the end of that day. " Query : — Is the commodore entitled to a share in the said prize. ' ' Annexed : — Copy of the order from the L.C.A. to the Navy Board to pay Captain Cooper at a rate equal to the pay of a 1 ear-admiral, from December 2nd, 1745, to February 6th follow- ing, the time he was employed in command of a squadron by order of Vice- Admiral Eowley, 19th November, 1746. Endorsed: — Captain Cooper's case, stated by himself. William Grove to Thomas Grimston. 1751, May 18. London.- — As I was preparing to leave town, "I was stopped in the beginning of this week by Captain 212 Cooper's coming to settle the dispute with you; upon which, as your son was gone, I applied to Mr. Thompson, and between us it was agreed to refer the case to Dr. Simpson on your part, and Dr. Clark on Captain Cooper's ; and yesterday we had a meeting in the Commons, where the matter was discussed upon both the cases. The civilians looked on both as agreeing in the facts, and took no notice of circumstances, except Captain Cooper's mention of several hours' chase, which I set aside by producing an extract from the Guernsey's journal, showing the chase was not in sight till three o'clock in the afternoon. Dr. Simpson is clearly of opinion Cooper hath no right ; but Dr. Clarke, a young man, was of opinion the receiving pay might entitle him to prizes in that time — or at least said so, but he insinuated the making up the matter between ourselves, which Mr. Thompson with good reason rejected, but it is referred to another meeting, and if these two do not agree, they are to call in Dr. Lee to determine. I believe it will not come to this last determination when there is no probability of making a compromise, which I imagine you will not consent to." Hard- wick quitted his ship at Plymouth on two months' leave, but has been arrested by his lawyer on an old debt of some 120Z, and is now in the King's Bench prison. Counsel's Opinion : Edwaed Simpson. 1751, June 24. Doctors' Commons. — " I have considered the several cases laid before me on the behalf of Captain Cooper and the executors of the late Admiral Medley ; and as I take it for granted that Vice-Admiral Eowley had authority to make a commodore with a captain under him, and that Eear- Admiral Medley, when the vice-admiral was recalled, had power to divest the commodore of that command — the Board of Admir- alty having allowed pay to Mr. Cooper as a commodore, under the appointment of Mr. Rowley, to February 6th, the time Mr. Medley divested him of that commission ; and as all the cases agree that the commodore had struck his distinguishing pennant and was divested of his commission many hours before the time of the capture, I am clearly of opinion that he is not entitled to any part of the flag share of the prize taken when he had no command as a flag officer, and was strictly out of pay as a commodore. Neither would the allowance of his pay as commodore by the Admiralty Board for the whole day (if that was the case, and he had received the pay) on which the capture was made, in my opinion make any difference in his favour, his commission or appointment as commodore being in fact expired ; and the capture made after that time and in the limits of Rear-Admiral Medley's sole command, he thereby acquired such an absolute and legal right to the whole flag share as no act of the Admiralty Board or pay ofBce, I apprehend, could take from him. "It is to be presumed from the nature of a rear-admiral's office, who had the sole command of a large squadron, and from 213 the act he has done, and the allowance of a commodore's pay by the Admiralty till he was divested by Mr. Medley of his com- mission, that the rear-admiral had power to appo'nt or divest a commodore of his commission as he thought necessary for the public service. But if Admiral Medley acted illegally, and had no authority to divest the commodore of his commission, and it was lawfully granted to him by Mr. Eowley, then I think Mr. Cooper will be entitled to a share in the prize, agreeable to his Majesty's proclamation. Signed. Thomas Grimston to John Gkimston, at the tiague. 1751, July 6. — Dear son . . . My health continues bad, and I am advised to go to Paris for help. I therefore desire you will come over without fail the first .week in August. Counsel's Opinion: Dr. [Thomas] Clarke.* 1751, July 9. — "Mr Cooper's claim seems to depend upon the resolution of two questions that may arise upon this case, viz. , whether Eear-Admiral Medley had a power to remove him from his command without misbehaviour or breach of duty ; secondly, if he had such a power, at what time the command would determine ; whether upon striking the broad pennant, or whether it did not continue as long as the pay of commodore continued. The first, I apprehend, will be best answered by considering the authority from whence commissions of this sort do originally issue, and by comparing the admiral's power in respect to other officers with this particular instance. By what I can learn, the appointment of such an officer does not fall within the ordinary power of a commanding admiral, but leave or orders must issue from the King to warrant such an appointment. If the admiral, then, cannot, by his mere authority give such a commission, he cannot revoke it ; these, as it appears to me, respectively inferring each other, for if he has no inherent power to appoint, but a power to revoke, his consent would be necessary to make the King's appointment good, as the continuance of the command conferred by the King would depend upon the pleasure of the admiral, which implies such a concurring power as is not to be supposed. An admiral, I apprehend, heis no power to divest of his command any particular captain of a ship without misbehaviour or breach of duty. No reason can be assigned for this that will not hold with equal strength in regard to a commodore who, if removed from his command, is totally thrown out of the squadron, for he can't take possession again as captain of his own ship, that being filled up by another, which may likewise be the case of every other ship in the fleet. The result of such a power, if inherent in the admiral, might bfe attended with detriment to the service, as the admiral might, upon any dislike to a captain, order him this commission of commodore (which the captain * Afterwards Sir Thomas Clarke, Master of the Rolls. 214 dare not refuse), and the next moment revoke it, and so throw him out of any command at all in the fleet ; and thus, by this address only, his power of deprivation would extend to every captain in his fleet. The creation of such commissions designed tor old officers, with an extraordinary allowance of pay, etc., may be considered as rewards for past services ; but upon this supposed power of the admiral, the condition of a commodore would be rendered worse than that of a private captain, as being liable to be removed entu-ely, restored, or removed oc- occasionally, as it might or might not coincide with particular views of the admiral. "As to the second point arising upon this case, viz., at what time the command would determme, etc. , I apprehend the mere striking of the pennant would not determine it, if in any case wj may suppose it to subsist after the pennant had been struck ; and it may well be supposed in many cases, from particular exigencies that might arise, as concealing from an enemy a commodore acting in a service, etc. But the pay seems to be so inseparably annexed to the command itself, that a right to it cannot subsist without the command subsisting, ll I am rightly informed, it is a rule, never varied from, that a service of one hour in the day shall entitle an ofhcer to the pay of the entire day; and therefore i humbly conceive this allowance ot pay after the pennant had been struck, to the end of the day, to be a matter of strict right, as it arises from an established custom, and not to be a particular matter of indulgence. iN'ow pay implies the existence of the command, for otherwise it does not come under the notion of pay, but might as well be applied to other iudiiferent purposes. It will, I apprehend, make no dilference in this case to suppose such a rule necessary, if the necessity of the rule does imply the necessity of suppos- ing the command to continue in order to give a title to the pay ; without which supposition, no right to the pay can, I appre- hend, accrue; and therefore, if we were to suppose the com- mand to cease, as to some particular efl'ects at sea which the admiral might restrain the commodore in, yet it might hold over as to others. As the admiral by such an act could not deprive the officer of his claim to pay allowed to him after the striking the pennant, no more could he of his claim to prize money, I apprehend, before the expiration of the day to which his pay is allowed ; because it seems to follow, by a very allow- able implication, that an usage prevailing invariably in regard to pay, should be transferred to and regulate equally a claim to prize money. The pay, it may be said, does not clash or interfere with any right of the admiral's, as does this claim to prize share; but on the other hand, it may be considered that this proceeds as a gift from the Crown, subject not only to express but tacit restrictions ; one of which seems to be that this rule established in regard to pay (which rests upon the supposition of the command continuing) should as well be extended to such a demand as this. And therefore, upon the reasons above recited, I am of opinion that Mr. Cooper is en- titled to share, as commodore, in the said prize." Copi/ 216 William Grove to Thomas Grimston. 1751, July 21. Buckland. — " I believe nothing more will be offered in Cooper's pretentions, which are groundless." . "I am not much surprised at K[ow1c]y'k behaviour, as I know the mean spirit of the man in money affairs. His accepting a post under a junior officer* in the Great House opposite Will's, is what our late good admiral would have rejected with scorn." Counsel's Opinion: Dr George Lee. 1751, July 29. — I have considered all the cases and opinions left with me. Among them, I find one of mine, dated May 7th, 1750, t in which I have taken notice that Captain Cooper, was out of pay as a commodore before the prize was taken. This is now admitted to be a mistake ; but upon supposition that it was true, it was proper to mention it, to show he could have no colour of right to demand a share of a prize taken when he neither had his broad pennant flying, or was in pay. On the other hand, his being in pay may give foundation to doubt whether he is not entitled to share ; but when that cir- cumstances is considered, I think it will not essentially vary the merits of the question. It does not appear whether JNIr. Eowley had power given him by the Admiralty Boaj-d (to whom it belongs to grant such power) to appoint a commodore with a captain under him or not ; for the order from the Lords of the Admiralty to pay Captain Cooper as a rear-admiral for the time he was employed as a commodore, gives no sanction to the appointment of him as such, because it is the course of the admiralty to order a man to be paid by bill for the time he served in a superior station, though their lordships do not approve or confirm the commission by which he was appointed to that station, without whose confirmation the commission is not valid, even when it is granted by a flag, or other officer that is empowered to grant commissions. A private captain, who has no power to grant commissions, may, in case he should lose a lieutenant at sea, appoint a midshipman to be lieutenant — which has often happened — and he will be paid by bill as lieutenant for the time he served in that capacity ; but when he returns home, he will be only a midshipman, for such appointments are never confirmed by the lords. I conclude, therefore, that the order for paying Captain Cooper by bill does not prove he was legally appointed a commodore. But sup- posing Mr. Eowley was sufficiently empowered to appoint a commodore, Mr. ^ledley, who succeeded him in the command and in all authority, had the same power to revoke that he had to appoint ; for no argument can be drawn with respect to commodores from the cases of admirals, captains, or lieuten- ants, because they are standing commission officers upon the establishment of the navy, and therefore, when they have been * Appointed, June 22, a junior lord of the Admiralty under Anson, who was first lord. t See ante, p. 206. 216 very regularly commissioned, their commissions cannot be taken from them unless they are broke by a sentence of a court martial for misbehaviour ; but there is no such class of officers in the marine establishment as commodores; they are tem- porary officers, occasionally appointed for particular services, and when the services are ended, their appointments ought to be superseded and their authority determined, because other- wise the public will be loaded with an unnecessary and there- fore an unjustifiable expense. The argument drawn from the hardship of removing a commodore because his ship may have been given to another, and he may be divested of all command in the squadron, I think has no great weight. Probably the captain under Mr. Coopei- was is first lieutenant, who acted as captain pro tempore by order; if so, when Captain Cooper's pennant was struck, he resumed the command of the ship as captain, and the temporary captain reverted to his former station of lieutenant. But be that as it may, the public seiwice is to be preferred to private advantage ; and if the commander- in-chief uses his authority improperly or oppresively, he is answerable for his conduct to his superiors, the Lords of the Admiralty, who in this case seem to have approved of what Mr. Medley did ; for otherwise they might have ordered him to reinstate Mr. Cooper. I conclude then that Mr. Medley had power to supersede Mr. Cooper's command as commodore, and in fact, he did supersede it, and his broad pennant, the ensign of his authority, which was the signal for the squadron to obey him as a commodore, was actually struck by command of his superior officer, in order to determine his authority, before the prize was taken ; and from the moment his pennant was so struck, I am of opinion his authority as commodore did entirely cease. For I think his continuing in pay some hours after is not an evidence of his command continuing for the same time. Suppose a private captain is superseded, and his successor comes on board early in the morning and takes upon him the command of the ship, and the superseded officer goes on shore, I apprehend he -will be paid for the whole day, though the command of the ship was, for the greater part of the day, in his successor. The true reason why an officer who serves one hour of a day shall be paid for the whole day, is to avoid the endless disputes between officers themselves, and the endless confusion there would be in the navy accounts if their respective services were nicely to be computed by minutes or hours. The Lords of the Admiralty, by giving pay, cannot give a right to a flag share in prizes which the Act of Pailiament and proclama- tion have not given ; they require an actual or presumed aiding and assisting in the capture, and give a right in consequence thereof; but after Mr. Cooper's authority as commodore was superseded by his superior officer, and his pennant was struck, he could not give either an actual or presumed assistance to the capture in the capacity of commodore, because, from that moment, he could not give any orders, nor could the fleet obey him in that capacity. Upon the whole, I am clearly of opinion 217 Captain Cooper is not entitled to share as commodore in the prize, which was taken some hours after his pennant was struck by order of his commandng ofBcer, notwithstanding he has received pay as a commodore beyond the hour of the capture. W. Hard WICK to Thomas Grimston. 1751, August 8. London. — "I writt* you 3 Letters whicth might have moved the hart of a turk or Algerine, had he got sucth an Immense fortune out of his family ; my Case is most cruel, for if my uncle had Diud Intestate, that fortune whicth you know enjoy woud been as mucth for me as all Kilvington's family together, so you have got more by me than any belong- ing to the family ; a few years, perhaps a few Days, will make but a Little Difference betwixt your Life and MYN, and it must be the greatest satisfaction to every honest man In his Last moments to think that he has been a frind to yt family to whom he lays under no small obligations to." J. EusT to John Grimston, Beverley. 1751, October 21. — "I came to town last week, and went directly to see your father at your chambers. I found him extremely ill, and have visited him almost every day since. To-day I find him so much altered for the worse, and so very weak, that I think 'tis hardly possible he can recover, or indeed continue long. As he has nobody with him except James, and Mr. Thompson being out of town, I thought it highly necessary that you should be made acquainted with his condition. I have wrote this at his chambers, though he knows nothing of it. Upon the receipt of this, you will be able to judge whether your coming to town immediately may not be necessary." Endorsed : — Eeceived at Beckhouse, October 25th. Henry Thompson to John Grimston, at Kilnwick. 1751, October 22. London. — Your father now lies extremely ill at your chambers in the Temple. A severe cold seized him last Thursday and brought on a flux, and he is so wasted that his death may come very shortly. Noted on the address : — Pray send this by special messenger from Beverley, who will be paid. [^Thomas Grimston died the same day, October 22. J Egbert Legard to Stephen Thompson. 1751, October 30. Kilnwick. — Acknowledges " the bad news of friend Tom's death," which he had heard on Sunday [27thj. Has sent the paper for his son by express. Will seal up the bureau and door as desired. * In the spelling of the original. 218 Stephen Thompson to John Geimston, 1, Hare Court, Temple. 1751, October 31. St Mary Hill [near Billingsgate] .—"Dear Jack : I return you our friend Stables' letter, and 1 hope you will conform to his advice, as I am sure nobody wishes you better. . Dr. Simpson agrees in opinion with me and Stables that nothing but an express contradiction in [your father's] will, will excuse you to the world in not sending the corpse down to his own vault. ' ' [The body was sent down, and the funeral ivas on November 11th. John Grimston, being in bad health and — presumably — much distressed, remairtcd in town; he seems to have returned to Kilnirick towards the end of the month']. William Gkovb to Stephen Thompson. 1751, Kovember 19. — Acknowledging news of the death of Thomas Grimston. " I am surprised at the manner in which he caught this fatal stroke, as I should not have suspected him of so imprudent a step as that you advise." William Grove to John Geimston. 1752, January 7. London. — The affair of Mr. Byng, which amounts to about l,000i between us, may — as I am informed — be compromised. Air. Eowley hath settled with him on the subject, and gives me a hint that I may get one half of it. Indeed, I believe it \^ill be best to submit, for it is of such nature that we can't well ground our claim by law. 1754, July 6. London. — As to Captain Latham's affair I have known of it some years since, and desired him to apply to Mr. Eowley, as it seemed to me that it was in his power, and that he was the proper person to extricate him out of this difii- culty ; but the captain was of another opinion, and did not like mo the moi'e for it. The circumstances in this matter are as follows : — When Mr. Eowley commanded in chief the fleet in the Mediterranean, and Mr. Medley under him in the second post, the former (no doubt in pursuance of ample directions from home) attempted the bombardment of Genoa, and declared all kind of hostilities against that state then in alliance with the declared enemies of the common cause ; then Mr. Medley was detached with a squadron to guard the Straits of Gibraltar, and received orders from Mr. Eowley, when he sailed from Mahon on that expedition, to take, sink, burn or destroy all Genoese ships, and to stop all effects belonging to the subjects of that republic in any vessel whatsoever; agreeable to which, orders were delivered from Mr. Medley to the respective captains under his command, which — I well remember— begin : "In pursuance of the orders 1 have this day received from Vice- 219 Admiral Eowley, commandex-in-chief " — reciting Mr. Eow- ley's own words ; and in consequence of tliis order, Captain Latham seized on the Dutch ship, with the cargo of oats in question, and stopped the same from proceeding to Genoa, Mr. iiowiey being at that time besieging or bombarding the place ; and, as i thmk;. Captain Latham did thereby literally comply with Admiral Eowley's order confirmed to hiin by ;\Ir. I\Iediey. And, as I remember, from Mr. Eowley's attempt on Genoa to the conclusion of the war — which was during the command of Mr. Eowley, Mr. Medley, and Admiral Jiyng — all provisions going for Genoa with any colours, that were seized, were declared by the Admiralty Court at Mahon legal captures, as may be verified by your prize list from Leghorn, which contains at least one half of the number of Tuscan and JSeapolitau vessels going to the rehef of Genoa with provisions ; yet with these states we were in amity, and our ships traded the same as with Holland. But we have had very odd decisions of appeal, with great partiality, to favour the Dutch interest. In this particular we had no intention to molest the Dutch in their property ; the master of the ship being told he could not carry his cargo to Genoa, then besieged by our fleet, but he had liberty to sell his cargo of oats at Gibraltar or Mahon. This he refused, and persisted in going to Genoa to deliver his cargo according to his contract, which could not be per- mitted. So the cargo was sold at Mahon to the best advantage ; but being heated and damaged, produced no more than the freight, which the master received, and not quite the amount of the charges otherwise attending it. It is surely hard Captain Latham should suffer for a compliance with orders he was obliged to obey ; and I dare believe, were j\Ir. Medley in being, he would expect Mr. Eowley or the Admiralty should support their orders. John Bowman to [John GeijistonJ. 1754, December 3. Beverley. — "I am very sorry you should think me uncivil in my hunting scheme ; I have ever en- deavoured to avoid the least imputation of that kind, and am apt to imagine you will acquit me upon a fair representation of my case, therefore I give you the trouble of this. As to the right of hunting, I hope, Sir, you will allow that to be determined by ancient custom, except where there is an ab- solute property of manors, lands, etc., and then it must and ought to give way. It has ever been the rule amongst sports- men not to interfere with each other, which rule I have observed ; I have been so far from interfering that I have even given up a great part of the old Beverley Runt to you and other gentlemen, merely because 1 thought your situation gave yon a kind of pretensions to those groimds — Bracken Closes, Lund Moor, Bainton Fields, and Tipthorp Whins were all within the limts of the Beverley Hunt, which I have entirely quitted. The east fields of Lund Holm and South Dal ton I 220 veiy seldom try for a hare for the same reason, and I assure you I have only killed one hare in Middleton Field this year ; indeed I have breathed several, and I hope they will afford you or myself the better sport for it. I have been in Middleton F'elds oftener than I intended, but I was forced there. Mr. T I's pack took possession of the hunt'ng ground towards the west of the town, where I proposed throwing off and ranging for Korth Dalton, and your hounds were towards the east. A few days after, I proposed hunting nigh Kiplingcoats, where I found Mr. Constable, of Everingham, and was obliged to retreat towards Middleton Fields, which you had the pos- session of. I no sooner saw you than I cast back for South Dalton ; there I met Mr. Constable again, and not far distant from him was Mr. T I's pack. These four packs of hounds were all within the boundaries of the old Beverley Hunt. I must now beg leave to refer to you — Who undergoes hardships and incivilities? The new established pack, though designed to incommode me alone, I believe, will prove equally injurious to all that keep hounds. I should be extremely glad to be upon such a footing with you as to promote each other's diversion. I will engage to turn down hares with you, and I shall always observe the rule of giving up to j'ou, if you're upon the ground first, upon condition 5rou do the same. I shall be glad of your company to hunt with nre, if you choose it at any time, and to shew you or any gentlemen or ladies of your acquaintance the best diversion in my power. These, Sir, are the best terms of accommodation I can propose. If you can think of any other more agreeable, I shall be extremely glad to comply with them." Stephen Thompson to John Geimston. 1755, January 21. London. — " We have made up your ac- count with Rowley — now Sir Wilham — by which there is due to you above 700/, besides many articles that you have to claim, but as we could not prove any of 'em on the knight, I thought it better to enter them in a list apart than mix 'em in an account, which he cannot have anything to object; which, if he had, it would have served him with a pretence to have rejected the whole. . . . You will see by the papers that the stocks are tumbling, which happens very unluckily for you that want to sell out. The occasion of their fall is that we are going to send out a squadron to America, of which they say Saunders is to be the commander-in-chief. Can't you get poor Eyder a letter of recommendation from some or other of his constituents? Poor fellow, he seems to want some help." The Same to the Same. 1755, January 28. — " If you must have money soon, I am afraid the sooner your stock was sold the better'; at least, at present, it would have been so, as things are a little fallen this 221 day. What will be the end of these arrangements and rumours of wars, God knows ; but the courtiers say all will blow over. ]\Iy brother Harry, who thinks like a director of the bank in that manner, buys stock; and Dick, in the contrary opinion, sells; which are in the right, accodding to the newspapers' phrase, time will show " Stephen Thompson to John Grimston. 1755, February 6. London. — The account is now sent to Bowley, and as it is so plain and we can prove every article, I think he cannot dispute payment. " You are to reckon all you get of Eowley to Grove, for had he not fished out these charges from loose papers which Eowley had by him, we should never have been able to come at the truth. I mention this to take off an ill impression you seem to have of this man, which, from all I have observed of him, I think he does not deserve, though before he came to England we all thought hardly of him." The Same to the Same. 1755, February 25. London. — Is endeavouring to get the business pending with Admiral Eowley settled. Has received some 741 on account of some prizes — Dutch vessels seized for carrying corn to the enemy. The Dutch contested the matter, but " at last, after spending a deal of money in law, they agreed to give us quarter part, of which the above sum is a part of the admiral's share " ; there will be more to follow. " You will see by the newspapers that stocks are getting up again, and it's the general opinion that all our preparations for war will end in a peace ; but however, all this is but guess work from couriers passing backwards and forwards betwixt this place and Paris." The Same to the Same. 1755, March 8. London. — The business with Sir William Eowley is not yet settled. " As you talk of not drawing for the money you want sooner than thirty days' date, there seems no hurry for your selling out your stock at this disadvantageous market, especially as we don't know what we shall want, and the less we sell out of the stock, the less will be your loss ; for if we have a war, which indeed now seems unavoidable, it is generally thought it will be a short one, and that alter it, things will certainly recover their former state." The Same to the Same. 1755, September 14. Kirby Hall, near York. — " You are to consider whether to buy your 2,000? stock at the present low price, or whether you would have us wait a while longer, with a view to the stocks being still lower by the apparent prospect O0-2 of a war ; but you must by no means think of parting with your money any other way than in securing Storr his stock ; for whenever things are settled again, yon must expect to pay very likely ten per cent, more than you now buy for." Nathaniel Maistbr to John Geimston. 1756, March 16. Hull. — Our corporation are come to a resolu- tion to give two guineas bounty to every sailor, and one guinea to an ordinary one, that will enter; they likewise give one guinea to every soldier that enlists in Colonel Napier's regi- ment within fifteen miles of thi,^ place. The Same to the Same. 1756, March 16. Hull. — I don't wonder at the small success of the constables in picking up vagrant seamen. It is most natural to suppose these latter will keep about the places where their friends reside ; and there the connections are generally too strong between the constables of the several divisions and the people to make them exert themselves. The seaports are certainly the places where numbers are to be met with ; and the press gangs let nothing escape them that smells the least of tar. Lieutenant Jambs Eydbr to John Grimston. 1756, ]\Iarch 20. Hull. — Thanks him for all his favours. Has got about eighty press men on board, and in compliance witli ordfTs from Captain Jelfo, is to sail for the Nore on Monday next [22nd]. Is in a great hurry "getting the press men's wages and their clothes on board." The Same to the Same. 1756, May 3. Hull. — I anived on the 1st inst. I carried 104 men from here and put them on board the Surprise, a 20-gun ship, Captain Eichard Knight; and from his being an old shipmate, he was kind enough to promote several young men that had been mutes of ships : at my request he made them mid-hipmen. Tefore I sailed from Hull, many people warned me to be very careful of the men that I had on board, believing that some of them were concerned in that unliappy affau- of Captain Smelt. This made Captain Jelf very anxious, lest they should rise upon me and my officei's. To be sure I had a " scat " of sad fellows ; but I shipped them with more concern at leaving riK.' tljan benig brought to me. The Same to the Same. 1766, August 19. Hawk Eoad, [Hull].— I am now at the Hawk by orders from the Admiralty to procure men for the service. I have on board between sixty and seventy press men, 223 and when I can get one hundred, shall sail for the Nore ; but I find men are now very scarce. The press men I have now are by much the worst I ever had to deal with, and those I have for the guard over them are but Greenwich Hospital men, who are old and almost incapable of service, so that I am obliged to be frequently giving them something more than common to keep them in temper. There are few officers, I believe, that would give thc'r press men so much liberty as I do ; indeed, as I am forced to do on account of the weakness of the guard, which is no guard at all. By the liberty, and my being free amongst them, and seeing that they have good provisions, I hope in time to bring them all over to me, and make them both fear and love me, as the press men have done that I carried up before. On board two tenders lately, the press men have risen, and a great many got away ; I believe mostly owing to confinement and ill usage. William Haedwick* to John Geimston. 1757, March 11 riymouth. — I sent you a Letter, Dated the 15th of Last Month, but has not been favoverd with yoor answer. The Eeason of my sending this Is an ex- trodinary order has been sent by the Lords of the Admiralty To the Commissoner here, wherin he is Directed to transmitt to thare Lordships the age of every warrant officer, how Long thay have been appointed officers, and by whom. I was sent for Accordinly, and being asked severall questions by the Com- missioner was obliged to tel the truth, tho' soroy to expose my uncle Medley's private Character ; he was mucth concearnd to hear of my hard usage as he had been very intimate with my uncle, but Did not Doubt but that he had Left his fortune To a gentelman of Honoor; If yoo Do not think proper To give me an answer yourself, please to Direct Mr. Thompson, as I expect my ship to be commissoned every Day, Captain Simooe being appointed Commander of her. Postscript : — I saw Mr. Groves 3 weeks agoe att Plymouth, and after some Discourse he told me that your father got by my uncle's Death threescore thousand pounds, Besides Land estate, plase to Direct for me, purser of his Majesty's ship pembrooke att plymouth. William Wilkinson to [John Geimston]. [1757, January- April] . Gibraltar. — Our situation here is far from bdng agreeable; on the contrary, there's something dreadful in being cyphers all the war as we are likely to be ; for however despicable Britons are called and esteemed in the Mediterranean, the French will pay due respect to the natural strength of our garrison, and the great additional strength given ' " In the spelling of the original. 224 it by Lord Tyrawley,* who has added 52 heavy pieces, so that we've at present nigh 300 mounted. Indeed, the new regiments have suffered much by sickness ; ours have lost near 200 , the rest in proportion ; but as this is the natural consequence of change of climate and diet, I hope a few months more will season us. Mr. Saunderst is here with four sail of the line ; his squadron consists of twelve, mostly frigates, which he keeps cruising almost constantly. It's reported six sail of the enemy are ready to sail fromToulon with transports to North America ; the ships in our bay have orders to be ready to slip and put to sea at a moment's warning. Lieutenant Eydee to John Grimston. 1758, June 30. Industry tender, in Hawk Koad. — I arrived on June 23rd, by their lordship's order, to raise men for his Majesty's service. According to my instructions, I went at once to the mayor for him to sign my warrant ; when he told me that I should not press in the town, nor would he sign my warrant. I told him I should be very glad if he would, as I was ordered here by their lordships, and that as far as it was in my power I should do my duty and carry on the service vnthout making any disturbance in the town, and that if I got a man that had a large family I would have him discharged on that account. For all this, he would not sign. I then told him that I must acquaint their lordships of it. I had orders to take from protections, which I did the next morning; and got about twenty brave men without the help of the mayor. As for the town, I shall take care and bring no gang in it to preis until I have further orders. George Medley to [John Grimston] . 1761, April 14. Old Burlington Street, London.—" A rela- tion of Admiral Medley has been with me, one Mr. Hardwick, who tells me he has searched the register at York for the admiral's original will, and finds it in your custody, and nothing but a copy left there, but you have given a bond for 10,0001 for its re-appearing on demand. Now, Sir, I must insist on its coming forth, as I think myself a relation of the said admiral's, as I come from that part of the world, and bear the same arms and have the original patent, in 1580, for the crest of the family, in ray possession. If you do not put it into the ofiice where the will should be, I shall go directly to law, and shall insist on the Archbishop of York making his demand for it. " I was personally acquainted with the admiral, and an elder brother of mine was with him the whole time he was at sea, till my brother died. " I expect an answer as soon as may be convenient, as my stay in London will not be very long ; my residence is in the County of Sussex." * Tyrawley left Gibraltar on April 16, 1757. t Naval Commauder-ui- Chief, January to May, 1757. 225 Henry Maister to John Grimston, at Kilnwick. 1761, October 23. Newcastle- [on-Tyne]. — The regiment ie tolerably healthy and all things well. You are not at all wanted. On Monday [26th] we are to fire, by desire of the mayor ; pray for a good day. We are taking every method to get the clothing good, and make the uniform rather more pleasing than the last. We have wrote to the makers for patterns of every thing we shall want. I hope to hear from the good colonel soon, to know what was allowed for the gaiters last year, and when the money may be drawn for. I find Thornton and Finch say Lister clothed their men at 28s. each; Harley had 32s. I am morally certain he must have made more than the diifea:- ence profit. I hope he will make the colonel a large allowance for the badness of every individual he furnished. The Same t-o the Same. 1761 , October 30. Newcastle- [on-Tyne] .- — We have got from Sir George Savile plans of all manoeuvres practised in camp, many of them are clever ; also many tunes to march by ; he lays a great stress upon marching by music ; the fifes and drums are busily employed in learning ; when they are perfect , the men may begin. . . . We are from every quarter procur- ing information about the clothing, and hope we shall get such a-s will enable us to buy them much better than heretofore. Upon this subject I have nothing material yet to tell you, except that we here are fixed about the gaiters, and have given our opinions to Sir Digby, whose answer we expect daily. The sort we recommend are linen blacked, to come just under the knee, with a leather top to buckle on, to appear uniform; for without, some are long, some short, and an impossibility to have them all alike. The price is 2s. 8d. each, and the man here is very clever at his business. . . . The above we think much preferable to leather, and the form better than if they come above the knee ; for these in marching bind the knee, and upon kneeling are apt to crack, both which are remedied vsdth false tops. I hope the colonel will fix upon what we advise. I have also advised him, with the approval of all here, to throw the clothing allowance into the stock; by which he will be relieved from an infinite deal of trouble in making his calculations, and we can give our opinions freely and need not be tied down so nearly to price. W. Stables to the Same. 1767, Saturday, August 1. York. — I received the brief in your cause contained in twenty-six sheets of paper, twenty of which are not of any use in the question to be tried, which is whether Admiral Medley duly made and executed his last will, and was sane at that time. ... In the margin it is wrote that there hath been a consultation in London, and that Sir Fletcher Norton advises to begin the evidence with proof of 226 the intimacy between your father and the admiral, and his declaration of his intention to leave his estate to your father, and with proving how they were related. As to the first there is no evidence but Mr. Grove and Captain Storr; therefore, if you can recollect any other, pray consider who they are. As to the relationship, consider if you can give any evidence besides the pedigree — either by registers or living evidence. Mr' Craike* may possibly know something of both points. There is another query in the margin — Whether any letters between your father and the admiral can be found? Pray look if you can find any such. . . . The brief supposes the marriage of Mr. Medley and your great-great-aunt will easily be proved by the parish registers ; but this we know to be otherwise. I think we found the christening of the admiral, and whose son he was. [Many detailed points on which evi- dence should be provided, or as to which witnesses should be careful] . John Graves to John Geimston. 1767, August 1. York. — The greatest caution must be used on our part, for Hardwick and many of his friends have been here some days, and are very active, though I did not know it till after I had wrote my last to you. ... I have been long clear that the things to be proved on your part lie in a little room, and I see others are of the same opinion now, viz., the friendship and affinity between your father and the admiral, and the will. As to the friendship, I thought nothing more easy to prove ; but, from the length of time, I find nothing more hard. . . . Mr. Stables says your pedigree can be evidence of the affinity ; but if it be, I am sure it must be properly intro- duced, and therefore please to put it into your evidence-room amongst your papers and evidences. Sir Digby Legard to the Same. 1767, August 11. Ganton. — I conclude this will find you returned to Kilnwick to enjoy some repose after the immense fatigues both of mind and body you have lately undergone in order to insure its quiet possession. I most cordially rejoice with you on your triumph over malice and ingratitude, and trust the inward satisfaction you must feel in seeing your rights so publicly and honourably attested, will amply com- pensate the great expense you have been at to secure your future peace. . . I doubt not but you have now perpet- uated the testimony and done everything necessary to avoid future trouble. L. BoLDBRO to the Same. 1768, February 2. Chancery Lane. — It was yesterday sug- gested by the court, in Hardwick's presence, that "on his * Creyke appears to be meant. onn consenting that the will should be established (by which it cannot afterwards be ever brought in question), and on his executing proper conveyances and releases of both the real and personal estates, and putting an end to his suit in the ecclesias- tical court, and also on hLs consenting to a perpetual injunction to prevent all future suits, you should give up to him all such costs as he might be subject to pay you, and also the debt he owes you on his bonds." This was not only mentioned by the court , but much approved of by your council , as the only thing to be wished for by you, as it was giving up nothing; for it was clear beyond doubt that let the costs be what they would, or the money he owed you never so great, he could never be able to pay you a single shilling, and throwing him into a gaol could not answer any purpose. I told the court that you were so far from being the occasion of his misfortunes, that besides the 500Z you gave him on executing the release, you had, even during the suit, supplied him with money in order to put him into a way of supporting himself ; and that I was certain you never meant to oppress him, but only desired to be quieted in the possession of what you had now so clearly proved to be your right. . . . The decree is accordingly made, and a more complete end could not be made for you. L. BoLDERo to John Grimston. 1768, July 2. Chancery Lane. — Pursuant to the decree of the Court of Exchequer, Hardwick has executed the release to you of everything, both real and personal, which belonged to Admiral Medley ; so that I can now congratulate you on being entirely quit of him, and on having the most clear and incontestable title to everything that belonged to the admiral. I will get the deed registered at Beverley, and give it you when I have the pleasure of seeing you in Yorkshire. William Smyth to the Same. 1768, July 21. Warner Street, Cold Bath Fields.— Mr. Hardwick having executed a deed, dated June 20th, and assign- ed to you all the freehold and personal estate of his late uncle. Admiral Medle}', Mr. Ingram, the deputy remembrancer, ex- pressed an opinion that you could not but make some provision for Mr. Hardwick as the heir at law. Your doing so would be truly noble and generous, and would be gratefully accepted by poor Mr. Hardwick and his wife. J. Stone to the Same. 1769, May 11. Bream's Buildings, Chancery Lane. — All the news I can tell you is what you have already seen in the public papers, that Luttrell is established in the seat given to him by the House of Commons, and Wilkes thrown out of the 228 seat given to him by those alone who have a right to give a seat in that House, the freeholders of the county. It is ludicrous enough to see members of Parliament elect members of Parlia- ment. These people create themselves, and scorn to owe their existence, as our forefathers did, to any voices but their own. It is no new thing for the House to vote a person out, who had been duly elected and afterwards been guilty of some offence against the public ; but it seems quite new to vote a man in who never was elected. What a farce was it to hear council upon a question which they had predetermined ! Your friend Eose P[ulle]r* neither spoke nor voted, but sat above in the gallery to hear the debates. He is — it seems — much displeased at present. He asked for a place in the customs for a friend, and has been refused, so he damns theim mwardly, and has remained in the dumps ever since. Were I in his place, with 9,000Z a year, I hope I should scorn to ask anything ; but if I did, I would be served. Wedderburn has acted better. Sir Lawrence Dundas brought him into Parliament, and upon the strength of that support, insisted he should vote with the ministry on the late great question. W. replied that he did not wish to remain in Parliament upon such terms, and that his seat was still at Sir Lawrence's dis- posal. So it was agreed that he should accept a mere nominal place in order to vacate his seat, and we have accordingly one lawyer the less now in the House. This is a seeming proof that all Scotchmen are not scoundrels ; but it is more than probable that W. sees the other party must soon take the lead, and has wit enough to shift his track in time. He will, I think, be of great service to Dobbin, who will, no doubt, appear in a fine set of new harness upon a change. WiLLIiVM WhATELY to JoHN GeIMSTON. [1769], September 5. [London]. — I have a letter from Sumnerf to acquaint me that the whole expense of his school will be about 38^ or 401, viz., boarding, 251 per annum and five guineas entrance; tuition, 4Z 4s.; writing, etc., 11 10s.; \nd if you choose a private tutor, it will be an addition of dl 3s. . I asked Sumner if he could board him [Tom] at his own house ; and though inconvenient to him , he is so obliging as to say if I make a point of it, he will ; if not, he will recom- mend him to Mrs. Cramp ton. [Grimston's eldest son, Thomas, was accordingly sent at onoe to board with Mrs. Crampton]. Thomas Geimston to his father, John Grimston. 1771, July 5. Harrow. — There has been and still continues to be a very dangerous sore-throat among our boys. One poor boy that boarded here died yesterday, and six or seven more * Member for Rye. t Rev. Robert Carey Sumner, D.D., Head-Master of Harrow. 229 boys have got that complaint ; one Uttle boy, Lord Maxwell, is given over by his physicians. Many boys are gone home, and more going. . . . The Doctor [Sumner] has advised all the boys that chcose to write to their parents about the illness , and has sent some home himself. Thomas Grimston to John Geimston. 1771, July 8. Frith Street, Soho Square.— The Doctor ad- vised all the boys that choose to write to any of their friends in London to take them home for about a week, till the dis- temper I mentioned in my last is subsided. . . . So I came here yesterday. On Saturday last, at six o'clock, 120 boys had left Harrow since the Thursday before, and I dare to say there are now 50 more come away. I am to return this day sev'n night, unless the illness continues ; in which case I am to stay longer. Dr Sumner to the Same. 1771, July 16. Harrow. — The alarm at this place is now happily over, as no one person is at present ill with the sore- throat. Still, as your apprehensions are so great, I cannot think of detaining your son, though he intended to stay till the regular dismission of the school. ... I have great reason to be pleased with his diligence and very good behaviour. William Whately to the Same. 1771, September 24. Lombard Street. — Poor Dr. Sumner's death was very sudden.* He was seized at once with an apoplexy, and never spoke more ; and indeed he lived but a few hours after he was seized with the fit. The death of such a man is really a public loss, for he was, without exception, the best schoolmaster in England. The mastership of Harrow School is, I believe, not yet disposed of ; there could be no necessity for any new introduction, and therefore I did not accompany Tom. Thomas Geimston to his father, John Grimston. 1771, October 4. Harrow. — " I received your letter yester- day, and only deferred writing till I could tell you the news of Harrow, as then I knew something of great consequence would happen. Mr. Parr — as I told you before — ^set up for being master of this school, and by what I am going to tell you, you will find he had the good will of the boys not in a small degree ; but as he was not chose, we carried our resentment as far as we thought necessary, which I am afraid you will think a great deal too far. The only objection that the governors had against Mr. Parr was his age [24] , which will appear one of the * On September 12th. 230 foolishest objections, to every man of sense, that could be made, as his quahfications for a schoolmaster in every point were equal if not superior to any of the masters of this kingdom. He was educated, born and brought up at Harrow. All would not do ; they rejected him for one from Eton. Is it fit that we should always take up with the refuse of Eton, when we had as great a man here? No! Most of the boys went up with bludgeons to defend — as we may style it' — our rights and liberties ; and as one of the governors was coming out, he asked if we meant to insult them by bringing those sticks, at the same time calling us " blackguards. ' ' Was not that insolence? We let them pass then to Sir John Eushout's, another gover- nor's houjse. " All was quiet till Mr. Heath, their intended master, came. Before he got out of his chaise, the boys began a-pelting the chaise, broke a glass, and they say that some of the glass flew in his face, but he certainly was not hurt. It was the little boys that did this first act of riot ; it was not approved of by the great boys, as we then only considered him as a servant, coming by the command of the governors , to know what they wanted with him. After that, we sent in to him that there was no intention against hiis person ; at the same time telling him we would never admit him as master, and would have no other but Parr. They did not ask Mr. Parr to dine with them, nor did they pay him any civility; was that to be bore? He at last went up to them and asked what objection they had to him. None of the governors dared to look hm in the face, and answered nothing, till Mr. Heath told him they rejected him solely on account of his age. He asked, if his good qualities made up for that — as he hoped they did, and which they did not seem at all to object to — whether, in the face of the world that would be any objection? They did not mind all that, but with absolute power chose Mr. Heath for a master. Mr. Parr then told them he and Mr. Eoderick would never enter his school again. " I forgot to tell yon that the boys sent up a petition in the first place to the governors, which I hope you will see in the public papers. We sent up two or three papers to Sir John Eushout's, and they refused us an answer. We then, all unanimous, having first locked the school up, ran down to the public inn and drew out Mr. Bucknall's chaise — one of the governors who called us " blackguards." We drew it out of Harrow town, hollowing all the time, and knocking it to pieces at the same time with our bludgeons, that by the time we got it to the top of the hill going to London , we had broke all the glasses, panels, etc., and done as much harm to it as we could do in that way ; we then let it run down the hill by itself for about three hundred yards, and then left it. We were drawn back by Mr. Parr at last, who came wth his hat off, with fear lest our madness should be laid to him. Poor man, his distress hurt me much. If it had not been for him, we should have broke Mr. Hern's windows then — another governor; but that did not happen till last night and this morning. 231 "They then went to Sir John Eushout's, who was likewise against Parr, and broke a great number of his windows, but he came out and pacified them by his soothing words, not by threats. When Mr. Parr found he had lost it, he determined to go to Stanmore, four miles from here, and, with Mr. Eoderick, to try his fortune. His speech at taking leave of us was very moving ; he thanked us for the great love we bore to him , which , he said, was made too plain, he was afraid, by our mischief on his account ; he said that Mr. Heath was a very great scholar and a very good man, and since the governors had chose Mr. Heath and rejected himself, he desired they would not offer any violence to him on any account, but use him as a master ; he said they might have chose one from Harrow, but since they had not, he hoped it would make no difference in the school. He said that he and Mr. Eoderick would try their fortunes together at a school at Stanmore, and he wished us all well, and took his leave and last adieu as a master, again thanking us for our great love to him. A great many of the boys were in tears, and I never restrained them with so great hardship before. We then determined to be quiet till this morning, when we would not let Mr. Heath into school ; but the gover- nors have given us holidays till next Monday sev'n night, the 14th instant, when Mr. Hea.tli is to come and seize the master- ship, with two new ushers. " While I was at tea, some of the boys went to the chaise again and burnt it to ashes ; others, later, broke most of Mr. Hern's windows, and a great many more this morning. I helped to break most of the school windows this morning, though a great number of them were broke before. They say that Mr. Heath skulked off backwards towards Sir John Eushout's grove, and went home to Eton. Two of the governors — Mr. Bucknall and Mr. Palmer — went home, they say, in a hack post-chaise, with the blinds up , and ' ' Parr for ever ' ' vsrote with chalk upon the outside. Mr. Eoderick has drawn up a letter to send to all the boys' fathers that he is tutor to, to let them know he must give up that charge, and that Parr and he are going to set up a school at Stanmore at thirty guineas per annum, teaching and boarding. Mr. Parr has already got a very large house, big enough to hold 100 [boys] ,* and a good number of boys will go [from]* hence to him. The boys were again [assem]*- bled to go to Pinner, three miles off, [to break]* Mr. Palmer's windows — another governor ; but [seeing] * that his coach was in a barn a very little way from Harrow, they were a-going there to break it likewise ; but news came that a messenger from Eton was come, so we all came back again. There was a letter from Heath to ask what books we learnt, and the names of us all ; and he said he would come here on Monday se'vn night. " The boys then disbanded, and there has been no more dis- turbance since, that I have heard of. If all the boys stay here that are now here till Mr. Heath comes , we are resolved not to * Torn off. 232 let him enter the school. If you have no objection I should like to go to Mr. Parr's school, and you may be sure he will exert his greatest scholarship to get a good character, and take pains with the boys that supported him. I will wait your answer ; but if you think I had best stay here under this new master, only say it, and I am quite contented to do as you please ; but pray send me an answer by the return of the post. My cousin Legard is here, and I am very soriy for it now, but I hope if you will let me go to Mr. Parr, my uncle will let Jack go there also. ... I ever remain your most dutiful son and sincere friend." Eev. Benjamin Heath to John Gbimston. [1771] , October 5. Eton. — "I think it my duty to inform you of my appointment to the school at Harrow. As I could not without proper notice to the parents of my pupils leave my connections at Eton, and as Mr. Parr and Mr. Eoderick, the two assistants, have declined all further concern with the busi- ness of the place, the governors have thought it expedient to adjourn the school until Monday, the 14th instant. If you shall please to approve thedr nomination, I must request the concun-ence of your authority to enforce a proper submission to those regulations which may be thought necessary for the establishment of discipline. With your countenance and sup- port, I shall hope to discharge the duties of so important a trust to your perfect satisfaction." INIes. Ceampton to the Same. 1771 , [Sunday] , October 6. [Harrow] . — The governors have desired me to acquaint you that they have appointed Mr. Heath , of Eton, to succeed the late Dr. Sumner; but as Mr. Heath cannot leave Eton immediately, the governors have thought proper to break up the school till Monday, the 14th instant, when Mr. Heath will be ready to attend the business of the school. Postscript : — Master Grimston tells me he has wrote you a long letter, which makes me not mention anything concerning last Thursday. Samuel Paee to the Same. 1771, October 7. Harrow. — After being five years upper assistant under Dr. Sumner, the governors have refused to appoint him head master. He has consequently purchased a house at Great Stanmore, and is opening a school on the same system as that which has been approved at Harrow. His terms are twenty-six guineas per annum for board and teaching, without entrance to those who come from HaiTow. He is countenanced by many of Dr. Sumner's friends, and shall be happy in any mark of Mr. Grimston's friendship. 233 W. Whately to John Grimston. 1771, October 8. Lombard Street. — You will see in the papers or may have been informed by your son of the disturb- ance that happened at Harrow on the election of a new master. The account in the papers is in general true, though not strictly true ; particularly with respect to the intended expedition to Mr. Palmer's at Pinner, which is not true. I have heard the whole from the best information, and will relate it to you. Mr. Parr, the undermaster under Dr. Sumner, had lived for many years in the stiicteet personal intimacy witli Dr. Sumner, had adopted his ideas of education, and formed himself entirely to pursue his plan. It was the universal wish of the school that Mr. Parr might succeed the late Dr. Sumner, and so attached were the pupils to Mr. Parr, and so persuaded that no one oould be so well qualified to finish their education in Dr. Sumner's plaji, that they drew up, and unanimously assented to, a spirited but not indecent petition to the trustees, desiring to have Mr. I'arr for their master, and indeed ex- pressing rather more than a reluctance to submit to any other. This petition was carried in to the trustees by one of the young gentlemen ; and upon being asked in whose name he delivered it, he declared that he delivered it in the name of the whole school. The efection, however, fell on Mr. Heath, of Eton. You may easily conceive this gave great disgust to the young gentlemen of the school ; and Mr. Bucknall , one of the trustees, was so very indiscreet as to give them abusive words. I believe he called them no better than a parcel of blackguards. Illiberal language is but ill brooked by the sons of gentlemen, who are themselves approaching to manhood; in their rage they seized upon Mr. Bucknall 's chariot and dragged it to the butts, from whence they threw it down the steep, which totally demoUshed it ; they then gathered up the fragments and burnt them. Mr. Bucknall escaped at a back door, and the whole place was in an uproar and confusion. Mr. Parr declared to the trustees that having served under such a man as Sumner, he is determined not to serve under any other man living ; and the attachment of the school to him is such that they loudly declare they will be taught by nobody else. The trustees have (I think foolishly) adjourned the school until the 14th. In the meantime, Mr. Parr has taken a very large commodious house at Stanmore, where he opens school on Monday next [14th], and will be well supported. Some have taken their sons home, and a great number, I find, are determined to continue their sons under the tuition of Mr. Parr, whose abilities are universally confessed, and who is certainly the person of all others the best qualified to complete an educa- tion begun on the late Dr. Sumner's plan. PaiT was not only his assistant but his intimate friend, and has the greatest respect for his memory, and will spare no pains with such of his former pupils as are permitted to follow him and it. It is reckoned, if Mr. Heath does not relinquish the election, that Mr. Pan- will draw many to himself at Stanmore. 234 I thought propea- to give you this account, that you may act as you think proper. John Gbimston to his son, Thomas Grimston. 1771 , October 8. Beverley.— "Tom : I received yours by this day's post, and assure you nothing of some years has given me more pain than the account you give of the proceedings at Harrovsr, which are far from justifiable by anyone, particularly by me, who have so tender a regard for you and a desire of your doing right. I hope this will come in time to assiu-e you if you enter into any more riots you will meet with my greatest displeasure, and I insist on your paying a just and proper sub- mission to Mr. Heath, your master elected by the governors, under whom I shall place you ; and hope , on his part , he will behave to you as he ought ; if not, on a proper complaint, I will remove you, but not till then." Addressed : — Mr. Grimston, at Mrs. Crampton's, Harrow-on- the-Hill, Middlesex. Copij in John Grimston's writing. The Same to the Eev. Benjamin Heath. 1771, October 8. — " I received your letter by this day's post, and have wrote to my son to pay you all just submission as his master chosen by the governors; and hope, by his behaviour he will ever merit your esteem. I shall be glad to know from you his progress in his studies, and, as soon as possible, what tutor you would recommend for him in the place of Mr. Eoderick. I am heartily soiTy to find there has been so much disturbance at Harrow, but hope my son was not principally concerned. I heartily wish you success in your new important trust." Copy in John Grimston's hand-writing . Sir Digby Legaed to John Grimston. 1771, October 10. Ganton. — I had an account both from Tom and Jack last post, with the same account as yours, but shorter, of the violent doings at HaiTow. I wrote to Jack to say I greatly disapproved of these proceedings, and desired he would endeavour, by all means, to keep clear of them. I am glad to find you agree with me in sentiment, and have ordered submission to Mr. Heath. The letting Tom go with Mr. Pa^rr would have looked like encouraging thier rebellion. A great allowance must be made to boys on account of high spirits and little judgment, otherwse the whole of their be- haviour must be greatly condemned by every candid person. The trustees have, I hope, chosen a proper master who will keep up the reputation of the school. Tom does not seem to me to be naturally violent in his temper ; and however he may be at present misled by the influence of boys older than himself, I tiTist he will soon acquiesce in your determination, and see clearly the impropriety of his own, or rather of the other boys' behaviour. 235 Eev. Benjamin Heath to John Geimston. 1771, October 14. Harrow. — Thanks him for his support. Is, as yet, wholly unacquainted with his son's progress; he seems very well disposed, as do all the young gentlemen, and there appears no reason to apprehend any further difficulties. With Grimston's permission, will place his son under the care of Mr. Bromley, who will pay all due attention to his improve- ment. Thomas Geimston to Sie Digby Leoard. 1771, October 15. Harrow. — "I am very much obliged to you for your most friendly letter, which came as a letter of comfort to me after a short and most severe one I received last post from my father. He is greatly exasperated against me, and, which I do assure you hurt me beyond measure, he la,id his express commands on me to be subservient to the master he had placed me under — as if he thought that I would as cordially rebel against his desires as, in the late cause, against the governors. I wrote a letter to my father upon receiving his, by which, upon a promise I made him of my future conduct, I hope I shall again reinstate myself in his favour, and again be known by the former name of his Dear Tom, which, by my riotous proceedings, was entirely blotted out. All of us here, having received advice from our relations and friends, made a determination not to oppose Mr. Heath, and to let him into the school very peaceably and civilly. Most of our boys sent home to desire their parents leave to follow Mr. Parr; some have refused, some consented to their request, and some of the boys, who may go to Mr. Parr if they choose, stay till Christmas to try Mr. Heath as a master. He came here on Sunday night, and though it rained very hard, he went round to every boarding house to ask the boys if they meant to meet him as friends. We all answered that we did ; he then said he would take no notice of what was passed, as it was not meant to him, he thought, but to the governors who rejected Mr. Parr; at the same time, he said, he had nothing to do with those things that happened before he took possession of the school as master. He went into school early on Monday morning, and gave us a whole holiday, and to-day we had a whole school-day. There are about fifty-eight or sixty boys here now ; some are gone to Mr. Pair, others are still at home. . . . As yet we Uke Mr. Heath very much ; he follows the old customs of Dr. Sumner. I here transcribe you our petition to the governors. " We, the senior scholars, in the mice of the whoh school, having received intimation that you propose, contrary to the manifest desire of each of us, to appoint Mr. Heath, or some other person from Eton, as successor to our late master. Dr. Sumner, earnestly desire you would in some measure take under your consideration the unanimous wishes of the whole school, which are universally declared in favour of Mr. Parr. As we {mast of us) are in some 236 degree independent of the foundation, whatever may he your opinions, we presume our inclinations ought to have some weight in determining your choice. We are informed your only ob- jection to Mr. Parr is his age, which indeed his sound abilities and distinguished morality sufficiently obviate. If you consider the age of his predecessor when selected, the difference will be found immaterial. Our natural affections for such a person, educated at Harrow, enforced by the consideration of his many good quali- ties, are sufficient reasons for our preferring Mr. Parr. We cannot help being surprised at your so strongly supporting a man from Eton, as there appear so many objections to anyone from that place. Our late master's abilities were such as at that time fully aidhorised your choice ; but when a person like Mr. Parr, whose capacity yourselves cannot object to, assisted with so many advantages, is universally proposed, a master from any other place would be needless ; and therefore we flatter ourselves our request will not appear unreasonable. A school of such reputation as our late master has rendered this, ou^ht not to be considered as an appendix to Eton , nor should that plan by which it has been raised to such eminence, be subverted by continual innovations from another school. Mr. Parr cannot but be acquainted with those rules which his predecessor has established, and will con- sequently act upon the former successful plan. We hope, in your determination, private cMachment or personal affection mil not bias \ijourY' choice to the prejudice of the school. A school caw[wo<]* be suflficient ivherel;* every individual is disaffected towards the master, neither \will its meY'mbers, disregarded in their wishes want opportunities of showing {theirj^ resentment. ''It is hoped that an answer will be given to our request, which, if granted, will ever claim our most grateful acknowledgment,.'" " The above was onr petition, and was made by three of our boj's — Powell, Pollard, and Crooke. " Pray what allowance would you have Mrs. Crampton give Jack? I have one shilling a week; some have sixpence, and some threepence. Pray answer this in your next to him. Your most affectionate nephew and sincere friend." Thomas Geimston to John Geimston. [1771, October 20], Sunday noon. Harrow. — I this morning received your letter, which gave me the greatest pleasure that I have received for some time, as the style was quite different from your last. You know our riots were not in the least degree against Mr. Heath as Mr. Heath, but against the governors, and against his being master; and when he came here, he desired to meett us as friends, and to forget all that was past. As yet we like him very well. He follows all the rules of Dr. Sumner as yet. We have about eighty or ninety boys got together here now, but expect more. Mr. Parr has got about thirty-four boys from here already, and will have * A hole in the paper. 237 more , I believe. I have transcribed our petition to the gover- nors in a letter to my uncle, whch I hope you will see. . . . Postscript : — Many of my most particular friends are gone to Mr. Parr. Boulton for one. Maueice Suckling,* Comptroller of the Navy, to [John Grim s ton]. 1776, June 15. Navy Office. — I was favoured with your polite letter congratulating me on my success, which gives me the more pleasure as I believe the sincerity of your wishes. I was in hopes to have given you a full account of what you wish to know relative to the Academy at Portsmouth, which kept me from sooner answering your letter ; but not being able to get an account as yet from Portsmouth, I am ashamed to remain longer silent, but you may depend on my writing again as soon as ever I get the information you wish for. Maurice Suckling to [John Grimston] . 1776, June 24. Navy Office. — I have now the pleasure to answer your letter more effectually than when I last vwote. The expense attending the education, etc., at the Academy is about 60/ a year. I have likewise spoke to Sir Edward Vernon, who is appointed to the command in the East Indies, and who, I believe, will be ready in September. He has promised me to take your nephew, so that you may take your choice, or, if you are determined to send two, who may clash in interest, you may send one to sea directly with Sir Edward Vernon, the other to the Academy. The Same to the Same. 1776, September 15. Navy Office. — I am ashamed at my long silence, but flattered myself with informing you of the Ripon's arrival at Portsmouth ; but as yet the men who are ordered for her are not sailed for Plymouth, so that I cannot say when we may expect her, but you may depend on my writing as soon as 'tis necessary for the young gentleman to come to town. You give me great pleasure by telling me your harvest turned out well, as the great rains made us fearful our friends in the north would suffer. The Same to the Same. 1776, October 17. Navy Office. — Sir Edward Vernon is now with me, and I expect Mr. Stow and your young gentleman, Mr. Legard, to introduce him to Sir Edward, who, I find now, is to sail soon ; of course, Mr. Legard will leave town within * Nelson's maternal uncle. 23a a day or two. In a hurry, a few days ago, I burnt your letter, wherein you mentioned Lady Legard's desire Sir Edward Vernon would take out some money for the young man, and directions how to draw for what should be necessary whilst abroad. Shall I beg of you to write to Sir Edward on this subject, and enclose it to me, as I may know how to forward it. My best wishes await on you and all friends with you. Maurice Stjckling to John Grimston. 1776, November 13. Navy Office. — I was favoured with your letter of the 27th last, and likewise with one from Lady Legard, and likewise one from her ladyship for Sir Edward Vernon, which I had an opportunity to deliver soon after I received it ; in consequence of which Sir Edward took up, I believe, 401, thinking it better than to trouble her ladyship with bills im- mediately after his sailing, and has promised if anything further should be wanting during his continuance in India, he will draw as du'e^ted, and as Sir Edward promised to write and acquaint Lady Legard, I would not trouble her ladyship ; and indeed, I waited to wTite to you till I should have the satisfac- tion of knowing Mr. Legard was settled on board, which I was informed of yesterday by Mr. Stow, who was so obliging as to call on me, and that the young gentleman likes his situation very well. I much interest myself in my friend. Commodore Hotham's* welfare; he is too good an officer and too steady for me to doubt of his success. Mrs. KEMPEtothe Same. [1778,? May]21. — Thursday.—" INIrs. Kempe's compliment attends Mr. Grimston, and is much obliged to him for the enter- tainment his ' Old English Baron ' has afforded her ; hopes such characters are not out of date now. Since Mr. Grimston has introduced this good old Gothic [story] to Mrs. Kempe, she begs he will give her leave to introduce the authoress to him. She was a clergyman's daughter, who had a large family and a very small living. She, the eldest, was forced to be as a common servant. Her father, finding she had a genius, en- couraged and improved it whenever she oould be spared from working, etc. She used to steal bits of candle to sit up at nights to read. Thus she went on till she was a woman, and her father died and left her vnthout a penny or the means of earning one, but in the same drudgei-y she had lived. She could not be a better servant ; she could not do a stick of work ; her sisters were gone out mantua makers, millinera, etc. In this, her melancholy situation, a lady of fortune — I have forgot her name — ^took her, where she lived happy a few years, and then the lady died and left her about 401 a year, since which she has lived with some of her sisters, where she indulges as much as she pleases with her books and her pen. Her first * Lately gone out to the North American Station. Afterwards Lord Hotham. 239 publications were a collection of poems, about nine years ago, which I take the liberty to send you ; if the poems themselves don't afford you pleasure, I am sure the names of the sub- scribers will, to see so many of rank and fortune ready to support and countenance merit." " Mrs. Keeve got about 2001 by her poems." Egbert Geimston to John Geimston. 1778, July 18. Camp, Warley. — May you never come into a camp as a soldier, I heartily wish, for it is damnation upon earth, and they seem to have totally lost the idea of militia, and we are distinguished by the name of New Corps in all orders. Good God ! what shall we come to at last ! General Pierson has given peremptory orders for all the chaplains to attend; a copy of which I transmitted by Colonel Maister's orders to Frank Best. What step can he possibly take upon it ! You will by this time have heai^d of the appointment of Lord Carmarthen to our lieutenancy. They have superseded our three lords in a ve^ry cavalier style, without so much as thanking them for their perseverance of duty for fifteen years. The only intimation we heard of it was by a letter from my Lord himself, informing Colonel Maister the King had appoint- ed him Lieutenant of the East Eiding, and that he should come down to see the regiment in a few days. They have given Colonel Maister the rank of colonel, otherwise it is my firm opinion Lord Carmarthen would have taken the command of the regiment, and I should not be surprised if he did it now. In that case, I hope we may be allowed to go to the right about — at least those that choose it. A common report transpires at present that an invasion will take place in a fortnight, owing, I suppose, to a speech of the Duke of Grafton at Coxheath, offering to lay ten thousand pounds upon it. Our ground upon Warley Common is by no means cleared , and we are out exer- cising at five o'clock in the morning, and then the men set to work, stubbing the ground like day labourers. Captain Creyke was last week upon an expedition, with two hundred men, to clear and make a road for the military, and was the first night most consumedly wet through in his tent. rus, quando ego te aspiciam , is at present a frequent exclamation ; God knows without effect. Jos. Geove to the Same. 1778, July 23. New Inn. — I spent two days with our East Eiding friends at Warley Camp. Their ground is so irregular that it does not make the show of that at Cox Heath. They expected Mr. P. Best as chaplain in a day or two. I suspect many of them are heartily tired of the confinement, but none speak out or complain like Mr. E. G. He curses the camp, and himself for quitting two good houses and every accom- modation to sleep in a tent, dine on coarse meat, and be con- fined liked a pointer to his kennel. . . . As to a French 240 war, we know no more of it than we did three months ago; it is all my-stery. If the fleets meet, I think it will then be unavoidable ; but it is not certain whether the French are out or not. Jos. Geove to John Grimston, Kilnwick. [1778, August 1], Saturday evening, 11 o'clock. [London]. ■ — Captain Faulknor, Keppel's captain, is this evening arrived with an account of an engagement oiT Brest, which has been very severe and many men lost, and the French have retired into Brest without the loss of any ship ; but we may reasonably hope the news is agreeable by Faulknor' s coming home with it and that the French must no longer boast of their superiority at sea, as they were glad to get into Brest by favour of the night. I believe our friends in camp need no longer apprehend an invasion. This night's Gazette contains a proclamation for reprisals on all French ships, but the news from Keppel came too late for insertion ; we expect an extraordinary Gazette to-morrow. The Same to the Same. [1780, June 8] , Thursday evening, 10 o'clock. [New Inn] . • — " As the reports you will probably have of our situation will, though very terrible, be magnified by the distance, I take the liberty of troubling you with a few lines to infonn you that I hope to-night our danger is lessened and that something like order will soon be restored , as great numbers of prisoners have been taken to-day by the different parties of soldiers, and will probably, in a day or two, be made examples of. Several were killed last night in different parts of the town, and two were shot at noon to-day in Fenchurch Street, having bars of iron which they refused to give up. Every street has soldiers patrolling to-night, with orders to fire on any four persons collected together who will not instantly disperse. Colonel Hervey's Yorkshire amved this afternoon, and several regi- ments are hourly coming in. Last night I saw seven distinct fires from my chambers — the King's Bench Prison and Fleet Prison, two large fires in Holborn, and the toll-gates at Black- friars' Bridge; they have set all the prisons open, and turned out on the public near 500 felons, who will now join in every act of villainy under the mask of enemies of popery , and I fear if not speedily taken, will plunder the adjacent villages. At present everything appears quiet, and I hope will continue so, though Lord Amherst told our Ancients, when they applied for a guard to-day, that they well knew there was a plan laid to burn all the law societies. How this will end, God only knows. I wish all was well and I down in Yorkshire, but there is no quitting town whilst these dreadful commotions exist, nor knowing whose property will be next attacked. I wish you never to experience the horrors we felt last night. Adieu. Yours ever most sincerely, Jos. Grove." 241 II. THE CAYLUS PAPEKS. Commission de Colonel d'un regiment d'Infanterie pour le S. Chev. de Caylus. 1714, September 29. Louis, par la grace de Dieu, Eoi de France et de Navarre, a notre cher et bien aime le S. Chev. de Caylus, salut. La charge de Colonel d'un regiment d' Infanterie, dont etait pourvu le S. Comte d'Houdetot, etant a present vacante par sa mort, et desirant la remplir d'une personne qui ait toutes les qualites requises pour s'en acquitter dignement. Nous avons estime que nous ne pouvons faire pour cette fin un meilleur choix que de vous, pour I'entiere confiance que nous prenons en votre talent, courage, experience en la guerre, vigilance et bonne conduite, et en votre fidelite et affection a notre service. A ces causes et autres a ce nous mouvants, nous vous avons commis, ordonne et etabli, commet- tons, ordonnons et etablissons par ces presentes signees de notre main. Colonel du d. regiment et Capitaine de la premiere compagnie d'icelui, les d. charges vacantes, comme dit est ci- dessus, pour en la d. qualite de Colonel commander le d. regi- ment, le conduire et exploiter sous notre autorite et sous celle de nos Lieutenants Generaux la part, et aussi qu'il vous sera par nous ou eux commande et ordonne pour notre service ; et nous vous ferons payer ensemble les officiers, sergents et soldats du d. regiment des etats, appointements et soldes qui vous seront et a eux dii, suivant les montres et revus qui en seront faites par les commissaires et controleurs des guerres a ce de- partis, tant et si longueiment que le d. regiment sera sur pied pour notre service; tenant la main a ce qu'il vive en si bon ordre et police que nous non puiasions recevoir de plaintes ; de ce faire vous donnons poiuvoir commission, autorite, com- mandement special; mandons a vous qu'il appartiendra de vous recevoir et faire reconnaitre et la d. charge de vous, les capi- taines, officiers, subalternes, sergents et soldats du d. regiment et qu'a vous en ce faisant soit obei. Car tel est notre plaisir. Donne a Fontainebleau, le vingt-neuvierae jour de Septembre, I'an de Grace mil sept cent quatorze, et de notre Pegne le soixante douzieme. Louis. Par le Eoi, VOYSIN. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1728, September 13. Fontainebleau. — Je vous ai propose au roi avec plaisir. Monsieur, pour le commandement de la fregate la Nymphe, persuade que vous vous en acquitterez avec toute la vigilance que demande le service auquel vous etes 242 destine. J'adresse a M. de Eouvroy la lettre du roi qui vous donne ce commandement pour vous la remettre. Quant h vosofficiers Sa Majeste vous laisse le choix de votre lieutenant, at vous a dessine pour enseignes les Sieurs Taurins Dannat, le Tartier, et Delcampe. J'ecris en conformite a M. le Marquis de Eouvroy. Signed. CoMTB DE Madrepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1728, October 6. Fontainebleau. — J'ai're9u, Monsieur, la lettre que vous avez pris la peine de m'ecrire le 20me. du mois dernier. Je comptais qu'en recevant votre instruction, vous vous seriez trouve en etat de metitre a la voile, et j'aurais souhaite que Ton eut apporte plus de diligence a I'armement de la fregate que vous commandez. Je suis persuade qu'il n'a pas dependu de vos soins qu'elle n'ait et^ plutot prete a partir. Je ne doute point aussi que vous ne remplissiez votre mission avec tout le succes que Ton doit attendre de votre zele pour le service, et je m'attends que vous me donnerez de vos nouvelles par toutes les occasions vous aurez pendant votre campagne. Elles me feront toujours plaisir, et vous me mettrez par la en etat de rendre compte au roi de votre navigation et de vos operations. II ne vous est recom- mande par 1 'instruction que je vous ai envoy^e de passer de temps a autre a Malte, que pour que vous puissiez recevoir les ordres qui vous y seront adresses. Du reste, il n'est pas neces- saire que vous vous y rendriez souvent pour cela, et sa Majeste approuve que vous ne quittiez votre croisiere que quand vous aurez a aller chercher des vivres k Malte, ou a y conduire des prises. L'arrangement que vous avez fait de concert avec M. Chavonier au sujet de vos vivres a aussi ete approuve par sa Majeste, et elle trouve bon que vous ayez demande deux gardes du pavilion k la place de deux soldats. Si votre depart n'eut pas ete presse, il aurait ete de la regie de demander et d'attendre des ordres sur cela, ainsi que sur I'augm&ntation de vingt hommes d'equipage que vous avez aussi demande. Je mande a M. Chavonier qu'il vous ait donne deux canons de fonte, attendu que, suivant I'ordonnance, il ne doit y avoir que des canons de fer sur les fregates legeres. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1728, November. Fontainebleau. — Ij' Immaculate Concep- tion qui est revenue k Toulon, Monsieur, n'etant pas en etat de retourner k la mer, le roi a juge apropos de faire armer a, la place de cette barque un autre batiment de 14 canons, dont le commandement a ete donne au S. de Cheylus avec ordre d'aller croiser depuis Modon jusqu' au Serigue [Cerigo] et de passer de temps a autre en Candie. II lui est cependant recom- mande de suivre ceux que vous et M. de Gouyon estimerez devoir lui envoyer, suppose qu'il convint de lui donner une autre des- tination. Je dois vous informer k cette occasion que Sa 243 Majesty a ordonn^ a M. de Gouyon de quitter la croisiere qui lui avait ete designee par M. de Grandpr^ et de se rendre devant Tripoli pour empecher autant qu'il pourra les bati- ments de cette r^publique d'en sortir et d' y entrer. II a ordre aussi d'ecouter les propositions d'accommodement qui pourront lui etre faites par le pacha de Tripoli, qui a temoigne etre dispose a la paix, et de vous mander d'aller le joindre s'il croit avoir besoin de vous pour remplir cet objet. Comme par cette disposition la croisiere qu'il tenait, et peut-etrela votre pourront se trouver degarnies, vous verrez en ce cas ce que le S. de Cheylus aura a faire pour le mieux, et vous lui don- nerez ordre de se rendre dans les parages ou il sera le plus n6c6ssaire pour assurer la navigation des batiments marchands. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1729, January 5. Versailles. — J'ai re9u, Monsieur, votre lettre du 4e. du mois de Novembre dernier, par laquelle j'ai vu avec peine que vous aviez la fievre depuis votre depart de Malte. Je souhaite fort apprendre par les premieres nouvelles que je recevrai de vous, le r6tablissement de votre sante. Vous ne devez pas douter de tout I'interet que j'y prends. Sur ce que vous ni'avez marque precedemment des qualites de la Nymphe, j 'avals lieu de croire qu'elle serait meilleure voiliere. Je m'en remets a vous sur le parti que vous avez pris de faire couper trois pieds de sa mature, et je souhaite que cela la fasse mieux marcher. S'il ne revient aucun corsaire tripolin sur la cote de Moree, et que vous jugiez qu'un seul vaisseau suffise Dour garder ce parage, le roi trouvera bon qu'apres avoir et^ prendre de nouveaux vivres a Malte, vous alliez chercher ces corsaires dans les endroits oia vous apprendrez qu'ils seront ; cependant I'intention de Sa Majeste est qu'il reste toujours un vaisseau au moins a croiser depuis les isles de Sapience jusqu'a Serigo, parceque c'est le passage des batiments qui reviennent de I'Archipel, et le lieu oia les corsaires peuvent le plus aisement les joindre et les attaquer. Si vous croyez pouvoir vous en eloigner, pour les chercher ailleurs, vous re- commanderez, s'il vous plait, au Sieur de Cheylus de garder soigneusement cette croisiere pendant que vous en serez absent ; et comme il doit aller prendre aussi de nouveaux vivres a Malte au commencement du mois de mai, et revenir desarmer a Toulon a la fin d'aoiit, il est apropos que vous vous arrangiez sur cela pour qu'elle ne reste point degarnie. Au reste, Sa Majeste a regie que la Nymphe serait armee jusqu' a la fin de cette annee, et j'enverrai des supplements de vivres a Malte le mois prochain, tant pour cette fregate que pour les autres qui sont a la mer. Vous vous rendrez, s'il vous plait, en ce port au mois de mars pour y prendre ceux dont vous aurez alors besoin, et vous y retournerez dans la suite pour le meme effet, en ob- servant d'en embarquer chaque fois pour trois a quatre mois, afin de pouvoir tenir la mer le plus de temps qu'il se pourra. 244 Je suis fache que les avirons qui vous ont &t6 donnas k Toulon, se soient trouves mauvais. Je compte que vous vous en pourvoirez d'autres a Malte en remplacement, si vous n'avez pu en trouver dans les autres parts ou vous aurez aborde. Je recommenderai d'avoir plus d'attention a examiner ceux qui seront donnes aux f regales et aux barques que Ton doit armer encore a Toulon. Je dois vous dire a cette occasion qu 'outre celles qui sont deja a la mer, le Zephire et la Flore partiront incessamment pour aller croiser devant Tripoli. On arme aussi a Brest VAmazone de 40 canons, et la Thetis de 26, qui mettront a la voile au commencement de mars. II partira dans le meme temps de Toulon deux grosses barques et trois brigantins ; ©t de Marseille, au mois de mai, trois galeres avec trois autres brigantins, qui aideront a bloquer le port de Tripoli pendant I'ete. Sa Majeste est persuadee que tous ces batiments bien distribues empecheront non seulement les corsaires de paraitre a la mer et assureront par consequent la navigation des bati- ments marchands, mais aussi, qu'en interrompant tout com- merce dans I'Etat de Tripoli, les habitants seront forces de demander la paix. Elle a appris avec plaisir que nos batiments recoivent toute sorte de protection et de secours des vaisseaux de guerre de Venise, et j'ai fait I'usage que j'ai du de ce que vous m'avez marqu^ sur ce sujet. Le roi desire que vous traitiez avec honetete et politesse les commandants de ces vaisseaux de guerre lorsque vous les ren- contrerez. A I'egard du salut, s'il y a des capitaines Venitiens qui portent des flammes de distinction , voulant f aire passer ces flammes pour une espece de pavilion, vous ne devez les re- gard er que comme capitaines de vaisseau et n' avoir aucun egard a leurs flammes de distinction ; mais vous saJuerez ceux des vaisseaux de Venise qui porteront pavilion d'amiral, de vice-amiral et de contre-amiral. L'intention de Sa Majeste est que vous vous conformiez, au surplus, a ce qui est porte par I'ordonnance de 1689 concernants les saluts. Lorsque j'aurai de nouveaux ordres a vous envoyer, je les adresserai a M. le Bailli de Boccage a Malte, et au Sieur Clakambault a Modon. Signed. Postscript : — Ijorsque vous donnerez chasse h, des oorsaires et que vous aurez occasion de les poursuivre jusques sur les cotes de Turquie, vous observerez de ne les point canoner ni arreter dans les ports et sous les forteresses du Grand Seigneur, afin de ne point tomber dans les memes inconvenients auxquels M. Duquesne donna lieu en 1681 , en canonant des batiments tripolins dans le port de Scio. CoMTE DE Maubepas au Chevalier de Caylus. 1729, April 5. Versailles. — J'ai re^u Monsieur, votre lettre du 4e. du mois dernier. Jje roi a approuve le parti que vos avez pris de retourner sur la cote de Moree pour garder cette croisifere, sur I'avis que vous avez eu que le Sr. de Cheylus serait oblig^ 246 de la quitter pour allar chercher des vivres a Malte ; mais oomme M. de Bandeville est convenu d'une suspension d'armes avec le pacha de Tripoli, qui a fait passer des envoyes en France pour demander la paix, et qu'il n'y a pas lieu de douter qu' elle ne soit bientot conclue, I'intention de Sa Majeste est que quaud vous aurez consomme les derniers vivres que vous avez pris a Malte, vous y laissiez la fregate le Jerusalem, et que vous repreniez la Nymi)he pour la ramener a Toulon, oir vous desarmerez. Cependant si M. de Gouyon vous donne des ordres contraires, vous les suivrez. Signed. M. DE ViLLENEUFVE to the ChEVALIEB DE CaYLUS. 1729, June 5. Constantinople. — J'ai re§u. Monsieur, les lettres que vous m'avez fait I'honneur de m'ecrire de Nio, du Serigues [Cerigo] et de Scio, auxqiielles j'ai eu celui de repondre tres regulierement. Comme vous courez les mers, et que vous n'etes sedentaire en aucun endroit, il ne serait pas etonnant qu'elleis ne vous eussent pas encore ete rendues. J'en ai adresse deux a Toulon et une a Malte. L'aga de Naxie m'a rendu aussi celle que vous lui aviez remis, et m'a entretenu un jour entier de toutes les politesses que vous lui aviez fait ; vous les avez placees a merveilles par rapport aux services qu'il a rendu aux franfais en toute occasion. II a un beaupere qui commande une galere, qui a les memes sentiments que lui pour notre nation, et qui ne m'a pas ete inutile en ce pays ci depuis que j'y suis. Je compte que la treve signee avec les tripolins sera bientot suivie de la paix ; il n'y avait aucun profit a faire avec ces miserables, et il vaut autant qu'ils aient prevenu leur chatiment par leur soumission que s'ils vous avaient mis dans la necessite de les ecraser. Je vous avoue que je suis tres mortifie que vous soyez venus jusques aux fauxbourg de Con- stantinople sans entrer dans la ville. Je regarde Scio comme nos fauxbourg. Vous comprenez qu'elle aui ait ete ma joie de pouvoir vous garder quelque temps avec nous. Je vols bien que jusques a mon retour en France, je ne dois pas me flatter de voir aucun officier de marine, M. de Maurepas n'etant pas dans I'usage d'employer de tels messagers pour les ordres qu'il fait passer aux ambassadeurs de Bysance. Si vous vouliez m'honorer des votres, ils seront executes avec empressement et exactitude. Holograph. Comte de Maurepas to the Same. 1729, September 19. Versailles. — Soyez persuade, IMonsieur, que je ferai usage de votre bonne volonte, et que je ne vous laisserai pas languir dans I'oisivete. Vous venez de servir d'une maniere a me donner la confiance de vous proposer au roi lorsqu'il aura des occasions de vous employer pour son service. Je ferai attention au t^moignage avantageux que vous me rendez du Sr. Ferrier, chirurgien, et du nomme Brun, maitre 246 canonier; et je me souviendrai du nomme Jean Mestre, voire second maitre, pour une place d'entretenu, lorsqu'il y en aura de vacantes. Quant a la nouvelle construction dont vous me parlez, c'est une matiere qui merits d'etre approfondie, et je ne puis vous en rien dire de plus quant a present. Elle est cependant une preuve de vostre zele et de votre application, dont on doit savoir bon gre. Signed. CoMTB DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1730, June 12. Versailles. As the Canada has sailed, the proposal to appoint M. Taurins-Dannat to her falls to the ground ; but I have directed M. de Villeluisant to send him on board the Piuhis, under orders for the West Indies. It is very desirable that the Toulon officers should sei-ve in the west, and gain experience in ocean navigation. Your Sallee scheme cannot go on at present. It must vsfait. Signed. The Same to the Same 1730, August 9. Compiegne. — Acknowledges the receipt of his letter of the 26th ulto. , giving an account of his having fitted out two brigantines for the pursuit of a Barbary corsair which had captured two Genoese vessels near the Hyeres Islands. The king is very well satisfied with his diligence and feels confident that he will use every endeavour to catch the corsair. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1730, August 25. — I have received your letter of the 6tih inst. , giving an account of your cruise. The king is per- suaded that you would have taken the corsair if he had remained oai the coast. He is also satisfied with the way in which M. Dantin has seconded you. As to the two gardes de la marine whom you took on board, I can only refer you to what I wrote to M. de la Varenne. Signed. Comte de St. Florentin to the Marquis de Caylus. 1730, August 30. Versailles. — J'ai re5u. Monsieur, avec la lettre que vous vous etes donne la peine de m'ecrire le 16 de ce mois, celle que vous a adressee M. de St. Mezard qui est, par ordre du roi, aux iles Ste. Marguerite, parceque vous n'avez pas ))u le voir lorsque vous y avez passe. On ne pent que louer J'interet que vous prenez a ce qui le regarde des lors que vous I'avez connu. II est effectiveraent homme de beaucoup d'esprit, mais il n'en a pas fait I'usage qu'il aurait du, et le roi a eu des raisons tres fortes pour le tenir enferme meme sure- ment, de crainte qu'il ne s'evade; ce qu'il ne manquerait pas 247 de faire s'il avait quelque liberie. Cela vous persuade aisement qu'il ne depend pas de moi de Ini en procurer, sans quoi je m'y porterais volontiers a votre consideration. Signed. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1731, February 28. Versailles. — Je vois avec peine par vos dernieres lettres. Monsieur, que vous regarderiez oomme un desagrement de n'etre pas capitaine de pavilion de M. Du Guay pendant la campagne prochaine ; je ne saurais m'em- pecher de vous dire que vous ne pensez pas a cet egard comme vous le devriez, et que votre pretention n'est point fondee ; et je oompte que les sentiments que vous savez que j'ai pour vous, vous feront prendre en bonne part ce que je vous mande aussi naturellement sur ce sujet ; niais pour vous faire connaitre que vous ne devez point pretendre a la place dont il s'agit, et que je ne dois point moi meme vous la procurer, je vais vous en ex- pliquer les raisons. L'usage a toujours ete dans la marine de destiner les capitaines les plus anciens et les plus experi- mentes pour capitaines de pavilion, parceque tout le detail roule sur eux , et que de pareilles f onctions demandent beauooup d'experience. Je suis persuade que vous suppleeriez a ce que pent vous en manquer par votre zele et votre vigilance ; mais quoique vous pussiez vous bien acquitter des a present de cet emploi, votre peu d'anciennete ne saurait le faire presumer; et cette destination, si on vous la donnait, serait regardee comme une nouvelle faveur qui pourrait exciter la jalousie de vos camarades, et faire dire que pour vous Ton sort trop sou vent des regies a leur prejudice. II vaut mieux pour votre propre interet, les suivre en cette occasion, d'autant plus que vous ne trouverez pas moins d'avantage a sei"vir avec M. Du Guay oomme capitaine en second, que comme capitaine de pavilion. Ce sont la les principales raisons qui m'ont fait resister aux instances reiterees qu'il m'a faites pour vous faire nommer son capitaine de pavilion ; et loin d'etre peine des premieres diffi- cultes qu'il vous a fait entrevoir, vous devez lui savoir gre d'avoiir demande cette place pour vous avec autant d'empresse- ment ; il m'a d'ailleurs marque toute sorte de bien de vous a cette occasion, et c'est encore ce qui doit vous engager a servir plus volontiers avec lui. Quant a ce que vous me dites que vous aviez ete etabli capitaine de pavilion de M. de la Eochallart, et que ce serait un desagrement pour vous de voir occuper cette place par un autre, je vous repondrai que M. de la Eochallart etait seulement chef d'escadre lorsque vous avez ete nomme pour servir sous lui, et que les chefs d'escadre n'ont point de capitaine de pavilion ; ainsi on ne vous depouille point de cet emploi, puisque vous ne I'aviez point. Vous serez en droit dans la suite de pretendre en remplir de pareils et de plus considerables, et vous ne devez pas douter que je ne vous procure autant qu'il me sera possible les occasions de servir avec distinction et tons les agrements que vous pourrez desirer. Signed. 248 CoMTE DB Madrepas to the Chevalier db Caylus. 1731, April 9. Versailles. — J'ai envoye, Monsieur, a M. le Marquis de Eouvroy la lettre du roi qui vous nomme pour com- mander le ZcpJiire. Si vous acceptez avec plaisir ce com- mandement je vous I'ai procure avec confiance, persuade que vous vous en acquitterez avec toute la vigilance que de- mande votre mission, et que vous soutiendrez I'opinion que j'ai donnee au roi de votre zele pour son service et du desir que vous aurez de vous y distinguer. Je proposerai volontiers M. du Ligondes pour vous remplacer sur I'Esperance lorsque M. de Eouvroy et Du Guay m'en auront ecrit. II n'a pas ete question de la retraite du Sr. de Bellugard, capitaine d'artillerie. M. le Marquis de Eouvroy m'avait propose de con tinner le Sr. de Vilarzel dans I'armement du Tigre ou il etait employe I'annee derniere. M. de Voysin m'avait demande la meme chose. J'ai explique a M. de Eouvroy par ma lettre du 12 mars dernier, les intentions du roi sur cet article ; si vous en aviez eu connaissance, vous ne m'auriez pas propose de le dispenser de suivre sa compagnie, cela etant directement con- traire aux ordres de Sa Majeste. Les exemples que vous me citez des Srs. du Eevert et Bompar, ne doivent pas tirer a conse- quence, lis etaient employes dans un armement ou I'on voulut bien les laisser, a condition qu'ils iraient rejoindre leurs com- pagnies a Eoohefort, au desarmement ; et d'ailleurs, leurs compagnies furent les deux premieres qui marcherent, I'etab- lissement du mouvement des compagnies etait nouveau, et I'ordre n' y etait pas encore bien etabli. Signed. Louis XV. to the Chevalier db Caylus. ].731, April 11. Versailles. — Mons. le Chev. de Caylus, vous ayant choisi pour commander ma fregate le Zephire que je fais armer au port de Toulon, je vous fais cette lettre pour vous dire que mon intention est que vous vous embarquiez sur la dite fregate pour suivre votre destination. Sur ce, je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait, Monsr. le Chev. de Caylus, en sa sainte garde. Paper. Signed Louis. Countersigned Phelypeaux. CoMTE DB Maurepas to the Same. 1731, May 23. Marly. — Depuis que je vous ai envoye votre instruction. Monsieur, il m'a ete remis un plan de I'lsle de Tabarque que je vous adresse, afin que vous faissiez verifier sur les lieux s'il est exact ; s'il ne Test pas, vous pourrez le rectifier au moyen des observations qui seront faites par ceux que vous enverrez dans cette ile ; il est necessaire de s'attacher surtout a bien connaitre le port, son entree, son etendu, et pour quels bati- ments il est propre. Je dois vous dire k cette occasion (et c'est seuleiment pour vous seul) que le roi a intention de faire acquerir cette ile, qui nous serait d'autant plus utile que le commerce de ceux qui la possedent empeche que la compagnie d'Afrique ne retire du fruit de celui qu'elle a le privilege de 249 faire dans ses concessions, et la prive particulierement du benefice qu'elle devrait trouver dans la peche du corail. Les Srs. Lomellinij qui etaient portes precedemment a s'en defaire, y semblent moins disposes a present, par rapport aux profits que le commerce et la peche du corail leur ont procures dans ces derniers temps. En les traversant dans I'un et dans I'autre, ce serait le moyen de les degouter et de les engager a se defaire de cette concession. II est a propos pour cet effet que vous insinuiez, au directeur de la Calle et a celui du Cap Negre, de traverser autant qu'ils pouiTont de leur part le commerce et la peche que font les Tabarquins ; il sufSra pour cela que vous leur disiez qu'ils doivent en user de la sorte pour I'interet de la compagnie d'Afrique, sans leur faire connaitre le projet que Ton a de faire I'acquisition de Tabarque. Vous jugerez qu' ayant cette vue, il est bon d'avoir le plus d'eclaircissements qu'il est possible au sujet de cette ile, et je ne doute point que vous ne vous mettiez em etat de me donner tous ceux dont on peut avoir besoin. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1731, June 14. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re9u, Monsieur, vos deux lettres des 27 et 30 du mois dernier. On ne peut rien ajouter a I'activite avec laquelle vous avez fait carener et agreer la fregate le Zephire Sa Majeste, a qui j'en ai rendu compte, en a 6t6 tr^s satisfaate, et Elle vous sait gre d'avoir reveille par la la diligence des ouvriers si necessaire en temps de guerre. J'en sais beaucoup aussi au Sr. Beaussier, lieutenant de port, de vous avoir bien seconde dans les preparatifs de votre arme- ment. Je ne doute point que vous ne soyez parti ©n meme temps que M. Du Guay Trouin ; et comme vous deviez eprouver le Zephire avec les vaisseaux de son escadre, je compte que vous m'apprendrez, a votre premiere relache, comment cette epreuve se sera passee. Bur ce que M. Mithon m'a marque que vous auriez encore besoin de 10 soldats d' augmentation, j'ai approuve qu'il vous les accordat, pour vous mettre en etat d'amariner les batiments interlopes que vous pourrez arreter 8ur les cotes d'Afrique. II vous fera aussi donner un pilote pratique de ces cotes, et le Sr. Verguin, dessinateur de la marine, pour en faire lever les sondes et les plans ; du moment qu'il y a un dessinateur entretenu, il ne conviendrait point de faire la depense d'en embarquer un autre. Vous pourrez vous servir du Sr. Tamagnon, ecrivain, pour les ecritures que vous aurez h faire a I'occasion de votre mission a Alger; il n'est pas d'usage que Ton fasse embarquer un ecrivain principal sur une fregate, et je ne pourrais vous accorder le Sr. de Tonville sans sortir de la regie. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1731, June 26. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re9u, Monsieur, vos lettres des 7 et 18 de ce mois, la premiere dat^e de Toulon ou 250 vous aviez amene la galiote de Tunis que vous aviez arretee dans le golfe de Marseille. Le roi a fort approuve la con- duite que vous avez tenue dans cette occasion ; mais comme cette galiote etait venue a Toulon, d'ou elle ne manquait que depuis deux jours, Sa Majeste a juge a propos de ne point traiter le rays qui la commande et son equipage a la rigueur, et il a ete ordonne a Mrs. de Kouvroy et Mithon de la renvoyer. Sa Majeste desire que si vous rencontrez d'autres corsaires barbaresques sur les cotes, vous en usiez avec eux de la maniere qu'il vous est ordonne par votre instruction, a laquelle vous devez vous conformer exactement, tant a cet egard, que par rapport aux batiments masques que vous pourrez ren- contrer dans votre navigation. Ce que vous avez eu lieu de reconnaitre des bonnes qualites du Zephire dans la chasse que vous avez donnee a la galiote, ne fait que me confirmer dans la bonne opinion que j'avaisdeja de la fagon de construire du Sr. Pran9ois Coulomb. Lorsqu'il eut bati cette fregate, je lui donnai des marques de satisfaotion par I'augmentation d'appointements que je lui fis accorder, et ce ne sera point la derniere grace qu'il obtiendra, etant dispose a lui en procurer d'autres de Sa Majeste lorsqu'il y en aura occasion. Je suis bien aise que vous ayez eprouve que la meilleure maniere de rendre les vaisseaux fins de voile est de ne point tant les caler que Ton fait ordinairement, eit que cette methode vous ait si bien reussi au Zephire ; cela pourra servir a faire revenir de la prevention contraire ovi Ton est a Toulon. Signed. CoMTB DE Mauebpas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1731, July 11. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re5u, Monsieur, votre lettre du 26 du mois passe, par laquelle vous m'informez de votre navigation sur les cotes de Provence depuis votre second depart de Toulon, et de ce que vous avez reconnu des bonnes qualites du Zephire dans I'epreuve que vous en avez faite avec les vaisseaux de I'escadre commande par Mr. Du Guay Trouin a leur sortie des rades de Toulon. Les temoignages avantageux que vous me rendez de la construction de ]?ran9ois Coulomb ne me laissent point douter de sa capacite, et ils m'engageront a lui marquer des preferences dans les occasions. J 'approuve que vous aviez pris dans votre derniere relache les 10 soldats d'augmentation qui vous on ete accordes, et que vous ayez remis a la fin de ce mois a embarquer le Sr. Verguin, dessinateur, et le pilote pratique des cotes de Barbarie dont vous avez besoin. Si vous n'etiez point encore alle a Genes a la reception de cette lettre, il ne faudra point que vous alliez vous y montrer ; il Buffit que vous vous contentiez de visiter les batiments que vous rencontrerez , et que vous examiniez attentivement, comme il vous est ordonne par votre instruction, si les capitaines qui les commanderont sont dans le cas de Tabus du pavilion ; vous 251 ne devez vous determiner a les arreter et a deranger leur navi- gation qii' apres que vous vous serez bien assure de leur contra- vention par la verification que vous ferez de leiurs papiers. II faut remettre au retour de votre campagne a examiner s'il sera convenable de faire au Zephire les changements que vous proposez. Je vous prie de continuer, dans les relaches que vous pourrez etre oblige de faire le long de la cote, a m 'informer de tout ce qui se sera passe dans votre navigation. Signed. CoMTB DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylds. 1731, July 19. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re5U, Monsieur, votre lettre du 30 du mois dernier, par laquelle je vois que vous n'aviez rencontre aucun corsaire barbaresque le long de la cote de Provence et de Languedoc depuis le 28, que vous etiez reparti de Toulon ; je compte que vous aurez ete informe par Mrs. de Eouvroy et ]\Iithon qu'il avoit paru dans ce temps la deux autres galiotes turques a I'lsle de Levant, qui y avaient debarque et enleve quelques brebis ; et je ne doute point que sur cet avis, vous n'ayez fait tout votre possible pour les trouver. II serait a souhaiter qu'avant que vous soyez oblige de vous rendre en Afrique vous eussiez encore la rencontre de quelqu'un de ces corsaires, et que vous ne I'epargnassiez pas plus que le premier, afin que ce second exemple les engageat a s'eloigner de nos cotes; mais de quelque maniere que ce soit, il sera neoessaire que vous partiez a la fin de ce mois pour les cotes de Barbarie, ainsi qu'il vous a ete ordonne par votre instruc- tion. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1731, July 25. Fontainebleau. — Je vous adresse. Monsieur, les depeches destinlees pour Alger que M. le Marquis de Eouvroy doit vous avoir prevenu que j'avais a y envoyer. Je ne doute point qu'a leur reception vous ne soyez pret a vous rendre avec la fregate que vous commandez a votre destination sur les cotes d'Afrique, ainsi qu'il vous a ete ordonne par votre instruction. L'intention du roi est que vous partiez aussitot que vous aurez re^u ces paquets, et que vous alliez d'abord a Alger. Vous remettrez au Sr. de Lane celui qui lui est adresse ; il ne faut remettre I'autre qu'a M. Duchesne, vicaire apostholique, parcequ'il contient des lettres pour le Dey que Sa Majeste desire soient pre- sentees par lui. Vous aurez soin de vous faire informer, par le Sr. de Lane, de la situation des affaires de I'echelle depuis le depart de I'escadre commande par M. Du Guay Trouin, et des dispositions oil se trouvera le Dey, tant par rapport i la nation qu'a regard de ce consul. Comme vous devez, suivant votre instruotfon, le passer a la Calle, vous I'avertirez de se preparer a s'embarquer le plutot qu'il lui sera possible, Sa Majeste desirant que vous nefassiez le moins de sejour que vous pourrez a Alo-er, parceque la presence de la fregate est necessaire sur les parao-es'de Bona, Tarent [Tukush] et Stora, qui sont les ports 252 que frequeiitent le plus les batiments interlopes, que vous devez en ecarter. II sera necessaire que vous teniez cette croisere lorsque vous aurez debarque le Sr. de Lane h la Calle ; et comma ce serait trop vous en eloigner si vous alliez prendre a Tunis le Sr. de St. Gervais, il ne sera pas necessaire que vous y alliez ; je lui ordonne de se rendre a Cap Negre avec quelque petit batiment, d'oii il s'en retournera de meme a Tunis apr^s y avoir execute les ordres qui lui ont ete donne. II suffira que vous alliez reprendre le Sr. de Lane a la Calle, pour le repasser a Alger, dans le temps dont vous conviendrez avec lui; il faudrait meme vous en dispenser, s'il pourrait y trouver quelque batiment pour se rendre a Alger, afin que vous ne quittassiez point la croisiere que vous devez garder pour empecher le com- merce des batiments interlopes dans les ports des concessions de la compagnie d'Afrique, pour lesquels vous vous oonformerez exactement a ce qui vous a ete explique par votre instruction. Si le Sr. de Lane ne pouvait se rendre sitot a la Calle, pour quelques affaires qu'il aurait encore a finix auparavant a Alger, et que je ne puis pr^voir, et si ce retardement devait etre con- siderable, il ne faudra point que vous I'attendiez ; ©t dans ce cas il y passera sur quelqu' autre batiment avec le directeur de cette place que je compte que vous trouverez encore a Alger. Je m' attends, au surplus, que vous aurez attention a me rendre compte de tout ce qui se passera dans votr© navigation par toutes les occasions que vous en aurez, et je suis persuade d'avance que vous en remplirez toutes les parties avec votre exactitude ordinaire, et que vous eviterez tons engagements avec le Dey d'Alger. Signed. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Panax. 1731, October 15. Versailles. — J'ai regu. Monsieur, votre lettre du 4 de ce mois, par la quelle vous m'informez de votre arrivee a Marseille avec le batiment anglais que M. le Chevr. de Caylus a saisi dans les concessions de la compagnie d'Afrique, et qu'il vous a charge d'amener en ce port. J'envoie a M. le Bret les ordres du roi concernant ce batiment, que sa Majeste juge a propos de faire relacher, attendu que le capitaine vous a montre ses polices*, et la permission qu'il avait du Dey d'Alger de charger des bles a Bonne. Si M. le Bret vous demands quelques eclaircissements sur la saisie de ce batiment, vous les lui donnerez, et vous retournerez ensuite a votre departe- memt. Signed. Louis XV. to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1731, October 22. Versailles.— Mons. le Chev. de Caylus, ayant jug6 a propos de faire desarmer ma fregate le Zephire, Je vous fais cette lettre pour vous dire que mon intention est qu'il y soit travaille avec toute la diligence possible, que vous assistiez a ce desarmement, aussi bien que les officiers qui ont * More usually ' connaisseraents,' bills of lading. 253 servi sur cette fregate ; que vous signiez I'inventaire des con- sommations qui y ont it6 faites pendant la campagne, et re- mettiez au controle de la marine un devis du radoub dont vous estimeirez qu'elle aura besoin, et un memoire de ce que vous aurez reconnu de ses bonnes et mauvaises quaJit^s, suivant ce qui est prescrit par mes ordonnances et reglements. Et la pr^sente n'etant a autre fin, je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait, Mons. le Chev. de C'aylus, en Sa Sainte garde. Signed: Louis. Countersigned : Phelypeaux. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1731, November 7. Versailles.— J' ai refu, Monsieur, votre lettre du 21 du mois dernier, par laquelle je vois que vous avez ete en ^tat de remettre la fregate le Zephire aux officiers de port le lendemain de son entree dans le port. Je vous sais gr6 de la diligence avec laquelle vous avez fait faire son desarme- ment. S'il y avait occasion de faire ressortir ce batiment, je m'emploierais volontiers pour vous en procurer encore le com- mandament. J'avais compte recevoir des lettres du Sr. de Lane depuis son retour a Alger, et qu'il m'informerait dans quelles dispositions il avait trouve le Dey k son egard. Vous ne m'avez rien marque non plus, de ce qui s'y est passe au dernier voyage que vous y avez fait pour y remener ce consul. Je serais cependant bien aise de savoir s'il a ete mieux regu du Dey, et s'il y avait apparence qu'il lui redonnat ses bonnes graces. Je vous prie de me faire part de ce que vous pouvez en avoir appris pendant le sejcur que vous avez fait a Alger, et de me dire ce qu'il vous a paru que le Dey pensait sur le vaisseau anglais qu'il a su que vous aviez arrete. Si vous avez pris aussi quelques eclair- cissements touchant I'affaire du Sr. Maichens avec le Dey, vous me ferez plaisir de m'en faire part, afin de me mettre en etat de prendre les ordres de sa ^Majest^ pour terminer cette affaire. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1731, November 21. Marly. — J'ai re^u, Monsieur, avec votre lettre du premier de ce mois, la copie du devis que vous avez remis a M. Mithon au radoub que vous estimez qu'il y a a faire a la fregate le Zephire. A I'egard des changements que vous proposez pour etablir les batteries de cette frigate autre- ment qu'elles ne sont, du moment que vous avez reconnu qu'elle avait toutes les bonnes qualit(^s que Ton peut desirer dans r^tat oii elle est, sa Majesty n'estime pas qu'il convienne d'y rien changer, d'autant plus qu'elle fait construire actuelle- ment une fregate a Toulon de 40 canons et qu'elle est bien aise d'en avoir de differentes forces. II pourrait d'ailleurs y avoir de 1 'inconvenient a continuer au Zephire sa premiere batterie de long en long, comme vous le voudriez, parce qu'elle n'a point ete construite dans cette vue. Je ferai remettre 254 incessament a Toulon les 300L de gratification que vous avez demande pour les trois hommes de votre equipage qui se sont portes avec beaucoup de courage a eteindre le feu qui avait pris a la fosse aux lions* de la fregate que vous commandez, et M. Mithon conferera avec vous sur la distribution qui devra leur en etre faite. C'est une regie de laquelle on ne peut s'ecarter. Lorsque le Sr. Verguin aura fini de mettre au net le plan que vous avez fait lever de Tabarque, vous me ferez plaisir de me I'envoyer avec vos observations sur ce sujet. Je ferai attention aux bons temoignages que vous me rendez des services du pilote Azan, lorsqu'il y aura lieu d'y avoir egard. Quoique vous soyez revenu k Toulon un peu plutot que je ne vous y attendais, je n'ai point pense que I'envie de vous rendre dans le port vous eut fait hater votj-e retour ; et sur ce que vous me marquez de la situation ou vous etiez par rapport aux vivres qui vous restaient, je consols que vous n'avez pu faire autrement. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalibr db Caylus. 1731, December 4. Versailles. — J'ai re9u, Monsieur, avec votre lettre du 10 du mois dernier, les plans que vous m'avez envoy^s de quelques mouillages de la cote de Barbaric et celui de Tabarque auquel vous avez joint vos observations, dont je ferai usage. J'ai trouve ceis plans tres exacts, et je sais bon gre au Sr. Verguin de 1' attention qu'il y a apportee sur ce que vous lui en avez prescrit. Je vols par ce que vous me marquez des raisons que vous avez eues de ne point vous arreter a Alger, que vous n'avez pu faire autrement dans la crainte oil vous etiez que le Dey ne se portat a faire retenir votre canot si vous I'eussiez envoye a terre ; et je ne puis qu'approuver en cela le parti que vous avez pris. Le Sr. de Lane aurait du prevenir le Dey de la prise que vous aviez faite du vaisseau Anglais. II aurait evite par ce moyen les mauvais traitements et le parti violent que le Dey avait pris lorsqu'il a su, par la voie de Marseille, que vous y aviez fait oonduire ce vaisseau. Le Sr. de Lane etait au&si informe que le capitaine anglais avait un passeport du Dey pour aller charger des hies k Bonne pour son compte et pour celui d'un marchand anglais; et s'il vous en avait fait part, je suis persuade que vous auriez renvoye ce navire, ou que du moins vous r auriez conduit k Alger, pour le remettre au Dey, et lui representer le prejudice que causaient a la Compagnie pareilles permissions, ce qui aurait pu 1' engager a ne pas en accorder si aisement dans la suite. Je vous remercie de m' avoir envoys le memoire que vous a remis le Sr. Maichens ooncernant les affaires de commeirce qu'il a faites avec le Dey. Je compte que M. Mithon, a qui j'en ai ecrit, pourra les mieux eclaircir. J'ai cependant pr^venu le Sr. de Lane des retranchements que Maichens marque par ce memoire devoir etre faits sur ce qu'il devra au Dey, afin qu'il puisse Ten faire convenir. Signed. * The boatswain's store-room. 255 CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1732, March 31. Versailles. — Je vous ai propose an roi, Monsieur, pour commandei- le vaisseau le Hews, destine pour risle Royale, et je I'ai fait avec confiance, oonnaissant vos sentiments et le desir que vous avez de- vous distinguer dans le service, et de rechercher toutes les occasions qui pourront vous en donner les moyens, Je suis d'ailleurs persuade que vous avez toutes les connaissances necessaires pour bien remplir cette mission. Le vaisseau devant partir dans le courant du mois de Juin, vous n'avez point de temps a perdre pour vous rendre a TJochefort. M. de Rouvroy vous remettra le lettre du roi que je lui ai adressee pour vous d^ferer ce oommandement Signed. The Same to the Same. 1732, April 2. Versailles. — Je vous aurais. Monsieur, accord^ un conge avec autant de plaisir que vous m'avez temoign^ d'empressement a I'obtenir, si les circonstances avaient pu le permettre ; mais vous avez in juger vous meme que cela n'etait pas possible, et vous aider de cette raison pour en etre moins afflige. Tout est de partement a present ; les officiers qui sont dans I'armee de la Meuse et dans beaucoup d'endroits de la Boheme sont peut-etre plus que vous dans 1 'inaction, et ne desirent point Paris, devenu le plus solitaire et le plus ennuyeux des departements. C'est oe meme em- pressement pour votre conge que j'ai cru que je pourrais peut- etre satisfaire, et en meme temps le goiit que vous m'avez temoigne pour le voyage de Constantinople, qui m'a empeche de vous faire avoir I'expedition contre les Tunisiens et de vous charger a la fois de cette guerre et de la paix qui en est I'objet. Le temps se passe ; et les difficultes du conge dimintuent d'autant moins que le depart pour Constantinople s'approche, et que vous ne tarderez pas a recevoir les ordres de vous y preparer. Je souhaite que cette campagne vous dedommage de I'ennui dont vous vous plaignez et j'espere au retour par- tager avec vous le vin de Chypre que vous m'envoyez, dont je vous suis infiniment oblige. Vous connaissez les sentiments avec lesquels je suis de tout mon coeur. Monsieur, plus a vous que personne du monde. Signed. Autograph Postscript. — Mme. de Maurepas vous fait mille compliments ; elle se porte assez bien. The Same to the Same. 1732, June 19. Compiegne. — Vous trouverez ci-joint. Monsieur, les ordres du roi pour le service que vous devez rendre daas la campagne que vous allez faire a I'lsle EoyaJe. Per- suade que vous y conformerez exactement, il ne me reste que vous recommander de vous mettre en etat de partir le plutot que vous pourrez. Signed. Addressed. — Monsieur le Chev. de Caylus, capitaine de vaisseau, commandant le Heros a Rochefort. 256 CoMTB DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1733, September 2. Versailles. — J'ai re^u avec pla/isir, Mon- sieur, votre lettre du 25 Aoi^it ; j'aurais pu douter jusqu' a present de I'etat de votre sante, si M. votre frere ne m'en avait quelqiie fois donne des nouvelles. Vous pouvez etre persuade que lorsqu'il sera question d'armement, je n'oublierai rien pour vous y employer ; je souhaite meme que ce soit bientot. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1733, October 13. Fontainebleau. — Le roi ayant ordonn6. Monsieur, I'armement de deux fregates et de deux barques h, Toulon pour la destination dont vous serez informe par votre. instruction, que j'adresse a M. le Bailli de Vattau pour vous la remettre, la confiance que j'ai en votre zele et en votre experi- ence m'a engage a vous proposer a Sa Majeste pour commander le Zcphire et la Flore. Le roi a bien voulu vous en accorder le commandement, sur 1" assurance que je lui ai donnee que vous mettrez tout en usage pour repondre au choix qui a ete fait de vous en cette occasion. Vous ne devez pas douter que je ne fasse valoir au roi les services que vous rendrez, et je souhaite fort que vous me fournissiez le moyen par des actions distin- guees de vous procurer de nouvelles graces de sa Majeste. Je compte qu'a la reception de cette lettre les fregates, dont I'armement a ete precedemment ordonne, se trouveront pretes a faire voile ; et qu' ayant ete informe de votre nomination par M. le Bailli de Vattan, vous vous serez mis en etat de partir sans aucun retardement. Vous concevriez aisement combien il est important que vous pressiez votre depart, et sa Majeste s'attend que vous mettrez a la voile aussitot apres avoir re^u votre in- struction. Signed. Postscript. — L'intention du roi est que vous ne parliez a peirsonne avant votre depart de Toulon de la destination que vous avez, etant necessaii-e de la tenir secrete. The Same to the Same. 1733, December 30. Versailles. — J'ai requ, Monsieur, vos deux lettres des 11 et 12 du mois passe datees du Cap de Poule fPolo] en Sardaigne ou vous aviez mouille tant pour faire remedier a la voie d'eau qui etait survenue a I'avant de votre fregate, et pour vous munir de I'eau qui vous ^tait necessaire pour etre en etat de tenir le plus long- temps que vous pourriez la croisiere que vous avez eu ordre de garder, que pour tacher d'apprendre a Caillery [Cagliari] des nouvelles des batiments corsaires qu'il pourrait y avoir dans les ports de Sicile, afin de pouvoir regler sur cela votre naviga- tion et les ordres que vous auriez a donner a M. de Cheylus pour sa croisiere. Sa Majeste, a qui j'en ai rendu compte, a approuv^ toute" vos precautions a cet egard, et ©lie est per- Ruadee qu'il ne tiendra point a vous que vous ne donniez dans cette campagne de nouvelles preuves de votre zele pour son 257 service. II est a souhaiter que I'escadre command^ par M. de Montlaur ait pu se rendre sur les cotes de Naples assez a temps pour joindre le convoi qui devait etre envoye de Trieste a Naples. Vous avez bien fait de prendre des mesures avec le fils du consul de Caillery pour y envoyer les prises que vous et M. de Cheylus pourriez faire ; cet arrangeonent est d'autant plus con- venable que ces prises pouiTaient causer des difficultes, si on les conduisait a Malte, a cause des traites faits par la Religion avec les Eois de Sicile, et il sera meme a propos que vous ^vitiez, par les memes raisons, autant qu'il vous sera possible de toucher a Malte. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylds. 1734, May 3. Versailles. — J'ai re^u, Monsieur, votre lettre du 12 du mois dernier, et celle que vous m'aviez (^crite de la Calle St. Paul le 24 Novembre, 1783, pour m'y apprendre votre relache avec le Zephire, m'est parvenue en meme temps. Je suis bien aise d'apprendre que vous aviez fait achever le d^sarmement de cette fregate, et je suis persuade que vous aurez presse avec la meme activity, les preparatifs de VAquilon que vous devez commander. Je ne trouve cette derniere fregate employee dans la liste des vaisseaux que comme percee pour 42 canons, sur le pied de 11 sabords a sa premiere batterie et 10 a la seconde ; suivant le plan qui en a ete envoye, elle n'a du etre aussi percee que pour ce nombre de canons, et je ne con5ois pas comment elle pent en porter, ainsi que vous me I'assurez, 48 c. a ses deux batteries; ses proportions en longeur et largeur sont d'ailleurs bien inferieures aux autres fregates qui portent 50 canons, et n'ont que 300 hommes d'equipage ; elle doit avoir, par consequent, des manoeuvres beaucoup moins fortes, et je suis persuade qu'elle sera sufSsamment armee avec les 250 hommes qui sont regies pour son equipage, et que vous la menerez bien. A regard de la grosse figure qui est a son tableau, comme c'est un poids inutile dont il ne pent etre qu'avantageux de la soulager, je mande k M. Mithon que j'approuve qu'on la fasse oter. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1734, July 7. Versailles. — J'ai re9u, Monsieur, votre lettre du 24 du mois de mai dernier, datee de la rade Mallorque. Je consols que dans une traversee aussi courte, vous n'avez pu connaitre assez les qualites de la fregate que vous commandez pour pouvoir en porter un jugement decisif ; je vols cependant avec plaisir, par ce que vous me marquez, que vous n'avez rien de mauvais a en dire, et que vous esperiez de pouvoir rendre un oompte avantageux de la construction de cette frigate et de ses qualites pour la mer. Je suis persuade qu'il ne dependia point de vos soins que cela ne soit, et que vous y ferez de votre mieux. Signed. Q 258 M. [Joseph] Pelleein* to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1734, July 31. Versailles. — Je ne m'^tais point trompe, Monsieur, par le parti que je jugeais que vous tiirerez de VAqiiilon, et quoique la fregate puisse bien meriter par ses qualites le temoignage que vous en ayez rendu , le constructeur doit cependant s'estimer heureux de ce qu'elle a d'abord ite montee par vous. Tout autre ne lui aurait peut-etre pas procure son avancement, qui vient de lui etre accord^, parceque tout autre n 'aurait peut-etre pas etabli et mene de mesure cette fregate. Je pense comme vous du Diamant, et le bien du service s'accorde avec vos desirs pour que Ton vous en fasse faire une seconde epreuve. II ne dependra pas de moi que vous n'ayez bientot cette satisfaction. Je ne vous dis rien sur votre sejour a Cadiz. Je ne vols encore aucune apparence que Ton vous donne d'autre destina- tion. Le voyage que vous devez avoir fait h, Madrid vous aura distrait d'autant de I'ennui que Ton prend dans une rade. Je suis etonn^ de ce que vous me marquez des discours tenus sur M. de Barrail.f H ne nous est rien revenu ici d'ap- prochant, et j'ai au contraire entendu dire un ministre qu'il s'^tait trfes bien conduit et conform^ment aux intentions de la c«ur. Des ofificiers du regiment meme de M. de la Motte, qui ont ete envoy^s ici, ont parle de lui a M. le cardinal et k M. la garde des sceaux, de la fa9on la plus avantageuse. Holograph. CoMTB DE Maubepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1734, August 3. Versailles. — J'ai regu, Monsieur, votre lettre du 12 du mois dernier datee de la rade de Cadiz, ou je suis bien aise d'apprendre que rescadre s'etait rendu, malgr^ les contretemps qu'elle a rencontre au passage du detroit. Je suis persuade que 1 'attention que vous avez eu a chercher la vraie assieitte de la fregate X'Aquilon, a beaucoup con- tribu^ aux bonnes qualites que vous avez reconnues a cette fregate dans le course de votre navigation avec les autres vaisseaux de I'escadre, d'autant plus que je sais qu'elles dependent le plus souvent de la maniere dont on mene les vaisseaux. Je vois avec plaisir par ce que vous me marquez que vous n'aviez qn'h vous louer du z^le de tous vos officiers, et qu'au moyen des changements qui furent faits dans votre equipage le jour de la derniere revue, vous avez eu lieu d'en etre content pour la quality. Sur ce que vous me mandez que vous souhaiteriez aller a Madrid pendant le sejour que I'escadre fera h, Cadiz pour y voir un oncle et une tante que vous y avez, je marque h, M. le Court que sa Majeste trouvera bon qu'il vous permette de vous absentee pendant 20 jours pour faire ce voyage. Signed. * Coramissaire General de \a. Marine, and in private life distinguished as a numismatist. t It would seem that the charge — if there was one — fell through. On May 3, 1741 on his return from the West Indies, he was promoted to Chef d'Escadre, and had a friendly reception by the King on June 29, 30. Luynes, iii. 386, 433. 259 Autograph Postscript. — Vous trouverez un cousin de plus k Madrid. Observez-vous beaucoup sur les disoours que vous pourrez tenir pendant que vous serez a cette cour, et ne paraissez pas mepriser leur marine, encore moins leur nation. COMTE DE MaDREPAS tO M. DE COUET. 1734, August 3. Versailles. — M. le Chevalier de Caylus me maxque qu'il souhaiterait fort qu'il lui fut permis pendant le s^jour que I'escadre fera a Cadiz, d'aller a Madrid pour y voir un oncle et une tante qu'il y a. Comme il y a apparence que les vaisseaux du roi resteront a Cadiz encore quelque temps, sa Majesty trouvera bon que vous lui permettiez de s'absenter pendant vingt jours pour faire ce voyage. Signed. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. at Cadiz. 1734, August 15. Versailles. Thanks him for the sym- pathetic interest he has kindly taken in the deep grief the writer is in for the death of his brother. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1734, October 5. Versailles. — J'ai re^u, votre lettre du 20 du mois dernier, datee de Madrid, par laquelle j'ai appris ave« plais'ir que vous y etiez arrive en bonne sante. Je vous re- mercie de 1' attention que vous avez eue a me faire part de I'entretien que vous aviez eu avec M. de Patino* sur la marine d'Espagne, et je suis persuade des menagements que vous avez observes tant dans cette conference que pendant le sejour que vous avez fait a la Cour et a Madrid. Si vous etes arrive a Cadiz a la fin du mois dernier, ainsi que vous le comptiez, vous y aurez precede de plusieurs jours les ordres qui ont ete donnes a M. de Court pour en partir avec I'escadre qu'il commande et se rendre k Toulon. Je souhaite qu'elle y ait une prompte et heureuse travers^e. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1734, October 20. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re^u, Monsieur, votre lettre du 13 du mois dernier datee de Madrid. Je ne puis que vous savoir gr^ du zele que vous ferait desirer d'etre destine avec la fregate VAquilon, que vous commandez, a aller a I'Amerique, pour en chasser les interlopes ; mais les circon- stances pr^sentes de la guerre ne permettent point de vous donner cette destination. * D. Jos6 Patino, minister of the navy in Spain, since 1716. He dierl in 1736. See Patino y Campillo, por Antonio Rodriguez Villa (Madrid, 1882). 260 S'il y a iin armement I'annee prochaine auquel vous puis- siez etre employe, je me souviendrai volontiers de I'envie que vons auriez que le commandement de la frigate le Diamant vous fut donne. Signed. CoMTE DE Madrbpas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1734, November 10. Fontainebleau. — J'ai regu, Monsieur, vos deux lettres des 11 et 18 du mois dernier, datees de Cadiz et de Malaga. Je vous remercie de 1' attention que vous avez eu a me faire part de ce que vous aviez appris a Cadiz touchant ^I. de Chambray, commandeur des vaisseaux de Malte, et k, me communiquer vo« reflexions a ce sujet. M. de Court m'avait informe de la mission dont il vous avait charge d'aller a Ceuta pour retirer du gouverneur de cette place les six soldats, deserteurs des vaisseaux du roi, qui avaient pris parti dans sa garnison ; du moment que les vents contraires et les courants vous avaient empeche de gagner ce mouillage, et oblige a relacher a Malaga, vous avez bien fait, pour ne point vous mettre dans le cas de faire de nouveaux vivres, de ne point tenter de retourner a Ceuta, et j'approuve que vous vous soyez determine a remettre aux Srs. Cazamayor les lettres dont vous etiez charge pour le gouverneur de cette place pour les lui faire tenir, et que vous les ayez charge de retirer les six deser- teurs et de les renvoyer en France. Je suis bien aise de voir que vous avez lieu d'etre de plus en plus content des bonnes qualites de la fregate V Aquilon. Je suis tres sensible a tout ce que vous me marquez d'obli- geant par rapport a ma derniere maladie ; je suis persuade de la part que vous y avez prise, et je vous en fais mes remerci- ments tres sinceres. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1734. November 17. Fontainebleau — J'ai re^u votre lettre du 6 de ce mois datee de la rade des Isles d'Hyeres, par laquelle j'apprends que vous vous y etiez rendu depuis trois jours avec la fregate V Aquilon que vous commandiez, et fort a propos, etant sur la fin de vos vivres. Je compte que les vents con- traires ne vous auront retenu que pen de temps dans ce mouil- lage, et qu'a votre amvee dans le port vous aurez fait travailler avec votre diligence ordinaire au desarmement de la frigate. Je vols par ce que vous me marquez que les mauvais temps que vous avez trouves dans le Golfe de Lyon vous ont fourni une nouvelle occasion d'eprouver ce batiment, et j'apprends avec plaisir que vous en avez reconnu encore mieux par cette epreuve les bonnes qualites. Je feral attention aux temoignages avantageux que vous me rendez du Sr. Chevr. de Eaymondis* et des antres officiers qui ont servi sous vous pendant cette derniere campagne, et je me * Captain of tlie Orphfe, 64 guns, in the action off Minorca on 20 May, 175G. 261 souviendrai, lorsqn'il y aura occasion, des services du Sr. Del- campe et de I'int^ret que vous prenez a ce qui le regards. CoMTE DB Maurbpas to the Chevalier db Caylus. ip4, December 9. Versailles.— J'ai refu votre lettre du 17 du mois dernier, par laquelle j'ai appris avec plaisir que vous vous etiez rendu a Toulon le 10, avec la fregate VAquilon, et qu ayant fait aussitot travailler au desarmement de cette fregate avec votre diligence ordinaire, elle avait ete remise le 17 au capitaine de port. J'aurais ete fort aise que vous fussiez arrive a temps pour aller remplir la destination qui vous avait ete donnee sur les cotes d'ltalie, et je suis persuade que vous en auriez rendu bon compte. S'il est ordonne I'annee prochaine un armement pareil a celui qui a ete fait cette annee, je ferai attention a ce que vous me marquez de I'envie que vous auriez que le commandement du Diamant ou du Boree vous fut donne. Je suis bien aise de voir que vous avez eu lieu d'etre content de la conduite et I'application des gardes de la marine qui etaient embarques sur VAquilon pendant la derniere campagne, et principalement de la maniere dont le Sr. de la Borde a mene cette troupe. Je parlerai au P. de Linieres* du P. Pousachet d'Avignon, qui vous a servi d'aumonier, et qui a ete d'un grand secoius aux gardes de la marine pour leur mstruction, et je le prierai de faire en sorte qu'il reste dans le seminaire de Toulon alin que vous puissiez avoir le meme aumonier dans une autre campagne. Signed. Autograph Postscript. — Je vous rends niille graces du tabac. Vous savez que je n'en prends point, et si je le donnais, cela me ferait plus de querelles que d'amis. The Same to the Same. 1734, December 15. Versailles. — J'ai reQu votre lettre du 25 du mois dernier. Je ne puis que vous savoir beaucoup de gre de 1' attention que vous avez eue a me faire part de ce que vous pensez touchant le vaisseau le Phcenix, et je regarde comme une preuve de votre zele pour le service, la proposition que vous faites de le commander dans I'etat qu'il se trouve, en y faisant mettre des courbes de ier et faire un leger radoub. Mais comme ce vaisseau ne saurait servir que pen de temps dans cet ^tat, et que Ton pourrait s'engager, en le radoubant et en I'armant, dans une plus grande depense que celle que vous pensez qu'il y aura a faire, il parait qu'il est plus apropos a faire executer ce qui a ete delibere par le conseil de construction ; d'autant i^lus que j^f^i' I'examen qui a ete fait de ce vaisseau, quelque depense que Ton put y faire, on ne pourrait, a cause de son arquciiret, en faire un bon navire, ni le faire durer longtemps. Signed. * A Jesuit, the King's Confessor since 1722. He resigned in 1743, with a pension of 1,000 crowns, f Also a Jesuit. + The English word is " hogging." 262 CoMTB DE Maurbpas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1735, April 12. Versailles. — J'ai remis a repondre a votre lettre du 26 du mois de fevrier dernier, lorsque j'enverrais dans le port le memoire du roi qui doit vous servir d'instruction pour la campagne que vous allez faire. Je I'adresse a M. de Beauquaire*, et vous verrez par ce que cette instruction contient, que j'ai fai1y usage de ce que vous m'aviez marque au sujet des corsaires qui doivent sortir des ports de ristrie imperiale, et de rarmement que vous estimiez qu'il convenait de faire pour mettre notre commerce en surete contre leurs entreprises. Je n'ai rien a aj outer a ce qui vous est explique des intentions du roi sur les services que vous aurez a rendre dans cette campagne, et sur les croisieres que doivent tenir les deux fregates dont le commandement vous est donne, si ce n'est que je vous exhorte a vous y conformer exacte- ment. Je me suis porte a vous procurer ce commandement d'autant plus volontiers que vous m'avez temoigne le desirer, et que je suis persuade que vous ne negligerez rien pour faire voir qu'il ne pouvait etre confie en de meilleurs mains, et pour me mettre en etat de faire valoir au roi votre zele pour son service, dont je compte bien que vous donnerez des preuves en cette occasion. II est a propos que vous preniez a Toulon, si non tous les vivres necessaires pour les six mois que votre campagne doit durer, au moins la plus grande partie, afin que vous fassiez moins de relaches pour en faire en Levant , et que cela ne vous oblige point de quitter les croisieres que vous devez toujours garder, suivant les intentions de Sa Majeste. Vous vous con- certerez, s'il vous plait avcc M. Mithont, sur I'argent qu'il y aura a embarquer pour acheter des vivres en Levant, soit pour les deux fregates, soit pour la tartane commandee par le Sr. Delcampe. Je m'en remets a vous sur la maniere dont vous estimerez devoir mener les deux brigantins jusqu'en Moreel ; vous pourrez les prendre a la remorque, ou les faire naviguer, comme vous le jugerez apropos, en vous servant des moyens qui convien- dront le mieux pour les faire arriver le plutot qu'il se pouiTa a leur destination. Vous trouverez ci- joint une lettre du consul de I'isle de Serigo qui me fait des representations sur les depenses aux- quelles Tengagent les avis qu'il est charge de donner aux batiments du roi au sujet des corsaires ennemis. Je vous prie, quand vous serez sur le lieu, d'examiner en quoi peuvent con- sister les depenses qu'il pretend avoir faites k cette occasion, et de m'en informer, en me marquant votre avis sur sa demande. Je vous envoie aussi un pacquet pour le Sr. Peleran, qui contient plusieurs lettres que j'^cris k M. de Villeneufve a * Chef d'Escadre, appointed to command a squadron then fitting for service. He died in the course of the summer and the squadron sailed in September under the command of the Marquis d'Antin. t Intendant de la marine a Toulon. He retired in April 1736, and died in the following year. + Cf. Brun, Guerres tnaritimes de la France, i. 262. 263 Constantinople. II faudra, s'il voiis plait, que ce paquet soit remis au commandant du brigantin qui sera destin^ pour aller joindre la Syhille, afin qu'il le fasse passer au Sr. Peleran, lorsqu'il se trouvera a port^e de Smyrne. J 'en ecris aussi au Sr. de Saurins, et je vous adresse pareillement une lettre pour lui et une autre pour le Sr. d' Astour. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalibe de Caylus. 1735, August 25. Versailles. — J'ai re^u, vos deux lettres des 6 mai et 4 du mois de juin dernier, datees de Malte et du Millo. Je vois par la premiere que vous aviez ete oblige de vous arreter a Malte, pour y remplacer le mat de perroquet de fougue du Diamant que vous aviez rompu dans la travers6e, et que vous avez emprunte de M. le Bailli de Boccage 400 sequins pour les besoins des deux fregates et des autres batiments armes ; cette somme n'etant destinee que pour les depenses extraordinaires, pour lesquelles M. Mithon avait deja fait remettre SOOl. au Sr. de Jouville, je ne presume pas que vous ayez occasion de I'employer en entier a ces depenses. Je suis, au surplus, persuade que vous aurez attention a ce qu'elle ne le soit qu'a celles qui seront indispensables. Je suis bien aise d'apprendre que vous aviez lieu d'etre content de la maniere dont le Diamant se comportait a la mer, et du zele que tons les officiers qui y sont embarques mar- quaient pour le service. On ne peut qu'approuver les mesures que vous aviez prises avec le serasquier des galiotes du Grand Seigneur, pour tacher de joindre le corsaire Manete. Vous aurez depuis appris qu'il a ete arrete a Corfu ; comme il n'y a pas d'apparence que d' autres corsaires aillent interrompre la navigation de nos batiments dans les differentes echelles, je vous informe par une lettre particuliere , que je vous ecris en commun avec M. le Chevalier d' Albert, que le roi a estim^ apropos que les deux fregates se rendent a Cadiz pour y joindre I'escadre des vais- seaux arm^s a Toulon, et que vous ordonniez au Sr. Delcampe de i-etournir dans ce port pour y desarmer ; ayant paru a Sa Majeste que les deux barques et les deux brigantins seront suffisants pour assurer le commerce de nos batiments dans le Levant. Elle ne doute point que vous n'y ayez apporte de votre cot^ toute I'attention qui etait necessaire, et je connais assez votre zele pour etre persuade que vous n'y avez rien oublie. Signed. CoMTB DE Maueepas to the Chevaliers de Caylus et d' Albert. 1735, August 25. Versailles. — Je vous ecris en commun, Messieurs, pour vous informer que 1 'intention du roi est qu'a la reception de cette lettre, vous vous disposiez a partir des croisieres que vous gardez, pour vous rendre a Cadiz oil vous joindrez I'escadre des vaisseaux armes a Toulon. II sera necessaire pour cet effet, que celui de vous deux k qui cette 264 lettre sera remise, aille joindre I'autre fregate dans I'endroit ou elle croisera, pour partir toutes deux ensemble. II suffira que vous a_yez alors suffisament de vivres pour la traversee jusqu'a Cadiz, ou il vous en sera fourni, des autres vaisseaux, la quantite necessaire pour prolonger votre campagne autant de temps que I'escadre restera a la mer. Les ordres en seront donnes au commandant de cette escadre.* Le corsaire Manete ayant ete an-ete a Corfou, et n'y ayant pas apparenee qu'il soit arme d'autres batiments pour interrompre notre navigation, sa Majeste estime que les deux barques et les deux brigan- tins suffiront pour proteger le commerce de nos batiments dans les diSerentes echelles de Levant ; ainsi il sera a propos que vous ordonniez au Sr. Delcampe qui commande la tartane de retourner a Toulon pour y desarmer. Vous aurez attention a m' informer des mesures que vous aurez prises pour 1' execution des ordres qui vous sont donnes. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1735, August 28. Versailles. — Je vous ecris aujourd'hui Monsieur, en commun avec M. le Chevalier d'Albert par la voie de Malte et par celle de Modon, pour vous informer que I'intention du roi est que vous et M. le Chevalier d'Albert vous rendiez a Cadiz avec les fregates que vous commandez, pour y joindre I'escadi'e des vaisseaux qui ont ete amies a Toulon. Je compte que ma lettre vous parviendra, et que vous executerez les ordres qui vous sont donnes ; cependant si vous ne les re- ceviez point, et que vous revinssiez a Toulon pour y desarmer, il sera necessaire qu'aussitot que vous y serez arrive, vous et M. le Chevalier d'Albert preniez seulement le supplement de vivres dont vous aurez besoin pour la traversee jusqu'a Cadiz, ce que j 'estime pouvoir etre fix6 a six semaines, y compris les vivres qui pourront vous rester, et que vous partiez aussitot apres pour cette destination. Le commandant de I'escadre* vous fera donner, des huit vaisseaux, le supplement de vivres qui sera necessaire pour prolonger la campagne des deux fregates autant de temps que durera celle des autres vaisseaux de son escadre. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1735, October 5. Versailles. — J'ai re^u, presque en meme temps, les lettres que vous avez pris la peine de m'ecrire le 16 mai, 21 juin et 12 aout dernier. Je ne puis qu'approuver voti'e navigation depuis votre depart de Toulon, et les ordres que vous me marquez avoir donne aux commandants de VAquilon, des barques, de la tartane et de deux brigantins, pour les croisieres qu'ils devaient tenir dans les differents temps et suivant les divers avis que vous avez eus. Le rod, a qui j'ai rendu compte de vos lettres, est satisfait des marques que vous avez donnees de vo tre zele, et de tout ce que vous avez * The Marquis d'Antin, presumably not yet definitely appointed. 265 fait pour remplir le service dont vous avez et6 charge ; et sa Majeste a reconnu l'utilit6 de rarmement des batiments qui sont sous vos ordres par la surete avec laquelle le commerce s'est fait dans rArchipeJ depuis que vous vous y etes rendu, aucun corsaire n'y ayant paru depuis ce temps la. Elle ne desapprouve point le parti que vous avez pris, de concert avec M. de Villeneufve, de donner ordres aux deux barques et aux deux brigantins d'y rester, pour continuer a y assurer la naviga- tion des batiments marchands. Cependant, comme il y a longtemps que les barques sont a la mer, et qu'elles ont de vieilles carenes, je ne sais s'il ne conviendrait pas de faire re- venir a Toulon la Lejrere.destinee a croiser dans le canal de Malte, pour carener, et la renvoyer avec de nouveaux vivres relever la Sybille, qui reviendrait aussi ensuite h Toulon. Vous verrez si une seule barque suffira avec les deux brigantins, pour garder ces parages, et vous m'en marquerez, s'il vous plait, votre avis. Je juge par ce que vous me marquez des arrangements que vous aviez faits pour revenir ce mois ci a Malte et ensuite a Toulon, que les ordres que je vous ai envoyes pour vous rendre ^ Cadiz avec I'Aquilon ne vous seront parvenus que quand vous vous serez trouve sur la fin de vos vivres, et que vous ne pourrez vraisembablement vous dispenser d'en venir prendre de nouveaux a Toulon pour votre traversee a Cadiz; si cela etait, vous partiriez trop tard pour cette destination, et 1' intention du roi est, en cas que vous reveniez a Toulon, que vous y des- armiez le Diamant et I'Aquilon, au lieu d'aller a Cadiz suivant les premiers ordres qui vous avaient ete envoy e. J'ecris en conformite a M. le Bailli de Vattan et a M. Mithon. Signed. CoMTB DB Maurbpas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1735, November 5. Fontainebleau. — J'ai refu votre lettre du 2 du mois dernier, par laquelle je vols qu'en consequence des ordres contenus dans celle que je vous ai adressee a Malte, vous vous disposiez a passer a Cadiz avec M. le Chev. d'Albert, et que pour cet effet vous aviez demande a M. le Bailli de Boccage un mois de vivres d' augmentation pour les deux frigates, et des avances en argent pour deux mois de table et pour un mois de solde aux equipages. II serait a souhaiter que vous eussiez pu vous dispenser de vous faire donner ces deux mois de table, cela etant contre la regie et pouvant tirer a con- sequence. Cependant, je mande a M. Mithon de prendre des mesures pour faire acquitter les lettres de change que M. le Bailli de Boccage devait tirer sur Toulon pour ces diverses avances. Si le Sr. d'Astour n'est point reste a Malte pour vous y attendre, c'est que M. le Bailli de Boccage I'a engage k en sortir pour proteger la navigation de nos batiments contre des corsaires qui avaient paru sur la cote de Sardaigne, et il m'a mand^ qu'il avait cru qu'il valait mieux lui faire prendre ce parti, que de le laisser consommer inutilement ses vivres dans 266 Malte. lis ne pouvaient prevoir, I'un et I'autre, que votre intention serait de faire continuer la campagne de la Syhille. Je la ferai rearmer bientot pour aller relever la Legere, et je me propose d'en donner le commandement au Sr. Delcampe, dent vous rendez de bons temoignages. Je suis tres sensible a ce que vous me marquez d'obligeant sur la maladie que j'ai eu et sur le r^tablissement de ma sant^, et je vous remercie de la pierre gravee que vous m'avez envoyee. Signed. Eemond* to the Chevaliee db Caylus at Toulon. [1736], April 23. I'aris. — Je vous rends mille graces, Monsieur le Chevalier, de la part que vous voulez bien prendre a I'etablissement de mon neveut ; il a ete fort approuve de tout le monde, et sans parler des autres avantages qui s'y trouvent tous, j'ai toujours cru que Ton ne pouvait mieux faire dans ces occasions que de I'allier a d'honnetes gens. J'attends demain les nouveaux maries qui sont a merveille ensemble, et dont les Ciiracteres paraissent se convenir, ce qui fait le bonheur de toute la vie. Je suis fache que vous n'ayez pas bien fait vos affaires a Cadiz. J 'en connais de plus heureux ; mais vous entendez mieux a depenser qu'a acquerir. Ce qui etait a souhaiter pour vous et pour la marine de France etait un peu de guerre avec les Anglais. Dieu en a dispose autrement, et il faut adorer ses decrets imp^netrables, dans la guerre qui s'est faite etdans la paix qui se fait. I Nous ne voyons que tres rarement Monsieur votre frere, quoiqu'il ait la bonte de nous venir chercher de temps en temps. J'entends dire que la crainte de la goutte I'a jete dans la triste sobriete ; en quoi je le plaindrais beaucoup s'il ne trouvait pas des ressources, d' occupations, et de plaisirs dans I'abundance de ses gouts et de ses talents. La sante d© M. le Chevalier de Papus ne va pas mieux que la mienne, que je m6nage moins. Les voyages en ce monde sont plus ou moins longs, mais tout le monde arrive au port. Vous savez le gout que Mnie. E. § a toujours eu pour les agr^ments de votre esprit et de vos manieres ; ce qui doit vous repondre de I'interet qu'elle prendra toujours a ce que vous regardera. Elle vous remercie de I'honneur de votre souvenir et vous fait mille compliments. Signed : Eemond ; Sealed : Arms of Eemond (gules, 3 roses — 2 and 1 — arg.) and the coronet of a count. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevaliee de Caylus. 1736, June 21. Versailles. — J'ai re9U votre lettre du 2 de ce mois. J'aurai beaucoup de plaisir de vous voir ici cette automme si vous y venez, ainsi que vous vous le proposez, * Toussaint R6mond (1682-1757), Baron de Saint Mard, younger brother of the better known Pierre Remond, Seigneur de Montmort and Fellow of the Royal Society of England, who died in 1719. t Francois Remond, Seigneur de Montmort (b. 1707), only son of Pierre, was married on March 12, 1736. t The preliminaries were signed in October, 1735. § Presumably the widow of Pierre. 267 J'ai bien voulu, sur la proposition qui m'en a ete faite par M. de Villblanche* , faire accorder un brevet d'ecrivain au frere du Sr. Blain , pour lequel vous vous interessez , et votre reoom- mandation a entre pour quelque chose dans cette grace. A regard de la place d'arithmeticien, qui est vacante dans le seminaire de la marine a Toulon, a laquelle vous souhaiteriez que Ton destinat le P. Pousache, recteur des Jesuites k Frejus, que vous oonnaissez fort et qui a fait deux campagnes avec vous, il ne me conviendrait point de rien demander centre les regies qu'il y a dans la societe pour la destination des sujets ; cependant j'en parlerai volontiers au Pere de Linieres. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1736, July 4. Compiegne. — J'ai re9u, avec votre lettre du 14 du mois dernier, celles qui y etaient jointes et qui vous ont ete ecrites par M. le Bailli de Boccage et par le Sr. Tatara- qui, Primaty du Mille, au sujet de la prise faite par un corsaire MaJtais portant pavilion d'Espagne, d'un batiment Grec dont ce Primaty etait propri^taire. II aurait ete a souhaiter que les demarches que M. le Bailli de Boccage a faites k Malte pour obtenir sur cette prise du corsaire espagnol la satisfaction que le Sr. Tataraqui demande, eussent eu un succes favorable, d'auta-nt plus que les circonstances presentes ne permettent point de faire faire des instances sur ce sujet a la Cour d'Es- pagne. n est n^cessaire que vous fassiez entendre au Patron Cabasson, qui s'est rendu a Marseille, qu'il serait inutile qu'il vint ici pour cela. Vous pourrez, au surplus, en repondant au Sr. Tataraqui, lui marquer que si, dans la suite, il y avait lieu de faire des demarches pour solliciter cette restitution, je por- terais volontiers sa Majeste a lui accorder sa protection en consideration des services qu'il a rendus a la nation dans les occasions qui se sont presentees. Je vous renvoie sa lettre et celle de M. le Bailli de Boccage, que vous m'aviez adressee. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1737, March 20. Versailles. — J'ai re^u avec votre lettre du 17 de ce mois, les deux rouleaux que M. de Villeblanche m'a adresse de votre part. J'ai fait remettre a M. votre frere celui qui etait pour lui, et je vous suis tres obligd de I'attention que vous avez eu a me destiner le couteau tartare qui vous a ete envoy^. J'ai mande a M. le Comte de Chavagnacf qu'il convenait, ainsi qu'il me I'avait propose, de ne car6ner les batiments qui doivent etre armes que le plus tard qu'il serait possible, et que c'etait sur quoi je ne pouvais me remettre qu'a lui et aux com- mandants de ces batiments. Vous recevrez, au surplus, dans peu de temps les ordres du roi sur votre destination. Signed. * The successor of Mithon as Intendant at Toulon. t Commandant de la marine, k Toulon. 268 CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier db Caylus. 1737, April 8. Versailles. — Je refois, Monsieur, votre lettre du 28 du mois dernier. J 'avals deja ete informe par M. de Villeblanche que les fregates ne pourraient embarquer que leur vin en entier, et pour quatre mois d'autres vivres ; et sur ce qu'il m'en a mande, j'ai donne les ordres necessaires a Brest, pour envoyer a Cadiz le supplement de vivres dont le vaisseau le Diamant et les deux fregates auront besoin pom- achever leur campagne. M. de Villeblanche m'ecrit aussi au sujet de 1' augmentation de 30 hommes d'equipage que vous lui avez demandee comme vous I'avez eue sur le Z&phire en 1733 ; et je lui mande que I'objet de votre campagne etant le meme, le roi approuve que cette augmentation vous soit accordee, sans que cela puisse tirer a consequence pour les autres armements qui seront ordonnes dans la suite, de la meme fregate. Signed. CoMTB DB Saint Floebntin to the Same, a Toulon. 1737, April 20. Versailles. — J'ai re9u. Monsieur, la lettre que vous avez eu agreable de m'ecriz'e en faveur du nomme Masseillon, detenu prisonnier a la Citadelle de St. Nicolas de Marseille. Je suis charme qu'il ait reconnu sa faute; je me suis fait un plaisir de lire a M. le Cardinal de Fleury la declara- tion qu'il a faite de ses sentiments, et du repentir qu'il a d'avoir donne dans de fausses idees. S. E. n'a pas cru devoir lui procurer encore sa liberte, afin de lui donner le temps de re- flechir sur les erreurs dans lesquelles il etait tombe, et s'affermir de plus en plus dans les sentiments de religion et de christian- isme, ou il parait etre aujourd'hui. Elle m'a temoigne que s'il persevererait, elle engagerait par la suite sa Majeste a user d'indulgence a son egard. Signed. CoMTB DB Matjebpas to the Same. 1737, August 13. Versailles. — J'ai procure, Monsieur, au nomme Cerve de Messine, la grace qu'il a demandee de pouvoir commander des navires portant le pavilion du roi. Je m'y suis determine avec plaisir, sur les temoignages avantageux que vous avez rendus de ce navigateur, et par rapport a I'interet que vous prenez a ce qui le regarde. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1737, October 13. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re^u votre lettre du 17 du mois dernier, datee de la rade de Cadiz. Quoique M. le Marquis d'Antin m'ait donne de vos nouvelles pendant le cours de la campagne, en me rendant de votre zele les temoignages qui vous sont dus, vous m'avez fait plaisir de m'en donner aussi vous meme, avant votre depart de Cadiz, et je suis fache de savoir que vous avez 6t6 incommode ; mais je compte que cela n'aura point eu de suites, et que vous arriverez en bonne 269 sante a Toulon. Je ferai attention h tout ce que vous me marquez d'avantageux des services que les Srs. de Baumont, Le Gendre, de Costa et de Marniferes ont rendus sous vos ordres pendant la campagne. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1737, October 23. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re9u, vos lettres des 10 et 13 de ce mois, par lesquelles j'ai et^ bien aise d'apprendve votre arrivt'e a Marseille, et votre retour a Toulon apres avoir remis aux differents negociants de Marseille les piastres qui avaient ete embarquees pour leur compte a Cadiz sur la fregate le Zephire. On ne peut, au surplus, qu'ap- prouver la diligence que vous avez apportee au desarmement de cette fregate, et sa Majeste, a qui j'en ai rendu compte, en est tres satisfaite, de meme que du zMe que vous avez marque pour son service dans cette campagne. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1737, October 30. Fontainebleau. — J'ai re9u votre lettre du 17 de ce mois. Je souhaite fort que les eaux de Balaruc, que voiTS devez prendre, dissipent toutes vos incommodites, et qu'elles operent I'entier retablissement de votre sante; vous savez I'interet que j'y prends et vous connaissez les sentiments que j'aurai tou jours pour vous. Lorsque j'ai t^moigne que j'aurais voulu que vous m'eussiez donn^ plus souvent de vos nouvelles dans le cours de votre derniere campagne, je n'ai point entendu que vous dussiez m'ecrire sur les affaires du service ; M. le Marquis d'Antin m'en a rendu compte Mb regulierement. Ce n'est pas d'ajourd'hui que je sais que vous etes rempli de zele et de bonne volonte pour le service ; vous devez aussi etre persuade de mes dispositions a vous employer dans les occasions qui se presenteront. Je vous suis tr^s oblig^ du petit couteau tartare que vous m'avez envoye ; et Madame de Maurepas est tres sensible a votre souvenir, et vous remercie de vos presents. Je donnerai a M. de Villeblanche, lorsque vous le voudrez, les ordres n^cessaires pour faire faire I'^preuve sur une chaloupe de la machine que vous avez trouv^e pour faire nager, en meme temps, tous les avirons d'un vaisseau, et dont vous avez fait faire un module en petit ; mais comme le succfes de ces sortes dt; machines ne repond pas tou jours en grand a celui qu'elles ont en petit, et qu'il s'y rencontre des difficult^s que Ton ne peut prevoir, j'estime par rint(^ret que je prends k ce qui vous regarde, qu'il est a propos que vous vous assuriez mieux de I'execution de I'epreuve que vous vous proposez de faire de cette machine, pour eviter toute critique si elle n'avait pas I'effet que vous en attendez ; cependant si vous etes assur^ de la r^ussite de cette machine, sur ce que vous m'en marquerez, j'^crirai k M. de Villeblanche de vous faire fournir de 1 'arsenal tout ce qui sera n^cessaire pour cette ^preuve. •270 Je repondrai s^par^ment aux articles de votre lettre con- cernant le compte que vous me rendez des officiers qui ont servi sous vos ordres sur le Zephire, et la demande que vous faites pour le Sr. de Taurins de la place d'eniseigne de port qui est vacante par la mort du Sr. Joseph Beaussier. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurbpas to the Chbvalibe de Caylus. 1738, March 17. Versailles. — Hopes that his health will be speedily re-established. He is not to think of the events of the coming summer, but only of getting well. Signed. Nicolas Didiee, dit a present Geastallor Moeick, to Mlle. Dalmont, directrice de I'Hopital de la Providence, Eue Crequy, a Grenoble. 1738, May 3. Gudoma.— The writer recalls himself to Mlle. Dalmont 's memory as a patient to whom she was very good eight years ago. He now begs her to see his wife, who lives at Grenoble (of which place he is a native), and persuade her to join him at Gudoma in Barbary, where he is mufti, and has the charge of 400 people, to whom he reads once a week and teaches the catechism. He has three wives there, but he is always thinking of his first wife. If she will come, she should sell off everything and go to Marseilles, where she will find a Tunis merchant, a good friend of his, who will bring her to him. His story is that he enlisted in the French army, deserted and escaped into Spain. One Sunday he got drunk and en- listed into the Spanish army ; was sent over in an expedition against Gran; they were defeated, the colonel slain, and he, with many others, made prisoner. They were stripped, starved , beaten , made to drag ploughs ; at last he was for- tunately bought by the Grand Mufti of Amutela — a sort of bishop — who ordered him to become a Mohammedan, which, after being well beaten and kept four days without food, he agreed to do. He was then kindly treated, sent to school for three years, and then sent as Mufti to Gudoma. The religion is much the same as at Grenoble, except that there is neither mass nor vespers, and instead of having priests in black, they have muftis in green cassocks. French CoMTE DE Saint Floebntin to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1738, September 18. Versailles. — On enquiry at the War Office, I learn that the post of Commandant of the town of Hyeres was abolished four years ago. I am therefore not able to do anything towards procuring it for you. Signed. CoMTB DE Maurepas to the Chbvalibe de Caylus. 1740, May 18. Marly. — I am glad to hear that you have arrived and are in good health. You may be quite sure that 271 you will never receive any orders from me but such as will be to your advantage, and, I hope, also agreeable to you. French. Signed. CoMTB DE Maurepas to the Chevalier db Caylus. 1740, May 29. Versailles. — Captain Gineste is charged with an important commission and cannot be relieved of it. If it is entirely finished before your ships depart, he shall be ap- pointed as you desire ; otherwise you must look out for another captain. French. Signed. . . [Salley]* to the [Chev. db Caylus.J 1740, June 12. Versailles. — Badinage about love and women and a widow at Toulon, to whom he supposes Caylus is paying attentions. After which he goes on : — Voici done le roi de Prusse mort, et sans doute Voltaire premier ministre du successeur. Tandis que la fortune lui prepare dans ce pays des richesses et des honneurs inconnus aux habitants de Pa.rnasse,, le parterre ne lui fait pas grace dans ce pays-ci. On j'oua jeudi dernier satra^^die de Zulime qui, sans avoir ete siflee, n'aura pas le succes d'un ouvrage mediocre. C'est une piece de pure imagination, ce qui le rend d'autant plus coupable de I'inconsequence qui y regne d'un bout a Tautre. On est attendri dans les trois premiers actes par quelques situations assez touchantes, mais les deux derniers sont insoutenables ; la versification est plus faible qu'^ lui n'appartient, et les beaux vers y sont assez clairsemes. II ne parait aucune brochure nouvelle; pas meme d'ouvrage de Luchon, dont vous parlez avec trop irreverence. J'ai vu aujourd'hui M. Pellerin qui m'a fort parle de la lettre que vous lui avez ecrite, et nous sommes partis de la pour parler de vous. Je me flatte que vous ne doutez pas que je n'ai bien parle sur un sujet qui m'est aussi respectable et aussi interessant, et je puis vous assurer que je lui sur cet article [ai] fait gagner ma maladie. Nous avons done fait votre ^loge en dialogue. Je Ruis fache que, sans vous demander la preference que vous avez donn^ a Mme. Gourdan, vous ne vous soyez pas un pen plus partage entre eux deux. Si la politique exige de vous des d6 marches qui ne vous honorent ni ne vous amusent, il m^ritait, pour le moins, autant que 1' autre que vous descendissiez jusqu'i lui. Je vous dirai que pour moi qui suis aussi in- utile chez Mme. Gourdan que pen propre h y partager avec gout les plaisirs qu'elle procure chez elle, je trouve mon oompte k jaser avec M. Pellerin. II entend son metier dans I'extreme perfection ; il a resprit infiniment juste sur toutes les mati^res ; il raisonne sagement et ne m'ennuie point. II * Private secretary of the Comte de Maurepas, whose so-called Memoires he is said— proliably falsely — to have edited. The actual editor, or author, seems to have been Soulavie. The Biographie Universelle (s.n. Maurepas) ^ves the name as Salle, and fs.n. Soulavie) as Sal6. The man himself wrote it Salley, as here printed ; so also did his colleague, M. Pellerin. 272 n'est pas meme sans agrement, quoiqu'il ne s'en pique point. II ne faut pas chercher la le frivole et le leger de la conversation, mais on en trouve assez partout ailleurs. En un mot, je con9ois qu'il merite la confiance qu'on lui a accord^e, et s'il n'est pas faux, comme je le crois, il n'y a rien a dire sur son compte, et les avantages qu'il aura procure a quelques amis auront ete plus genereux que lucratifs. La preuve est qu'il s'en faut beaucoup, qu'il n'est pas riche, et que s'il pensait autrement il avait un beau champ pour Tetre. Je crois en verite qu'a votre retour, il faudra boire avec lui, et je vous en sollici- terai vivement. . i • M. de la Eochallart est toujours a Paris, et je ne vois pas qu'il se presse de partir, non plus que MM. L. de Massiac et C'renay," que j'ai vu chez M. Gourdan. Vous enviez leur sort; ils en- vieront peut-etre le votre; les apparences les plus belles pre- parent souvent des regrets. Vous craignez de me donner de trop longues lettres a lire. Ce discours serait deraisonable si ce n'etait pas une instruction pour me faire abreger les miennes. Vous voyez comme j'en profite, et j'en profiterais peut-etre encore moins si j'avais un peu de loisir. Vous lepardonneriez peut-etre du sentiment qui me fait desirer de m'entretenir avec vous le plus longtemps qu'il m'est possible. M. le Comte de Maurepas et Mme. la Comtesse se portent fort bien. CoMTB DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1740, June 12. Versailles. M. le Comte d'Uzes est destine a servir en second avec M. d'Orves, et le Sr. Gineste servira avec vous si sa mission est finie avant votre depart; si non, mandez moi si vous avez jete la vue sur quelqu'autre officier. Je ne prevois pas qu'il y ait lieu de faire embarquer avec vous le Sr. Charon. Vous devriez lui conseiller de s'appliquer aux fonctions du port, qui sent les plus essentielles pour ceux qui veulent s'avancer. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1740, June 26. Versailles. — Vous ne doutez pas, Mon- sieur, du penchant que j'ai a vous obliger et a seconder votre zele pour le sei'vice, et je n'hesiterais pas a faire revenir le Sr. Gineste pour servir avec vous, s'il n'etait pas charge d'une besogne aussi importante et aussi delicate que celle d'une epreuve de canons, ou Ton ne peut apporter trop de capacite, d'experience et meme de vigilance, pour se garantir des sur- prises ; en sorte que si apres 1' avoir rappell^, il se trouvait que Ton eut re^u quelques pieces defectueuses, tout le port serait bien fonde a croire que son absence y aurait oontribuc^, et j'aurais k m'en faire le reproche. Tout ce que je puis done, dans ces circonstances, c'&st de souhaiter qu'il ait rempli sa mission avant votre depart, auquel cas il s'embarquera avec 273 vous ; mais s'il ne la pas finie, vous pourrez me demander tel autre officier que vous souhaiterez. Vous pouvez compter des a present sur le Sr. Marquisan, sous-lieutenant d'artillerie. Quant au Sr. de la Borde, il est destine sur le Ferme avec M. de la Eochallart, et je ne puis Ten detacher sans son agremeoit ; c'est un© affaire de vous a lui. Signed. CoMTB DE Maurbpas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1740, June 29. Versailles. — As you do not ask for anything, I flatter myself you are convinced that I shall not forget any- thing that may advance your interests. Signed. Salley to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1740, July 11. Paris. — Friendly badinage — M. le Comte de Maurepas est maintenant en sante complete. II m'a renvoy^ une lettre que vous lui ecrivez a la quelle il ne fera reponse qu'a Compiegne, et ce seront politesses, tendresses et amities a ce que je crois ; car de nouvelles interessantes nous n'en savons gueres. Je soupconnais le concert de Toulon ce qu'il s'est trouv6, et je soupconne aussi tous les marins hors vous d'en etre enthousi- asmes. Ces marins la n'ont point entendu les sirenes. lis me paraissent bien etonnates de blamer votre voiture ; il n'appar- tient qu'aux loueurs de carrosse de s'en moquer. Ne courez vous point le risque du corsaire. Parbleu, n'allez pas fairs campagne a Alger et laisser le Boree a louer. Les nouvelles de Paris et de la cour sont peu brillantes. Par exemple, M. Desforts* est mort hier tout ulcere. II s'est vu mourir tres courageusement ; il parlait une minute avant que de se taire pour tou jours. Vous aurez su la mort de M. Legendre ci-devant intendant de Montauban ; il y a deja quinze jours qu'il est parti. Pour lui, il a cesse de parler huit jours avant sa mort. Je ne sais si vous I'avez oonnu. C'etait, sans contes- tation, un des grands parleurs de ce monde ; et comme la para- lysie ne lui avait pas ote la raison qu'il possedait ci-devant, il etait desespere de voir encore parler les autres , et de ne pouvoir leur repondre ; et je crois qu'il n'est mort que de jalousie et pour parvenir a etre sourd. Paris va bientot etre plus desert que Toulon et plus ennuy- eux. Le roi part demain pour Compiegne, et samedi prochain tout le monde I'aura suivi. Les spectacles n'offrent rien de nouveau ; les promenades se soutiennent un peu ; on n'y verra bientot plus que des veuves et des amantes desoMes, ou se con- solant dans le second ordre. Les societ6s que vous m^con- naissez sont toujours sur le meme pied, meme arrangement, memes soupers oil je vais assez rarement. Je ne soupe presque plus, ©t cette lettre actuellement me tient lieu du souper que je devrais, ou du moins, que je pourrais faire aujourd'hui chez * " Ci-devant controleur-g^neral." Cf. Luynes, iii. 212, 215 ; where the date of his death is given as the 11th. 274 Madame. Je dinerai demain pour la premifere fois avec M. de Tencin chez M. le Comte de Livry. J'y suis invite. Apropos de M. le Comte de Livry, il a un espece derhumatisme de la ceinture en bas, qui commence a se passer, mais qui I'a fait souffrir depuis trois semaines comme un damn6. Comte de Maueepas to the Chevalikr de Caylus. 1740, July 18. Compiegne. — Has been confined to the house with a fever for the last fortnight. He is now better, but very weak. He will always be attentive to the Chevalier's interests. Signed. [Salley] to the [Chevalier db Caylus. J 1740, July 19. Compiegne. — Je re^ois, Monsieur, votre lettre du douze, et je ne comprends lereproche que vous me faites de ne vous point ecrire. Je vous assure que je profite de moments que Ton me laisse pour vous repondre, beaucoup moins par devoir que par le plaisir que j'y trouve. La sante de M. le Cte. de Maurepas est entierement retablie, et depuis que nous sommes ici elle s'affermit de plus en plus. II est dans ce moment a la promenade dans la foret, et il sort d'un diner fort ample qu'il vient de faire chez I'envoy^ de Prusse, qui vient de nous annoncer que son maitre etait mort ; en consequence de qui nous prendrons vendredi, le deuil ; a vous permis, si vous voulez vous mettre a la mode de la cour. Vous prenez bien votre temps pour me donner une commis- sion que je ne puis faire qu'a Paris, oil nous ne serons que dans un mois. Votre dame attendra done ; vous aurez la bont^ de Ten prevenir. Sans doute que je ferai la commission avec gra-nde joie; elle ne sera pas mal faite, j© vous en reponds. Le louis etait de trop ; et quoique fraichement avec la fortune, je puis faire de pareOles avances, non seulement sans risque mais sans impatience aucune. Vous etes volontiers casseur d'even- tails, casseur de i-aquettes, casseur de verres, et vous voudriez bien casser le vitres ; mais encore une fois, il y faut patience. Vous ne me repondez pas sur le Chevalier de Livry ; n'auriez vous pas re^u ma lettre oii il en est question? II n'y a point de nouvelles ici ; on y m^ne une vie si uniforme que si vous y etiez, vous pai-tiriez sur le champ. Je ne sais rien de Paris que la premiere representation des Fetes Veni- tienne-s* qu'on joue aujourd'hui. Nous avons pourtant des comediens a Compiegne. mais la bonne compagnie n'y a pas encore et^ ; il fait trop beau pour s'enfermer, et je crois qu'il ne feront pas cette fois ci aussi bien leurs affaires que rann^e passee. II y a un siecle que je n'ai vu Mile. Quinault ; pendant la maladie de M. le Cte. de Maurepas, je ne sortais point de chez lui, et je n-e courais ni les soupers oil elle va, ni le bout du^ banc. Nous sommes venus ici tout de suite, et je ne sais pres- * Cf. Dictiommire des ThSatres de Paris (1756), vi. 125. que que par lettres qu'elle se porte assez bien, et que surement elle ne vous oublie pas, car elle vous a cit6 dans une de celles que j'ai recues. Je m'appesantis si fort sur mon metier que je Grains de devenir precisement , je ne dis pas comme les autres, mais comme je serais si je n'avais fait que cette besogne. Cela fera-t-il quelque chose pour ma fortune? Non, je ne la souhaite pas meme. II est vrai que ce qui me porte h I'assiduite, c'est I'attachement qui se fortifie de jour en jour pour un homme rare en verite, et qu'il est difficile de ne pas estimer un prix (auquel sont peu de gens) lorsque Ton connait sa tete et son genie pour mieux ou plus que ce qu'il fait. Je vous parle vrai et d'apres I'etude que j'en fais paisiblement tous les jours. Je vous souhaite bien de la sante, bien dela gaiete, et, croyez moi, ne vous piquez pas d'une fidelite si scrupuleuse pour Paris; on ne la croira pas, et Ton vous pardonnera les distrac- tions reelles comme celles qu'on se sera figure ; vous aurez ete sage en pure perte, et 1' ennui vous en restera. Du secret ce- pendant, il est inutile d'afficher les petits hearts. Ayez toujours un peu de bienveillance pour votre tres humble et tres ob^issant serviteur. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1740, August 1. Compiegne. — I have to send two ships to escort M. de Villeneufve ; and think it will not be disagreeable to you to go in command of them. Signed. [Salley] to the [Chbvalibb de Caylus.] 1740, August 6. Compiegne. — Vos propositions. Monsieur, ont ete revues comme les idees d'un brave homme qui s'ennuie ; comment aurez vous re^u celle de M. le Cte. de Maurepas? il me semble que c'est un os a ronger tres honnete et une fort jolie amusette, en attendant mieux ou rien. Je suis persuade que vous y repondrez par des temoignages d'empressement ; vous ne risquez jamais que de gagner infiniment a suivre sea conseils. II est comme celui qui est a cote du joueur et qui en voit le jeu ; il en jug© mieux qui celui qui y est intere&s^. J'es- pere bien de votre souvenir quelque baliverne asiatique ; car n'en deplaise aux frangais'jaloux de I'empire de la baliverne, il y a partout de la baliverne. II n'y a que vous qui vous avisez de rendre I'ivrognerie pas- torale ; vous avez une espece d'ennui qui donne envie de s'ennuyer; et par ma foi, cette melancolie la ferait bien mes instants de gaiety. De quoi vous avisez vous de nous renvoyer ici M. de Durfort, attaint et convaincu d'etre vaporeux plus que fievreux, car M. Deydier n'a point menage les termes. Ce qui me plait de sa consultation, c'est qu'il ordonne la diette douce et moderee, et I'eau, et qu'il defend saignee et purgatifs ; cela tombe bien au milieu des amateurs de drogues. Voila qui est fait. M. Deydier sera mon medecin et je 276 parlei-ai pour lui. C'est iin honnete liomme qui n'eist medecin que ce qu'il ne peut pas s'empecher de I'etre. N'est ce pas lui qui jadis avait commence a vous gueiir? Savez vous bien que uos petits Messieurs a bonne fortune sont tres dignes d'avoir des vapeurs? Je vaas vous dire une verite, qui vous IDaraitra du Mariveaux, mais qui n'est pas moins une verite ; leur plaisir est un travail si continuel et si penible pour eux qu'ils ne savent comment se dissiper de leurs amusements. Je n'ai point dine avec Madame de Tencin, et vous confondez apparem- ment ce que vous aura mande la Dame de Conti, qui y dine quelque-fois. II est vrai que j'ai ete voir cette Madame un beau matin, et que je I'ai trouve toute aussi spirituelle qu'elle en a la reputation; je puis oonvaincu que lorsqu'elle a plu et voulu plaire, elle devait etre d'un danger inexprimable. Elle res- semble actuellement a ces beaux ouvrages de I'antiquite dans lesquels, a travel's la destruction, ce qui reste est encore si beau qu'il s'assujettit I'admiration. Je vais me coucher tout seul ; ce n'est point un mal, mais ayant ete tout seul depuis plus de quinze jours, ce n'est pas un bien assurement ; et devant etre tout seul plus de quinze jours, c'est la le diable; soyez souvent tout seul, mais quelquefois en compagnie ; je vous la souhaite gaie, douce et jolie. Amen. Salley to the [Chevaliee de Caylus.J 1740, October 31. Fontainebleau. — J'avais quelques raisons d'etre incertain du temps de votre retour a Toulon, et c'etait I'annoncer que de vous ecrire avant votre arrivee ; nous sommes enchaines aux precautions et vous devriez etre surpris. Du contraire, je vous vols toujours aller d'inquietude en inquietude, et tout cequ'on vous dit ne pent vous tranquilliser. Que n'avez vous la coufiance que Ton donne si volontiers a son medecin. Onn'exigepas delui qu'il vous diseque le remede qu'il ordonne passea-a de tel endroit dans telle autre; qu'il rencontrera tel derangement, et qu'il en viendra a bout par tel et tel precede ; On se contente de I'assurance qu'il donne que sa drogue gu^rira infailliblement, et on la prend en se bouchant le nez. Faites de memo, et croyez que, quelque desagreable que puissent paraitre certains breuvages, ils sont souvent tres salutaires. Je rirai de tout mon coeur lorsque je vous feiui passer sous les yeux toute la bizarrerie de vos conjectures, et que vous ven-ez que les raisonnements ne menaient point a la raison. On a dans ce pays ci de I'amitie pour vous, et lorsqu'on me fait I'honneur de me demander mon avis je n'oublie point de le conformer a votre caractere, a vos idees, et a vos vues ; tout est bon, mais je voudrais en retrancher I'impatience. II est en depit d'elle, des choses qui ne peuvent aller que lentement ; ne songez qu'h vous amuser, et qu'une partie de cet amusement soit de vous mettre en bon etat, en sorte que ne vous manque rien moins pour le plaisir que pour I'utile; laissez vos amis penser au reste, et soyez persuade qu'autant qu'il eSit en moi, je tacherai toujours de repondre a I'honneur que vous m'avez fait de me mettre au rang des votres. 277 Je suis tix>p occupe pour vous mander beauooup de nouvelles. La mort de Tempereur, par exemple, en est une fort courts et fort grande. Elle est publique ici de ce matin. J 'attends vos eventails quej'avais laisse a Paris ; on me les apportera peut-etre demain ; en ce cas ils partiront avec cette lettre. II me semble que celui que j'ai choisi n'est pas assez province; il est un peu trop du bon goiit de Paris ; vous me direz comment on I'aura trouve. L'eloiguement de Paris me rend I'envoi du Caloandre* diffi- cile. Je vous enverrais bien quelques livres nouveaux, mais j'ai- merais a trouver une commodite differente de la poste, que nos paquets importrment quelquefois. II y a peu de nouvelles de cour et de ville. Le pain qui n'est pas a bon marche, la malheureuse recolte, ote une partie de la gaiete, aux uns par necessite, et aux autres par une petie raison- nable. Je ne sais point de morts ni de malades de votre connois- sance ; tout est bien vivant, et bien mangeant, et bien buvant a votre sante ; menagez la, car il en faut avoir pour s'en servir. Signed. Postscript. — Je ne desespere point pour le Chevalier Azan, mais exhortez le a quelque patience ; vous etes tout propre a faire ce sermon la. Je le salue tres humblement. M. Pellerin, avec qui je m'entretiens souvent de ce qui voua regarde, et notamment ce matin, ler. Novembre, vous assure de ses civilites tres humbles. S.\LLEY to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1740, November 3. Fontainebleau. — Je passe peut-etre ici, Monsiem-, les bornes de mon devoir, mais votre interet m'y engage. Je crois prevoir que vous aurez une autre destination que le voyage de Constantinople, et peut-etre plus selon votre goiJt et vos vues. Je ne me depecherais pas cependant de vous en prevenir, si je ne voyais pas la necessite de vous avertir que lorsque vous apprendrez que cette commission sera donnce a un autre, vous devez non seulement n'en faire voir aucune joie, mais qu'il est essentiel, pour eviter toute jalousie, d'en paraiti-e afflige, et d'appuyer oette fausse affliction des raisomienients les plus vraisemblables. Selon toute apparence, vous ne serez pas longtetmps sans apprendre cette premiere nouvelle; les ordres qui vous interessent la suivroot de pres ; mais ne tcmoignez point de satisfaction que longtemps apres votre depart. II est necessaire quelque fois pour les autres de paraitre regrettor ce que Ton ne souhaite point ; c'est souvent le moyen de leur en donner le desir. Je ne vous recommanderai point la discretion sur un conseil qui cesserait de vous etre utile, si votre confident le plus cher pouvait I'eventer. Postscript. — La soeur de Madame vous fait ses compliments. * La Caloandre Fid'ele, traduit de I'ltalien [par le Comte de Caylus], 3 vols. 12"'<'. 1740. 278 CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevaliee de Caylus. 1740, November 20. Versailles.— J'apprends avec plaisir, Monsieur, que le vaisseau que vous commandez est entierement repare et en bon etat ; c'est un grand avantage que d'etre pret a tout evenement. Le roi a juge a propos de charger M. de Gabaret du passage de Tambassadeur a Constantinople ; niais quoique je ne puisse rien vous mander encore sin: la destination qui pourrait vous etre reservee, il est vraisembable que les circonstances ne vous laisseront pas longtemps oisif, et je souhaite fort que vous receviez bientot des ordres qui vous soient avantageux, et qui s'accordent avec la zele que vous montrez pour le service. II n'est point encore question de promotion, mais je ne negligerai rien de ce qui sera possible de faire pour M. de Marnieres, lorsque I'occasion s'en presentera. Signed. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus. J 1740, November 21. Versailles. — Kefers him to the accom- panying letter* from the Comte de Maurepas, which he will find square very exactly with what he has already told him. He will pay constant attention to the Chevalier's interest, and there is no need for him to worry. The writer and M. de Maurepas, who are both greatly attached to him, know what is best for him ; better than he does. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus. j 1740, November 30. Versailles. — Vous ne sauriez croire. Monsieur, combien votre tranquillite me tranquillise. Je la desirais avec inquietude. Vous ne me devez rien, je vous assure, qu'un peu de bonte que je me fiatte de meriter ; ni moi ni M. Pellerin n'avons rit de vos idees ; si elles ne sont pas tout a fait justes, elles sont du moins tres raisonnables. Un bonheur arrive rarement sans etre convoye par un autre. M. de Bandeville est mort ; ce n'est pas la le bonheur, mais, e'en sera la cause. Cela forme tel arrangement qui ne vous deplaira peut-etre pas, et dans lequel I'attention qu'on a dans ce pays ci pour vous entre pour presque tout. Nous avons re- connu que vous avez ete discret par la demande qui vient d'etre faite, et qui ne I'eut pas ete sans cela. Ma foi, c'est une belle chose que de se taire, et qui profite considerablement. Je vous dirais bien qu'on murmure des petites infidelites du philosophe, mais comme les interesses n'en servent rien, cette nouveaut^ obscure ne change rien dans le train qu'il mene toujours le meme, et cela ne se dit encore tout haut qu'en province. Si I'aventure se publiait, je ne doute point qu'il n'en fit le sacrifice, et qu'il ne I'assoupit sur le champ. On ne ren- verse que malgre soi des an-angements que la soci4t6 s'est avise de respecter ; et ce sont des especes de mariage auxquels tout le public a sign^ comme temoin ; c'est lui manquer que de les * The foregoing, which is in Salley's handwriting. 279 rompre. La crainte des ridicules a surement plus de force que le sacrement. L'echo du public est une misere ; cependant vous I'aurez ; je vais tacher de vous rassembler toutes les fariboles nouvelles ; les occasions de les envoyer sont doublement difficiles. Nous avons su votre parti avant que vous m'avez fait I'hon- iieur de m'en ecrire. Je vous en ai plaint, mais je ne me suis pas cependant livre a la douleur la plus vive, de crainte d'en etre plus fache que vous. II s'est fait un changement assez considerable dans une maison de voti-e connaissance. On y parlait, comrae vous avez quelquefois entendu, de chevaux et de chiens, au point d'en exceder la souveraine du palais bleu. Elle a pris sa revanche. Depuis la mort de I'empereur elle a fait 1' acquisition des Traites de Puffendorf, du Droit Public, du Eecueil des Traites de I'Europe, de La Bulle d'Or etc., et elle les salt depuis un mois sur le bout du doigt ; en sorte qu'elle ne parle plus que de la Pragmatique Sanction , et que la politique a fait rentrer sous terre la chasse et les ecuries. Je ne mets aucune malignite dans cette description ; ne vous avisez pas d'y en trouver. M. le Cte. de Maurepas doit vous faire reponse incessament. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1740, December 6. Versailles. — Je suis, je vous le jure, Monsieur, le moins enclin des hommes a sermoner. Je crois presque toujours qu'on a raison, mais je repete volontiers le sermon que j'entends faire ; quoiqu'il en soit, je vous demande de nouveaux pardons pour les miens. Je ne vous en ferai plus ; je ne veux pas meme vous dire qu'on a remarque (tres legere- ment, a la verite) qu'il etait quelquefois dangereux de quitter son batiment lorsqu'il etait en rade, a cause des accidents qui pouvaient arriver. Passons aussi legerement sur cette obser- vation qu'elle m'a ete faite. L'objet de votre destination vous intrigue ; mais vous devez vous tranquilliser sur ce qui me tranquillise pour vous, car, par parenthese, votre maitresse, quelque part qu'elle soit, n'a pas songe plus souvent a vous que moi. Cela est meme impossible. Quelque fidelite que vous meritez de sa part, si elle est a Paris elle aura eu plus d'une occasion de vous oublier, du moins pour quelques moments; et moi, je vous proteste que je n'ai dans toute la marine aucun capitaine de vaisseau dont le sort m'ait pu donner de distraction sur le votre. Je me tranquillise done sur ce que je sais, ou qu'on m'a dit, si vous voulez, que vu les circonstances des temps, lieux et personnes, on ne pouvait mieux faire que ce qu'on fera en votre faveur et que vous aurez lieu d'etre content ; ce que I'honneur fait faire pour le service, cette fidelite inalterable qui empeche d'ouvrir les paquets qu'a certaines distances, ne poairrait jamais avoir lieu pour des amis ; et en verite, cela est facheux ; car sans cela, on s'ecrirait Ne lisez ma lettre qu'a tel endroit, que dans tels temps ; on tirerait de cet usage mille avantages. 280 Le Chevalier de Livry se fait done abandonne de tout I'univers. L'amitie de M. le Comte de Maurepas pour son pere va faire une derniere tentative pour le tirer de I'etat affreux ou il s'engage. Mais apres cela, s'il ne change pas, il n'en sera plus question. Vous ne sauriez croire la persuasion ou est sa famille que le ministre lui fait injustice, et le punit trop severement. Je ne puis me resoudre a lui ecrire, et cela doit vous prouver que je n'aime pas les sermons; au reste, il y a bonne raison pour qu'il n'ait pas des miens. Je prends sur moi tout le tort du manuscrit ; cela sera plutot fait que de se justifier. Je viens ce soir memo de recevoir un billet de vous. he courier ne m'a point remis I'etoffe dont vous me parlez ; viendra-t-elle demain? peut-etre aussi aura-t- elle ete saisie, si le paquet est de figure a etre soupconne. Si elle me parvient, j'en ferai 1' usage que vous m'ordonnez, soyez en tres assure. L'on vous carene, et c'est tres bien fait ; cela s'appelle graisser ses bottes; on ne pent etre en trop bon etat, et qui veut voyager loin menage sa monture. Je suis comble des temoignages d'amitie que vous voulez bien me donner. Je la merite en verite, par les sentiments que je vous ai voues pour toujours. [Salley] to the [Chevaliek db Caylus.j 1740, December 18. Versailles. — J'ai regu, Monsieur, le rouleau de toile peinte que vous m'avez envoye. Je I'ai fait voir sur le champ a Madame la Comtesse, qui ne I'a re9u que parcequ'elle a devine qu'il venait de vous, ce que je ne lui ai pas cache. Elle I'a trouvee tres singuliere et fort agreable, et m'a charge de vous en remercier beaucoup. Vous devez avoir regu un envoi de livres que M. votre frere m'a remis pour vous. Je dois en faire mettre un autre a la poste incessamment. Est-il possible que vous ayez beautemps a Toulon. II regno ici des vents affreux depuis un temps infini. La riviere est debordee, de fagon qu'elle couvre une partie du Cours la Eeine, et qu'on ne communique de Paris a Versailles que par Meudon. On se can tonne dans les appartements, et on y est en- glouti de fumee ; on n'y dort point, et la tristesse de la saison influe sur la fagon de la passer. On marie, mercredi prochain. Mile, de Morville* a un fils de M. d'Uzes. Vous croyez, peut-etre, que ce sera une fete : il est sur que ce devrait en etre une, si toutes les imaginations de cette societe voulaient y contribuer; cependant on ne parle d'aucuns divertissements, d'aucunes comedies ; pas raeme, je crois, d'un souper, et cela se passera le plus simplement du monde. Je ne serai point fache que vous ne partiez pas pendant I'inconsta-nce de ces vents ci, et je serai plus tranquille lorsque le temps, de quelque fafon que ce soit, sera plus constant. J'espere que tout favorisera vos idees, et que vous serez content. * Slater of M. d'Armcnoii\-ille. Cf. Luynes, iii. 289. 281 Notre ambassadeur, qui doit vous arriver incessament, mettra pemt-etre un peu de fermentations dans les plaisirs de Toulon, et vous en rendra le sejour pour quelque temps moins triste ; apres quoi je vous vols riiaitre du port. Les affaires du Chevr. Azan ne sont pas desesperees. II faudra tacher de s'y bien prendre et de demander aussi des choses possibles a qui aura meilleure grace apres une campagne. Nous y reverrons, et pour mieux dire, nous en parlerons ; car je compte bien vous revoir dans six ou sept mois. Je vous jure que ce sera pour moi un des plaisirs vifs que j'aie jamais eu. Vous trouverez dans le paquet de livres que je vais envoyer, les quatre colombats* que vous me demandez. Je vous remercie de m'avoir imagine les etrennes, que je pouvais vous donner. Je ne suis point las de mon etat ; il me plait, et quoique vous y ga^nas'siez de plus belles etrennes, je ne le troquerais pas pour I'emploi de fermier general. II ne manquera a ma satisfaction que de n'avoir pas ete deux mois a Brest, et deux a Toulon. Je ne veux pas oublier de vous dire que M. le Due de Niver- nois est Grand d'Espagne. Je vous souhaite Grand Amiral. II me semble que cela sonne mieux. Cette dignite n'ajouterait surement rien a mon atta^^hement et a mon respect pour vous. [Salley] to the [Chevaliee de Caylus.] 1740, December 31. Versailles. — Lorsque je vous ai prie, Monsieur, de me pardonner la capucinade, ce n'est pas que j'aie cru que vous la blamiez ; je connais votre indulgence, mais c'est que ma temerite a moi me paraissait un peu forte. Je la re- prendrai done dans la besoin, mais il n'en est pas question et tout va bien dans les ames et les esprits. Ne vous etonnez pas d'etre sedentaire encore quelque temps. Nous n'avons pas de nouvelles de nos Pellerins, et nous en attendons de jour en jour ; et quoique votre objet soit distinct et separe, il faut pourtant savoir comment ils se portent. Je crois que la moitie de ce mois ne se passera pas sans que nous apprenions du moins quelque bagatelle qui les regardera. Les temps sont diaboliques, et les couriers aquatiques ne vont pas vite et sans inconvenient ; je me flatte que la saison sera meil- leure quand vous vous mettrez en marche. Je dois vous avoir mande I'arrivee et la reception favorable de la toile. Je ne dis pas que je ne vous mande une lettre a n'ouvrir qu'a trente lieues de la rade, mais je ne puis vous I'envoyer encore, parcequ'elle ne serait peut-etre pas juste, et qu'elle vous induirait alors en erreur. Je ne vous ai jamais connu indiscret, et je juge de la que vous ne les aimez pas. Je ne sais point le nom de la conquete, ou, ai vous 1' aimez mieux, du vainqueur du philosophe. II n'y a rien de moins public; et, a quelques confidents pres, personne ne la connait. C'est pourtant une dame du monde, a ce qu'on m'a dit ; assez grande, point belle, point trop jeunette, n'etant pas de ce qu'on * "Nom donne a de petits almanachs, ainsi designes d'apres le nom du libraire qui les vendait." Cf. Littre, Supplement. Jacques Colombat was the publisher — among other works — of Hosier's Armorial Gineral. 282 appelle precisement la bonne compagnie, mais, dans les grosses coteries de Paris, rieuse, aimant la joie, les spectacles, la musique, jouant — A ce que je crois — la comedie en chambre, buvant du vin de champagne; au demeurant, fort sage et fort honnete, et possedant une sorte de reputation qu'il n'y a que ces vrais amis qui lui disputent. Voila ce que j'en sais ; peut- etre, oomme vous connaissez plus de monde que moi, vous pourrez me dire qui c'est. La sultane valide ignore tout cela, ou le trouve bon, parcequ'il y a longtemps qu'elle doit trouver boai a I'egard de I'homme que vous croyez qui en doit dire de bonnes. L'infidele serait maladroit s'il I'avait mis dans la confidence, et je no I'y crois pas. Qui diable vous a pu dire que je venais a Toulon. II n'en est malheureusement pas question. Je le voudrais pour beau- coup, en verite; mais je n'y vols pas encore d'apparence, et je ne serai peut-etre pas assez heureux pour en faire concevoir I'utilite. Cependant j'en ferais, pardieu, bien difEeremment mon metier, et pour les affaires et pour la facilite. Ah, si j'y allais, vous y etant, quelle joie. Je suis sur cet article comme vous I'etes sur votre depart; desir et impatience, et le tout par envie de bien faire. Mile. Le Maure est devine ; chante comme il est impossible de concevoir qu'elle meme ait chante ou puisse chanter mieux ; joue avec une verite et une justesse qui fait tomber le masque apprete de la Pellissier ; enfin, rien a desirer. Jeliot chante bien, mais quoiqu'on dise qu'il joue bien, ce n'est pas la la figure d'un Amadis et d'un Amadis aime ; il Test pourtant, dit- on, ailleurs que sur les planches.* Quand aux airs d'Amadis, le commencement du prologue m'a fait grand plaisir par la musique; et ce qui m'a etonne, c'est que de la musique, aussi simple, exprime si completement ce que d'autres musiciens auraient sans doute surcharge de notes. Daus le cours de I'opera, il y a quelques morceaux qui plaisent mais qui ne piquent point. Voila ce qui m'en a paru. Je vous envoie La Gazette de Cj^there ; mauvaise nouveaute, mais nouveaute. Mme. Gourdan m'a emprunte le Factum de Mile. Petit et elle me I'a perdu. J'ai crie pour le ravoir ; elle m'assure qu'il y en a a Toulon, et que vous I'aurez un. Je vous envoie done les deux reponses qu'on y a faites ; une mauv- aise et r autre passable. Je ne vous excederai pas de bonne anuee. Cela est trop vieux. Vous connaissez mon respectueux attachement. Postscript. — Vous trouverez ici quatre colombats. On n'en a jamais avant le jour de I'an, et Colombat n'en vendrait pas un pour un louis avant d'avoir presente au roi celui qu'il lui pcrte. [Madame CELESTEf ?] to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1741, Mardi, Januaiy 3. — Je ne vous ecrivals pas, be-au cheval, parceque j'etais triste, et que vous dites que vous * Cf. Dictionnaire des TJieatrrs dr Paris (1756), i. 55. t See the following letter from Salley, January 9. 283 n'etes pas gai ; mais le miracle arrive chez vous m'a rejoui, et je soage a vous dire que je pourrais aussi sauter par votre fenetre, sans courir risque de me tuer; ma maigreur me sau- veiait autaut que I'embonpoint de votre jeune homme I'a preserve; I'air me soutiendrait, et je volerais si je voulais ; et cela est beau, de voler de ses propres ailes. Aussi, n'ai-je point eu peur quand je me suis vue au milieu de I'eau. C'est bien dans ce moment, comme dans tout autre au moins, que nous avons dit, Et ou est notre beau cheval? Quand on a des amis marins, voila I'instant de les eprouver. J'avais crue que cette inondation ferait revenir bien des gens sur I'eau ; mais tout ce grand fracas s'est borne au berceau qu'on a trouve sur la riviere avec un petit Moi'se batard. Voila, beau cheval, comme les plus grandes choses amenent les plus petites ; je ne suis pas de I'avis de ceux qui disent que les plus petites ame- nent les plus grandes. Aimez-vous les nouvelles? C'est que je n'en sais point, si ce n'est qu'il y a eu une maison effondree dans la rue du Bac, et qu'une mere et sa fille sont tombees du second etage dans la cave, avec tout le reste de la maison sur leurs corps ; et qu'un laquais de M. le due de St. Simon a eu le courage d'aller, lever toutes les pierres dont personne n'avait osee approcher, et a ramener les deux femmes vivantes. La jeune personne etait si fort enterree, qu'en la retirant, comme elle etait au lit a I'instant du malheur, toute sa chemise, resta, et une partie de sa peau. Elle ne voulait point etre emportee nue, et preferait la mort, qu'elle attendait depuis deux jours, a la honte de paraitre nue devant tant de laches curieux, qui at- tendaient le retour de cette Orphee moderne, et qui avaient tous refuses de I'aider. Pour moi, je crois que c'etait pour les punir de leur poltronnerie , plutot que par pudeur. Quoiqu'il en soit, le laquais n'a pas eu de peine a vaincre sa resistance, et I'a attache et tire de son trou. Cela est beau, cela. Vous avez bien raison de regretter Taris, car il vous regrette bien. Ne croyez pas que les grosses eaux, comme je vous le dis, est pu seule occasionner nos regrets ; dans tous les elements, on vous souhaite ; s'il y a mauvais feu, on dit — Ha, que Ton se chaufferait mieux chez le cheval ! Ainsi, du reste, je me suis acquittee de nos ressouvenirs partout, et on m'a dit que Ton y comptait bien. Ne craignez point la singularite des ensembles que vous faites ; vous avez trop d'esprit pour ne pas savoir allier les contraires. Adieu, beau cheval ! je vous ecrirai le plus que je pourrai, car je n'imagine pas que je vous reven-ai ; je suis malade a mourir, et je vous jure que je n'en suis pas fachee. Apropos, ne faut-il pas vous dire bonjour bon an? Ha, les belles ^trennes qu'on m'a donnees! je vous en enverrai la liste. [S alley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1741 , January 9. Versailles. — Je vois, Monsieur, yos inquie- tudes si proches de leur fin que je ne vous en parlerai plus. Je n'ajouterai rien a ce que vous a mande M. Pellerin. La bonne volonte que vous avez aper9ue subsiste et subsistera, et pourquoi 284 n'augmenterait-elle pas? il no faut pas etre sorcier pour le predire. Je crois qu'il faut vous dire adieu pour quelque temps, et je ne vois pas que je puisse vous ecrire encore avant voire depart, mais comma je puis recevoir une derniereletfcre de vous, honorez moi de vos ordres et comptez sur une exactitude que conduit rattachement bien sincere. II n'est point de bonheur que je ne vous souhaite ; vous le meritez. et vous possedez toute la prudence et I'adresse qui savent assez souvent le gouverner ; j'ai toute la bonne opinion qu'on pent avoir par pressentiment du succes des choses dont vous vous melerez. Eeste a faire en partant un petit sacrifice a la Deesse Occasion ; songez a vous d'abord, pour vous et vos amis. Songez a la gloire et a I'interet de votre ami, car je crois que c'est un article qu'on met volon- tiers de cote, et sur le tout un peu, de gaiete ; on ne fait rien sans cela. Emportez du vin de Chypre. On m'a dit que vous le buviez des la soupe ; je ne m'etonne pas s'il deviant rare; n"avez-vous pas de honte de le faire avaler pesamment dans un port, tandis qu'on n'en a presque point ici, ou qu'il est nouveau, falsifie, et digna da deshonorer le terroir qui le porte. Je ne sais si les livres que je dcvais vous envoyer ma saront remis assez tot. Si vous ne les recevez pas, ce ne sera pas ma faute, et par avance, consolez-vous en ; ils ne valent pas le diable. Madame Celeste m'a dit dernierement toutes sortes de belles choses pour son cheval. INIa voisina na s'est pas exprimee en termes aussi nouveaux, mais elle pense d'une fa5on bien solide dans I'amitie qu'elle a pour vous. M. de Livry, le fils, vient d'avoir la survivauce de premier maitre d'hotel du roi, et il epouse dans huit jours la fille de M. d© Maniban.* M. le Gte. de Maurepas las a servi admirable- ment. M. de Livry, la pere, accable de rhumatisme, et dans un etat a faire compassion, est tres resolu a se faire rapasser au vif ar- gent ; on le baigne actuellement ; il cache si peu son projet qu'il doit en faire la ceremoiaie a Versailles, apres en avoir demande permission ; il compte qu'on enverra savoir tous les matins comment il se porta. Ceci n'est })oint du tout plaisanterie. Le grand noir a la goutte tres cruellemant et ne sort point. Ja n'y soupe point, parceque je ne soupe plus. La Porte to the [Chevalier de Callus. J 1741, January 9. Versailles. — Je prends la liberte, Mon- sieur, de vous adrasser deux lettras qua je vous supplie de vouloir bien faire rendre a votre arrivee a la Martinique, ou je souhaite que vous conserviez votre sante. Quoiqua je ne sache point. Monsieur, si vous connaissez M. la Marquis de Champigny, a qui vous aurez principalemant affaire dans ce pays-la, ja ne vous en parlerai point, parceque vous saurez bientot a quoi vous an tanir sur son compte. Mais * Cf. Luynes, iii. 294, 307. 285 par rinteret que je dois prendre an succes de vos operations et par celui que je prends aussi veritablement k ce qui vous re- garde, je crois devoir yous prevenir que de tous les officiers que vous verrez a la Martinque, M. de Poinsable, lieutenant de roi aufort St. Pierre, et M. deLongueviile, pareillement lieutenant de roi a la Trinitti, sent ceux qui meritent mieux votre con- fiance, et en qui vous trouverez plus de ressources. C'est I'opinion qu'en a INI. le Comte de Maurepas. Pour M. Dela- croix, vous le connaissez depuis longtemps ; et je ne devrais pas d'ailleurs vous en parler, parcequ'il apris contre moi un travers dont j'ai lieu d'etre tres pique, quoiqu'il ne soit pas moins in- jurieux k M. le Comte de Maurepas lui-meme qu'offensant pour moi. Comte de Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1741, January 11. Versailles. — Vous verrez. Monsieur, par I'instruction que je joins ici, que vous etes destine pour les Isles du Vent. Les operations que vous aurez a }' faire depen- dront de la situation oii vous trouverez les choses ; et ce sera sur les connaissances qu'en aura M. le Marquis de Champigny, qu'il faudra les regler. Vous sentez, sans doute, mieux qu'un autre, combien il est necessaire que vous puissiez toujours agir de concert avec lui, et votre zele pour le service m'est un sur garant de I'attention que vous y donnerez. Je ne vous parle point au reste des vceux que je fais pour le succes de votre cam- pagne ; votre interet personnel y entre pour beaucoup ; et mes sentiments doivent vous etre assez connus, pour que vous n'en doutiez pas. Donnez-moi de vos nouvelles par toutes les oc- casions que vous en aurez, et lorsque vous aurez quelque chose d'important a me mander, vous pourrez vous servir du chiffre de Champigny. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1741, January 11. Versailles. — A^ous trouverez ci-joint, Monsieur, une lettre du roi qui vous enjoint de diriger votre route pour passer le detroit de Gibraltar, avec un paquet que vous ne devez ouvrir qu'a 20 lieues a I'oiiest de ce detroit. II conviendra que vous donniez rendez-vous au vaisseau I'AquiJon et a la fregate la Flore, pour vous rejoindre en cas de separa- tion, a Malaga, au Cap des Moulins, on dans tel autre endroit que vous jugerez convenable. Sa Majeste souhaite aussi que vous ^vitiez, autant qu'il sera possible, la rencontre des vais- seaux anglais qui peuvent etre dans la Mediterranee et vers le detroit, ainsi que tout ce qui pourrait retarder votre navigation. Vous trouverez une autre lettre de moi dans 1© paquet, qui vous restera a ouvrir apres le passage du detroit. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1741, January 11. Versailles. — Je vous envoie. Monsieur, les ordres du roi pour votre depart, avec un paquet que vous ne 286 devez ouvrir qu'a 10 lieues h I'ouest de Toulon. Je suis per- suade que vous profiterez du premier vent favorable pour mettre a la voile, et j'en attendrai la nouvelle avec impatience. Signed. Louis XV. to the Chevalier de Cai'LDS. 1741, January 11. Versailles. — Mons. le Chev. de Caylus, mon intention est que vous profitiez du premier vent favorable pour faire voile avec mes vaisseaux le Bored et I'Aquilon et ma fregate la Flore, dont je vous ai confie le commandement, et que lorsque vous serez a dix lieues a I'oiiest de Toulon, vous ouvriez le paquet que je vous fais adresser, et qui contient mes ordres sur ce que vous aurez k faire. Sur ce, je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait, Mons. le Chev. de Caylus, en sa sainte garde. Signed: Louis. Countersigned: Phelypeaux. The Same to the Same. 1741, January 11. Versailles. — Apres que vous aurez ou- vert cette lettr-e dans I'endroit que je vous ai prescrit, vous diri- gerez votre route pour passer le detroit de Gibraltar ; et lorsque vous serez arrive h 20 lieues a I'ouest de ce detroit, vous ouvrirez aussi le paquet que je vous fais adresser et qui contient mes ordres sur la campagne k la quelle je vous ai destine. Sur ce je prie Dieu qu'il vous ait. Monsieur le Chevalier de Caylus, en sa sainte garde. Signed: Louis. Countersigned: Phelypeaux. [? The Chevaliee de Caylus to the Comtb de Maurepas.J [1741. February] [Le commandant m'a fait crier qu'il voulait envoyer un] ofiicier a bord, ce que je lui ai accorde. Ij'officier en entrant m'a fait beaucoup d'excuses de la part de son commandant sur sa manoeuvre, mais qu'etant dans une parage suspect, il me priait de I'excuser. A quoi j'ai repondu avec la hauteur convenable. II m'a demande ensuite si les deux navires que j'avais avec moi 6taient des navires de guerre ; a quoi j'ai replique que j'etais surpris qu'il s'y connaissait si pen ; que I'un ^tait un navire de quarante-huit canons et I'autre une fregate de vingt-huit. Apres une brieve conversation, il s'en est retourne a son commandant, qui a fait route au irord, et moi dans le sud-ouest, et je ne les ai plus vus. Le 26 au matin, ayant eu occasion de parler h VAquilon et h, la Flore, chacun des capitaines m'a envoye un officier poilr me dire, I'un que le commandant anglais en passant a son bord, lui avait crie de mettre son canot a la mer ; a quoi il avait repondu qu'il ne mettait point de canot a la mer, et qu'il n'avait qu'i aller parler a son commandant. Sur quoi le commandant anglais I'avoit menac^ insolemment de le couler bas ; ce qui se rappoirte assez avec la question qu'il m'avait faite — si ce n'^tait point un navire marchand sortant de Cadiz? Ij'autre officier — c'est a dire, celui de la Flore — m'a dit que la fregate qui m'avait 287 parle la premiere, I'avait ©nnuy^ de ses questions, en lui de- mandant toujours ou il allait et d'ou il venait; a qnoi on avait toujours r^pondu qu'il n'y avait qu'a aller parler au com- mandant. II est bon d'ajouter k cela que les equipages des trois vais- seaux, malgr^ la superiority (les navires anglais etant I'un de 74, deux de 66 et un de 56), n'ont temoigne aucune timidity ; au contraire, une ardeur qu'il serait bon d'employer, et qui donne une grande esperance pour I'avenir. [A fragment cf a rough draft — hadly spelt, not in the hand- tcriting of M. de Cayhis. The English account of this meeting is given in the Introduction.] [Eemond] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J [1741], March 20. Paris. — Puis-qu'on ne pent pas. Mon- sieur le Chevalier, avoir I'honneur de vous ecrire que rarement, je vous menace d'une grande lettre; ainsi prenez patience si vous pouvez. Personne au monde n'a fait tant de memoires que moi pour ressusciter notre marine, comme le seul moyen d'eviter la pauvrete et la servitude ; bien eloign^ de penser comme M. le Marechal de Broglie qui, pendant le temps de son ambassade en AngleteiTe, debitait a tout le monde (surtout au feu MarechaJ d'Estrees et a ]M. le Comte de Maurepas) qu'il se fallait bien garder d' avoir un bateau pour ne point facher les Anglais qui avaient des vaisseaux {xjur nous. Ce qui est d'etonnant est que ce principe n'ait pas paru d'abord aussi ridicule qu'il Test en effet, parcequ'il paraissait favoriser I'oeconomie. Enfin les circonstances et I'ardeur eclairee de M. le Cte. de M[aurepas] nous ont un peu pris en mouvement. Quand I'Espagne etait entre en guerre, et que vous aviez ete en etat d'agir, si a la premiere insulte vous aviez fait sortir de tcus cotes vos escadres et vos armateurs, j'etais persuade que nous aurions regagner presentement notre ancienne dignite en Europe. II est clair que la France n'aura jamais de vrais ennemis que les Anglais, parceque la France est la seule nation qui puisse diminuer et meme partager son commerce ; ainsi ils ne penseront jamais qu'a nous affaiblir, pour conserver leur eclat ; en quoi ils sent dignes de louange. Car tant qu'elle fera tout le commerce, elle aura toutes les richesses, et vous savez que qui a I'or a le fer. Ainsi ils seront toujours en ^tat de corrompre les ministres des puissances voisines, et de payer les troupes des pays qu'ils susciteront centre vous. lis n'ont jamais eu, et n'auront jamais d'autre veritable interet. L 'occasion etait heureuse pour mettre sur mer cet equilibre dont ils ne veulent point en- tendre parler par leur aversion declaree pour les limitet, et cela apres s'etre moques si longtemps du monde en parlant toujours de cet equilibre sur terre, non reel, mais tel qu'il leur convient. Done il e-st demonstre que la France ne pourra jamais jouir d'aucun repos sur terre, ni reprendre un etat florissant qu'elle n'ait morere et affaibli le despotisme des Anglais sur mer. 288 Votre union avec I'Espagne vous en donnait les moyens; mais je Grains bien que la grande douceur de notre ministere, et le choix du chef de I'sntreprise (dont le courage et la capacite ne sont point connus) ne rendent nos grandes depenses et votre brillante volonte inutiles. Pardonnez moi ce verbiage poli- tique ; je viens aux choses du monde qui ne laissent pas d'amuser quand Ton en est fort eloigne. Votre ministre (he, ou est I'autre?) vous marque tant de bienveillance qu'il merite bien que vous lui donniez quelque joie, dont je vous assure qu'il a grand basoin. L'aventure de M. de Chavagnac*, ne suffisait elle pas pour agir sans attendre de nouveaux ordres? Quel gout decide pour les rades ! J 'at- tends de vous quelque chose de grand, ou du moins d'hardi ; i'entends suivant vos forces ; car la temerite n'est qu'une vertu de soldat. Pendant le dernier voyage de Choisy, nous avons eu le bonheur de donner a souper a Mme. la Ctsse. de Maurepas. Vous savez si elle a de I'amitie pour vous, et quelle est la solidite de son caractere ; je vous assure que vous n'y fussiez pas oublie, mais fort desire. J'avais eu quelques jours auparavant une autre dame avec Monsieur votre frere. Je vis hier Mme. la D. de Mazarin dans son magnifique et delicieux palais. Elle me fit pitie par son deperissement. M. de Listenay, qui ressemble a un tonneau enflamme, me fit peur. Jugez de ce que je devins, quand j'y apergus le plus coquin des humains y regnant avec plus d'impudence que jamais. Je me sauvai dans le jardin avec Mme. de la TourneJle, Mile, de Mailly et le Comte deFitz-James. II faisait un temps admirable. Vous jugez bien que la conversation ne fut pas serieuse. La belle veuve etait fort negligee et sans panier ; c'etait I'Amour qui avait pris un habit de novice. Elle m'a paru aussi tres bonne enfant. Je ne vols personne a la cour qu'on puisse lui comparer pour la beaute agreable. Vous ne savez peut-etre pas que I'extremite.ou a ete M. le Prince de Rohan a fait aller Mme. de Courcillon a Versailles pour le voir, et a produit en consequence le raccommodement de la fille avec la mere I . Je ne doute done point de les voir tous en bonne intelligence ce printemps a Villeroy. Nous irons y passer le moig de mai entier et le commencement de juin. Mais apres ces fetes, nous ferons un petit voyage a Liancourt avec les d'Anville, et nos Fitz-James viendront nous voir de Soissons. Le Chevalier des Aleures n'est point encore parti. II vient rarement chez ma belle voisine ou la grande duchesse est assidue. M. de Eandanl va commander en Franche Comte, moyennant le gratis ; et au grand mepris des romans, il laisse sa divine Defau dans les bras de la mort. Nous aimons toujours Mme. Eonde, plus femme du monde et plus propre a vivre en bonne compagnie que toutes les femmes * The story — in which there was not a word of truth — is told in the Journal de Barbicr, iii. 260. For the reality, see Rlimoires du Due de Luynes, iii. 388, 407. t Mme. de Courcillon (married in 1708) was the mother of the Princesse de Eohan. X Due de Randan, ills de M. le duo de Lorges. 289 de son espece. Cependant vous m'avez bien manqu^ cet hiver et je ne reconnais plus nos soupers. Le President en donne, a tour derole, a toutes les jolies femmes de Paris, et la protection que mon cher petit bonhomme lui accorde ne se ralentit point. Non, rien ne peut me consoler de votre absence, meme ce bon vin de Grenade, dent je boirai bien a la sante du tr^s aimable Thubieres [Chevalier de Caylus] que j'ai aime, que j'aime et que j'aimerai. Mile. Lemaure tourne la tete a tout Paris dans le role de Ceres. Des qu'elle parait, le spectacle devient une troupe de Bacchantes. On ne sait qu'admirer le plus, de son jeu ou de sa voix ; nouvelle preuve que le theatre demande plus de sen- sibilite que d'esprit. La Champmele et la Duclos etaient aussi betes que celle qui nous charme aujourd'hui a I'opera. Pour la comedie, je ne sais ce qu'elle va devenir apres la perte de Dufresne et sa soeur.* M. le Prince de Carignan vient de rendre son ame a son createur, au grand regret des mariettes et marionettes, et a la grand satisfaction du publique. II est en Paradis si mieux n'est, dirait Maitre Francois Pabelais. Sa chaste epouse a cach^ sa mort, pour faire enlever les meubles les plus precieux au profit des creanciers. On se flatte qu'elle le suivra bientot, quoiqu'elle jouisse de quatre cent mille livres de rente; car je ne doute point qu'on ne lui conserve le jeu et I'opera. f Mr. Breton m'ecrit toujours pour louer ce pays-ci et tout ce qui I'habite. Vous y avez une part distinguee. Monsieur de I'Hestre, sans en etre requis, a voulu donner un souper a Mme. de Surgeres et a Mme. E. Son souper etait aussi different de ce- hii dont je vous ai ecrit qu'il Test lui-meme de M. de Valon. A force d'etre presse, j'ai fait connaissance avec I\I. de la Marche, et je m'en trouve bien ; il me parait un garcjon d'esprit et de m^rite. En perseverant, les Grecs ont pris Troye, et en per- severant M. le ^Marquis d'Armen soupera chez mon petit bon- homme. Rien n'est impossible a I'amnur constant. Le pauvre Chevalier de Papus, dans son etat deplorable, conserve pour vous le gout que les Grecs ont eu pour les Phryne et les Lais ; vous ne serez pas, je crois, fort offense de la coniparaison. Vous voyez la peine que j'ai a finir ma bavarderie ; je le ferai cependant, mais tristement, car M. de Carignan nous a donne une fausse joie, et le cial, irrite contre nous, a fait un miracle pour le conserver.J Depuis un mois le temps est admirable et I'esperance d'une fertilite universelle et extraordinaire parait tres bien fondee. Je ne vous dis rien de Mme. E., dont les sentiments pour vous ne changeront jamais. Nos Montmort vous assurent de leurs respects. * Mine. Quinault-Dnfreane retired from the staRe In 1736 ; her sister, known as Mile. Qiiinault-Diifresne, retired in 1741. t Barbier (iii. 270) takes the same view of the prince and his career. The more courtly Luynes (iii. 363) is much more favourable. Argenson (u. 81) estimates the value of the gaming license at lO.OOOZ. a month. J He did really die on April 4. 290 [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] 1741, March 26. Versailles. — Je ne m'axjquitterais de ma vie, si vous ne me permettiez d'etre en reste avec vous sur les reponses que je vous dois, mais il ne m'etait pas possible de vous les faire tenir. Je crois n'avoir rien de mieux d'y repondre que de vous assurer de I'amitie de M. de ._ Elle ne me parait ni diminuee ni douteuse. Ne soyez point in- quiet de ce que vous ferez ou que vous ne ferez pas ; les circon- stances et la prudence, voila votre papier et votre crayon. Peu de nouveliles, que voici. On dit que Mme. la Friperie ne veut point de mal au fils d'un homme chez qui nous avons soupe quelque fois, et meme qu'ils ne seront pas unis d'une amitie durable, attendu leur humeur reciproque. Vous etiez deja loin, a ce que je crois, lorsqu'on a fait ici cinq Marechaux de France: M. de Maillebois, de Duras, d'Isenghien, de Brancas, de Belle-isle ; les apprets que ce dernier fait pour paraitre dig- nement a Francfort a la diette qui doit s'y tenir engloutiraient les tresors d'Abouleasem. M. le Marquis de Breteuil est minis- tre depuis trois semaines. Le Marquis de Livry* est marie a la fille du premier president de Bordeaux. Elle n'est pas jolie, mais en recompense elle n'est pas jeune. Le Prince de Carignan a et^ assez pres de mourir pour en faire toutes les ceremonies ; mais le lendemain du viatique il en avait si singulierement rappele qu'il soupat avec douze per- sonnes au grand etonnement de tout Paris. Servandonit a onvert son spectacle, qu'on trouve fort au dessous de La Descente d'En^e. II s'a-git ici des Voyages d'Ulysse ; ses defenseurs pretendent que ce n'est que parce- qu'on sait mieux son A'^irgile que son Homere. Je ne I'ai pas encore pu voir, mais je crois volontiers qu'il aura deg^n^re, parceque c'est un homme qui fait bien ce qu'il fait, mais qui ne sait pas ce qu'il doit faire pour i^laire dans ce pays-ci. D'autres Servandonis nous preparent un nouveau spectacle dans le meme geni-e. Leur piece est un peu triste ; c'est le Jugement Dernier ; ils s'etablissent actuellement dans un jeu de paume. Une nouvelle chanteuse brille maintenant au Concert. Ses partisans la mettent cent piques au dessus de Mile. Jjemaure, ce qui se trouve dispute par d'autres qui la placent cent piques plus bas. Ma voisine a quitt^ la Comedie ; sa sante est pitoyable, et son estomac k peu de chose prfes est perdu. Perte pour la Comedie et pour les auteurs. Autre perte ; Dufresne [Quinault] a aussi obtenu son cong^ ; il est aussi tres malade.J Voila ce spectacle en d^sarroi. II s'en ^tait form^ ce carnival un par- ticulier dans un des faubourgs de la ville. Les spectateurs et les acteurs etaient au nombre de vingt cinq, et Ton y jouait des pieces du President Haynault, toutes battant-neuves. Le nom de I'auteur vous dit h peu prfes la coterie. Le secret a * Cf. Luynes, iii. .327. + " Peintre et architecte du roi." X He finally retired from the stage at this time, though he lived many years afterwards. 29] ete assez longtemps enterre, mais la troupe de Morville, qui en ^tait expressement exclue , a tout d^couvert ; de 1^ — publica- tion generals, plaisanterie critique, et cent tracasseries qui ont eparpille si bien le colombier, que le President Haynault sera oblige de remettre dans le portefeuille deux ou trois chefs- d'oenvres dramatiques. II a paru ces jours passes un digne ouvrage intitule Dom Bougre, Portier des Ghartreux, Histoire de sa Vie ecrite par luy m6me. Tres peu de gens I'ont vu et le verront de long- temps du moins, attendu les precautions qu'on a prises. Ma foi, celui-la dame le pion aux auteurs licentieux ; peintures, jouissances de toutes especes, debauches, crapule, avec les meilleurs termes du Dictionnaire de Cytbfere — tout y est. J'en ai vu des gens bien ^tonnes ; nous vous en regalerons a votre retour. Je lui aurais fait passer les mers, si j'avais pu I'avoir k moi, mais il est bien digne d'etre rare. M. votre frere se porte fort bien et toujours mene meme vie pbilosophique, quoiqu'il ait chang6 de domicile. II est k present en possession de sa maison qu'il s'occupe a orner, et qui en est bien plus digne qu'elle n'^tait. Tout ce que je connais de vos connaissances se porte bien. Mme. la Ctsse. de Maurepas jouit d'une assez bonne sante ; elle m'a charge de vous faire des compliments, et de vous dire qu'elle vous souhaite bien du bonheur ; elle vous remercie du vin qui doit lui etre remis de votre part , et de la lettre que vous lui avez Ecrite : elle aurait fort desire pouvoir y repondre, mais oil vous prendre ! Vous rece\Tez avec celle-ci toutes les lettres qui me [sont] arrivees pour vous jusqu'a aujourd'hui. J'aurai soin de celles qui viendront, et je ne manquerai pas de vous les faire tenir; si vous nous ecrivez, vous nous ferez grand plaisir. On ne pent etre plus chiche d'ecriture que le sont ceux qui se trouvent oij vous etes. Nous n'avons presque point de nouvelles. [Eemoxd] to the Chevalier de Caylds. [1741], June 1. Au Chateau de Villeroy. — Comment saurais-je pourquoi vous etes en Amerique? moi, qui n'ai pu deviner jusqu'a cette heure a quel dessein on y a envoye I'annee derniere una si belle flotte ; car il est sur qu'en y arrivant, Ton pouvait oter la Jamaique aux Anglais et faire ce qu'on aurait voulu dans ces mers. Nos vaisseaux sont revenus manges des vers, et avec des equipages presque detruits, et Ton dit presentement que Cartagene est assiege. M. d'Antin* en aura rendu compte a Dieu qui I'a appelle h lui pour delivrer I'etat et mon cher Thubieres d'un si pesant et si dangereux fardeau. Je plains bien le ministre que nous aimons. II a fait un grand coup pour la marine en y reunissant les deux vice-amirautes. Mais il aurait fallu auparavant supprimer la charge de Grand Amiral et I'Amiraute. Le bien de I'etat et du commerce le demandait, mais M. le C. de Toulouse est preferable a tout. * Died at Brest in the end of April. Cf. Lnynes, iii. 382 ; Barbier, iii. 275. 292 Pour moi, je crie toujours pour voir un fort a Dunkerque, et je demonstre que nous ne pouvons jamais avoir de puissance sur terre qu'en diminuant celle des Anglais sur mer. Mais il y a longtemps que j'ai le sort de Cassandre. Le Eoi de Prusse, jeune conquerant, apres avoir battu avec des troupes non aguerries les vieilles bandes de la reine d'Hongrie, et voyant toutes ses forces se rassembler contre lui, a parle si f ortement au marechal de Belleisle qui , comme vous le savez, n'est pas faible, que le Cardinal a ete force de faire une augmentation considerable dans notre infanterie, et je ne doute point que des cette annee on n 'assemble quelques troupes. J'ai bien peur que le feu ne soit bientot dans toute I'Europe. Comment soutiendrons-nous la guerre sans argent et sans hommes ? Vous savez que ce pauvre Comte de Grammont s'est trouve, dans un instant, due et pair, gouverneur de province et colonel du regiment des gardes. Tout est done her^ditaire, meme en ligne collaterale? II est plus beau d'essuyer des coups de fusil pour son plaisir, et le sordide int^ret ne fait qu'alterer la purete et I'eclat de la vertu. M. le Due de la Tremoille s'est enferme avec sa femme, qui a eu la petite verole; elle est bien guerie, et il en est mort. L'epitaphe qu'on lui a fait est concis : — " Ci git r Amour victime de 1' Hymen." La Comtesse Royale, dont la prudence egale I'authorite, a declare hautement qu'elle demandait sa charge pour M. de Luxembourg, son tres humble valet; les sots de la cour etaient attentifs a la decision ; le fils meme du defunt ne I'a point eue, et le Due de Flenry vient d'etre nomme, ainsi que de raison. Mme. Eonde est allee a Plombiere pour y prendre les eaux dans les deux saisons ; je crois que le temps interm^diaire sera pour Montmort, et j'en serai en verity, bien aise. Mais vous m'y manquerez bien, comme vous me manquez toujours et par tout. Le petit president a perdu son heros et son model en perdant Monsieur de la Tremoille qu'il voulait reunir avec le president de Marbeuf . II a attaque aux Tuileries toutes les femmes pour venir souper chc', lui. Celles qui n'y vont point ont re9ues ses visites ; enfin tout Paris y a passe ; ce qui est d'une grande decoration. Son maitre d' hotel et son cuisinier sont fort ap- prouves quoiqu'il tache de les tenir inconnus. II n'en est pas de meme ici. Je vols sortir tous les matins vingt bonnets et tabliers de la messe, et avec ce grand nombre d'officiers on y fait la plus mauvaise chere du monde ; elle est meme ridicule, vue la depense; cependant, comme la patisserie est passable, quoique moins excellente qu'ils ne croient, que le boucher de Corbeil fournit de la viande singulierement bonne, et qu'on y boit de fort bons vins, on ne doit pas le plaindre sans pouvoir louer. J'etais bier au soir a table entre le bon marechal de Duras et sou fils, h qui je trouvai toutes les maniferes de M. de Richelieu avec moins d'esprit. Mais je crois qu'il vaut mieux. Les Fontenoi et Cr^vecoeur firent grand bruit, et un 293 grand bruit est fort agreable. Le pere Nicole est la plus plai- sante chose du monde. II taut que ce beau titre leurs tourne la tete. Les dames ne veulent plus jouer avec lui, rebutees de ses emportements , gronderies, et mauvaise huiiieur; il a perdu ces ris, ses poings fermes et ses beaux bras a table, et ce noble en- thousiasme qui le rendaient si aimable pour les gens qui avaient le gout fin et delicat. Cependant comme on aime apparemment beaucoup la geometrie, on ne peut s'en passer ; I'Academie nous I'enleve quelquefois, mais les attelages et les relais sent prets aussitot pour le ramener ; jamais voiture et sarrasin n'ont et^ si desires. Que sera ce quand Mesdames de Brancot et de Segur seront ici? car le Chevalier des Alleures leurs a appris que Nicole etait tres aimable. Je ne laisse pas de me plaire ici plus que par le passe, et je partirai dans quinze jours a regret ; maLs je veux aller a Liancourt, qui est une scene toute differente, et qui ne.laisse pas d'avoir son uicrite et meme ses agrements pour moi. Je ferai mieux dans ma solitude de Montmort que nulle part ; solitude qui ne laissera pas d'etre ranimee par Mme. R., le grand Valon, les Fitz-James, etc. Je vous en rendrai compte en temps et lieu. Les personnes qui aiment veritablement M. le C. de M. sont affligees du credit que Mme. la D. d'Aig. a sur son esprit, et je crois qu'elles ont raison. Pour moi je me tiens eloigne, les aimant toujours I'un et I'autre, c'est a dire, M. et Mme. de Maurepas. Mon petit bon homme vous aime et vous aimera toujours. [Salley] to the Chevalier de Caylds. 1741, June 7. Versailles. — Soyez le tres bien amve* Mon- sieur, et soyez le surtout en sante complete . . .En attendant que je sois informe de voire retour, pour vous in- struire des nouvelles particulieres . . . . je me borne quant a present a vous apprendre que vous etes toujours egale- ment aime et desire. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Same. 1741, June 24. Versailles. — The King desires that, on his arrival at Toulon, the ships shall be stripped and paid out of commission as quickly as possible. Signed. Louis XV. to the Same. 1741, June 24. Versailles. — Mons. le Chev. de Caylus, avant juge a propos de faire desarmer le vaisseau le Borce et les fregates VAquilon et la Flore que vous commandez, lorsqu'ils seront arrives a Toulon, je vous ecris cette lettre pour vous dire que mon intention est qu'il y soit travaille avec toute la diligence possible; que vous assistiez a ce desarmement , aussi bien que les capitaines et autres officiers qui ont servi sur ces * He did not, in.faot, arrive till the beginning of September. 294 vaisseaux ; que vous signiez pour le vaisseau le Boree, et les Srs. de Pardaillan et de Saurins pour les frigates VAquilon et la Flore, les inventaires des consommations qui auront ete faites pendant la campagne , et que vous remettiez et f assiez remettre au oontrole de la marine un devis du radoub qu'il y aura, a faire a chacun de ces vaisseaux et fregates, avec un memoire de ce qui aura ete reconnu de leurs bonnes ou mauvaises qualites, suivant ce qui est present par mes ordonnances et reglements. Et la presente n'etant a autre fin, je prie Dieu, qu'il vous ait, Mons. le Chev. de Caylus, en sa sainte garde. Signed: Tiovis. Countersigned: Phelypeadx. Pbllbein to the [Chevalier de Caylus. J 1741, June 27. Versailles.— The writer hopes that the Chevalier is drawing near Toulon, and is in good health. It is the only news left to hope for, as the course of events has pre- vented his accomplishing the object of his voyage. Hopes that he may have better fortune in his next. [Eemond] to the Same. [1741] , July 29. a Montmort. — Depuis que les Anglais ont ete si maltraites en Amerique, mon tres cher et tres aimable chevalier, je crois que nos vaisseaux qui sont prets a sortir de nos ports se reunissants pourraient en purger ces mers. On leurs feiait tomber des mains ce pretendu trident, et alors nous serions plus en repos sur la terre ferme. Vous savez que nous envoyons des generaux et des armees de tous cotes. Je ne sais si le Cardinal y va de bon jeu, et si ce n'est pas seulement pour intimider et avancer le succes de ses negotiations secretes. M. le Marechal de Belleisle regne ici, et travaille seul avec les ministres, soit ensemble, soit separement. J'ai remue mes grands amis pour que mon neveu fut employe dans son armee, et j'ai reussi. Nous attendous Mme. Eonde a son retour de Plombiere ; on pretend que sa sante est retablie. Notre grand Valon est dans le grand regime pour que la goutte ne le retienne pas a Paris quand son regiment aura ordre de marcher. Les Pitz-James servent sur la Moselle. Mme. de Maurepas etait inquiete de ne vous pas savoir arrive a Toulon et monter un beau vaisseau qui vous attend. Je suis encore dans la meme in- quietude sur votre compte ; et mon cher petit bon homme la partage. Adieu, mon brave chevalier, battez les Anglais, et revenez passer gaiement I'hiver avec nous. Salley to the Same. 1741, August 1. Versailles. — Vous connaitrez, Monsieur, par les dispositions que vous trouverez au port en arrivant, combien nous avons souhait^ et attendu votre retour, et meme regrette le sejour que vous avez fait en Amerique. Nous avons toujours craint qu'il ne fut long outre mesure. Je vous 295 previens le plutot que je puis sur un discours qui m'a ete tenu ce matin. On m'est venu trouvex, pour me dire que j'eusse a vous avertir de moderer les sentiments de votre ame, ou du moins les expressions de ces sentiments, sur la mort d'uu homme* qui n'etait pas de la premiere intimite avec voua, parcequ'il y avait a Toulon des gens qui recueillaient , a ce sujet, les propos qu'on y tenait, et qu'ils devaient etre fort attentifs k ceux auxquels vous laisseriez aller votre sincerite. On pretend meme que ces inspecteurs vous paraitront de vos amis, et qu'il fera bon se defier de tous sur cet article. J'ai re^u cat avis de si bonne part que j'ai cru devoir vous le mander, d'autant mieux que le conseil n'est pas difficile a suivre, et que tout est dit de qui n'est plus ; vous ne sauriez croire combien nous avons ^t^ sages sur cet article, et comme quoi nous avons tres bien fait. II n'y a pas eu le plus petit changement dans Paris et a la cour depuis votre depart. Tout vit et tout pense de meme; tout est a la meme place, et a minuit vous metteriez la main sur tout ce que vous avez laisse. C'est un admirable chose que I'ordre. La politique s'est un peu evertuee, et toutes nos troupes marchent, en sorte que dans peu nos officiers laisseront bien des veuves; mais elles ne le sont point encore, et les ar- rangements qu'elles font pour I'absence des guerroyeurs ne sont encore qu'en petto. Le ministre se porta bien et vous aime, quoiqu'il se plaigne que vous ne lui avez pas assez ecrit — ce qui en est peut-etre une preuve. Je voas que vous passerez d'un bord a I'autre sans mettre pied k terre, et qu'il ne faut esp^rer de vous voir que I'annee prochaine. II y aura bien des gens f aches, mais ceux qui vous aimeront pour vous n'en seront pas tout a fait tristes. Permettez moi d'etre de ce nombre. [? M. DE Caylus au Comte de Maurepas.J 1741, Sunday, August 6. — Relation du Combat rendu entre les trois vaisseaux du roi le Boree de 62 Canons, VAquilon de 46, et la Flore de 26, et quatres vaisseaux de guerre anglais, dont deux de 66 canons et deux de 44 a 46 ; les Anglais com- mandes par le Capitaine Barkley [Barnett] et les Fran§ais par le Capitaine Caylus : — Samedi 5e d'aoiit, a trois heures apres midi, coura))t grand Jargue sur le Cap Spartel avec petit vent du N.N.O. , se decouvrirent plusieurs vaisseaux s^parees de deux en deux, qui forgaient de voile pour me joindre. Une demie heure avant le soleil couchant, un des deux qui etaient au vent a moi dans le partie du nord, ayant mis pavilion anglais, je mis le mien, pour me faire connaitre avant la nuit ; deux navires, plus pres de moi et de I'arriere, firent battre pavilion hollandais. Le vent etait presque calme, et j'etais oblige de naviguer a tres petites voiles, pour at- tendre VAquilon et la Flore, qui marchaient extremement * Presumably the Marquis d'Antin. 296 mal. La nuit se fit, et je donnai dans le detroit, tou- jours suivi des deux navires qui avaient mis pavilion hol- landais, et des deux du vent, dont un avait mis pavilion anglais, et m' avait paru un assez gros navire. J'aliumai deux feux a ma poupe et un a la hune, pour que VAquilon et la Flore en mirent un a poupe, et que je pus, pendant la nuit , les distinguer des navires etrangers. Environ les dix heures et demie, les deux navires de I'arriere s'ap- pi'ocherent de VAquilon, qui leur demanda quels navires ils etaieut, a quoi ils repondirent qu'ils etaient hollandais, venant d' Amsterdam, allant a Alger, lis firent la meme question, et M. de Pardaillon fit repondre que nous etions vaisseaux du roi et que nous aillions en France ; et lui fit demander, qui etaient les vaisseaux en nombre qui avaient ete decouverts le soir ; a laquelle question il ne fut fait aucune reponse. Pendant cette conversation je faisais toujours route a tres petites voiles pour ne pas m'eloigner de mes petites fregates. Une demie heure apres, les vais- seaux reprirent la conversation ; un d'eux cria a VAquilon de mettre son canot a la mer, ce que, comme il est aise de le croire, lui fut refuse. Aloi's I'etranger proposa d'envoyer le sien, et M. de Pardaillan lui fit crier qu'il n'avait qu'a aller' parler a son commandant, qui faisait tres petites voiles. Un instant apres, I'autre navire, qui n'avait point encore parle, for9a de voile, s'approcha de VAquilon et lui cria brutalement — " Arretez, arretez ! noussommes navires de guerre anglais." 11 repeta les memes questions que I'autre navire avait fait ; auxquelles on repondit du meme. 11 demanda le nom du commandant francais et de son vais- seau. L'on le lui apprit ; il dit qu'il s'appellait Barkley, et qu'iJ commandait le Dragon ; ii cria encore a VAquilon de mettre son canot a la mer, ce qui fiat toujours refuse, en lui disant d'aller parler au commandant. L'impatient et tres insolent Anglais cria alors : "Arretez ou je vous arre- terai. A cela, point de reponse. L' Anglais repeta, " Si vous etes fran9ais, arretez, ou je vous traiterai en ennemi." M. de Pardaillan fit repondre que cela I'ennuyait, et qu'il n'avait qu'a parler au commandant; ajoutant, "Nous sommes navires de guerre du roi de France.'' A cela I'Anglais ci-ia : "Vous n'etes point Frangais, vous etes (fes b — d'Eispagnols." Cette expression douce et polie fut suivi d'un coup de canon a boulet, qui passa fort haut entre les mats de VAquilon; alors M. de Pardaillan demanda, " Avons nous la guerre? Si vous tirez encore un coup, je vous donnerai toute ma bordee dans le ventre." L' Anglais tira trois coups de canon ; M. de Pardaillan tint sa parole et laclia sa bordee ; le combat fut commence, et au quatrieme coup de canon, M. de Pardaillan fut tue, et M. du Sillet prit le commandement du navire. Le premier vaisseau qui avait parle h VAquilon, avait ete se poster dans la hanche de la Flore, et I'attaquer. Je revins tout au plus vite sur babord, pour secourir cette petite et brave fregate, 297 qui faisait un feu qu'on n'aurait pas du attendre de la quantite et de qualite de son artillerie. En faisant cette manoeuvre, je me trouvai par le travers d'un navire que I'obscurite m'avait empeche d'apercevoir, qui etait le meme qui etait au nord, et avait arbore pavilion anglais — et qui m'attaqua par toute sa hordee. Je la lui rendis et lui en donnai une seconde, avant qu'il eut pu recharger ses canons. J'eus lieu de juger que je I'avais foi't incommode, car il mit toutes ses voiles a acculer. Je voulus en f aire du meme, pour le bien ecraser; mais un fil de courant me fit lui presenter la poupe, dont il profita pour me faire un grand feu de mousqueterie et de deux canons de chasse; mais ils tiraient si mal et pointaient si liaut, qu'ils ne me tuerent qu'un caporal sur la dunette, et meme ils ne m'in- commoderent que fort peu mes manoeuvres . Enfin le vent m'ayant permis de me mouvoir, je reviens sur tribord. Le vaisseau que j 'avals combattu, avait ete chercher un feu moins pesant, et se battait avec la Flore qui, moyen- nant cela, avait a faire a deux. Je lui delivrai, et j'en de- matai un de son petit mat de hune. II abandonna le com- bat et fit route par Tanger. La Flore fit alors, a I'aide de ses forces, la manoeuvre de venir se mettre de I'arriere de moi, comme je lui avais ordonn^e. Alors il nous restait trois anglais; un qui combattait VAquilon, et qui, par le grand feu de cette petite fregate — qui, par parenthese, ne porte que des canons de dix sur son pont — fut oblige de mettre a acculer. Nous continuames encore quelques temps a canoner, mais de loin ; les Anglais ayant tenu le vent, en for9ant de voiles, preuve qu'ils etaient contents du feu qu'ils avaient essuyes ; preuve aussi qu'alors il ne nous prenait plus (et ne nous avaient jamais pris)* pour des Es- pagnols. II etait alors trois beures et un quart ; le combat avait commence a minuit. Je criai a VAquilon et a la Flore de passer de mon avant, de raccommoder leurs manoeuvres, pour etre en etat de recomencer ; auquel ordre, tous les equi- pages crierent, Vive le Eoi. Je me mis a ma route, les deux huniers sur le ton. f Je laissai faire le jour, qui me fit aper- cevoir trois navires assez pres de moi et sept autres a une distance un peu plus grande, qui tous faisaient route sur moi, toute voile dehors. Je repris mes manoeuvres sur ba- bord, ma batterie dehors et bien preparee pour le combat. Je n'eus pas plutot fait cette manoeuvre, que le Capitaine Barkley, qui etait le plus pres de moi, mit cote a travers a deux portees de canons. Je jugeais qu'il ne voulait pas re- commencer, ou qu'il attendait peut-etre la jonction de ces dix navires. A tout evenement, je me remis a la route h petite voile, en assurant mon pavilion d'un coup de canon. Alors je vis partir du navire anglais un canot, avec pavilion blanc de I'avant: je I'attendis ; il vient me faire des ex- cuses, que je re^us en riant, et lui disant qu'il ne m'avait * This clause is written in by a superior hand. t " The topsails on the cap.'' 298 point olfense ; que le roi mon maitre serait instruit de cette manoeuvre, et qu'au demeurant, je lui savais gre d' avoir un peu exerce nos equipages ; que cela leur ferait du bien, si comme nous I'esperions tous, le roi jugeait a propos de leur declarer la guerre. Copy {!■) [The English account of this affair, by Captain Barnett (not Barkley), is enclosed in Rear-Admiral Haddock's letter of August 3 ("In Letters " No. 380), and the sense of it is printed in Beatson's Naval and Military Memoirs, i. 119, iii. 31. See also Troude, Batailles navales de la France, i. 289. M. de Caylas' account has not before been printed.^ to the Chevalier [de Caylus]. 3741, September 2. — Je savais tout vos succes, mon cher cheval ; on ne parle ici que de vous et je voudrais bien que vous y fussiez pour entendre tout ce qu'on en dit ; quelque modeste que vous soyez, vous ne pourriez pas vous refuser a une joie interieure bien vive et bien pure. Je suis transportee que vous ayez pris le mord aux dents ; j'en souhaitais une occasion ; vous en voila quitte, sain et sauf ; je suis contente ; les Anglais sont de vilains coquiiis ; ils etaient six fois plus forts que vous, ce- pendant ils n'ont pas pu noyer mon cher cheval ; si vous aviez ete a leur place, vos exploits eussent ^te differents des leurs. Voila bien des mejDrises de suites ; c'est, si je ne trompe, la troisd- eme fois que cela arrive ; ne leur dira-t-on jamais? — Je suis las a la fin de tant de lethargies . Je n'imagine pas que nous vous revoyons cet hiver ; si je ne consul tais que mon goiit et mon ami tie pour vous, j'en serais tres afflig^e ; mais comme je ne vous aime pas pour moi toute eeule, je ne serai point du tout fach^e des ev^nements qui peuvent nous separer, s'ils sont tels que je les voudraient fsic^ pour le cheval le plus aime de mon ecurie. Quand je dis que nous ne nous verrons pas, j'ai tort; je compte bien que vous viendrez faire un salamalec au roi, a votre ministre, et embrasser votre fille qui vous aime de tout son coeur, et qui vous repete qu'elle souhaite que vous ne soyez que 14 jours ici. Le due vous dit un million de choses ; il est transporte de votre aventure, ainsi que le prince Charles*; I'un et I'autre vous en font de tres sinceres compliments. Berthier est comble de votre souvenir et de votre tabac, mais ce n'est pas ce qui le touche le plus dans ce moment ; il ne songe, ainsi que moi, qu'a votre combat et h, la f afon dont vous vous en etes tire , et il me charge de vous assurer que rien ne pent egaler I'interet qu'il y prend, et que s'il ne croyait pas que tous vos amis vous affu- bleront de lettres aussi plates que la mienne, il vous aurait ecrit aussi longuement et aussi platement qu'un autre. Adieu, mon cher et bien aime cheval ; on ne pent rien ajouter a I'amitie vive et tendre que j'aurai toute ma vie pour vous. * Presumably, Charles de Lorraine, Comte d'Armagnac, Grand 6cuyer de France. 299 M. et Mme. de Maux, qui sont ici veulent absolument que je vous fasse souvenir d'eux, et que vous soyez persuade de I'interet qu'ils prennent a ce qui vous arrive. L'abbe vous assouame aussi de toutes les platitudes du monde. [Madame Celeste?]* to the Chevalier de Caylds. at Toulon. [1741] , September 2. — Kous voila bien remontee sur notre bete, puisse que nous avons le bonheur d' avoir retrouve notre beau cheval, ha 1 qu'il me rend bien justice ; il a done cru una partie de mes inquietudes puisqu'il a bien voulu me donner de ses nouvelles; il saura combien j 'avals priee qu'on me tira de peines toutes des premieres , et c ' est a lui que j ' en ai 1' obligation . Je voudrais pour recompense qu'il entendit ce qu'on dit ici de lui, et qu'il y fut sensible, comme moi. Je ne souhaite pas au cheval de mediocres plaisirs ; appelle-t-il cela jouer? ce ne sont pas des jeux d'enfants ; et si Ton se connail aussi bien en dispositions que moi, je vous assure qu'il aura toujours le pre- mier role, qui lorsqu'on joue parfaitement un mauvais doit avoir ce droit, et vous auriez le choix dans toutes les pieces si j'en etais crue. Le beau cheval doit etre accable de compli- ments qui n'en sont point, mais il n'en a pas moins I'incom- modite de lire ; il faut le laisser en repos, et ne lui souhaiter que des occasions, en lui rendant mille graces pour I'honneur de la nation. Ha, qu'il salt bien ruer, le cheval a ma soeur ! Seal : On a lozenge-shaped shield a chevron, between in chief two flowers, stemmed and leaved, and in base an anchor re- versed between two stars. Coronet of count. The Chevalier de Rbnnes to the Chevalier de Caylus, at Toulon. 1741, September 3. St. Ildefonse. — Vous m'avez fait un plaisir sensible, Monsieur, de me donner de vos nouvelles et de m'apprendre vous meme votre aventure, que je savais deja et dont j' etais fort empresse de savoir la verite. J'ai lu votre relation a LL. MM. Le roi d'Espagne a ete charme de votre reponse ; il aurait grande envie que Ton pensat a Ver- sailles comme vous ; recevez men compliment de la iagx>n brillante avee laquelle, malgre une aussi grande inferiorite, vous avez soutenu la gloire du pavilion et de la nation ; il n'y a qu'a vous souhaiter des occasions plus considerables, mais des occasions ou Ton se batte a bon escient ; car d'aller se faire tuer pour un compliment que Ton fait apres, en v6rit6 ce n'est pas la peine. Le consul de Malaga m'a rendu compte des difficultes que vous avez eprouvees de la part de I'administrateur des douanes ; celui ci en a regu une forte reprimande du ministre des finances, qui a sur le champ envoye mainlevee de la caution qu'on avait ete oblige de donner pour les droits des denrees dont vous avez ♦ The writing is the same as that of January 3, ante p. 282. 300 eu besoin ; mais j'en ai fait aussi une a ce consul, qui me parait en toutes occasions le prendre sur un ton de hauteur qui ne convient nullement, et qui ne pent faire que de tres mauvais effets : il m'a fortement 6crit contre celui que vous me recom- mandez, me le depeignant comme un homme fort mal affec- tionne a la nation. J'ai reyu depuis, la lettre dont vous m'avez honore du 17 aout, par laquelle vous me sollieitez en faveur de tous leb Casamayor. II faut vous dire que ces messieurs ont tres mauvais renom, ayant beaucoup de demeles avec plusieurs commerfants qui ont eu le malheur d'etre associes avec eux, et qu'ils cherchent a tromper par toutes sortes d'artifices ; j'ai meme re§u la semaine passee une lettre de M. de Maurepas, qui me charge de presser ce M. Casamayor pour I'obliger a excuser des jugements rendus contre lui en faveur de quelques negotiants bretons, a qui il cherche a faire banqueroutes. J'espere que dans votre route de Malaga a Toulon, vous n'aurez point recontre d'Anglais, et que vous serez arrive en parfaite sante. Holograph. Pellebin to the Chevalier de Caylds. 1741, September 3. Versailles. — II nous etait venu des nouvelles de votre combat par le precedent ordinaire d'Espagne, mais sans aucunes circonstances , de maniere que nous avons passe huit jours dans la perplexite et dans I'impatience d'avoir de vos lettres. Kous etions bien persuades cependant que I'affaire ne pouvait s'etre passee qu'a I'honneur des ai"mes du roi et au votre. Nous etious seulement inquiets pour vous, et mes craintes etaient d'autant plus grandes, que je sais que la plus haute valeur s'expose le plus, et n'est pas respectee par les canons. Je vols par la lettre dont vous m'avez honore de Malaga, que vous en avez terriblement essuye, et je me hate de vous faire mon compliment tres sincere sur le bonheur que vous avez eu de vous tirer aussi heureusement d'un combat si inegal, et sur la gloire que vous y avez acquise. Je vous supplie de croire que personne n'y prend plus d'interet que moi, et que personne aussi ne vous est plus veritablement attache que je le suis. Je n'ai point encore vu votre relation, que M. le Cte. de Maurepas a gardee ; mais toutes les lettres de votre escadre nous instruisent de la fa§on dont vous avez soutenu I'honneur des armes du roi, et vous rendent la justice qui vous est due. J'ai impatience de le voir , pour etre t^moin de sa satis- faction, et pour lui montrer votre lettre et recevoir ses ordres sur la felouque que vous avez intention de faire construire pour votre vaisseau de 74 canons. Je connais que vous n'en ayez pas le temps, et que vous ne soyez pas content d'avoir le com- mandement du Due d'Orlcans. Vous aurez su qu'il n'y a pas eu de ma faute si vous n'avez pas celui de VEsperance, quoique je ne vous en aie rien mand^ dans la lettre que vous trouverez de moi en aiTivant a Toulon. Je compte que vous y etes a 301 present, et que le reste de votre navigation aura ^t^ heureuse, n'ayant pas d'apparence que les Anglais, de la maniere dont vous les avez re9us, s'avisent de la traverser une seconde fois. Nous ne savons point encore, et je ne puis vous dire quelle sera- la destination de I'escadre de Toulon, les choses etant toujours dans la meme etat d'incertitude. Je n'oublierai pas assure- ment ce que vous me faites I'honneur de me marquer au sujet du Sr. Francois Coulomb. La Poete to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1741, September 3. Versailles. — Personne ne prend plus de part que moi a I'aventure qui vous est arrivee. EUe est hono- rable pour vous, pour tous ceux qui ont combattu sous vos ordres, et pour le corps de la marine. J 'avals espere lors de votre depart pour les Isles, que vous auriez des occasions plus impor- tants de vous distinguei' : mais vous devez etre informe a present de la veritable cause de I'inaction ou Ton vous a laisse dans ce pays la. II est encore heureux que vous ayez pu vous en pro- curer quelque dedommagement. C'est une preuve, dont, au reste, on n'avait pas besoin, que la mission qui vous avait ete donnee, etait dans les mains bien capables de la rendre brillante. J'ai vu avec plaisir, les temoignages que vous rendez de votre jeune Creole, et je ne doute pas que le ministre n'y ait egard. II y en a deja quelques uns dans la marine, et ils ne la des- honorent pas. Vous avez ete a portee de connaitre de quoi sont capables les ^Nlartiniquais, lorsqu'ils seront menes par des hommes qui sauront s'en faire respecter. Je sais du moins ce qu'ils etaient disposes a faire sous vos ordres; et je suis per- suade que vous aurez ete aussi content d'eux, qu'ils paraissent I'etre de vous, pour qui je comprends qu'ils ont congu tous les sentiments qui vous sont dus. Vous aurez appris, a votre arrivee a Toulon, votre nouvelle destination. Puisqu'elle ne me permettra pas de profiter si tot des eclaircissements que vous voulez bien m'offrir sur le pays que vous venez de quitter, je prendrai, dans les occasions qui s'en presenteront, la liberte de vous les demander par ecrit, et de vous renouveller les assurances du devoument. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Same. 1741, September 4. Versailles. — J'ai re^u, jNIonsieur, avec votre lettre du 15 du mois dernier, la relation qui y etait jointe du combat que vous avez rendu k I'entree du detroit contre quatre vaisseaux anglais qui ont attaque votre escadre. Le roi, k qui j'en ai rendu compte, a vu avec beaucoup de satisfac- tion que vous avez soutenu I'honneur de ses armes avec toute la prudence et la valeur que Ton devait attendre de votre zele pour son service, et sa Majeste m'a commande de vous marquer qn'elle approuve ^galement la maniere dont vous vous 6tes comporte dans cette occasion qu'il ne parait pas que vous ayez pu eviter, et la r^ponse que vous avez faite a I'officier que le 302 commandant des vaisseanx anglais vous a envoye pour vous faire des excuses. Sa Majeste est aussi tres satisfaite des preuves qu'ont donne de leur ardeur et de leur courage, les officiers et les equipages des vaisseaux que vous eommandiez, et elle est disposee a avoir egard aux temoignages avantageux que vous en rendez et a accorder les graces que vous proposez pour ceux qui sont dans le cas de les obtenir ; c'est sur quoi je vous repondrai separement. Signed. CoMTE DE Mauhepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1741, September 4. Versailles. — J'ai re^u de vos nouvelles, avec bien du plaisir; j'e les attendais avec d'autant plus d'im- patience qui j'avais prevu, qu'au retour, votre traversee ne se passerait pas sans quelque aventure. Celle qui vous est arrivee a fort bien pris ici, et vous fait beaucoup d'honneur ; vous devez croire qu'il ne suffisait pa.s a I'interet que je prends a ce qui vous touche d'etre le seul qui en pensat avantageusement, et que je suis charme que le sentiment general s'accorde avec le mien. J'en ai rendu compte au roi en presence de M. le cardinal, et je lui ai dit que, plus sensible a I'honneur de le semr qu'k tout interet, vous preferiez, a une pension, un temoignage de satisfaction de sa part ; il m'a paru egalement content de votre conduite et de vos sentiments. Vous con- naitrez par les lettres que vous recevrez en meme temps que celle-ci, que je ne vous avais pas oublie pendant votre absence ; j'avais bien compte sur I'envie que vous auriez de ne pas perdre I'occasion de vous rembarquer, et je ne le souhaitais pas moins que vous, dans le desir que j'ai de vous rendre service. i Private. 1 Saueins to the Chevalier de Caylus, Commandant I'escadre du Roi, au Boree. 1741, September 4 (?)*. — A bord de la Flore. Four casks of Malaga, which the Chevalier promised to order for him, have not come to hand. [Salley] to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1741, September 5. Versailles. — II est encore plus agreable pour ceux qui vous sont aussi attaches que je le suis, de recevoir enfin de vos nouvelles apres un voyage de I'espece du votre. Je dois avoir un peu de part a votre bienveillance si vous I'accordez a ceux a qui vous avez cause de I'inquietude; une longue tra- versee, au bout de laquelle, pour premier avis, nous apprenons par I'Espagne votre combat sans aucune circonstance ; on ne nous mande que le bruit du canon ; huit jours dans cette incer- titude ; heureusement nous apprenons enfin votre triomphe. Je vous en felicite bien sincerement. Parlons en un petit moment. On fait ici votre eloge et vous devez etre content * Date blotted'; might be 7. 303 des discours qui se tiennent a ce sujet. Mgr. le Cte. de Maure- pas a tr^s bien parl6 au roi sur votre compte ; et ce qui m'en plait d'avantage, c'est qu'il pense ce qu'il en dit. Ah, si M. d'Epinay eut ete fait chef d'escadre, que cela eut ete beau ! • 11 n'y aura rien de perdu que du temps. D'ailleurs, la gloire vaut les titres et mieux surement ; il y en a tant que Ton traine, que j'ambitionerais nioins de les avoir que de les merite. Ah, que vous etes long a venir de Malaga a Toulon. N'auriez vous pas rencontre encore quelque Anglais? Tant pis pour lui ; mais cependant, un triste coup, helas, est bien tot arrive. Je dis ici ce que je ne pense guere ; un boulet qui tue et qui n'es- tropie pas n'est pas un si grand mal. Mais a dire vrai, il ne faut le recevoir qu'apres en avoir donn^ et en quantite. II m'est arrive une aventure qui a ete tournee heureusement en bouffonerie. Monseigneur, apres avoir lu la lettre que vous lui avez ecrit, s'est jette comme un faucon sur la mienne, pour se rassasier de vos nouvelles. II I'a lu tout haut. M. votre frere ttait present, et il ne lui a pas ^pargne I'article qui vous regarde. J 'etais dans un strange embarras pour vous et pour moi. Mon- seigneur a force M. votre frere d'en rire, et il en a rit en effet. Le reste de la lettre etait fort bien, et d'autant mieux qu'elle m'etait ecrite. M. Pellerin et M. de la Porte doivent vous avoir fait reponse. lis me paraissent sinceres dans les temoignages qu'ils me don- nent du desir qu'ils auraient de pouvoir vous rendre service. Je souhaite que tout le monde leur ressemble ; mais apr^s tout que vous faut il? les dispositions du Ministre vous suffisent assurement. J'espere pour le Chev. Azan, et je vous supplie de lui dire que je le remercie beaucoup de sa lettre et de sa relation qui est tres bonne, et que j'ai fait lire k Mgr. Je lui ferai reponse aussi- tot que j'aurai un moment a moi. L'amie du Quai de Conti se porte mieux qu'elle n*a fait tout I'hiver passe ; elle a ete fort malade vraiment, mais elle reprend sa sante depuis quelque temps. Eien de change dans Paris, si non que M. votre frere va de temps en temps k la campagne, et qu'il n'y allait pas autrefois. Ce n'est pas a ecrire ses anec- dotes, ainsi faites vous informer ailleurs s'il vous plait. Nous ne vous verrons de longtemps. J'en serais bien fach^, si je ne savais que votre interet ne s'y trouverait pas. En verity, je le r^p^te, Malaga est bien eloigns de Toulon. to the Chevaliee de Caylus. 1741, September 5. Paris. — Si dans ma jeunesse j'ai ch^vauch^ avec quelqu'approbation, c'^tait par avoir appris de bonne heure que le cheval le plus rare et le plus accompli ^tait celui que ^tait ^galement propre a la chasse comme k la guerre, comme qui dirait au plaisir et k la gloire ; et on en a toujours fait d'autant plus de cas, qu'il n'y en a jamais eu beaucoup de cette esp^ce ; de sorte qu'on parlait volontiers d'un cheval propre aux festes, aux amusements des dames, au service du prince b 3a4 et de I'etat, comme de celui qui ne se trouve point, autrement dit la licorne. Cependant j'apprends que le cheval de Madame vient de montrer autant de nerf que d'ecole dans un carousel au&si chaud qu'inegal. On s'y attendait ; ainsi la surprise n'a aucune part au ravissement qu'en ressentent ceux qui sont attaches a Madame; du nombre des quels un barbet, la tete levee, se certifie des plus empresses; le glorieux est complet ; il s'agirait a present d'en manier un peu finement le fruit ; e'est ce que desireraient les amis ; mais comment pouvoir se flatter qu'un cheval soit assez delie pour demeler les bons sentiers de la cour, faire a propos des courbettes aux dames, de bonne grace, pourtant sans bassesse ; faire son chemin en choisissant son terrein, entreprendre un beau manege — souple, fin, brillant, mais toujours ouvert et correct ; franchement, cela passe trop la poi-tee d'un cheval pour oser se le promettre d'aucun, et barbet croit qu'il faut s'en tenir a feliciter Madame d'avoir en sa possession le plus aimable et le plus brillant des chevaux. Addressed : Monsieur Monsieur le Chevalier de Caylus, sans titre, parcequ'il les merite tons. Eemond to the Chevalier de Caylus, a Toulon. [1741], September 7. Montmort. — A la premiere nouvelle de votre combat, mon cher petit bon hoinme, de Lattre et moi avons pleures de joie et d© tendresse. On ne parle que de vous a la cour et a la ville ; et de plus, je vols qu'on vous rend justice avec plaisir. Je ne doute point que Monsieur le Cardinal ne s'ennuie de voir les Anglais abuser si insolemment de sa douceur, et que Monsieur le Comte de Maurepas ne vous donne un grade qui vous mette a portee de prendre votre revanche, et de vous me- prendre a votre tour. Si M. le Due d'Harcourt est employe, et qu'il n'y ait point de Villeroy cat automne, nous passerons un hiver assez triste a Paris, qui sera un desert. Je vais apprendre votre gloire a jNIme. Eonde qui est encore a Plombiere, et qui passera ici a son retour. Je ne vous dirai point de nos nouvelles, mais vous pouvez compter que sans un miracle la reine d'Hongrie n'a point d'autre parti a prendre que de se jeter dans les bras du Cardinal, et se remettre a sa discretion. Je suis sur que c'est le meilleur oonseil qu'on pourrait lui donner. Montmort fait sa charge dans I'arm^e de M. de Belle-isle. Presque tons nos amis et nos connaissances sont dans I'armee de la Meuse. Le pauvre Promoteur est mort. Nous attendons Nicole et le President. Si vous ne venez pas nous voir eet hiver je ne sais ce que nous deviendrons, car nous vous aimons et aimerons toujours. Notre grand Valon, qui part pour son Vivarez, vous ^leve au ciel. Seal : Arms of Remond, and coronet, as on p. 266. 305 |_Madame d'Armbnonville (•?)] to the Chevalier de Caylus a Toulon. [1741] , September 7. Paris. — Pendant que je suis en train d'entendre parler de vous, Monsieur, il faut que j'en parle aussi. J'arrive de Versailles ou votre nom retentit de tous les cotes ; si je ne craignais de blesser votre modestie je vous repeterais tout ce que Ton dit ; en deux mots, vous pouvez juger du bruit que vous faites puisque vous avez <^touffe la nouvelle de la couche de Mme. de Vintimille. Je trouve que vous vous etes fort bien tire de votre combat ; puisque vous vous en portez bien , je trouve que cela est preferable a la gloire ; c'est pense bon battement, mais on doit passer cette fa^on de penser a une femme. Rien ne pouvait vous faire mieux juger de la quantite d'amis que vous avez, que I'inquietude oil ils etaient ; je n'etais pas, je vous assure, des moins alarmees ; j'es- pere que vous me rendez justice, et que vous etes persuade de 1 interet que je prends a tout ce qui vous regarde. J'ai mande de vos nouvelles a M. d'Armenonville* ; il est en Baviere ; vous lui feriez plaisir de lui ecrire. Seal : Two oval escutcheons. Dexter : Arms of Armc^nonville (Azure, a falcon affronte argent, rising from a perch gules ; on a chief or 3 glands, stemmed and leaved, vert) ; Sinister : Amelot de Chaillou (Azure, 3 hearts, 2 and 1, or ; in chief a sun of the same). Above, a coronet of marquis. Memorial of Jean Noel Bartinbau to [? the Comte de Maubepas.] [1741, September]. Prays for payment of 8982 livres still due to him on his account of 1720, as " entrepreneur de la fourniture du pain pour les hopitaux des galeres." For want of the money he has been obliged to fly, leaving his family " dans la plus grande misere." l^LONDEL, Intendant General des Galeres, to the Se. Bartineau. ci-devant fournisseur du pain pour les hopitaux des galores. 1741, September 15. Marseilles. — Certificate for the pay- ment of 8972L 8s. 6d. for loss sustained in 1720 " pendant la contagion." [Presumably an enclosure in the previous Memorial.} [Salley] to the Chevalier db Caylus. 1741, September 16. Versailles.— Nous n'avons pas encore de vos nouvelles ici et notre inquietude augmente. M. votre frere vient de m'envoyer les lettres oi-jointes qu'on lui a remises pour vous les faire tenir; il me mande, en meme temps qu'on lui a apporte un perroquet fort beau, qui vous est apporte de I'Amerique avec un baton. II ne me dit point • He had married a daughter of Amelot. Cf . Luynes, iv. 130. 306 ce que c'est que le baton, qui apparemment est le baton du perroquet, et il me charge de savoir de vous la destination et du baton et de I'oiseau. Je ne suis pas plus instruit ; c'est a dire qu'il me laisse ignorer qui lui a remis le susdit perro- quet. Ayez la bonte de me donner vos ordres. [Salley] to the [Chevaliee db Caylus.J 1741, October 2. Versailles. — Je ne sais si cette lettre vous trouvera encore a Toulon ; je le souhaite; si non, je vous la ferai tenir par une autre voie, s'il est possible. J'avais trop d'impatience de votre retour pour que vous doutiez du plaisir que j'ai eu a I'apprendre, et je vous suis bien sensiblement oblige de m' avoir ecrit. Les sentiments favorables de Monseigneur a votre egard sont les memes, parcequ'ils ne sont pas nouveaux. S'ils eussent ete de fraiche date, ils eussent ete un peu effarouches par beaucoup de discours qui lui sont revenus, et auxquels les apparences donneraient de la vraisemblance si c'etait d'un autre que de vous qu'on les tint. Monseigneur lui meme a ete surpris de vos relaches a Bar- celone, Alicant, et surtout a Marseille. Les batiments partis apres vous de la Martinique, amves a Marseille avant vous, apres vous avoir rencontres en mer, et avoir rembarque les blesses que vous aviez laisses a Malaga ; vos deux fregates arrivees a Toulon le jour de votre relache a Marseille ; votre sejour prolonge a la Martinique ; enfin cette suite d'ineidents, que je suis persuade que le hazard ou la necessity ont amends, ont ete matiere a commentaire, et quelques bons amis leurs ont donn^ de toutes autres causes. Ne vous alarmez pas trop, cependant, de ces bruits, auxquels vous avez du vous attendre. Si je penetre bien ce qu'en pense Monseigneur, il est beaucoup plus fache de les entendre qu'il ne les croit. II serait bon, cependant, que vous lui en ecrivissiez, non pas d'apres moi, mais comme vous etant parvenus ; et cela est d'autant plus necessaire que vos lettres se sont assez vaguement expliquees sur vos relaches. Ne vous y trompez pas ; ce n'est pas d'ici que partent ces discours; ils sont venus de Marseille h Paris, et de Paris ici. Vous m'ordonnez de vous apprendre ce qu'on dit et vous me permettez les conseils ; je vous ob^is. Mme. la Comtesse m'a charge de beaucoup de compliments pour vous, et de felicitations sur la fa^on dont vous vous etes tir6 de votre combat. Quoique M. votre frere ne vous ait pas ^crit, je lui dois la justice de vous apprendre qu'il s'est vivement interesse a tout ce qui vous est arrive, et j'ai ^t^ temoin de son impatience a etre informe de vos nouvelles ; mais je dois encore moins vous laisser ignorer que voius avez en M. Pellerin le plus at- tentif et le plus ferme ami que vous puissiez d(5sirer. J'en ai des preuves si convaincantes et si reiter(^es, que je ne puis trop vous inviter k lui en t^moigner votre sensibility ; c'est ce qui a'appelle un homme droit, desint^ress^ et essentiel ; je suis 307 jaloux de son attachement pour vous, et encore plus fach6 de n'etre pas autant que lui apporte de vous etre utile. Votre lettre m'est arrivee bien tard pour m'acquitter de la commission que vous me donnez de vous envoyer das livres ; je ne retourne que demain a Paris. Je tacherai, cependant, de faire votre affaire. M. votre frere, a qui j'aurais ecrit pour les rassembler pendant mon s^jour ici (attendu qu'il est au fait) est depuis quatre jours a Auxerre, ou il reste trois semaines. II faut esperer qu'on vous verra ajires cette campagne ; per- sonne ne le souhaite plus que moi. Haillet to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1741, October 8. St. Pierre. — Nous venons d'apprendre, Monsieur, la rencontre que vous avez faite aupres de Malaga d'une escadre anglaise beaucoup plus forte que la votre, et la fa5on vigoureuse avec laquelle vous I'avez refu, ayant de- mate et desempare les deux plus gros vaiaseaux qui s'etaient adresses au votre. Vous ne devez pas douter de la joie excessive que me cause cette action, qui fait honneur a la nation et vous comble de gloire, quoique la recompense que vous en devez attendre m'ote I'esperance de vous revoir ici comme je m'en etais flatte. Mon attachement pour vous me fait oublier dans cette occasion mes propres interets, pour ne m'occuper que du plaisir de vous savoir convert de lauriers, et d'apprendre dans peu votre avancement ; ne vous aimant que par rapport a vous-meme, je vous demande pour tout retour de I'apprendre par vous ; je serai tres sensible a cette marque de votre a-mitie. Je ne perds point de vu les idees de society que nous avons formees ensemble pendant votre sejour ici, et j 'attends avec une impatience extreme votre decision sur tous nos projets. En consequence, ISfonsieur, je viens d'acheter le bateau le Phcenix que vous connaissez. II est arme de 12 canons, 12 perriers, et des armes a I'avenant ; marchant comme un oiseau. C'est sans contredit le plus grand et le plus beau bateau qu'il y ait dans ces mers. Je suis tres fache de ne m'etre pas charg^ des effets que vous avez laisse entre les mains de MM. Antheaume ; je serais actuellement en etat de faire par moi-meme cet armement, qui aurait surement ete plus avan- tageux pour vous et pour MM.Castagner et Casaubon ; je leur aurais evite des frais considerables, et plus de 400,000Z. de pacotilles, qui se trouveront charg^es dans les trois bateaux qu'on prepare pour ce voyage. Ces pacotilles, n'entrant point dans les frais de I'armement, seront, comme vous vous le sentez bien, les premieres vendues, et pourront faire tort a lacargaison. Vous vous souvenez sans doute que dans le temps que je m'etais charge de vous trouver quelqu'un qui pent faire cet armement, des propositions beaucoup moins onereuses n'avaient point et6 de mon gout ; je crains que cet essai ne d^goiite ces mes- sieurs ; si vous trouviez jour, maintenant que nous avons un bateau, k renouer une affaire de cette nature, ne la laissez pas 308 echapper ; tachez meme d'engager ces MM. a remettre ici pour cent mille ecus, d'effets bien assortis a I'adresse de M. Bous- sebayre, qui est mon homme de confiance, et charge de toutes mes affaires, dont je reponds, ne voulant pas paraitre ; nous prendrions, vous et moi, dans ces fonds I'interet qu'ils voudront vous ceder. J'y mettrai de plus la valeur du bateau, et il n'en coutera a ces MM. qu'une commission de 5 pour cent pour celui qui fera la vente a la cote seulement, et rien pour la remis qui leur sera faite d'ici par les ports qu'ils indiqueront. Cela pourrait lier un commerce suivi ovi il y aurait des profits considerables a faire, d'autant mieux que dans ces armements il n'y entrera aucune pacotille qui puisse nuire, qu'une tres modique pour le maitre du bateau, suivant I'usage. Si, en attendant, pour ne pas etre oisif, vous pouviez, Monsieur, engager M. Eoux a nous avancer, et a moi solidairement, pour cent ou cent cinquante mille livres de marchandises assorties, suivant le memoire ci-joint, et de les envoyer par les premieres occasions h, I'adresse de M. Boussebayre, — dont, comme j'ai deja marque, je reponds — nous ferions une affaire excellente ; toutes ces marchandises etant ici actuellement, tres rares et hors de prix. Je remettrai promptement dans les vaisseaux de M. Roux de quoi le rembourser de cette avance, dont il n'aurait pas le temps de s'apercevoir par mon exactitude a la lui fadre rentrer. Enfin, Monsieur, c'est vous qui m'avez donne I'idee de I'acquisition de ce bateau ; il est question de la mettre en oeuvre et dans le grand ; vous etes apport^ de vous procurer beaucoup de secours pour y parvenir. Je me flatte que vous n'y epargnerez ri&n, et que vous determinerez M. Eoux a nous faire cette avance, qui nous met, tout d'un coup, en etat, avec les fonds que je puis former ici par moi meme, de faire, sans paraitre, le commerce le plus etendu et le plus brillant de ce pays, et par consequent une fortune prompte et considerable. Le Capital ne Aycard, qui s'est charg^ de remettre cette Jettre a M. Eoux, pour vous la faire tenir, est aussi charge d'une cai,sse ou il y a huit grands pots de gelee pareille a celle que vous avez emporte avec vous, et deux caves de sirop de limon et de birot ; ce dernier est excellent pour la poitriue ; je vous enverrai par les premieres occasions de nos liqueurs, dont je sais que vous ne faites pas grand cas. De vos nouvelles je vous en supplie. Monsieur; et une solution sur tout ce que j'ai I'honneur de vous ecrire, et sur ma premiere lettre. Comme le bateau n'a que des canons de quatre batards*, et qu'il est en etat d'en porter de plus forts, je vous serai tres oblige de m'en faire trouver huit de quatre francs*, bien choisis, et de me les faire envoyer par la premiere occasion. Suppose, Monsieur, que vous puissiez determiner MM. Castagner et Casaubon, le memoire ci-joint doit aussi leur servir, et il faut qu'ils n'envoyent pas d'autres marchandises que celles qui y sont port^es, etant les uniques bonnes pour le * Canons Mtards, canons francs de 4 ; i.e. light guns, and gnns of full weight throwing a shot of 41bs. 309 commerce de la cote de Cartagene et Portobello. lis pourront, s'ils le jugent a propos, doubler ou tripler tous les articles, a proportion des fonds qu'ils voudront envoyer. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1741, November 18. Versailles. — J'ai et6 fort aise, Mon- sieur, de recevoir de vos nouvelles, et d'apprendre par vous meme commeait le vaisseau le Due d' Orleans se comporte a la mer. J'etais bien persuade que vous en tiririez le meilleur parti, et je ne suis pas moins content de ce que vous me mar- quez des qualites de ce vaisseau, que de la diligence que vous avez apportee a son armement. Vous avez donne en cette occasion de nouvelles preuves de votre activite et de votre zele pour le service. La satisfaction que j'en ai eue m'avait presque fait oublier vos relaches a Barcelone et a Marseille. J'aurais fort souhaite que vous eussiez pu vous dispenser de les faire, surtout a cause des discours auxquels elles ont donne lieu, et si j'en ai temoigne ma peine a ceux qui vous I'ont mande, vous devez juger que c'est par I'interet que je prends a ce qui vous regarde. Signed. Pelleein to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1742, January 29. Versailles. — Je reponds. Monsieur, a la lettre dont vous m'avez honore du 12 de ce mois, dans le temps meme que j'apprends I'arrivee des deux escadres sur la cote de Provence, et j'espere par la que la mienne vous sera bientot rendue, quoiqu'il vous reste encore a alier en Italie ; mais Ton compte ici que ce voyage sera tres court, et que vous ne tarderez pas a revenir a Toulon. J 'ignore, comme vous, si votre escadre y restera, ou si on la fera ressortir. La deter- mination prise a cet egard, si tant est que Ton en ait pris, est tenue fort secrfete, et nous sommes reduits, dans notre petite sphere, a vivre au jour le jour, sans qu'il nous soit permis de penser a I'avenir, ni de prevoir les evenements. Je suis dans la meme incertitude sur ce qui regarde la campagne de Con- stantinople, que vous auriez tant envie de faire si vous n'etes pas employe plus utilement. II m'a paru lorsque j'en ai parlc — et j'en ai parle plusieurs fois, ainsi que M. Salley a du vous en rendre compte — il m'a paru, dit-je, qu'on n'avait pas inten- tion de vous laisser oisif , et qu'on etait dans la volonte de vous employer de fa^on ou d'autre. La fa5on dependra des allaires, des circonstances, et de la tournure que prendront les aflaires, soit avec les Anglais, soit avec les Tunisiens et les Algeriens, qui semblent voiiloir faire les mauvais. II faut croire que dans' peu Ton saura a quoi s'en tenir; et s'il y aura lieu, par con- sequent, devous donner le conge que vous souhaitez pour venir ici, je serais bien charme de vous y revoir, et de vous voir content de la destination qui vous sera donnee. Si c'est celle de Constantinople, il n'y aura pas moyen de vous satis- laire sur rarticle de M. Charon que vous voudriez avoir pour 310 commissaire, M. le Comte de Maurepas ayaut nomme, il y a deja du temps, M. Begou pour cette campagne, que son pere, intendant du Havre, et son oncle, eveque de Toul, lui ont procure. Je ne conviendrai jamais avec vous sur le defaut de talent, dont vous me parlez ; vous avez jusqu'ici donne des preuves du eontraire ; la maniere dont vous avez mene les vaisseaux que vous avez commandes en rend un temoignage incontestable, et vous saurez mieux que personne profiter des exemples que vous avez actuellement sous les yeux pour mener ega-lement bien des escadres. II ne vous faut que des occasions et le grade, que vous n'aurez jamais aussitot que je le desire. [Salley to the Ghbvalibe de Caylus.J 1742, May 3. Fontainebleau. — J'espere que vous ne compterez pas, Monsieur, le nombre de reponses que je vous dois. Comptez, et bien surement, que je n'oublierai pas de vous ecrire lorsque je pourrai, par cette attention, vous etre de la plus petite des utilites. On veille pour lors. Votre lettre etait tres bien, et il part aujourd'hui une reponse assez satisfaisante. Vous aurez la bonte d'y repliquer in- cessament, pour qu'on puisse nonimer pour votre second capitaine celui que vous choisirez de M. de Franssure ou de M. de Lizardais. M^nagez un peu sur la depense dont on vous laisse le maitre et tout ira bien. On ne sait point encore ici quand partira Said Pacha.* On le presse de denicher ; il se trouve ici mieux que chez lui. Gependant, je crois que nous ne I'aurons tout au plus que jusques a la fin de ce mois. A vous dire vrai, tout cela est fort incertain ; ce qui, joint a ce que les vaisseaux ne sont pas desarmes, ne vous permet pas de songetr a un conge ; il faut s'en detacher de bonne grace. Je suis bien siir que les fetes qu'on donne oia vous etes ne sont pas plus de votre gout que ceux a qui on les donne. M. Arnault m'en fait une magnifique description. J'ai oublie de vous dire du bien du commissaire que vous aurez pour le voyage. C'est M. Begou, fils de celui qui est au Havre. II est poli, bien eleve ; il a de I'esprit et de la douceur. Le ministre en fait cas ; nous I'avons eu ici quel- ques moments, et je vous assure que vous en serez content. Je lui ai proniis de vous prevenir en sa faveur, et je erois que vous lui trouverez une partie de ce que je vous en dis ; je suis sur d&jk de sa complaisance et de son respect pour vous. M. de Maurepas a ete nialade ici d'une fievre assez forte ; il a ete saigne deux fois, bien purg^, et il n'est plus question de rien ; nous ne I'avons pas mande de peur d'etre assassine de compliments de condoleance, et ensuite de felicitation, qui ne servent qu'a nous tourmenter pour les reponses. Vous aurez des livres, mais au diable si Ton m'aide en rien dans ce diable de pays ou je me mets en quatre pour les autres. J'ai cherch^ Dom Bougre (bon livre, pardieu) pour vous I'en- voyer ; on n'en trouve plus ; et pas un de ceux qui I'ont ne veulent le preter. * The Turkish Ambassador. Cf. Luynes, iv. 70 and passim. 811 • M. Pellerin voudrait vous ecrire ; il est accable, mais il me charge de vous dire de tres belles choses de son attachement pour vous. II m'en a donne de sures preuves, et j'attends avec impatience que vous soyez de retour ici pour, entre autres choses, lier entre vous une connaissance plus (^troite et vrai- ment plus essentielle, je puis en jurer, que toutes celles que vous avez dans ce pays-ci ; sur les quelles j'ai bon pied bon ojil. J'aurais grand besoin ici de ma petite Grecque. Comment done ! ne I'avez-vous jamais vu qu'on soit jaloux de ce qu'on ne connait pas? En effet, je ne le serai qu'apr^s que je n'aurai plus besoin de I'etre. Allons, allons ; elle viendra par terre. Je n'ai point encore vu Madame la Comtesse sur la lettre que vous m'avez ecrite ; mais je ne renonce pas a vous ecrire cette semaine et je I'aurai vue. MM. vos generaux ne font pas bien les honneurs de la nation ; mais je suis fach^, qu'apres la confidence que vous m'avez faite de voire brouillerie avec I'espece, vous vous soyez charge de cat emploi. Portez-vous bien et amusez-vous de quelques idees de serail. Je disais ce matin a M. Pellerin que vous nous feriez une belle relation du temperament de toutes les filles de rArchipel ; je vous recommande celles de Ohio. CoMTE DE Maurbpas to the Chevalier db Caylus. 1742, May 3. Pontainebleau. — Ce n'est. Monsieur, que sur vos propres lettres que j'ai juge que votre gout vous faisait preferer la campagne de Constantinople a toute autre destina- tion, et j'ai peut-etre dans cette occasion fait ceder le dessein que j' avals a ce que j'ai cru penetrer de votre penchant ; quoi- qu'il en soit, vous savez qu'il y a toujours a meriter dans tous les genres de service, et je ne doute point que le roi n'ait lieu d'etre satisfait de la fa5on dont vous vous acquitterez de la commission qu'il vous donne aujourd'hui. Vous pouvez reprendre le Boree, puisque vous I'aimez, au defaut du Terrible qu'il n'est pas possible de vous donner, a I'egard des arrangements interieurs de ce batiment et de la depense, sur laquelle vous vous proposez d' ecrire a M. Pellerin. Je m'en rapporte voJontiers a ce que vous ferez, en supposanl cependant que vous la restraindrez aux choses absolument necessaires, et que vous ne I'etendrez pas au dela des bornes, dont surtout les circonstances presentes ne permettent pas de s'ecarter. C'est encore avec plaisir que j 'acquiesce a ce que vous desirez, en destinant M. le Chevalier de Glandevez pour le commandement du second vaisseau. Mais je vous previens que je dois nommer pour les deux capitaines en second, MM. Franssure de Villers et Lizardais. Je vou« en informe, seul et par avance, afin que vous puissiez me mander quel est celui des deux que vous aimerez le mieux avoir avec vous. Je n'ai pu faire encore ce que vous me demandez pour M. des Vergers de Sanoy, mais vous pouvez compter que je ne I'oublie point. Je souhaite fort que vous soyez content de temoignages de oonfiance et d'amitid que je tache de vous donner, et qu'ils 31 i2 puissent vous persuader de la sincerite avec laquelle je suis, Monsieur, plus parfaitement a vous que personne du monde. Signed. Pbllbrin to the Chevalier db Caylus. 1742, May 10. Fontainebleau. — Je reponds en meme temps, Monsieur, aux lettres que vous m'avez fait I'honneur de m'ecrire les 25 et 31 du mois passe. M. le comte de Maurepas vient de les lire toutes les deux, et il m'a dit sur celle que vous m'aviez charge de lui remettre, qu'il n'etait plus temps de vous destiner pour Tunis, et que vous deviez etre content d'aller a Constantinople, puisque c'est ce que vous aviez d'abord demande avec beaucoup d'instance. II m'a ajoute qu'il n'etait pas question jusqu'ici de canoner ni de bombarder les forteresses de Tunis, et que cependant, il vous savait un gre infini de I'envie que vous auriez d'etre destine a des operations de guerre par preference. C'est ce qu'il m'a ordonne de vous marquer pour reponse a votre lettre du 30 avril, pour laquelle vous n'en recevrez pas d'autre. II ne trouve pas qu'il y ait lieu pour le present de faire con- struire une nouvelle barque, et je crois que c'est la disette de fonds qui en est la principale cause ; il m'a cependant charge de la faire souvenir dans la suite de ce que vous m'avez mande sur cela, ainsi que sur les etablissements de ces sortes de bati- ments et sur les officiers qui sont propres a les commander. J'ai recherche par ordre ce qui avait ete regie pour les honneurs a rendre a I'ambassadeur du grand seigneur en 1721, et j'ai trouve que M. le Chevalier de Camilly a du, suivant son instruction , le faire saluer de 21 coups de canon en entrant dans le vaisseau, et faire garder la porte de la chanibre par un garde du pavilion et un garde de la marine alternativement. M. le Comte de Maurepas m'a dit que, pour le surplus, il n'y avait pas plus de ceremonie a faire que pour les ambassadeurs du roi a la Porte. II vous ecrira incessamment pour que vous lui envoyiez un nlan du logement que vous vous proposez d'etablir dans le Binrc pour I'amba&sadeur turc, auquel son intention est de le nommuniquer, pour savoir s'il en sera content, et s'il ne vondra point y faire quelque changement. On en usa ainsi avec son pere. On avait fait pour cehii-ci un tendelet de damas, et dor^ galamment son canot. Je ne trouve point en quoi con- sistaient les meubles de sa chambre. Mais M. le Comte de Maurepas n'estime pas qu'il convienne de vous charger de cette d^pense, et il m'en a dit des raisons que vous approuverez, II se determine a ecrire sur cela a M. de Villeblanche, k qui il raandera de se concerter avec vous sur la fa^on d'aiTanger et de meubler le logement de cet ambassadeur, et de voir s'il y aurait dans les magasins de quoi faire cet ameublement sans rien acheter. II lui demandera aussi s'il n'y a pas a Toulon de tendelet de damas qui put servir. Quant a Thabillement des canotiers il ne parait pas qu'il en ait et6 donne a ceux du 313 canot de M. de Camilly ; et M. le Comte de ^Nlaurepas croit se souvenir que M. Gabaret en fit donner aux siens a ses depens. II veut eviter tout ce qui pouiiait causer des depenses qui n'ont point ete faites precedemment, et foui-nir des exemples qui tireraient a consequence. II m'a meme fait entendre qu'il y serait d'autant plus attentif qu'on pourrait penser que ce serait par respect a vous qu'il y donnerait les mains, et il pense qu'il est bon de ne pas donner lieu aux discours qui pourraient se tenir a cette occasion. C'est par cette meme raison qu'il ne juge pas devoir vous donner une tartane a la' suite de vos vaisseaux, parceque cela ne s'est point encore pratique; et si vous voulez absolument en avoir une, il aimera mieux que vous la nolisiez a vos frais, comme vous le proposez, sans vous le permettre ; sauf , cependant, a vous tenir compte au retour de la campagne de ce que vous avez paye pour le nolis de cette tartane. II a observe que le Mercure en 1721 n'avait que 300 hommes d'equipage, et le Prothee 180 seulement. II n'est dispose a donner un plus fort equipage au Boree ; mais son intention est que VAlcyon soit arme en flute, et que I'equipage en soit regie a 200 hommes au plus. Je crois devoir vous prevenir de tout ceci, afin que vous puissiez proposer en consequence ce que vous jugerez apropos, si vous croyez qu'il doive etre change quelque chose a ces dis- positions. CoMTB DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, May 15. Fontainebleau. — Vous etes prevenu, Mon- sieur, que le roi vous a destine pour commander les vaisseaux le Boree et VAlcyo7i, qui doivent repasser a Constantinople I'ambassadeur que le Grand Seigneur a envoye en France. II n'est point question quant a present de preparer ces vais- seaux, mais avant que de donner des ordres pour faire travailler a leur'armement, il est a propos que vous m'envoyiez un plan des arrangements qu'il vous paraitra convenable de faire dans le Boree pour loger I'ambassadeur, son fils, son geudre et les principaux olficiers de sa suite, et que vous y joigniez un memoire qui explique bien en quoi consistera tout ce logement, afin qu'on puisse le communiquer a I'ambassadeur, et savoir s'il s'en contentera ou s'il demandera quelque chose de plus. Je vous prie de vous concerter avec M. de Villeblanche a qui j'en ecris, sur les mesures qu'il y aura a prendre pour meubler d'une fa9on convenable le logement de I'ambassadeur, et de voir pour cet effet si, parmi les meubles qu'il y a dans les magazins il s'en trouvera dont on puisse se servir pour ce logement ; et en cas qu'il en falliit faire faire, de proposer avec M de Villeblanche ceux que vous y estimerez propres, en ob- servant le plus d'oeconomie qu'il sera possible. Je lui marque de me faire aussi savoir s'il n'y a pas dans les magazins de tendelets de damas dont on puisse paredlement se servir pour le canot de I'ambassadeur; et en cas qu'il n'y en ait pomt, 314 et qu'il en faille faire faire un nouveau, de me mander ce qu'il en coutera, afin que je lui donne des ordres pour le faire faire. Je ne puis vous dire quant a present de combien de personnes la suite de I'ambassadeur sera composee ; mais je dois vous prevenir que I'AIcyon, qui a ete destine pour accompagner le Boree, devant etre arme en flute avec 200 homines d' equipage seulement ; c'est sur ce pied-li qu© vous devez vous arranger pour la distribution des logements et des bagages de I'am- bassadeur. Signed. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, May 23. Versailles. — J'ai refu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m'avez ecrite le 10 de ce mois. Le vaisseau VHeureux sera arm6 pour la campagne de Constantinople a la place de VAlcyon comme vous le demandez, et j'en pre- viens M. de Court et M. de Villeblanche. La suite de I'ambassadeur du Grand Seigneur sera de 160 hommes ; il n'ira point a Toulon, et il s'embarquera aux Isles de Marseille, ou il sera necessaire que vous vous rendiez a I'avance avec les deux vaisseaux que vous devez commander, pour y prendre les presents du roi et les ballots de I'ambassadeur, dont on m'a prevenu que le nombre sera considerable. Je vous en enverrai I'etat aussitot qu'on me I'aura remis. II m'est ega-1 que ce soit M. de Villers ou M. de Lizardais qui s'embarque avec vous sur le Boree ; et puisque vous sou- haitez avoir M. de Lizardais, je ferai employer M. de Villers avec M. le Chevalier de Glandevez. Je repondrai separement a la demande que vous me faites d'une place de garde de la marine pour le jeune du Verger.* Signed [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus. J 1742, May 24. Versailles. — Ce que c'est que I'eloignement, on vous donne difficilement quelques esperances agreables qu'il ne faut rien pour vous faire perdre ; vous n'etes pas fait d'aujourd'hui, et quoique M. de M. vous ait mande qu'il s'en rapportait a vous sur les depenses quil y aurait a faire pour votre armement, cela ne pent signifier que I'in- tendant ne s'en melera pas, puisque I'ordre ne pent se charger k cet 6gard, et qu'on ne peut lui oter cette fonction sans ren- verser toute police et sans de dangereuses consequences pour les suites ; mais il doit avoir des ordres qui vous satisferont en- tierement, et M. P[ellerin] m'en avait prevenu, h I'^gard de I'oeconomie dont vous me rapportez un exemple. II servit sans doute a souhaiter qu'on y eiit egard, mais il faudrait tant faire de choses pour parvenir a la reforme en tout genre, que c'est un entreprise qui demanderait un temps plus paisible, dont le succes ne serait pas trop sur, en cas meme qu'il n'en sortit * He appears elsewhere (pp. 311, 320) as "des Vergers de Sanoy," and (p. 328) as "des Vergers de Maupertuis." 315 pas un plus grand mal. II y a peu de moyens pour se garantir d'etre tromp6, pour lesquels il faut encore se servir des hommes, c'est a dire, d'outils suspects, et il y a une infinite de manieres de tromper, en sorte que cela est presque inevitable. M. Pellerin, avec qui on ne court pas le plus petit risque de parler franchement, parcequ'il est vrai et qu'il ne protege que le bon, convient de ce que vous me confiez et que je ne confierai qu'k lui, parceque cela ne produirait rien dans ce moment-ci. II doit vous ecrire, et ecrire a M. de Villeblanche ; il sait mieux que personne, et que dans le ports meme, ce qu'on a fait pour le pere de Said Pacha, et vous serez satisfait. Je vous dirai que le commandement accorde & M. de Glandevez, a votre sollicitation , a fait juroter quelques gens. II navigue en chef pour la premiere fois, et plusieurs de ses anciens ambitionnaient cette grace ; mais cela est fait, et vous convient ; j'en suis bien aise. Je ne sais si je me trompe, mais j'aimerais fort que vous envisagiez quelque fois les choses d'un autre cote; que Je plaisir de vous satisfaire sur des articles, au fond peu im- portant pour vous, ne I'emportat pas, sur le desavantage qu'il y a a etre jalouse par des gens trop disposes a ce sentiment par la persuasion oil ils sent de la preference que vous donne le ministre ; sentiment gigantesque dans leur tete, mais qui s'accroit par les plus petits effets. II est vrai qu'il serait aise de leur faire voir qu'ils on tort, et que ce qu'ils disent doit faire peu d'impression ; mais il est toujours desagreable d'avoir a repondre aux mauvais propos les plus frivoles. I'renez que jo n'aie rien dit si vous me trouvez deraisonnable. Vos apprets contre les Anglais vous resteront sans doute ; vous auriez souhaite, sans doute, leur donner plus beau jeu, car je vous connais bien. Qui diable voudrait h present approcher une rade herissee de canons. Je vous renvoie votre petit memoire, avec la r^ponse que M. de la Porte a mise au bas. En effet, c'est I'intendant et le general qui donnent ces sortes de places ; le ministre leur laisse cet agr^ment ; vous ne devez pas en etre fache, et vous etes trop bien avec M. et Mme. la Croix pour ne pas I'obtenir, si votre lettre arrive a temps. Je vous dirai a ce propos, que je suis sur que M. de la Croix vous en aura dit de bonnes sur M. de la Porte. Je suis d'autant plus fach^ des plaintes qu'il vous en aura faites, que, sans aucune prevention, je puis avec verite vous protester qu'elles sont de la derniere injustice. Dieu sait comme nous en parlerons en temps et lieu, et je vous tiens si juste que vous etes digne d'en etre le juge. M. Pellerin a du parler aujourd'hui au ministre de vos equipages et de leur nombre. II croit qu'avec celui de vos passagers, vous serez embairasse de la quantite ; il aura cependant propo8(5 1' aug- mentation. Comme je n'ai pu le voir depuis son travail, je m'en remets k ce qu'il vous en ecrira. Said Pacha n'est pas press^, mais on le presse ; le jour de son depart n'est cependant pas fixe. Je I'ai vu plusieurs fois. II demande, a cor et k cri k voir M. votre frere, depuis qu'il sait que c'est avec vous qu''il doit repasser. M. votre irhve r^siste a la visite, que je 316 pense pourtant qu'il fera. Voici une lettre qu'il m'envoie pour vous faire tenii*. Laria sera des votres ; il est de mes amis, et je vous demande un peu de bonte pour lui ; il est paiilard tort honnetement, et comme vous savez c'est une excellente qualite, qui s'accorde assez avec la bonte d'ame. C'est lui qui me voulait donner la petite Grecque ; mais pardieu, elle restera a Constantinople. Voyez la jo lie gouvernante que vous m'ameneriez. Je veux maintenant quelqu'un de sobre, et vous lui auriez fait trop bonne chere sur la route. Voici des livres enfin, qui vous parviendront avec cette lettre; I'ordinaire d'apres vous en recevrez d'autres, peut-etre sans lettre. J'ai cherche partout un Dom Bougre pour vous le faire lire; et vous auriez eu le mien, si on ne me I'avait pas pris. II ne me reste que celui de M. de M., qui est un peu trop rare pour que je le risque k etre perdu ou use par toutes les femmes a qui vous ne pourriez vous empecher de le preter. J 'en suis fache ; il est au prix des mieux. J'ai re9u de vin de Chipre et je vous en rends mille graces ; je compte pouvoir vous en garder pour votre retour. Je ne sais s'il est bon ; il ne peut etre en bouteilles de quelques semaines ; mais j'y ai foi. Mme. de M. a regu le sien, ©t vous en remercie. Elle se porte mieux ; elle avait ete malade assez vivement, mais elle ne nous a pas laisse longtemps inquiets. CoMTE DE Maueepas to the [Chevalier de Caylds.J 1742, May 25. Versailles. — Le roi a approuve, Monsieur, la proposition que vous avez faite de destiner le vaisseau VHeiireu.r a la place de I'Alcyon, pour aceompagner a Con- stantinople le vaisseau le Borce que vous devez commander. J'envoie a M. de Court les ordres necessaires pour faire dcsarmer le vaisseau VHeureux , avec un ordre pour autoriser M. Gravier, qui le commande, a passer sur le vaisseau le Due d'OrJeayis pour en prendre le commandement a votre place. Je mande en meme temps a M. Gravier de faire travailler au desarmement de VHeureux avec le plus de diligence qu'il sera possible ; et I'intention de sa Majeste est qu'apres qu'il sera fini, vous lui remettiez le commandement du vaisseau le Due d' Orleans, afin que vous puissiez vaquer a I'armement du Boree. Signed. [Salley] to the [Chevalier db Caylus.J 1742, May 27. Versailles. — Voici le reste des livres, apres quoi je ne pourrai vous envoyer que ce qui paraitra. Je ne sais rien de nouveau qui vous regarde ; il me parait seulement que beaucoup de gens demande a s'embarquer avec vous. Un de mes amis, grand gourmet de tabac d'Espagne, et a qui, par parenthese, j'ai donne de celui que vous avez eu la bont^ de m'envoyer, pretend etre sirr que M. le Chevalier de Piosins en a de singulier, d'exquis, de vieux, de divin. Cela serait il vrai? et ei cela I'^tait, n'y aurait il pas moyen de lui 317 en escroquer une demie livre? Serait ce par exemple ce que les connoisseurs apellent de I'ancien Magalon, ou du vieux la Havanne. Je ne sais, peut-etre, ce que je dis. On vient remettre les elements. lis reussissent et sont bien remis. lis ont d'ailleurs beau jeu ; ils viennent apres un opera de Mondonville,* d'un plat extraordinaire, d'un commun singu- lier, d'un bizarrerie triviale, et d'une fadeur baroque, qui a eu le sort que meritaient ces qualifications. I'ortez-vous bien et faites vous bien porter. Le paquet serait trop gros. Vous en aurez encore quelques uns au premier ordinaire. Lb Chevalier n'OELEANst to the [Chevalier de Caylds.J 1742, May 29. Pai-is. — Les sentiments que je fais pro- fession d'avoir pour vous. Monsieur, depuis le commencement de notre trop vieille connaissance, doivent vous etre garants que je donnerai toujours a tout ce qui vous conviendra Tap- probation la plus complete. Independant du d^sir de vous plaire, I'amitie que j'ai pour le Chevalier de Eaousset est un motif de plus. J'ai parle a M. de Maurepas ; il approuve que le Chevalier de Eaousset vous suive, et je suis charme qu'il fasse ce voyage, qui ne lui pent etre que tres utile en profitant, comme il fera, des le§ons d'un aussi bon maitre que vous, dans un metier qui a tant de liaison avec le notre. M. de INIaurepas m'a dit qu'il attendait, pour vous marquer ses intentions a ce sujet, que vous lui eussiez envoye le plan des logements de I'ambassadeur et de sa suite, qu'il vous a apparemment de- mande. Je profite avec grand plaisir de cette occasion de vous feliciter sur les succes, brillants pour vous, honorables pour la nation et pour le corps de la marine, qui ont suivi votre cam- pagne de I'annee derniere ; j'y ai pris la part la plus sensible, et en prendrai toujours une bien sincere a tout ce qui pourra vous interesser. Holograph. [Salley] to the Chevalier de Cayldr. 1742, May 31. Versailles. — Voici le dernier envoi de livres jusqu'a ce qu'il en paraisse de nouveaux. L'ambassadeur turc revolt son audience de cong^ le 12e. du mois ou nous allons entrer. On dit qu'il part le 25 d'ici en poste, qu'il arrivera droit a Marseihe, qu'il a envie de voir, et ou il restera fort peu de jours pour de la aller a Toulon ou il s'embarquera sans retardement. Toute sa canaille cir- concise partira des le lendemain de son audience, par les voi- tures publiques. Voila tout ce que je sais de lui. M. votre frere a ete voir son excellence; elle n'avait qu'un cri apres lui, et ne voulait pas partir de ce pays-ci sans connaitre * Celebrated violinist, " maitre de musique a la chapelle du roi." t Jean Philippe, Chevalier d'Orl^ans ; legitimated son of the Regent d'OrlSans ; born 1702 ; general of the galleys. 318 le frere de celui avec qui elle devait faire route jusqu'a Con- stantinople. La visite a ete courte, mais il n'est rien tel que de commenger. On m'a dit que M. votre frere devait y re- tourner, et que I'ambassadeur lui rendrait sa visite. Je dois proposer a M. le Comte de lui donner chez lui une petite fete turco-frangaise. J'ai regu une lettre des Sieurs Antheaume freres et Compe., de la Martinique, qui me donne avis que, de votre part, il vient a mon adresse trois tiergons d'esprit de tafia [rhum] ; qu'ils sont a Rouen, d'ou leurs freres, aussi nommes Antheaume, m'ecrivent que les 3 barils sont en route pour Paris. Qu'est ce que ce tafia? que voulez-vous que j'en fasse? a qui le remettrai-je? J'attends vos ordres. Mile. Q., de la place de Conti, est malade depuis quelques jours, apres avoir ete languissante depuis quelques mois; on me mande qu'elle est mieux. Tout le monde meurt ; on n'entend parler que petite verole, fluxion de poitrine, et fievres violentes. Aucuns des amis que je vous connais n'a encore eprouve cette mesaventure. II n'y a pas un chat au spectacle depuis que la Maison du Eoi prend la route de Flandres. M. et Mme. de Maurepas se portent assez bien. Nous avons eu peur pour Mme. la Duchesse d'Agenois ; elle est hors d'affaire ; elle avait un fievre qui pouvait devenir serieuse. M. de Mangis est mourant et je crois son affaire toisee. M. le Controleur General est aux eaux qui ne lui reussissent pas plus que les remedes de tout espece qu'il fait depuis un an pour un rhumatisme qui lui fait faire les hauts cris. Brevet de Pension de 1500L sur la marine pour le S. Chev. de Caylus, Capitaine de Vaisseau. 1742, June 1. Aujourd'hui, premier du mois de Juin, mil sept cent quarante deux, le Eoi etant a Versailles, voulant gratifier et favorablement traiter le S. Chev. de Caylus, Capi- taine de vaisseau, en consideration de ses services, Sa Majeste lui a accorde et fait don de I'une des pensions annuelles de Quinze Cents livres vacante dans la marine, au lieu de cette de Mil livres qu'il avait, laquelle sera pay<^e au d. S. Chev. de Caylus sa vie durant, sur ses simples quittances, k la fin de chacune annee, par les Tr^soriers Generaux de la marine, chacun en I'annee de son exercice. Et pour temoignage de sa volenti, Sa Majesty m'a command^ de lui expedier le present brevet, qu'elle a voulu signer de sa main et etre contresign^ par moi, Con" Secretaire d'Etat et de ses Commandements et Finances. Louis. Phelypeadx. Parchment Endor<)ed : Enrc^gistr^ au Controle de la marine a Toulon, xxiii. Juillet, mil sept cent quarante deux. St. Rietor. 319 Pellerin to the [Chevalier db Caylus.j 1742, June 3. Versailles. — Je n'ai pas r^pondre plutot, Monsieur, a la lettre dont vous m'avez honore du 17e du mois dernier, parceque M. le Comte de Maurepas a differ^ jusqu'a present de decider les differentes articles qu'elle contient. II a voulu attendre pour cela les ^claircissements qu'il avait demande a Brest sur la fagon dont le logement de I'ambassadeur avait ^te 6tabli et meubl^ sur le Mercure en 1721. Vous verrez com- ment il etait arrange par le plan et le memoire qui en serait envoye incessament k M. de Villeblanche, et vous serez in- forme en meme temps des decisions par la reponse que M. le Comte de Maurepas vous fera. Vos dispositions sont assure- ment pref^rables a celles qui avaient ete faites sur le Mercure, et je ne doute pas que I'ambassadeur n'en soit tr^s content. II sera mande a M. de Villeblanche de I'entendre avec vous tant sur la fa^on d'etablir le logement, que sur I'achat et I'emploi des etoffes pour meubles. Vous aurez un tendelet neuf de damas ; et I'habillement de canotiers sera paye par le roi. Toute I'artillerie de votre vaisseau sera de bronze, avec 400 hommes d'equipage ; mais M. le Comte de Maurepas estime, que VHenreuT devant etre arme en flute, il suffira de lui donner 250 hommes d'equipage, ainsi qu'il vous le mandera. II m'a charge de vous marquer qu'il faut peindre le dehors du Boree simplement, sans dorure, n'ayant pas voulu faire paraitre dans ses lettres a M. de Villeblanche qu'il en eiit et^ question ; il pense que cela pourrait faire tenir des discours, et tirer trop a consequence. Quant a la proposition d'agrandir la bouteille* du cote du logement de I'ambassadeur, et de la faire vitrer par dehors, sur quoi il ne veut faire point de reponse, il m'a aussi charge de vous dire qu'il s'en remettra a vous ; mais qu'il etait apropos que vous examinassiez bien si cela ne serait point sujet a des inconvenients. Je souhaite fort. Mon- sieur, que vous soj'ez content de tout ce que j'ai I'honneur de vous mander ici par supplement a la reponse qui vous sera faite. Postscript. — L'ambassadeur n'aura son audience de conge que le 12 de ce mois, et vraisembablement ne partira de Paris que vers le 25. On dit qu'il ira en poste en Provence, mais ses ballots, n'^tant pas encore partis, pourront bien n'arriver qu'apres lui, et je crains qu'ils ne retardent votre depart qui, quoique fix^ vers le 15 Juillet, ira selon les apparences k la fin du mois. Said Alli, Turkish Ambassador, to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] 1742, June 5. Paris. — Monsieur, — D6s la premiere fois que j'eus le plaisir de vous voir et de lier conversation avec vous a Toulon, je m'etais form^ une agr^able id^e du plaisir futur de votre aimable compagnie k mon retour pour Constanti- nople. L'effet r^pond aujourd'hui a ma pens^e ; la nomination * The_quarter gallery. 320 que la cour a fait de votre personne justifie pleinement mon idee, et met le comble a mes desirs. C'est pour vous en marquer le sensible plaisir que j'en ressens, que j'ai I'honneur de vous ecrire la presente, en attendant que je puisse de vive voix vous expriraer la parfaite contentement de mon coeur. Je commence deja par avance a gouter toutes les douceurs que votre agreable humeur et votre heureux naturel me promettant pendant tout le cours de notre voyage, qui, quelque long qu'il puisse etre me paraitra toujours trop court dans votre aimable compagnie ; elle otera tout le degoiit, et adoucira toutes les peines qui acoompagnent ordinairement les voyages. L'amitie que j'ai liee ici avec M. votre frere et le beau caractere que j'ai reconnu en vous m'en sont de surs garants. Signed. GoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalieb de Caylus. 1742, June 10. Versailles. — Je sens bien, Monsieur, que vous ne pouvez refuser d'embarquer le fils de ]\I. de la Tour, et de ma part je lui procurerai volontiers cette satisfaction, et le ferai ajouter a la liste de I'armement qui sera arretee par le roi lorsque M. de Court m'en aura envoye le projet. Vous aurez vu que j'ai reduit le nombre de vos officiers a celui de votre vaisseau arme en guerre, non seulement par I'economie forcee ou je suis oblige, mais encore pour ne pas degarnir le port d'officiers dans les conjonctures presentes ; outre que, j'ai bien jug^ qu'il y aurait quelque surnumeraire qu'on ne pourrait s'empecher de re^evoir. Signed. Postscript. — J'ai accorde une place de garde marine du Sieur des Vergers de Sanoy pour la compagnie de Rochefort ; prenez la peine de lui fair'e dire de se rendre dans ce port, ou j'ai envoye son certificat. The Same to the Same. 1742, June. Versailles. — J'ai regu, Monsieur, avec votre lettre du 26 du mois dernier, le plan qui y etait joint des etab- lissements que vous avez projete de faire faire sur le vaisseau le Boree, pour le logement de I'anibassadeur du Grand Sei- gneur, de son fils, de son gendre, et des principaux officiers de sa suite. Tout cet arrangement m'a paru tres bien en- tendu, et cependant j'envoie a M. de Villeblanche le plan des amenagements qui furent pratiques en 1721, dans le vais- seau le Mercnre, pour le passage du precedent ambassa- deur, afin qu'il voie avec vous s'il n'y aurait point quel- ques changements a faire aux etablissements projjoses, en suivant ce que vous pourriez trouver de mieux dans cet autre i)lan. Je compte aussi faire voir le votre a I'ambas- sadeur, et s'il demande qu'il y soit change quelque chose, je vous le ferai savoir. En attendant, vous pouvez toujours faire travailler a ces etablissements suivant votre projet. M. de Villeblanche vous fera part de ce que je lui mande en r^ponae =inr ce qui regarde les meubles. Je lui envoie un etat qui m'est 321 venu de Brest, de ceux qui furent employes sur le Mercure en 1721, afin que Ton s'y conforme autant qu'il se pourra ; et je lui marque de s'entendre avec vous, tant sur la fafon d'arranger et de meubler le logement de I'ambassadeur et des personnes principales de sa suite, que sur I'achat et I'emploi des etoffes necessaires pour faire ces meubles. Je ne puis que vous re- commander, comme a lui, d'observer en tout le plus d'oecono- mie qn'il sera possible, et de ne point faire en peinture de depense superflue et inutile. II sera fait un tendelet neuf de damas pour la felouque de I'ambassadeur, ainsi que vous I'avez propose ; et les canotiers seront habilles ainsi que ceux du canot du Mercure le furent dans la campagne de 1721. Le vaisseau VHeureux devant etre arme en fliite, j'estime qu'il suffira de lui donner 250 hommes d'equipage. Quant au Boree, son equipage a ^t^ regl^ par le roi a 400 hommes, et sa Majeste a trouve bon que toute son artillerie fut de fonte. Je le mande h M. de Court et h M. de Villeblanche, mais je ne puis leur faire savoir encore le temps au juste ou I'ambas- sadeur arrivera en Provence. Je ne pr^vois pas cependant qu'il soit en etat de s'embarquer avant le 15 du mois prochain, et vous pouvez vous arranger en consequence pour les disposi- tions qui vous restent a faire. Signed. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] 1742, June 11. Versailles. — Je me suis tu sur la gratifica- tion. Monsieur, parcequ'elle n'a pas besoin d'etre demandee, et qu'elle est de droit de 6000 pour vous et de trois pour M. de Glandevez ; mais comme cela se paye sur le tresor royal, il n'est pas possible de I'avoir de ce pays-la par avance. J'ai vu M. Gourdan a ce sujet et il doit proposer au bon homme M. de la Thuillerie d'en avancer la moiti6. II le fera s'il le pent, quoiqu'il soit bien bas perc^. Je vous plains de n' avoir pas sous la main vos petites pro- visions espagnoles. Quelque bien que les gueux sachent faire les choses, un pen d'aide y met de la magnificence. Faut-il vous faire compliment de vos 600 livres d'augmentation de pension? Ma foi, non ; c'est une misfere, qui ne serait bonne qu'avec deux zeros de plus. L'ambassadeur turc ne m'a pas encore rendu le plan que vous avez envoy^ de son logement ; quant i moi, je I'approuve ; il serait bien difiicile de ne pas I'apnrouver, lui, qui n'aura jamais ete si bien en mer. Vous le recevrez au premier ordinaire surement ; car je lui demanderai demain, qu'il doit venir ici prendre conge. II part toujours le 25, mais il lambinera surement dans les parts, et ses presents n'iront pas si vite que lui. Le Chevalier de Livry ne salt tout au plus que d'hier qu'il n'est pas capitaine. M. de Maurepas I'a annonce h son fr^re, qui s'en d^sespere ; mais le ministre ne s'est pas effray^, et lui a parle firme pendant demie heure. J'ai eu tout de suite a 322 soutenir les memes plaintes et les cris a rinjustice. J'avais reponse k tout. Je vis le soir son Spouse; autre scene ; il me revient celle du chevalier ; c'est a quoi je suis tout pret ; il n'a jamais doute d'avoir le meme sort du Chevalier de Beauffre- mont ; jugez de son etonnement ; il ne peut se comparer qu'a celui que nous avons, qu'il ait pu le penser. Je ne vous donne pas le plus petite commission pour Con- stantinople et je ne veux que vous m'en rapportiez autre chose que vous, a qui je suis pour toujours respectueusement mais f'ortement attache. Je me fais le plus vif des plaisirs de vous revoir cet hiver ici, pour quoi aussi me dites vous que vous avez quelque amitie pour moi. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] 1742, June 17. Versailles. — Je me depeche de lire un livre qui vient de paraitre, pour vous I'envoyer, deux a deux tomes (il y en a quatre). Vous aurez peut-etre les deux premiers avec ce mot de lettre. Je ne sais ce que c'est que " L'Apotheose de Silva," et je crois qu'elle n'existe que dans la tete de ceux qui vous en ont ecrit ; j'en aurais certainement entendu parler ; je ferai cependant des informations sur cela. L 'esprit de tafia doit arriver dans quelques jours; j'en ferai passer deux barils a Paris tout de suite. Le troisieme restera a Versailles, pour en faire le partage que vous ordonnez ; avec cette observation, que je serai pour ma part I'homme du monde le plus discret, attendu que je ne suis pas buveur de ponche, et qu'il ne m'en faut qu'a titre de remede. On pretend que c'est la meilleure chose du monde pour les plaies, et qu'il est incomparablement meilleure que tout autre eau de vie. J'en suis pour cette qualite ; le reste m'interesse peu. Les deux autres barils augmenteront les effets de votre cave k leur arriv^e. Vous ne ferez qu'un saut d'un vaisseau dans I'autre. Cela vous est deja arrive. L'ambassadeur, un peu trop enivr^ de ce pays-ci ne se presse point d'en sortir ; quelque pierre qu'on jette dans son jardin, il ne part plus qu'a la fin de ce mois. On charge ses ballots ; il emporte de belles choses et en quantity ; sa valetaille est deja en route ; on la conduit par eau ; cela va lentement. M. votre frere nous a donn6 un diner oriental. Nous n'avons pourtant de turc que Sallet Effendi et Laria. Ce Sallet Effendi, que j'appelle mon parent, vu la conformite du nom, est bien le meilleur mussulman que Dieu ait favorise de ]n circoncision. II est doux bonhomme, toujours prompt k dire des choses galantes et flatteuses, aimant les femmes, non en turc ni en petit-maitre, mais en homme dont elles ^meuvent encore plus le coeur que les sens. M. votre frere I'avait plac^ a table entre deux femmes, point jolies mais gaies, point con- nues, mais d'une esp^ce qui ne nous contraignait que mediocre- ment sur la liberte du propos. C'etait une scfene fort plaisante et en meme temps fort agreable, de voir le turc les baiser tendrement a tour de role, avec une belle barbe blanche et des 323 yeux brillants ; les f aire boire dans un verre toutes deux , et boire apres ; leur dire des galanteries orientales , les plus fines du monde. Je souhaite qu'il soit des votres ; il est paisible, et a plus d'esprit qu'on n'en accorde a ces Messieurs pour I'ordin- aire. II est fort amoureux de Madame de Nivernois qu'il a ete voir plus d'une fois. On I'appelle Viman, mais il ne Test point; il n'est pas meme h I'ambassadeur, et Ton pretend qu'il I'a accompagne dans le desir de voyager, et que dans I'etat de sa maison on lui a donne la place de Viman. Voila mon turc, avec lequel j'aurai une corre^pondance en Turquie, pour des livres agreables que nous ferons traduire et ensuite rediger par M. votre frere. II sera bien flatty quand je lui dirai que vous avez lu ses eontes avec plaisir. Je ne veux pas que vous m'envoyiez D.B. ; vous me I'apor- terez, s'il vous plait, au mois de Decembre. Quand viendra- t-il ce mois? En verite je desire de tout mon coeur vous voir bientot. A propos, D.B. est un des meilleurs livres que se soit fait dans le genre libertin ; il a une grande et tres grande reputation ; et en effet il a de tableaux de lubricite aussi cbau- dement ecrits, qu'il y en a d'autres de pure critique, bien ex- primes et bien rendus. Qu'il en vienne souvent de cette force, ils ne resteront pas. Helas, il est de deux jeunes gens dont les noms ne sont connus qu'a la police, clercs de notaire a ce que je crois, et depuis peu sortis de Bicetre pour etre exiles. La merite est bien persecute, il faut I'avouer. Le papier va me manquer. Je ferai plaisir a I'ami Pellerin en lui parlant de vous, mais vous lui en ferai toujours un beaucoup plus vif en lui ecrivant. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] fl742, June] 18. L'esprit de tafia vient d'arriver a Ver- sailles, et j'en envoie deux pieces a Paris. Pardieu, si cette drogue est bonne, vous aurez longtemps le plaisir d'en boire; il y en a un muid et demi. Vous aurez reconnu la justice de votre ami qui n'a pas avance le Chevalier de Livry. M. son frere s'en est venu plaindre a lui, mais non seulement a un beaucoup d'inutilite, il I'a mis encore dans la necessite de lui en donner les raisons ; et comme il y en avait plus d'une, la conversation a ete longue et facheuse a entendre. Le chevalier a regu cette aventure d'un air plus soumis, et avec toutes les promesses possibles de resipiscence ; on I'a fort assure qu'il n'avait qu'a faire autant dire de bien de lui qu'on avait ete chicbe d'^loges sur son compte ; qu'alors il serait avanc^ alia prova vederemo. Begou est a Toul, et il ignorait aparemment que ce serait avec vous qu'il serait, car il ne vous laisserait pas le prevenir de politesse. Bonsoir, Monsieur; puissiez-vous vous amuser plus que moi et mieux que M. de Cour a Gournay. Je ne m'accom- moderais pas de sa gaiete, mais bien de la votre, que je par- tagerais avec beaucoup d'empressement si j'i^tais a port^e de le faire; ah! que j'irais bien volontiers a Constantinople sur le Boree. 324 A propos de ce pays-1^, j'ai ici un 6chantillon d'une etoffe qui fait le plaisir de mes j^eux depuis deux ans ; il n'y a pays ou je n'aie ecrit pour en trouver de quoi me faire un petit lit ; Italie, Allemagne, Hollande, j'ai tout furete; je I'ai montree aux Turcs, qui croient qu'elle est ou de leur pays ou des Indes. Vous I'enverrai-je. Je la crois tres bon marche, mais elle n'en est ni moins belle, ni moins bonne. J'en ai une petite robe de cbambre delicieuse, que je ne parviens ni a user ni a gater depuis six ans, et j'en ai encore un petit morceau qui peut voyager, mais que je crains de perde. Voyez, si vous voulez faire cette enquete, peut-etre vous plaira-t-elle assez pour desirer vous-meme d'en avoir. Oh ! je finis ; il faut que ma lettre vous parvienne par ce courier. [Salley] to the Chkvalier de Cayltjs, at Toulon. 1742, June 22. Versailles. — Je ferai tenir des aujourd'hui votre lettre a Said Pacha. II est galant et vous aussi, sans contredit. Je vois que vous ne voulez ni I'ennuyer ni etre ennuye pendant la traversee ; vous voyagerez comme Cleopatre. Je vous conseilleraiiS de faire fa-ire un habit turc ; outre qu'il vous si^rait a merveilles, ce sera-it I'exces de la politesse que de le recevoir orientalement. N'allez pas croire cette bouffon- nerie ; on en jaserait un peu trop ; le parterre est trop sot pour lui donner ce spectacle. Parlons serieusement. Vous souhaitez votre avanoement ; le ministre le desire sans doute dans son ame; vos amis d'ici (et j'ose prendre cette qualite avec tous les egards que j'y dois mettre) en sont tout aussi impatients que vous-meme ; le corps de la marine en general n'en serait point surpris, suivant ce que j'entends dire a ceux du cci*ps que je vois ; ainsi, point d'obstacles de la part de personne, et le voeu unanime est pour vous ; mais vous avez quelques aociens, dont il y a plusieurs qui ont de la reputation et a qui tout service egal on ne peut faire de passe-droit. Le nombre de ceux-14 est petit; oar tous vos anciens ne sont pas dans le cas de passer devant vous, ni meme avec vous. II n'y a done pour acc^lerer votre avancement que deux moyens ; I'un, de vous trouver une com- mission assez distinguee, pour qu'elle merite un recompense prompte, I'autre, d'ecarter vos concurents et d'en diminuer le nombre par des recompenses, retraites, emplois, qui les met- tent de cote, afin qu'a la premiere promotion de votre espece, il ne s'en trouve a placer qu'une petite quantite dans laquelle vous puissiez etre ; I'adreisse, jointe au chapitre des evenements peut faire beaucoup a cet egard, et en fort peu de temps. Mais pour en revenir au premier des deux moyens ; la situation pr^sente n'indique rien jusqu'a ce moment, et ce ne sont pas les occasions, k la verity, qui manqueraient mais I'etat des choses ne permet pas non seulement qu'on en profite, il engage meme a les eviter dans la crainte d'en faire trop naitre. Ce- pendant, la fermentation actuelle rendra peut-etre quelque 32S mouvement indispensable, que vous aurez le bonheur de trouver ici tout pret a votre retour; et si cela arrivait je crois qu'il faudrait n'en laisser, s'il etait possible, la commission a per- sonne. C'est ce qui me fait vous conseiller d'ecrire au ministre, quelques jours avant votre depart, que vous partez en le priant de vous reserver de la besogne a votre retour ; que vous sentez le besoin que vous et lui avez de vous distinguer, et que vous attendez de lui les occasions de ne pas laisser languir ses dis- positions a votre egard ; que ce sentiment est serieux dans votre ame ; etc. vous savez mille fois mieux dire que moi. II arrivera de cette demarche ce qu'il plaira a fortune ; mais elle favorise les audacieux, vous le savez. Je n'ai pas compris et je ne comprends pas encore la demande que vous me faites des couteaux. Je croyais d'abord que c'etait une plaisanterie qui voulait m'insinuer de vous en de- mander de Constantinople ; mais dites moi done quels couteaux vous voulez, car encore faut-il que je sache ce que c'est. Lie Chevalier de Livry a I'oreille tres basse ; je crois vous en avoir parle ci-devant. II pretend qu'il meritera, par ses belles actions et sa conduite future, d'etre prefere par la suite aux autres, comme les autres I'ont ete a lui. A 1' egard de vos 396L j'entends dire qu'il payei'a toutes ses dettes. Je souhaite que vous soyez du nombre des creanciers que la chaleur premiere de ce genereux et louable dessein fera payer les premiers. Vous me demandez des nouvelles. Ma foi j'en jure celles que je sais ne valent pas la peine d'etre dites. Laissez moi finir pour aujourd'hui en vous reiterant les serments de mon attachement. Pelleein to the [Chevalier de Caylus.j 1742, June 26. Versailles. Je vols avec grand plaisir. Monsieur, par la derniere lettre que vous m'avez fait I'honneur de m'ecrire, que vous etes content de nous, c'est a dire des ordres qui ont ete donnes pour I'etablissement de I'ameuble- ment de votre vaisseau et pour votre Equipage. II est aise de vous satisfaire du moment que vous ne demandez rien que de juste, et que vous pensez a I'economic. C'en est une con- siderable que d'avoir epargne la carene du Borce. Ce que vous avez agreable de me marquer sur I'embarque- ment des gardes de la marine est un detail qui regard unique- ment ^l. Guerdan, et je me trouve hors d'etat de vous repondre precisement sur ce sujet. Quoique je ne lache pas bien les regies que Ton a etablies et I'usage qu'on suit, il me semble cependant que le capitaine des gardes ne doit pas etre le maitre d'en faire embarquer tel nombre qu'il lui plaise sur chaque vaisseau, et qu'il est tenu de faire attention au choix des sujets, suivant les destinations. Si M. Guerdan etait ici je lui en parlerais, mais je ne crois pas devoir lui en ecrire, parceque ma lettre pourrait etre montree a quelqu'un et son contenu aller jusqu'a Toulon. II fait son bureau a Paris pendant les voyages 326 et ne doit revenir ici que dans 12 ou 15 jours. Je pense que vous pourriez lui en ecrire et vous aurez le temps de recevoir sa reponse avant qu'il soit question de I'embarquement des gardes de la marine. CoMTB DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, June 27. Versailles. — J'ai re§u, Monsieur, les lettres qui vous m'avez ecrites les 12 et 17 de ce mois. J'ai vu avec plaisir que vous avez pu vous dispenser de faire carener le Boree, et que vous vous etes oontente seulement de visiter ses fonds que vous avez trouves en bon etat. Je connaissais deja assez votre zele et votre oeoonomie pour ce qui regarde le service, et je ne puis a cette occasion qu'etre confirme dans mes sentiments. Vous aurez su que I'armement des deux vai'Sseaux pour Constantinople n'est plus si presse qu'il a paru I'etre d'abord. L'ambassadeur du Grand Seigneur ira s'em- barquer a Toulon directement , ainsi vous ne serez pas oblige de vous rendez aux Isles de Marseille, et comme il n'arrivera pas a Toulon avant la fin du mois prochain, vous aurez tout le temps necessaire pour vous preparer a le recevoir. Je suis bien aise que vous ayez trouve autant d'utilite et d'oeconomie que vous me le marquez, dans I'etablissement de la fontaine que M. de Villeblanche a fait faire dans le pare. J'approuverai que M. le Chevalier de Eaousset fasse la cam- pagne de Constantinople, et vous recevrez dans le temps les ordres necessaires pour vous autoriser a I'embarquer. Je vous previens a I'avance que M. Dastier de Montfaucon, gentilhomme d' Avignon, passera aussi a Constantinople sur les vaisseaux que vous devez commander. Signed. [Salley] to the Same. 1742, June 28. Versailles. — L'absence ne change point. Monsieur, les gens qui ne changent point en presence, mais I'eloignement rend souvent les lettres equivoques. Vous avez pris mon empressement trop detaill6 a vous rendre compte de r usage pratique a I'egard des gratifications de I'espece de celle qui vous est due, comme une suite de I'idee que je me serais formee que vous I'eussiez fort a ccBur ; et point du tout ; j'ai su a cet egard comme vous pensez ; et pour le savoir, je n'ai qu'a voir ce que je pense; car je me fais honneur d'avoir en pareille matiere les memes principes que vous. C'est moi qui desirerais qu'on put vous la faire toucher par avauce, et ce desir m'est bien permis. M. le Comte de Maurepas avant hier, a son lever, vanta le vin de Grenade que vous lui avez donne, il y a quelques annees, et son eloge alia jusques a en souhaiter encore ; mais il en at- tribuait 1' excellence a I'annee, peut-etre heureuse k ce canton, et il ajouta que quand on vous demanderait par quel commis- sionaire vous I'aviez fait venir, on ne serait nullement sur d'en avoir de pareil. Tout les raisonnements pour et contre S27 bien debattus, il fut cependant conclu que je vous en ecrirais un mot pour que vous nous indiquassiez les moyens dont vous vous etiez servi pour en avoir. M. Begou est parti d'ici pour aller a Toul avant que d'aller a Toulon, mais je crois que vous I'aurez incessamment. Je suis pourtant fache de vos provisions perdues, quoique je sois bien sur que Tambassadeur ne mourra point de faim avec vous. II s'en va de ce pays-ci comble de presents en tout genre, et cependant avec un peu d'humeur il avait fait sur cela des arrangements auxquels on ne s'est pas prete. Notre ami Laria vous contera tout cela, et vous developpera le caractere de I'homme qui a pris du fran^ais la legerete, et I'etourderie, la depense folle. et I'air de magnificence, en conservant cepen- dant le petit ver avaricieux du Turc et I'humeur vaporeuse de son pays. Au demeurant, on peut vivre avec lui, parcequ'il s'etudie a masquer ces humeurs ; il n'a pas tout a fait I'art de les cacher, mais on lui fait bien volontiers la grace de ne s'en pas apercevoir, afin de n'en etre pas incommode. Voici un roman* traduit de I'anglais qui fait une fortune considerable chez les femmes a Paris. Je ne connais point aux femmes de singularite plus marquee que celle d'applaudir avec des cris excessifs de protection a la vertu et a la pudeur, quand elles ont occasion de f aire chorus , et pourtant de la decrier tout au plus adroitement, quand elles sont en particulier. J'en ai fait I'experience a ce livre. Deux trois femmes ensemble: C'etait un livre plus beau que I'evangile. Chaqu'une d'elles me disait a I'oreille qu'il etait assez plat et plein de defauts, dont les moins insupportables etaient I'ennui qu'il causait en mille endroits. Pour moi, je vous en laisserai juger ; je I'ai lu, et il ne m'a pas toujours ennuye. Autre petite brochure anon- yme assez plate. Mandez-moi si vous avez lu " Les mille et une faveurs," en neuf volumes, du Chevalier de Mouy. L'ambassadeur part le dernier de ce mois, mais on emballe encore ses presents, ce qui retardera son embarquement ; je ne vois pas que vous partiez que vers la fin du mois prochain. Je vous souhaite belle et bonne sante et joie au par-dessus. COMTE DE ]klAUEEPAS to the CHEVALIER DE CaYLUS. 1742, June 29. Versailles. — J'ai bien voulu accorder, Mon- sieur, aux solicitations de ]M. et Mme. de Blenac [et a la pro- tection de Mademoiselle]! que leur fils s'embarqiia avec vous pour la campagne de Constantinople; mais I'interet que j'y prends ne va point jusqu'a vous engager a une destination par- ticuliere; mon intention etant toujours de conserver, autant qu'il est possible, dans les memes grades, une egalite que je crois aussi necessaire au bon ordre que la subordination dans les grades differents. Signed. * Presumably Richardson's "Pamela." t These words are interlined, in autograph. " Mademoiselle " was the sister of the late Due de Bourbon (M. le Due) who died in Jan. 1740. 328 GouRDAN to the [Chevalier de CaylusJ 1742, July 2. Paris. — II a fallu, Monsieur, une feuille du roi pour obtenir vos gratifications, I'une de 6000 livres pour vous, r autre de 3000Z. pour M. de Glandevez. Cette feuille est restee longtemps a venir, et c'est d'aujourd'hui seulement que les ordonnances ont ete signees ; il faut a present qu'elles passeut au visa, et Dieu salt quand elles reviendront. Je savais fort bien lorsque vous m'avez parle de gratifications que vous entendiez celles d'usage pour votre destination; mais je savais aussi qu'on ne pouvait pas obliger les tresoriers d'en faire I'avance dans le temps que I'argent leur manque pour les de- penses les plus urgentes, et qu'ils sont en avance pour le service de leurs propres fonds. II est vrai qu'ils ont fait cette avance a M. de Gabaret et Granier pour aller ; mais pour le retour, M. de Maurepas n'a pu le leur proposer, et il faudra que ces Mes- sieurs preunent patience; ce n'est done que precairement que Ton pourrait obtenir cette avance, et quand je vous ai propose de lui en ecrire un mot, j'ignorais en quels termes vous etes avec lui. Je vous prie de dire a M. ie Chevalier de Glandevez que M. de M. expedira son ordi'e pour permettre a M. son frere, capi- taine-lieutenant de galere, de faire la campagne avec lui ; mais il lui a refuse M. de Eegueston pour surnumeraire. On est ici de fort mauvaise humeur et ce n'est pas sans cause. CoMTE DE Maubepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, July 4. Versailles. — J'ai re9Ai, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m'avez ecrite le 24 du mois passe, pour m'informer que le vaisseau le Boree que vous devez commander etait tout pret, et qu'il n'y avait plus que les vivres a embarquer. M. de Yilleblanche me marque que les commissaires et commis aus classes sont prevenus du nombre de matelots qu'ils doivent lever pour ce vaisseau et pour I'Heureux, et que rien ne retar- dira leur depart. L'ambassadeur du Grand Seigneur, qui est parti de Paris le 30 du mois passe, arrivera a Toulon avant la fin de ce mois ; je compte que vous arrangerez avec lui tout ce qui concernera son logement sur le Boree et I'embarquement des gens de sa suite sur les deux vaisseaux, et que vous serez en etat de mettre a la voile immediatement apres I'arrivee a Toulon des derniers ballots qui contiennent les presents du roi. Je vous expliquerai, en vous envoyant votre instruction, les intentions de sa Majeste sur la conduite que vous aurez a tenir a I'egard des Anglais que vous pourrez rencontrer dans votre route. C'est avec plaisir que j'ai accorde une place de garde de marine au Sr. des Vergers de Maupertuis, a cause de I'interet que vous y prenez. Signed. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus. J 1742, July 5. Paris. — Vous aurez. Monsieur, une reponse tres precise a la lettre que vous avez ecrite le 24, mais elle ne 329 peut etre oontenue que dans vos instructions que vous recevrez bientot. J'apprends avec bien du chagrin que vous etes in- dispose. Le chagrin rend malade et la maladie rend de mau- vaise humeur ; ces deux vilains botes se reproduisent reciproque- ment ; il faut les mettre dehors tout a la fois. Je crois que la regie est que notre ambassadeur offre les presents au Grand Seigneur. Je ne sais quel idee vous avez de Said Effendi, mais vous lui donnez un credit qu'il n'a jamais eu ici, et les bagatelles qu'on lui a bien voulu accorder sont des amusettes au moyen des quelles on lui a refuse des demandes un peu trop fortes. II aurait pardieu bien voulu faire quelques bonnes affaires ici ; mais en matiere de gros interets nous ne pretendons pas qu'on vienne d'Asie pour en profite. Li 'arrangement sur lequel vous me priez de parler a M. Pellerin n'est pas de son district. Les reglements des loge- ments des officiers a bord des vais&eaux regardera M. Gourdan. Je le consulterai sur cela lorsqu'il sera de retour de Maule, ou toute la maisonnee est alle passer quelques jours. Si vous etes cependant oblige a quelque derangement sur ces loge- ments vous pouvez en ecrire directement au ministre et cela sans aucun scruple. M. Gourdan prendrait sa decision et vous la manderait. Depuis que je vous ai parle de mon etoffe, un homme qui pre- tend la connaitre, et qu'elle s'appelle soie du longa, a ecrit a son correspondant de Francfort, ou il assure qu'il y en a. J 'attends sa reponse; et si elle est negative, je vous envois I'echantillon, parceque vous pourriez en effet en trouver a Constantinople, quoiqu'elle vienne des Indes. Je ne sais si Sallet Effendi vous fera bonne chere ; je le crois trfes bon homme, mais mediocrement riche. Pourquoi vous parlerais [je] de paix et de guerre? Nous avons ni I'une ni I'autre, et dans la situation actuelle, je ne sais si ceux qui sont le mieux.au fait pourraient vous predire (car je ne dis pas vous dire) si nous aureus ou guerre ou paix. II me semble que les Anglais veulent la premiere a leurs procedes, et je sais combien notre marin en serait charme ; mais les interets gene- raux seront consultes, comme vous pensez bien, avant la satis- faction des particuliers. Je ne crains assurement point votre indiscretion, et vous me feriez bien un autre injustice de croire que je vous connaitrais si mal ; mais je vous jure qu'il n'y a rien de positif a confier a votre prudence. Le grand noir a toujours la goutte de la grande maniere. Elle lui a redouble depuis deux jours ; je le trouve fort abattu ; il est pourtant moins mal qu'il n'etait il y a deux mois ; je croyais alors qu'il y laisserait sa peau. La pauvre Ton, ou, si vous voulez, votre ancienne amie du Quai de Conti, est dans un etat de sante deplorable. L'estomac est au diable, et il s'y joint des palpitations de coeur assez frequentes. M. et Mme. de Maurepas se portent assez bien. Nous avons eu la nouvelle de I'aventure des galeres* de fort bonne heu re. Je suis, aussi que vous, a concevoir comment cela *The burning of five Spanish galleys by an English squadron, at Saint- Tropez, on June 14. 330 s'est pu faire ; il n'y avait done personne dans ces belles maisons flottantes. Je vous enverrai incessamment des livres nouveaux. Mais meritez qu'on vous amuse en vous portant mieux ; je ne con- nais personne a qui la maladie aille moins bien qu'a vous. [Sallby] to the [Chevaliek de Caylus.J 1742, July 10. Versailles. — J'ai laisse vos dernieres lettres a Paris, Monsieur; cependant je n'attendrai pas a y retourner pour vous faire reponse. Je suis vraiment afflige de votre maladie. Diette et tres peu de remedes, c'est mon remede universel. J'ai neanmoins grande confiance dans votre es- culape, et je lui ferais un beau sacrifice s'il vous guerissait bientot. Je comprends que 1' ennui a grande part a votre mal ; mais comment faire? Vous avez ete quatre mois les bras croises ; vous vous seriez plus amuse ici, mais je vous connais assez poiu- ne pas douter que vous n'y eussiez interieurement ete sur des epines tandis que tous les officiers sont a leur de- partement sur le qui vive. Nous n'avons ici du corps que M. de Benneville et M. de St. Germain, et quoi, encore le Chevalier do Livry. On regarde ici depuis quelque temps un officier a deux fois, et Ton est etonne d'en rencontrer ; la premiere question, tort ou raison, est de lui demander ce qu'il y fait. Je sais qu'on pourrait vous demander la-bas, qu'est ce que vous y faites? mais on a regie de tout temps que c'etait faire que d'etre pret a faire. Du courage ! morbleu, je ne dirai plus de la patience; du courage, pour soutenir I'inaction ! II en faut plus que pour la fatigue et les dangers. Je deteste de vous voir triste et malade. Je ne vous dirai pas de nouvelles ; d'autres vous en mandent ; ils le peuvent et font bien. On vous fait de petits couteaux blancs que je vous enverrai incessamment. Je ne veux point des tartares ; ils sont maus- sades, et les manches aussi trop ignobles ; rapportez-moi vous de Constantinople gai et sain, je ne veux rien de plus de ce pays. Etablissez une correspon dance siare en Chypre sur le choix du vin ; voila ce que j'aurais ajoute a vos instructions. Mme. la Comtesse de Maurepas, a qui je fais votre cour, et a qui je dis que je m'acquitte de ses compliments pour vous, m'a charge de vous mander de ne point lui apporter d'etoffe de Constantinople excepts si vous en trouviez de la gaze ou de la mousseline dans laquelle il y eut de I'or. Toute autre etoffe lui parait de mauvais gout. Je souhaite que toute la Turquie vous egaie, et j'espere sur la variete que ces honnetes gens-la vont mettre dans votre commerce. Vous vous en accommoderez peut-etre mieux que de vos Espagnols. J'ai vu hier la maitresse de I'ambassadeur, qu'on appelle la petite Pichard. Elle est venue a Versailles ; elle assure qu'elle lui gardera fidelite tant qu'il sera dans le royaume ; il y a des gens a I'affut du moment oil vous mettrez a la voile. Elle est assez jolie, petite, point trop malfaite, jadis fort putain, 331 fidele au musulman pendant tout le voyage-^il n'avait exige que cela ; elle a tenu bon contra ceux qui etaient possedes du plaisir de le fairs cour ; die se prepare a reprendre son premier metier, mais, et vous le pouvez dire a I'ambassadeur, elle porte encore son portrait. Elle le montrait hier a ceux qui lui faisaient des propositions et ne le quittera qu'au coup de par- lance. Elle s'en loue beaucoup ; il I'a paye pour cela, puisqu'il lui a assure une petite rente en partant. Je vous reserve le plaisir de souper avec elle a votre retour; elle n'a pas d'autre esprit que celui de sa profession, et disait fort agreablement a des gens qui, en badinant, lui reprochaient son accouplement avec un circoncis — Je vous assure qu'il est meilleur Catholique que bien de Chretiens. La probite musulman est admirable. La petite diablesse aga^ait les principaux de la suite de I'am- bassadeur et se divertissait a les caresser, pour avoir le plaisir de les voir la fuir comme il eussent fait le diable, parcequ'elle savait le singulier respect des Turcs pour les femmes qui par- tagent le lit de leur maitre, et cela est de fait; ils I'auraient dans ces moments la plutot battue que f — . Je vous reitere I'instante priere de vous bien porter et de vouloir bien m'en instruire ; votre sante est a present une de mes grandes inquietudes, je vous le jure. Mme. Gourdan m'a montre votre dernierelettre, parcequ'elle n'ignore pas le plaisir que j'ai de savoir de vos nouvelles. CoMTE DE MArEEPAS to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, July 14. Versailles. — Je voius envoie. Monsieur, copie de la liste que j'adresse a M. de Villeblanche des passagers auxquels le roi a permis de s'embarquer sur les vaisseaux le Boree et VHeureux; vous aurez agreable, s'il vous plait, de vous entendre avec M. le Chevalier de Glandevez pour ceux qu'il prendra sur VHeureux. Je dois vous prevenir que le Sr. Labat, negociant fran9ais etabli a Constantinople, doit avoir achete pour le port de Toulon, des chanvres et autres munitions ; I'intention du roi est que vous en fassiez embarquer, sur les deux vaisseaux, le plus qu'il sera possible. II sera necessaire aussi que vous recevrez a bord des deux vaisseaux les hommes et femmes que M. le Comte de Castellane* vous demandera a y faire embarquer pour le repasser en France. Signed. The Same to the Same. 1742, July 14. Versailles. — Je compte. Monsieur, que I'am- bassadeur du Grand Seigneur sera arrive a Toulon lorsque vous recevrez cette lettre, et que les derniers ballots, contenant les presents du roi, y arriveront bientot apres. Je ne doute pas que vous ne vous soyez dispose a partir aussitot que vous les aurez re9us, et sa Majeste desire que vous mettiez ensuite * The French Ambassador at Constantinople. 332 a la voile sans retarder voire depart. J'adresse pour cet efCet a ravance votre instruction a M. de Court, qui vous la remettra. Le roi m'a charge de vous marquer en particulier comment vous devez vous conduire par rapport aux vaisseaux de guerre anglais qui sont sur la cote de Provence. Quoiqu'il n'y ait point d'apparence qu'ils apportent aucun obstacle a votre navi- gation, il est cependant a souhaiter que vous puissiez eviter leur renconti'e en partant de Toulon, et sa Majestc se remet a vous de prendre pour cela les mesures que vous estimerez necessaire , et de diriger d'abord votre route, suivant la connaissance que vous aurez des parages oii il' se trouveront ; mais si, malgre les precautions que vous prendrez, vous en rencontrez plusieurs ensemble, que vous ne puissiez eviter, et qui exigent de vous que vous vous fassiez connaitre, sa Majeste desire que vous reeeviez avec politesse I'officier commandant le canot qu'ils pourront vous envoyer, et que vous satisfassiez aux demaudes qu'il vous fera sur les vaisseaux que vous commandez, et sur votre destination ; si au lieu de vous envoyer un canot de leurs vaisseaux, ils voulaient que vous leur envoyassiez le votre a leur bord, 1 'intention du roi est que pour prevenir tout incon- venient, et ne point donuer lieu a quelque engagement capable de retarder votre navigation, vous ne refusiez point d'envoyer votre canot avec un officier au commandant anglais pour lui dire qui vous etes, et votre destination. Vous pourrez lui faire entendre que c'est au nom de I'ambassadeur du Grand Seigneur que vous faites cette demarche, afin qu'elle ne tire point a consequence, et ce n'est en effet que par consideration pour sa personne que sa Majeste consent que vous la fassiez. Bile desire, au surplus, que vous ne vous y determiniez que dans le cas ou vous ne pourrez absolument vous en dispenser. Signed. Pelleein to the [Chevalier de Cailus.J 1742, July 14. Versailles. — Vous recevez. Monsieur, par ce meme ordinaire, votre instruction, et la lettre particuUere que M. le Comte de Maurepas vous ecrit sur les precautions que vous avez a prendre avec les Anglais. J'ai suivi dans ces expeditions, les decisions qui m'ont ete dounees, et je souhaite fort que vous en soyez content. Je fais en meme temps des voeux pour que vous fassiez un voyage egalement heureux et agreable. Vous ne tarderez pas, selon les apparences, a partir apres la reception de ces ordres qui paraissent etre les derniers que Ton aura a vous envoyer. S'il vous tornbat en Levant quelques bonnes medailles antiques entre les mains, je vous serais tres oblige de me les garder. C'est a present tout ce que je fais venir de ce pays-la. J'ai meme quasi renouce au vin de Chypres que j'aimais fort, ma sante ne me permettant plus d'en faire usage. Je vous souhaite encore une fois un heureux voyage, et je vous supplie de vous souvenir que vous avez ici en moi un homme extremement zele pour votre service. 333 CoMTE DE Maueepas to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, July 15. Versailles. — M. de Villeblanche m'ayant informe, Monsieur, que les Turcs et Maures enleves par M. le Comte Marqueze sur un navire anglais, qui, aprfes avoir ^te relaches conformement au jugement rendu par les officiers de I'amiraute de Toulon, sont restes dans cette ville pour r^clamer les effets qu'ils avaient pretendu leur avoir ^t^ pilles, deman- dent a passer sur les vaisseaux le Boree et VHeureux, pour etre remis dans les endroits a port^e de leur pays, ou vous pourriez relacher dans votre route : L 'intention du roi est que vous receviez ces Turcs et Maures a bord des deux vaisseaux que vous commandez, et que vous les mettiez a terre dans les lieux de relache ou ils demanderont que vous les fassiez de- barquer. Sigyied. The Same to the Same. 1742, July 17. Paris. It is true that M. de Vasse will, in all probability, resign the commandery ; but the first vacancy was promised, many years ago, to the Commander de Fleury. Signed. French. L. Antheadme to the Same. 1742, July 17. St. Pierre [of Martinique].— C'est avec tout le chagrin possible que je me vols prive de I'honneur des votres depuis votre arrive en France, sans en pouvoir deviner la cause. Je n'ai cependant laisse passer aucune occasion sans vous informer de mes operations au sujet de I'armement de la cote d'Espagne, vous ayant meme, selon vos desirs, envoy e copie de celles que j'ecrivais a M. Castannier touchant cette entreprise. Je souhaite qu'elles vous soient toutes parvenues, pour vous donner des preuves de mon exactitude. C'est avec une entiere satisfaction que j'ai appris que le roi vous avait choisi pour aller ranger les Tunisiens a leur devoir; on voit avec plaisir que le ministre sait reconnaitre le merite, ne vous ayant pas donne le temps de respirer depuis votre voyage de I'Amerique; vous r^pondez trop avantageusement aux idees que Ton a con9ues de vous pour croire qu'on vous laisse tran- quille, surtout dans les temps critiques ou nous sommes. Pour ce qui regarde le Chevalier Grenier, je I'attend dans le courant du mois prochain. M. de Castannier doit avoir re9u par voie de St. Dominique autour de quatre vingt ou cent mille piastres. II nous est arrive, depuis huit jours, un negrier, venant de Senegal, qui a apporte des perroquets ; j'en ai adresses quatre a votre maison de Rouen, qui les delivrera a votre ordre. Nous avons perdu M. Touzay de la petite v^role, en quatre jours. S'il y a quelque chose pour votre service dans ce pays, je vous prie de disposer de moi en tout. Si le second negrier que j'attend de Juda, apporte des batons de hamacq, j'aurai soins 334 d'en retenir im pour vous. Si la saison n'avait pas ^t^ si Evancee, je vous aurais envoye des petitjs colibris, mais ils n'auraient pu a leurs arrivees supporter le froid. Ce sera pour le printemps prochain. Francois Eetz, General of the Society of Jesus, to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] 1742, July 19. Eome. II y a bien du temps que je suis informe de la bienveillance et de la protection dont vous ho- norez notre compagnie, et j 'aurais eu I'honneur de vous temoi- gner plutot la vive et sincere reconnaissance dont je suis penetre, si ]'e n' avails craint de vous etre importun. Souffrez que passant aujourd'hui sur cette crainte, je vous supplie d'agreer les re- merciments que je vous dois, et d'etre bien persuade que je ne souhaiterais rien tant que de trouver quelque occasion de correspondre a toutes les marques de bonte dont vous nous avez donne jusqu'ici de si continuelles et de si obligeantes preuves ; en attendant que vous veiiilliez bien m'en fournir quelqu'une, ou que je sois moi meme assez heureux pour la rencontrer, j'ecris, a I'occasion du voyage que vous etes sur le point de faire a Constantinople, a tons les superieurs de nos missions de Grece et de Syrie, pour les informer de vos bontes pour nous, et pour leur recommander de faire a votre egard ce que je vou- drais pourvoir faire moi-meme; et j'ose vous assurer que nous ne cesserons de multiplier aupres de Dieu nos vceux et j os prieres, afin qu'il vous consei've longues annees, et qu'il vous comble de ses plus precieuses benedictions. Holograph {?). [Salley] to the Chevalibk de Caylh:. 1742, July 20. Versailles. — Je suis charme d'apprendre par vous meme. Monsieur, que votre sante commence h se retablir. Mais en verite je crois que vous revez d'imaginer que vous ayez eu un attaque apoplectique. Ce sont une vingtaine d'in- digestions que vous vous etes donne, coup sur coup, qui vous reduisent a present a la diete. Je suis encore trop loin de la faculte de vous persuader, pour vous parler de votre sante et pour vous donner des conseils que vous traiteriez de pedago- gisme ; ainsi je m'en tais, et je m'en remets avec donleur a la douloureuse experience que vous faites, et aux privations ou vous reduisent, malgre vous, le peu de soins oeconomiques que vous prenez dans vos plaisirs. Vous aurez vu par la lettre que vous a ecrit M. le Comte de Maurepas, que Ton a pris depuis longtemps les devants sur la commanderie, et que ce serait en vain qu'on voudrait dis- puter ce morceau a celui qui en a I'expectative. En verite, j'(5tais charm^ de votre projet, et comme je ne connaissais pas votre concurrent, je comptais fort sur I'amitie du ministre dans une occasion dc^cisive pour vous. J'avais meme mis dans votre confidence Mme. la Comtesse, qui s'y portait avec plaisir et vivacite, mais fumes tous confondus lorsqu'on nous fit la re- ponse que vous avez requ. 335 A regard du memoire que vous avez remis a ma prudence, quant a I'usage qu'il en fallait faire, j'ai fait conseiller ma prudence par celle de M. Pellerin. II ne croit pas que votre argument put reussir, malgre I'ordonnance du roi qui fait rouler les colonels d'infanterie avec les capitaines de vaisseaux. L'or- donnance n'a lieu que pour les honneurs, et pour le rang dans les cas ou cela penit se rencontrer ; mais il n'y a pas d'exemple qu'elle ait servi k ravancement des officiers de marine. D'ail- leurs les concurrents, ou plutot les anciens qui vous restent, ne sont pas gens sans reputation. Je ne pretend pas vous les comparer; mais il faut vous connaitre ainsi qu'eux, pour etre convaincu que la preference vous serait due, et ce n'est mal- heureusement pas toujours d'apres les connaissances particu- lieres qu'on decide du rang et de la preeminence de gens. II faut que le gros du public, d'un corps et de la cour, y donne son attache. Vous me parlez du vin de Malaga. II me semble que c'est un autre vin dont M. de M. m'a dit de vous ecrire ; peut-etre est ce un espece de Malaga ; je ne me souviens plus du nom qu'il lui donne, mais c'est bien celui dont je vous ai envoy6 le nom. M. de M. non plus que du Bail ne peuvent vous donner des gouttes du General la Motte; mais j'en demanderai a M. de la Peyronie* et vous en aurez de celles du roi ; je ferai partir les quatres bouteilles par le premier ordinaire. Des nouvelles et quelles nouvelles vous apprendrais-je? On garde ici depuis quinze jours le plus profond silence ; tout s'y passe dans un secret impenetrable ; je ne crois pas qu'il en faille mieux augurer. Comme la poste me presse je m'en tiens a ceci, et je ne man- querai pas de vous ecrire en vous envoyant les gouttes. Puissiez vous rattraper votre sante a terre, la fortifier dans la traversee, et revenir, plus vigoureux qu' Hercule, vous de- dommager ici de votre continence. Pelleein to the [Chevalieb de Caylus.] 1742, July 20. Versailles. — J'ai fait usage a I'ordinaire, Monsieur, des deux derniers lettres que vous m'avez fait I'hon- neur de m'ecrire, et il sera mande a M. de Villeblanche de vous donner le nomme Gaultier en qualite de pilote surnumeraire. M. le Comte de Maurepas s'en remets a vous de I'employer utilement pendant la campagne, et comme vous le jugerez le plus k propos. II sera ^crit aussi k M. de Villeblanche de laisser au pilote Maltais la liberti^ entiere de faire la barque comme il voudrait, sans le gener en rien sur les proportions et fa9ons de cette barque. J'espfere qu'avant qu'elle soit faite vous serez revenu et que vous pourrez faire faire les ^tablisse- ments inrterietirs en votre presence. Cepenldant il serait a tout evenement que vous en laissassiez un plan du construction, avec ordre de le suivre^ * Fran9ois Gigot de la Peyronie, premier cliirurgeon du roi. 33r, Si les deux galiotes avaient 6te faites, on les aurait envoyees a la cote de Tunis. Outre les officiers que vous m'avez marqu^ etre pi'opre k les commander, il serait necessaire que M. le Comte de Maurepas sut quels autres, h leur defaut, il convien- drait de choisir, et le service demande que vous nous fassiez part, s'il vous plait, de ce que vous en pensez. Je crains fort que les Anglais ne retardent votre depart. Je pense cependant qu'en attendant un vent favorable, et en par- tant un jour sur le soir vous pourrez vous trouver le lendemain matin bien eloigne, et hors de portee d'etre vu et joint par leurs vaisseaux. On ne pent que s'en remettre sur cela a votre vigilance et a votre experience. Vous pensez en bon patriote sur la situation des affaires, et quoique mon metier et le votre soient bien differents, je me trouve cependant n'avoir pas d'autres sentiments que vous a cet egard. II n'y a que Dieu qui sache comment tout cela tour- nera. Je n'y vois qu'obscurite et incertitude en tous points. Je serais trfes inquiet de ce que vous me marquez d'un engour- dissement qui vous est survenu, si vous ne m'en parliez pas en plaisantant. Je vous exhorte cependant trfes serieusement h vous menager et a vous conserver. Je me fiatte que vous me rendez la justice d'etre persuade detout I'interet que j'y prend. M. le Comte de Maurepas arriva hier au soir, et je n'ai pu voir aujourd'hui M. Salley. Ainsi je ne sais pas encore ce que c'est que le memoire que vous lui avez envoy^. Quand je I'aurai vu, je lui en dirai volontiers mon sentiment, ainsi que sur les 3 figures de bronze que M. d'Amblimont doit lui remettre. Si dans votre voyage en Levant vous trouviez outre les medailles dont je vous ai deja parl^, quelques anti- quailles a bon compte que vous ne voulussiez pas garder pour vous, je vous en demanderai la preference. FSalley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1742, July 24. Paris. — J'ai eu I'honneur de vous informer. Monsieur, que M. de Maurepas n'avait pas voulu se dessaisir de ses gouttes ; il vous en donnerai volontiers pour vous, mais comme il s'agit plus encore de votre equipage, il m'a renvoye au roi. Ce n'a pas et^ sans succes, et M. de La Peyronie lui ayant dit que vous desiriez avoir des gouttes du general, dont vous equipages s'etaient bien trouves, le roi a repondu qu'il fallait vous en envoyer trfes promptement. II en a remis pour cela a M. de la Peyronie les quatres bouteilles que vous recevrez par ce courier; elles ne sont pas parfaitement pleines, et elles se sont un peu evaporees, mais elles m'ont ete don- nees comme je vous les envoie ; vous en ferez a votre retour votre remerciement a sa Majeste. Je desirerais fort qu'il vous fit des graces plus etoffc^es et plus personelles ; cela viendra. Savez-vous que vous radotez un peu? passez moi le terme, je vous prouverai la c"hose. Que veut dire, je vous prie, cette fantasie que vous a pris de croire que vous aviez eu un attaque d'apoplexie, et la folic de I'^crire a plusieurs per- sonnes? Le bruit commence a s'en repondre, et si je ne faisais 337 courir un bruit tout contraire, je crois que voua auriez bientot la reputation d'un apoplectique. J'aime mille fois mieux que vous aviez cells d'un reveur ; et rien ne me fera penser autre- ment et parler difPeremment. Je vous soutiens premierement a vous meme, que cela n'est pas, et que pour le moins vous vous etes trompe ; et quand ceJa serait, je pretends qu'il ne faudrait pas le dire. Les hommes comme vous, destines et bons a bien des choses, ne sont jamais malades, et doivent aussi peu en convenir que les femmes de leur sante. Ce n'est pas un reproche que je vous fais, mais un maxime politique que j'ai I'honneur de vous presenter, qui est d'un tres bon usage. Nous avons essaye chez M. votre frere le vin de Chypre que vous m'avez envoye. Vous le dirai-je? Nous sommes peut- ctre trop difficiles, mais il nous a paru peu charge en couleur, fort vif, et moins flatteur, moins moelleux, moins imposant que le vin de Chypre auquel nous sommes accoutum^s ; nous avions une pi^ce de comparison qui lui faisait tort. M. votre frere en a encore quelques bouteilles, couleur de feuille morte, fonce en couleur, veloute, parfume et majestueux. Malgre le sentiment des gourmets qui y trouvaient ceci et cela, un des convives et moi, nous esperons que, quoique de nature differente de celui qu'on mettait en parallele, il deviendra fort bon. Vos couteaux m'ont ete apporte il y a quelques jours, mais ils allaient si mal dans leur gaine que j'ai ete oblige d'y faire retravailler. Je deviais les avoir : peut-etre me les apportera- t-on demain ; je les ferai partir sur-le-champ. On dit ici que sans un ballot essentiel et qui est en route, vous ne tarderiez pas a partir; j'en suis impatient, puisque la promptitude de votre depart avancera votre retour. CoMTE DE Maurepas to the Chevaliee de Caylus. 1742, July 28. Versailles. — M. de Jonville* m'a informe, Monsieur, qu'il vous avait fait part d'un discours que I'am- bassadeur du Grand Seigneur lui a tenu, il y a quelque temps, sur les affaires de Tunis, offrant d'y passer avec les vaisseaux du roi qui le conduiront a Constantinople pour parler au bey, et le porter a faire la paix. Ra Majeste, a qui j'ai rendu compte de ce que INI. de Jonville m'a marque a ce sujet, ne juge pas qu'il convienne que les vaisseaux que vous commandez aillent a Tunis; t-t si I'ambassadeur vous le proposait, I'intention du roi est que vous lui disiez que vous n'avez point ordre de I'y mener, et que vous etes oblige indispensablement de le con- duire directement a Constantinople. Signed. [Sallby] to the Same. 1742, July 29. Versailles. — Vous recevrez par ce meme ordinaire. Monsieur, les couteaux que vous m'avez demandes ; je souhaite que vous en soyez content. Vous aurez re^u par le dernier, " Les Soir6es du Bois de Boulogne " ; assez mauvaise * Attached to the Turkish Ambassador. 338 drogue, mais voila a quoi les nouveautes litteraires se reduisent. II me semble que je ne vous avals pas mal annonc6 le carac- tere de I'ambassaydeur ; voire experience vous confirmera que c'est peu de chose, quand au fonds ; et qu'il a pris ici una teinture de legerete dans le propos qui cadre assez mal avec la taciturnite ottomane ; en sorte que, ne pouvant vivre en- semble, elles sont obligees de se succeder. Comme on me promit de me trouver de I'etoffe qui je vous avais prie de chercher, je ne veux pas vous donner la peine d'en demander et vous embarasser de cette sotte recherche ; n'aurez- vous pas assez d'ailaire, et faut-il aimer les gens pour les im- portuner? Si vous attendiez pour remettre votre en fonds les 400 livres du Chevalier de Livry, vous n'ouvririez de longtemps votre petite banque. Je lui en aurais bien dit un mot, mais comme je prevois ou ses excuses, ou ses remises, ou des promesses qui ne seraient suivies d'aucun effet, je n'ai pas cru devoir pour vous et pour moi entamer cette negociation. Je crois avoir repondu a tous les articles de vos lettres, ce me semble, et j'ai ete depuis votre dernier retour fort exacte a vous faire reponse. L'aventure de Tabarque est triste, sans doute, mais n'i-t- elle pas ete un peu tem^raire ? Eussiez-vous et^ aussi l^gerement ferraill^? Quoiqu'il en soit, cet 6chec pourrait amener n6- cessairement ce qu'on ne cherchait pas. II sera temps d'en raisoner dans une autre saison ; n'y pensons plus. Eevenez de Constantinople en bonne sant6 , sans vapeurs ; et si vous en avez, nous vous les guerirons ici pendant I'hiver; et au printemps, chose nouvelle. Comme je suis a quatre Lieues de Paris je ne pourrai savoir des nouvelles de Mme. Eonde qu'a mon retour ; et s'il est encore temps de vous ^crire je vous en- verrai le plan de son visage ; je n'en ai rien entendu dire. Vous ne m'avez rien dit de M. Begou depuis que vous I'avez ; il m'a semble que vous en seriez content ; je crois meme que M. de Maurepas serait bien aise que cela fut, et de ne s'etre pas trompe dans I'opinion qu'il en a. M. et Mme. Gourdan se portent bien. Vous aurez su que I'oncle de Mme. Gourdan est mort, et que consequemment Mme. Gourdan en h^rite fort honnetement. Vous ne I'avez pas complimentee sur sa triste joie. M. Turgot* qui me fait I'honneur d'etre dans mon cabinet dans ce moment, et qui salt que cette let?tre est pour vous, me charge de vous faire ses compliments. Je finis, en aspirant pourtant qua ce ne sera pas la derni^re fois et que je ne serai pas si press^. Pellerin to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, July 29. Versailles. — Je viens. Monsieur, de lire k M. le Comte de Maurepas, la lettra que vous m'avez fait ♦ Pr^vot des Marchands ; died in 1751. Father of the minister of Louis XVL 339 I'honneur de m'^crire le 19 de ce mois. II est entr^ dans vos representations sur la difficult^ de changer vos arrange- ments par rapport aux vivres, et il consent que vous n'en preniez que pour quatre mois en nature, puisque vous vous etes arrange sur ce pied-la. 11 en ecrira iM.de Ville- blanche, que j'en previens a I'avance. Je souhaite fort que ce ne soit pas la retenue de vos equipages par M. de Court qui apporte le plus d'obstacle k votre depart, et que Messieurs les Anglais vous laissent le passage libre. Les ordres au sujet du pilote Gaultier ont ete envoyes comme vous I'avez desire. II n'y aura jamais d'oubli ni de retardement de ma part pour tout ce qui pourra vous interresser. The " Borie " and " Heureux " eventually sailed on August 15. A. ViLLET to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1742, August 8. Marseilles. — Encloses an extract of a letter he has received from his brothers at Tunis, and begs that if he should go there, he will set the matter straight. French. Enclosing Messes. Villet Bros., of Tunis, to their Brother. 1742, July 3. You ought to knoio that the hey is per- suaded not to pay the 21,000 piastres which he owes us. We are told that an application to the king might be suc- cessful ; that if the king desired the bey to pay , the money would be paid. French. Extract. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus. J 1742, September 30. Versailles. — Le pauvre diable de secretaire a eu bien des affaires, a ete un peu malade, et n'a pas fait ce qu'il d^sirait le plus, puisqu'il a tarde jusqu'a pre- sent de vous ecrire. II n'y a que vous qui ne soit pas inquiet de vous vous revoila sur I'eau, et dans une assez sotte saison un peu avanc^epour le voyage que vous faites. Je passe sur mon inquietude et celle de vos amis ; vous n'etes point a portee de nous rassurer, et nous nous tourmenterons la cervelle, s'il vous plait, jusqu'i ce que vous soyez de retour. Ah ! de pardieu ! revenez bientot, et ne vous amusez pas k peupler tout I'Ar- chipel. Je me suis dout^ que la singularite d'avoir un equipage k moitie Musulman ne vous piquerait que jusqu'i Texp^rience, et i'espere que vous n'ambitionnez plus guferes la place de Capitan Pacha, pour laquelle je vous ai vu deux ou trois fois une petite arcee d' ambition. II faut etre aussi sale, aussi bete, aussi triste, et aussi bougre qu'eux pouvoir y vivre avec in- timite ; peu d'entre eux se distinguent par les qualit^s op- posees. II est vrai qu'il faut convenir que I'Bxcellence s'est 340 ici tiree du pair, mais il ne remporte dans son pays que les impertinences du notre, et plut a Dieu qu'il les eut si bien emportees qu'il n'y en restat plus ; je vous avais, ce me semble, prepare sur son caractere d'emprunt. A propos de lui, la belle chienne de commission que vous m'avez donnee ! ou diable a-t- il pris tout le mercure que j'ai trouve sur sa montre et sur sa hoite? Savez-vous bien comment il a gate tons ses bijoux? ap- paremment qu'en les mettant dans son sein. Le mercure a blanchi Tor; il a voulu faire disparaitre ces taches humiliantes, et il a mis la montre et la tabatiere sur les charbons ardents ; une partie ce sera evaporee ; il en restait peu en effet ; mais vous sentez combien sert peu h regler une montre de la mettre sur le gril. On la raccommodera cependant. A I'egard de la chaine brisee, brulee, il n'y a pas moyen. Elle est d'Angleterre, primo, et nous n'avons pas les outils ni les ouvriers qui ont fait celle-1^ qui est singuliere, en I'envoyant meme a Londres ; on pref^rerait d'en faire une neuve k la peine de raccom- moder celle-ci. Ainsi, voil^ deja un article sur lequel je reste court. La tabatiere est encore aussi peu raccommodable ; la soudure est fondue, et la plaque de dessous est separ^e ; la charniere brisee, et la goupille, qui la tenait, aussi fondue; on meme voulut la raccommoder a Toulon, et I'on a force tons les charnons ; on a ecur^ le dedans, meurtri le dehors, et comme c'est une boite tourn^e a petits grains, il serait impossible de con-server, en ressoudant, son travail, comme il Test aussi de ne le pas ecraser en se servant du marteau pour le redresser. Aucun ouvrier n'a voulu I'entre-prendre, et les meilleurs m'ont assure que cela n'etait pas faisable. Voila le second article sur lequel je ne puis vous obeir ; en sorte que la seule montre pent se rajuster. Que voulez-vous que je fasse de la boite et de la chaine, qui toutes deux ne sont bonnes qu'au creuset. J'at- tendrai des ordres positifs sur tout cela. Voici des nouvelles. Je ne sais si vous etes parti assez tard pour avoir ete informe que M. le Cardinal Tencin et M. d'Ar- genson ont ^te nomm^s par le roi ministres d'etat, et qu'ils sont eutres au conseil. Leur fonction se reduit a cela jusques a present Mme. de Mazarin* est morte le 14 de ce mois ; grand deuil dans notre maison par consequent ; heureusement que la sant^ de Mme. la Comtesse de Maurepas a resists k la fatigue et k la douleur. La place de dame d'atour a ete donnee b, Madame la Duchesse de Villars ; ce qui a fait une place de dame dn palais vacante, qui a ete donnee a Mme. de Flavacourt ; et pour en pouvoir donner aussi une a Mme. de La Tournelle, Mme. la Comtesse de Mailly a donn^ celle qu'elle avait. On dit qu'en dedommagement elle doit avoir la place de dame d'atour de Mme. la Dauphine future. Le siege de Prague est lev6 du 13, et I'arm^e de M. de Maillebois est du 22 en Boheme. Les assi^geants de Prague n'ont quitte le siege que pour venir au devant de lui, mais il n'y a pas d'apparence qu'ils puissent s'opposer h sa route. • The mother of Mme. de Maurepas. 341 Les Anglais s'assemblent dajis les Pays-Bas et font de vouloir tout avaler; ils menacent Dunkerque, et h en juger par les vaisseaux qu'ils arment, on penserait qu'ils veulent en faire le siege par mer et par terre. Si les affaires changent en Boh erne, comma I'apparence y est, ils pourront bien baisser le ton. lis viennent d'apprendre avec tres pen de plaisir que les Espa- gnols, au nombre de trois mille, se sout empares de la Georgie et ravagent la Caroline. II y a si peu de monde a Paris qu'il n'est plus possible qu'il s'y passe d'evenements interessants. Les spectacles y lan- guissent, et Toperameme d'" Hippolyte et Aricie " de Eameau, qiioiqn'il reunisse tout ce qui reste, n'a pas nombreuse com- pagnie. Ce que je vous connais d'amis se porte assez bien. On politique, on parle guerre, on s'ennuie, et M. votre frere est plus a la campagne qu'a la ville. Point de brochure ; et qui diiible les lirait, a qui les vendrait Ton? M. Pellerin me charge de vous assurer de son attachement, et se recommande a votre souvenir pour quelques medailles si vous en rencontrez. Pour moi, je ne vous recommande que votre sante et votre plaisir, pourvu qu'ils s'accordent. Un peu d'amitie a Laria, notre ami ; il merite qu'on I'aime ; le fonds de I'ame et les talents sont exquis, en verite, quoiqu'il les enveloppe quelqufois dans une melancolie asiatique, dont il ne s'est pu defendre. Quand j'y songe, il y a mille ans que je ne vous ai vu ; je vous jure par Mahom, que jen ai la plus vive impatience, et que votre absence n'a fait qu'augmenter mon attachement. [Salley] to the [Chbvaliee de Cayltjs.] 1712, November 2. Versailles. — Je tente la voie de Naples pour vous faire tenir de nos nouvelles, Monsieur; je vous avals ecrit par celle de Marseille, mais M. Charon m'a fait reponse qu'il ne pouvait jalus envoyer ma lettre qu'a Malte, ou vous ne la trouverez qu'en cas que vous y repassiez en revenant ; je crois cependant qu'il s'en trompe dans son calcul, et que vous I'auriez eu a Constantinople s'il avait profite de la premiere occasion, car il y a plus de trois semaines qu'il doit 1' avoir regue. Quoiqu'il en soit, voyons si la terre nous reussira mieux. Je re§ois votre lettre ce matin. M. le Comte de Maurepas a re9U hier celle que vous lui avez ecrite, que je n'ai pas vue ; ce que je sais seulement c'est qu'il vous trouve fort chiche d'ecritures. Nous avons eu de nouvelles par M. Begou, et nous croyons que vous ecririez par les menies occasions, Le ministre pretend qu'on ne devrait pas, quand on est en mer, manquer I'occasion de mander, qu'on n'a rien a mander ; et que le loisir y est assez complet pour avoir des lettres toutes ecrites et pretes, en y ajoutant un mot, a etre jetees dans le premier batiment que Ton rencontre. Peut-etre ne serait-il pas aussi empresse de nouvelles si ce n'etait pas de votres dont il s'agit ; avouez aussi que vous avez un peu de tort de ne pas I'informer, si ce n'est comme ministre, du moins comma 342 ami. L'interet que Ton prend a ses amis fait trouver les bagatelles necessaires. ... Eien encore n'a pris une position fine, et les affaires gene- rales sont toujours dans une attitude equivoque ; je crois qu'a voire retour vous trouverez les choses a peu pres au meme point que vous les avez laissees, a quelques ciroonstances pres. [Tlie story of the damage to the watch, chain and snuff-box is repeated at considerable length.] Vous trouvez done Laria a votre gre. J'en suis charme; je I'anne beaucoup, et ce sentiment augmente par la consolation dont il vous aura ete dans la triste traversee. Je verrai M. Pellerin sur tout ce qui peut vous regarder. II vous est ainsi que moi bien devoue. Je ne ferme point ma lettre ; j'ai du temps encore avant le depart du courier pour Rome, et je puis trouver d'ici de quel- que chose de vous mander. Postscript. November 28. — Cette lettre, tout calcul fait, n'aurait pu vous etre rendue par Kaples ; vous la recevrez en arrivant a Toulon. Quoiqu'elle ne vous soit pas fort instruc- tive, je ne veux pas perdre cet acte de diligence. Je n'y ajou- terai rien autre chose si ce n'est que M. Pellerin a demande que vous trouvassiez un conge en amvant a Toulon. II est accorde, et j'en fais honneur a qu'il est dii ; mais en meme temps, ;\I. i'elJerin et votre tres humble scrviteur prenne la liberie de vous observer que, tant pour le bon ordre que pour la decence, il ne faut pas que vous montiez en chaise de poste le jour de votre arrivee, et qu'il faut moderer votre empresse- ment jusqu'a ce que vous ayez donne ordre a tout, suivant les precedes ordinaires du port. Je vous conseille encore; mon attachement ne saurait se defaire de son tic, et ce conseil me coute, je vous jure, puisqu'il retarde le moment oil j'aurai I'honneur de vous voir. Pellerin to the [Chevalier ue Caylus.J 1742, November 29. Versailles. — L'on compte ici, Mon- bieur, que vous ne serez pas reste plus d'un mois a Constanti- nople, et en calculant comme l'on fait, on pense qu'il se pour- rait bien faire que vous arrivassiez bientot a Toulon, suppose que les vents vous aient ete favorables a votre retour. Ainsi l'on se dispose a vous envoyer deja les ordres pour votre des- armement, et un conge pour venir ici, ou je ne serai pas le seul qui vous reverrai avec plaisir. 11 est bien juste que vous ayez la liberte d'y venir apres une aussi longue absence, et je ne vois pas d'ailleurs que les circonstances actuelles puissent vous retenir a Toulon, n'y ayant point occasion pour le present de vous employer suivant vos desirs. J'ai fait usage dans le temps, de ce que vous m'avez fait I'honneur de me marquer avant votre depart, d'un projet que vous avez forme pour Tunis. Si la paix que l'on y traite ne se fait pas, vous serez k portde et a temps de le proposer; et cet objet manquant, il faudra bien 343 en chercher quelque autre pour vous occuper selon votre gout. En attendant je serai bien content d'apprendre votre retour, et encore plus de vous revoir en bonne sant^. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus.J 1742, December 22. Versailles. — Voici pour votre chaise de poste, Monsieur; je n'ai re^u qu'il y a quelques jours la lettre que vous me iaites I'honneur de m'ecrire de I'Argentiere [Kimo- lo] ; nous avons eu celles de Constantinople beaucoup plutot. Si vous n'avez pas relache a Malte en revenant, vous n'aurez pas eu de nos nouvelles, car c'est ou la lettre que je vous ai ecrite est restee ; vous ne perdez rien a tout cela , et deux jours de Paris vous mettront au fait de tout ce qui s'est passe pendant votre absence. Je m'offre de vous historier la lacune que vos voyages vous ont fait faire, a condition que vous me raconterez aussi vos voyages. Je vous avoue que si j'ai curiosite de connaitre I'etat des pays lointains, et dont les coutumes paraissent con- tredire nos usages, ce n'est qu'autant que j'en pourrai juger par le recit d'un homme non seulement veridique mais qui, ayant vu beaucoup, salt apprecier juste, et qui detache de ce qu'il a vu le merite de la nouveaut6 pour reduire les choses a ce qu'elles sont en effet. Pas un livre, pas un voyageur n'a regarde les hommes et les femmes des pays qu'ils ont par- couru autrement que par leurs habits ; ils n'ont vu les pays que par la difference des latitudes ; les coutumes , que pour les trouver ridicules, parceque nous en pratiquons de contraires ; et les religions, que pour en condamner les principes et pour les trouver folies. Ce n'est pas par la qu'on voit. J'espere entre autres choses que vous nous direz quelque chose du tem- perament des Grecques. A propos de curiosites etrangeres, vous rapportez, dit-on, un elephant qui boit du vin comme s'il n'etait pas Mahometan. On dit ici que vous demanderez I'en- treprise de la fourniture du vin de Champagne qu'il lui faut ; et que comme cela va a 20 bouteilles par jour, vous trouverez sur cet pitance de quoi nous en faire boire assez pour des ani- maux de notre taille. D' autres disent que vous ferez une espece d'entree k Paris sur cette grosse bete, dans une espece de palanquin. Cela serait neuf, et je repondrais d'une aussi belle assemblee qu'a I'entree de Said Pacha. Laria, qui m'a ecrit, me mande qu'il vous aime de tout son coeur. II me fait I'eloge du votre comme si je ne le oonnaissais pas ; c'est un bon gar9on ; je desire que vous en ayez ete egalement content, et qu'il vous ait bien re^u chez lui ; il en est bien capable. Revenez ! Vous etes bien attendu, sans contredit ; mais je defie que personne ait plus que moi de plaisir a vous revoir. Duval to the [Chevaliee de Caylus.J 1742, December 25. Puerto Santa Maria. — After a long and dangerous illness I was ordered by my doctors to return 344 to France ; so on May 28, 1 left Martinique by a St. Malo ship, which was going to Cadiz, partly laden with tobacco. I also, acting on repeated advice, took a quantity of tobacco ; but at Cadiz, ship and tobacco were seized, and the captain and I had to go to Madrid, where eventually we got them released, with permission to send the tobacco anywhere we liked out of Spain. As before leaving Martinique I wrote to you, asking you to recommend me, as one of your friends, to Messrs. Casaubon, I called on them as soon as we anchored. They had not heard from you about me, but received me with the greatest kindness, saying it was enough that I came in your name; and as, just then, ordeiis came to the French consul to send out a quantity of wheat to Martinque, Messrs. Casaubon determined to loa-d a ship, and not only gave me an interest in it to the extent of 3000 piastres — the price I had got for my tobacco — but have also appointed me commissioner of the ship, consigned to me at Saint PieiTe. So that my first misfortune in this country has turned out greatly to my advantage ; for besides the return of cent, per cent, for my 3000 piastres, the commission for the ship will amount to not less than 10,000, and Messrs Casuabon have also made me their correspondent at Martinique ; so that I am in a fair way to make a fortune. I would beg you, in continuance of the many kindnesses you have already shown me, to write in my favour to Messrs. Casaubon, so that it may not be possible for them to think that I have made an un- warrantable use of your name. French. Prince Charles db Lorraine to the [Chevalier db Caylus.J 1743, January 21. Paris. — Instruit, Monsieur, par M. de St. Eemy, et en un mot, par tout ce qui pent m'en rendre compte de vos bontes pour le petit chevaher, je croirais manquer au devoir le plus essentiel, si dans le moment de votre arrivee vous ne trouviez pas des marques de ma reconnaissance, et de toutes les actions de graces que nous vous devons pour cet enfant, que Dieu veuille qui ne vous ait pas ennuye. Pour moi, crainte de tomber dans le cas, je vous supplie tout simple- ment d'etre persuade que je sens vos attentions comme je le dois, et que vous trouverez toujours en moi tous les sentiments qui peuvent mi^riter de me faire regarder de vous oomme quel- qu'un qui n'est pas indigne de votre politesse. Signed. Les Echbvins et Deputes du Commerce de Marseille to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1743, January 27. Marseilles.— Congratulating him on his happy return, and thanking him for his great and disinterested kindness to "la nation de Constantinople." Signed by N. Eemuzat ; H. Crozet ; Roux ; B. Mille; Carraire; Latil ; Bertrand and two others, indecipherable. 345 G. Geuet to the [Chevalier de Caylus.] 1743, December 18. Paris. — J'ai appris que vous etes parti pour Toulon. Je ne doute pas que vous n'ayez oublie de me faire payer 822Z. contenus en votre arrete, que vous aviez pro- mis a mon neveu apres votre retour de Fontainebleau, sur quoi j'avais tres fort cx>mpte; ainsi, je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir ordonner de me payer la dite somme, et les acomptes que vous etes convenu de me donner tous les mois sur les autres marchandises que je vous ai livres, dans lesquelles il se trouve que je n'ai pas d'arrete, de votre part, de 608L 18^. comme [vous] verrez par le memoire que je vous envoie inclus, qu'il vous plaira me renvoyer [I'J arrete, et me marquer a qui il faut que je m'adresse pendant votre absence, pour me procurer mon payment. Vous ne m'avez rien paye le mois de Novem- bre dernier, ni le courant. Je vous aurai beaucoup d'obliga- tion d'y pourvoir. Mon adresse a Gruet,- Quai de la Perraill^e, au Grand Alex- andre. [Salley] to the [Chevalier de Caylus. J [1743, December] 24. — Soyez, Monsieur, le tres bien arrive. Je ne vous dirai pas un mot de mon chagrin de ne plus vous voir; si vous en doutiez vous m'en gueririez. Vous aurez recju une lettre de moi sur votre chirurgien; j'agirai suivant votre reponse. Eien de nouveau ici par rap- port a vous, si non que, de I'ordre de M. de M., on doit vous envoyer iBcessamment du papier a lire. Je crois n' avoir pas besoin de vous certifier que vous avez pense juste sur certain homme avec lequel nous avons dine ; cela etait un peu trop comme le nez au visage. Mais chut pourtant ; on a plus souvent regrette la prodigalite des paroles que cela de 1 'argent. La noce* a ^te tristement belle ; la comedie, le jeu, les apparte- ments, le concert, sont des magnificences d'etiquette, qui ont meilleur air qu'elles ne sont amusantes ; Paris a couru badau- dement , a son ordinaire , les epoux et leur suite aux spectacles ; les comediens avaient eclaire leur salle par des lustres multi- plies et charges de bougies. Bolandf n'a point reconcilie Lully avec le public. II a ete re^u assez fraichement ; sa cabale en jette I'opprobre sur les acteurs qui, dit on, I'ont joue a contresens d'un bout a I'autre. La tradition est perdue ; ils regrettent pour cet opera Bomaviel, Dumesnil et Mile. Eochouas. Chasse n'y est point du tout; Mile, le Maure ne pent aller jusqu'a la fin de son role, et Jeliot n'y est point a son aise, parceque le role n'est pas fait pour lui, et que Lully etait un si grand homme qu'il composait pre- cisement pour ses acteurs. VoilS, ce qui se dit par les Lullistes, * "Le manage de M. de Castries avec M"« de Fleury," on Dec. 22, 1743. See Luynes, v. 221. t " Remise le Jeudi, 19 D^cembre, 1743." See Dictionnaire des Theatres, iv. 512. 346 et les Eamistes orient apres Dardanus. Chasse n'a pas joue la seconde representation ; on a pass6 de lui k ^ la Serson tout de suite ; Le Page ne savait pas encore le role. La Chaussee a et^ tout pret a faire ressiffler Pamela, y oom- pris des oorrections* ; mais la veille de cette gasconade t^m^raire il a change sagement d'avis, et cela pourrait etre regarde comme la troisieme cacade ; car c'etait Mme. D.D. qui lui con- seillait cette belle action. Votre concierge m'a dit qu'il me permettait I'usage de votre maison dans les jours ou ceux que vous en avez rendu le maitre seraient sur le grabat ; le tout avec promesse de sa part d'etre discret. Je ne crois pas charger sa discretion de bien des choses ; mais qui salt tout ce qui peut arriver? J'ai accepte cette ressource. Nos nouvelles nous apprennent que M. votre frere est en liaison regiee avec Miledy Davers. Si je le savais d'ailleurs, vous sentez bien que je ne vous le dirais pas. II y a mieux ; c'est que vous sentez bien encore que je n'en crois rien ; tout repugne a le penser ; sa philosophic, I'age, les autres soci^t^s, en un mot, tout, tout, tout. Le petit Eochechouartt est mort. II se presente un beau nombre de gens pour heriter de la place de gentilhomme de la chambre. Que de mouvements ! que de desirs ! que de crainte ! Le roi d'Angleterre a tout obtenu, et les subsides lui sont accordes a la pluralite des voix ; c'est tout ce que nous savons de ce pays-la. Ou menace Duclos d'une reponse du public a son epitre. Je lui ai conseille de la faire lui meme ; il n'en a pas le courage ; il la ferait cependant si bonne qu'il ferait taire celui qui lui en prepare une. Du 25. — Je re9ois de vos nouvelles et je vous felicite de tout mon coeur d'etre au bout d'une route que nous avons tous prevu que vous trouveriez diabolique a tous egards. Je suis charme que mon petit enseigne vous duise ; je lui ai trouv^ de la cervelle et un feu sourd qui promet tout a la fois conduits et vivacite ; je vous aurai fait un bon present. On parle ici, comme vous I'imaginez bien, du galant k qui I'intendant venait de faire les honneurs lorsque vous etes ar- rive, et cela a I'occasion de la pla-ce vacante. Ses rivaux sont nombreux, mais il n'en a guere connu que pour en orner son char. M. P. et M. de la P. J vous rendent graces. Je dirai un petit mot de votre part a Mme. G[ourdan] ; il ne faut pas lui laisser de motif d'etre visiblement indiflf^rente ; il est toujours bon de mettre les gens dans leur tort. Ses proteges ont rest^ si bien quelques jours dans I'incognito parfait, que nous les croyions tous partis trois jours avant vous ; M. G. comptait * See Dictionnaire des Theatres, il. 82. t The Due de Rochechouart, 4 years old, died of convulsions on Dec. 21, 1743. His father was killed six months before, in the Ijattle of Dettlngen. t Presumably Pellerin and le Riohe de la Pouplini^re : the latter, financier, virtuoso, patron of art and letters, himself author of works more or less unclean. Of. Vie Privie de Louis XV, i., 306. 347 meme que vous n'etiez pas encore parti ce matin, et il I'a demande a M. P., en le priant de lui dire vrai. Vous avez ^t^ la boussole de proteges, mais ils ont compt^ sur votre indolence au point qu'ils vous ont perdu de vue sans inquietude; je jouirai ce soir de I'embarras de Mme. G. , en lui disant la date de votre lettre. Bonne sante sur toutes choses, ne vous crevez pas a la table de votre general ; il voudra bien vous passer un peu de sobriete. M. Charon m'a ecrit une trop belle lettre de remerciment. Je vous la dois, et j'e vous demande en grace de vouloir bien Ten remercier, en attendant que j'aie le moment de lui mander combien je desirerais lui etre plus utile dans la suite que je ne I'ai ete dans cette affaire ou il n'y avait pas pierre au jeu. On a permission de vous nommer votre confrere en grandes aventures. M. de la P. doit vous ecrire pour cela. Tout se porte bien et je ne sache de nouvelles funer&ires que la mort de Baron qui a laisse ses os, tant bons que mauvais, dans une des terres de M. Fagou. Peee Pousache, to the Chevalier de Caylus. 1743, December 25. Aries. — Je suis charme que la nouvelle qu'on m'avait donne se soit trouvee fausse. Je vous aime mieux sur nos mers que dans ces pays lointains, et je sacrifie volontiers le plaisir que j'aurais eu de vous y accompagner a la satisfaction que vous trouverez a chasser de nos cotes ces insolents Anglais ; la fonction en est bien plus glorieuse et bien plus selon votre gout et vous avez raison. On dit que vous partirez bientot. Je vous souhaite une belle et glorieuse campagne, des occasions pour montrer ce que vous savez faire. Vous les rechercherez , je n'en suis pas en peine; mais il faut que les ennemis ne les evitent pas. J'ai ^crit au Pere I'Espinasse pour I'engager a me servir dans les oonjonctures pr^sentes. La procure de notre seminaire de Toulon est vacante; j'aurais envie de I'avoir; il est homme de ressources, et je le prie de s'employer pour cela ; il pent, par le moyen de ses amis, faire reussir cette affaire. Vous me feriez plaisir, Monsieur, si vous lui en disiez un mot. Je compte sur votre bonte pour moi ; bien des raisons me rendent un poste a Toulon tout a fait gracieux ; le meilleur, et celle qui me touche le plus, c'est que j'aurais la consolation de vous y faire ma cour ; vous comprenez que cette consolation pour moi serait bien grande ; j'esp^re que vous ne refuserez pas de vous preter a la priere que je vous fais. M. C. Eemuzat to the Chevalier de Caylus at Toulon. 1743, December 81. Marseilles. Complimentary letter. The writer is glad to hear that he has returned from Paris in good health. Has letters from Constantinople which announce the death of Laria. Wishes him all happiness in the coming year. 348 COMTB DB MaUEEPAS to the ChEV ALIKE DE CaYLDS. 1744, March 23. Versailles. — Je vous suis oblige, Mon- sieur, du detail que vous me faites de ce qui s'est passe entre nos escadres combinees et celle des Anglais,* et de la sincerite avec laquelle vous m'en dites votre sentiment; c'est avec plaisir que j'ai fait voir au roi votre lettre, dans la-quelle, en s'instruisant du fait, il a remarque votre zfele pour son service. Je ne sais si je dois esptrer que nous serons plus heureux par la suite, mais je voudrais fort n'avoir plus a craindre que les accidents ordinaires. Je vous felicite de tout mon coeur sur votre sante ; je comptais vous en faire compliment apres plus de risques, qui, tout necessaires qu'ils etaient, me causaient pour vous une vei-itable inquietude. Signed. MouTON to the Same. 1744, May 8. Toulon. — C'est la seconde lettre que j'ai I'honneur de vous ecrire de me payer trois cents livres pour deux pensions echues le 1 Novembre, 1743, et la courante. Vous m'avez promis, lorsque je vous pretai les trois mille livres, d'etre exact et ponctuel a me payer les pensions. Cependant vous n'en faites rien. J'ai besoin de mon argent ; il n'est pas juste que vous le gardiez sans payer les pensions. Eendez- moi justice ; si non, je prendrai les voies qui sont ouvertes pour etre pay^. Adressed : A Monsieur Monsieur Le Chevalier De queilus, Capitaine de Vaisseau du roy, A sa maison. Le Comtb de Eochechouaet, Capitaine d'Infanterie a Marie Galante ; Pocquet, conseiller au Conseil superieur de la Martinique ; de Jaxvill, Capitaine de Milice en meme isle de Mai'tinique, et autres, au Eoi. Memorial, praying for permission to search for metals, min- erals and precious stones, in the islands and mainland of America under the King's dominion. Signed by the above named : not dated. M. Ollive a M. le Capitaine Jacques Gueeey. 1746, January 31. Marseilles. — Je vous vis faire route de I'Estaque le 8 du courant sur le soir. S'il faut en juger par les temps qui ont r^gne ici depuis lors, on doit croire que vous aurez ete favorise d'un vent favorable j)our sortir le d^troit. Dieu le fasse que vous n'ayez eu aucun mauvais rencontre. Je vous fais la presente par le Capitaine Cesar Martin ; je souhaite gu'il vous trouve arrive au Cap. Depuis votre de- part les affaires n'ont pris un train d'accommodement. Tant s'en faut, on nous avait jete dans la crainte d'une prochaine guerre avec les Hollandais; elle parait un peu dissipee aujourd'- hui, parcequ'on dit qu'ils donnent satisfaction k la France. * The battle off Toulon on February H-22, 1743-4, in which M. de Caylus commanded the Trident. 349 Cependant le roi leur a ote tons les privileges qn'ils avaient par le traite de commerce avec cette nation, et ils ne sont re- gardes anjourd'hni que comme les autres neutres. J'ai pour- tant peine h croire qu'ils restent dans cette situation. Les progres du Pretendant ne vont plus si rapidement, et je com- mence a craindre que cette entreprise n'ait pas Tissue que nous souhaiterions, et elle ne pent indubitablement que faire durer la guerre, car tous les princes du nord ne sont pas pour nous a ce sujet ; au contraire, ils n'oublieront rien pour en empecher la r^ussite. [Seme details of business — as to sugar, indigo and coffee — follow.] On a eu, depuis peu, nouvelle que le grand convoi, parti du commencement de Septembre pour les lies, a ete attaque a I'atterrage de la Martinique, par une escadre anglaise ; qu'on a pris 20 de nos batiments marchands, 10 de coule a fonds. Cette nouvelle a oonsterne la place. Elle se saura, sans doute, au Cap ; et cela doit engager les eapitaines a soutenir la marchandise, car je ne crois pas qu'on s'avise de faire d'au- tres convois ; il y en avait un indiqu6 pour la fin du mois pro- cbain, mais depuis cette nouvelle, tout est suspendu. Ce ma-lheur doit indirectement favoriserles ventes au Cap, quand meme tous les batiments partis avec le susdit convoi y seront arrives heureusement, parce que bien des armateurs qui destinaient leurs batiments pour I'ile S. Domingue les feroni; passer h la Martinique, et enfin cette defaite fait toujours un vide dans nos iles que sera sensible. J'oubliais de vous dire que le Roi de Prusse a fait sa paix avec la Peine d'Hongrie. Je ne crois pas que cet accommode- ment nous soit favorable. Cette princesse va maintenant faire un effort en Lombardie, et le prince, Don Philip, aura de I'occupation au printemps prochain. II se trouve, cependant, a Milan, et je ne doute pas qu'on ne lui fournisse tous les secours qui lui seront necessaires pour se soutenir. Je vous laisse toujours le maitre de faire votre retour dans tel endroit que vous trouverez bon. Je veux cependant vous faire observer par simple reflexion, que si vous partiez dans un temps a vous promettre d'aborder le detroit dans le mois de Novembre ou D^cembre, c'est la saison la plus sur et la plus favorable pour ^chapper; et qu'au contraire, c'est la plus dangereuse pour la cote de France. Faites I'usage que vous trouverez bon de cet avis, approuvant toujours ce que vous ferez pour le mieux. M. Padl(?)* to Louis Mbl. 1746, February 1. Marseilles. — ...Celle-ci passe sur le vais- seau le Vainqueur, Capitaine C^sar Martin, et vous y trouverez ci-inclus facture et connaissements de deux ballots.... [details of merchandise shipped.] * Signature very uncertain. 350 OlLIVB to J. J. RiOUFFE. 1746, February 3. Marseilles. — Details of Merchandise. . . . . Je souhaite que la presente vous trouve encore au Cap. Elle vous parviendra avee le Capitaine Cesar Martin, commandant un malouin que nous avons achete On le dit fin voilier ; il est fort a souhaiter qu'il ait cette bonne qualite dans la conjuncture presente. Le passage de ce malheureux detroit est extremement difficile et perilleux. Addressed : — Monsieur Jean Joseph Riouffe, commandant ci-devant le vaisseau La Reine, au Cap Fran9ais. per Cap"" Cesar Martin. Prize List.* [Mahon]. Captured by the Feversham, Captain Arthur Gardiner, in February [January 29-February 9] 1745-6, on the coast of Catalonia, the French ship Vainqueur (Letter of Marque), Captain Cesar Martin, of 220 tons, 16 guns, 38 men. * Among the Medley papers. 351 INDEX. Abouleaaem, the treasures of, 290. Abrant«s, Marquis de, despatched to England, 139 Abruzzi, the, military preparations in, 138. Academy, the, (French), 293. Accession, celebration of anniversary of. See George I. Account, cash, 117. contingent, 116. statement of, 188. Act for regulating courts martial, 54, 55. • prize money, 163, 173, 216. Ackworth, Sir Jacob, Surveyor of the Navy, letter to, 59. Admirals, few available, 125. new, to be appointed, 161, 163. Admiralty, the, 75, 162, 202, 209, 212, 213, 215, 219. and Admiral Vernon, 85. Lords Commissioners of : Com- missioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, 6, 7, 10, 12, 16, 42, 44, 54, 58, 61, 62, 65, 68, 69, 74, 95, 118, 162, 167, 215, 216. , letters from, 2, 8, 12, 14-16. 18, 19, 21, 25, 30, 37, 42, 52, 55, 57, 60, 61, 69, 71, 74, 79, 87, 98, 146, 156-158, 164. , memorial to, 63. , orders from, 204-206, 211, 215, 222-224. , warrant from, 106. Admiralty, Secretary of, letters from, 14-18, 21-26. , letters to, 40. See also Bvirchett, Cle viand, Corbett. Admiralty coiort, 99, 173. See also Gibraltar, Mahon, Toulon. Admiralty office, commission taken out at, 44. letter dated at, 26. mahogany for, 25. Admiralty records, references to, 12, 14-17, 5.3, 59, 60, 64-66, 68, 72, 79, 80, 83. 99, 113, 147, 298. Admiralty (French), 291. Adriatic, a stormy sea, 92. ships in, Neapolitan, 100. needed in, 86, 90, 92-94. no longer needed in, 142, 143. sent to, 100, 103, 108, 109, 111, 128. Advice (H.M.S.). iS'ee Ships named. ^neaa. Descent of, exhibited by Servandoni, 290. Africa, coast of, 19-21. , service on, 249, 251. Africa, Company of, 248, 249, 254. , porta of, 252. African, a deceitful, 115. Agde, ships for, 145. Agdnois, Due d', story told by, 104. Duchesse d', illness of, 318. Agent victualler, 30. Aig[uiIlon ? ], Duchesse d', attracts Maurepas, 293. Albani, Cardmal Alesaandro, 103, 107' 138. copies of letters sent to, 99, 100. letters from, 92, 94, 100, 101, 108, HI. Albanians at Guastalla, 109. Albenga, island of, occupied, 190. Piedmoutese endeavour to occupy, 137, 138. Albert, Chevalier d', 265. letter to, 263. Alcyon. See Ships named. Alessandria, Alexandria [Piedmont], capture of, 75. reUef of, 109. Sardinian troops near, 120. Aleures, Chevalier des, 288, 293. Alexandria, plague-stricken ship from, 15, 16. ship for, 151. See also Alessandria. Algerine corsairs, 73, 83. ' the hart of an,' 217. Algerines, ship cruising against, 7. Algiers, 15, 273, 296. cattle of, 103, 142. consul at. See Stanyford. Dey of, 57, 252-254. , despatches for, 251. French mission to, 249, 251. Alicante, 12. Caylus puts into, 306, Alice. See Ships named. Allen, Dr., 49. , at the Grievance Office, 157. Edward, letters from, 83, 189. , merchandise to be opened in presence of, 160. 352 INDEX. Alleures, Chevalier des See Aleures. Allvin, Monsieur, of Dort, narrow escape of, 180. Amadis, Jeliot not an, 282. Amazone. See Ships named. Amblimont, M. d', 336. Ambrose, Captain, 51. court martial on, 54. dismissal of, 85. Amelot, 305«.. America, Caylus desrious of serving in, 259. Caylus serves in, 291. coast of, 20. English defeat in, 294. Hotham goes out to, 238. mining operations in, memorial relating to, 348. ships for (French), 223. ships from, 126, 159. Spanish success in, 341. squadron to be sent to, 220. American parrot, present of, 305, 306. Amherst, Jeffery, first Baron Amherst, 240. Amsterdam, 296. merchant of, 99. Amutela, Grand Mufti of, 270. Ancients, the, of the New Inn, 240 Ancona, 92. Austrian consul at. See Pironi. harbour of, very shallow, 93. ships loading at, 100. Anderson, Captain, affairs of, 154. Angola, 19. coast of, 20. Anne, Princess, escape of, 1. Annuity (1747), price of, 188. Anson, Admiral, influence of, 126. ' lucky hit ' of, 188. member for Hedon, 47. on a cruise, 159. senior lord of the Admiralty, 215n. to command a squadron, 136. to go to East Indies, 88. unpopular, 162. will go to sea no more, 125. Anstruther, General, regiment of, 171. Antelope, H.M.S. See Sliips named. Antheaume, Mm., Sieurs A. fri'res ot Compe., 307, 318. M. L., letter from, 333. Antibes, 104, 149, 159, 162. artillery pass towards, 175, 176. bomb plays upon, 151. magazines at, 181. ships at, 179, 186. sketch of, 150. Spanish transports from, 148. troops at, 182. Antigua, Legge sails for, 161. Antin, Marquis d', commands a squadron, 262n. death of, 291, 295. despatches from, 268, 269. Antwerp, allied army near, 181. castle of, surrenders, 129. troops for, 100. ' Anvil, event on the ', 97. Anville, M. d', at Liancourt, 288. Apotheose de Silva, 322. Appenines, crossing of the, 137. Aqui, Maillebois at, 122. Aquila, Castel dell', stores carried to, 138. Aquilon. See Ships named. Arabic writing, 72, 73, 113, 144. Archipelago, the Arches, 83, 93, 135. commerce of, 265. maidens of, 311, 339. ships from, 243. Argenson, M. d', appointed minister of state, 340. letter to, reference to, 172. Argenaon, reference to, 289n.. Argentiere [Kimolo], 343. Argyle men under General Campbell, 84. Aries, letter dated at, 347. Armagnao, Comte d'. See Lorraine. Armen, Marqiiis d', perseverance of, 289. Arm^nonville, M. d', 280n. , in Bavaria. 305. Mme. d', letter from, 305. arms of, 305. Armorial bearings, 266, 299, 305. Army List, reference to, 163. Arnault, M., 310. Arnold, Sergeant Paull, 48. Arrack, 121. Asooli, Palermi of, 139. Asia, a Spanish ship. See Ships named. Aspinwall, Mr., orders sent by, 170. Asti, attack on, 104. recapture of, 109. Astour, Sr. d', letter to, reference to, 263. movements of, 265. Attainder, bill of, against rebel chiefs, 126. Attorney, power of. See Power. Augusta, H.M.S. See Ships named. Austria and Sardinia, relations of, 110, 123, 141. British at Genoa to retire to, 39. coast of, 92, 99, 101. Austrian officer who cannot ride, 155. Austrians at Genoa, 171, 186. helped by Medley, 162. movements of. 111, 120, 123, 124, 126, 140, 142, 145, 163. pass the Var, 157. receive immense contributions, 145. successful in Provence, 168. Auxerre, Caylus' brother at, 307. Auxerrois regiment, 109. Avignon, a gentleman of, 326. Pfere Pousache of, 261. Aycard, Capitaiue, 308. Azan, an efficient pilot, 254, le Chevalier, 277. affairs of, 281, 303. INDEX. 353 B Bacchantes on the stage, 289. Bail, M. du, 335. Bainton Fields, 219. Balance of power, criticism of, 287. Balaruc, water cure at, 269. Balchen, Captain George, of H.M.S. Pembroke, .57. Sir John, 41. ' Baliverne Asiatique,' 275. Baltic, operations in, 2-4, 8. Bampar, S., case of, 248. Bandeville, M. do, 278. Banks of Newfoundland. See New- foundland. Barangay, 109. Barbadoes, 20, 24. Barbarian Cruelty, etc., title of book, 89. Barbary, business with, 105. coast of, 145. , pilot for, 250. , plan of anchoracfes off, 254. confusion in, 168, 173. com trade with, 171. corsairs. See Ships. Gudoma in, 270. no news from, 154. Barbette, battery in, 174. Barbier, references to, 288n., 289«., 291n. Barca longa, barco-longo, 78, 156, 177, 178. at Savona, 155. to be made into a fire-vessel, 175. Barcelona, 137, 205. Caylus puts into, 306, 309. Spaniards make a road at, 154. transports from, 148. Barclay, Mr., clerk to Russell Kevell. 76. Barcuich, Captain Cristofero, known as Grilo or Grilli, 67, 68, 93. Barfleur, H.M.S. See Ships named. Barkley. See Bamett. Bamett, Captain, may be made an admiral, 161, 163. (Barkley), Captain of H.M.S. Dragon, 295-298. Baron, death of, 347. Barque du roi, 179. Barra, king of, 24, 25. Point, 24. Barrail, M. de, charge against, 258. services of, 258n. Bartineau, Jean Noel, memorial of, 305. Barton, Captain, of H.M. fireship Duke, letter from, reference to, 159. letter to, 149. praised, 160. Baru, Island of. the Brew, Grand Brew, M^ 34, 36. ie^« letter dated at, 36. Bastia (Corsica), reduction of, 193, 194. Bastimentos, the, 33, 36. letters dated at, 32, 33. Bath, Grove goes to, for his health, 204, 205. Bath, Lord. See Pulteney. Bathurst, the widow, not married, 154. Batteries at Napoule and Carmes, 174, 175. at Ste. Marguerite, 177, 180. at Savona, 189. at Vintimille, 189. Batthiany, Battiani, Marshal Count, to go to the Low Countries, 101, 108. Battle, line of, 3, 4, 44. Baiunont, Sr. de, mentioned in despatches, 269. Bavaria, Baviera, 94. Arm^nonville in, 305. Palatine Court of, 94, Bayas, ship bound for, 170. Bayoime, port of, 15. Beacons planted, 84. Beans, Lieutenant Robert, 37. letter from, 36. Beatson's Naval and Military Memoirs, reference to, 298. Beauclerk, Rt.-Hon. Lord Aubrey, 15. Lord Vere, letter from, 144. Beauftremont, Chevalier de, 322. Beauquaire, M. de, vice-admiral, 262. Beaussier, Sr. Joseph, enseigne de port, death of, 270. praised, 249. Beoher. See Tucker. Beekhouse, letter received at, 217. Becks, Andrew, captain of Swedish snow Hope, 137. Bedford, Duke, Duchess of. See Russell. Bedford. See Ships named. Bedford Street. See London svh Covent Gardens. Begou, M., intendant at Havre, 310. , his son serves under Caylus, 310, 323, 327, 338, 341. Scipion Jerome, bishop of Toul, 310. Begu, Cape, 179. Bell, H., 3, 4. Belle-isle, M. de. Marshal of France, 290, 292. army of, 304. letter to, reference to, 172. power of, 294. Belle Isle, privateer near, 41. Bellugard, S. de, captain of artillery, 248. Bonneville, M. de, not on active service, 330. Bentinck, Monsieur, 181. Berkeley, James, 3rd Earl of Berkeley, Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, 82. Augustus, 4th Earl, 163. Captain, death of, 163. , in a declining way, 124, 157. , to be made an admiral, 101 . 163. Bernard, Mr., 208. Berthier, M., 298. Bertrand, signature of, 344. w 354 INDEJ;. Berwick, General Wade at, 77. Berwick, H.M.S. See Ships named. Besagnio. See Bisagno. Best, Rev. Frank, chaplain, 239. Beverley, deed registered at. 227. hunt, the old, 219, 220. letters dated at, 72, 88, 219, 234. directed to, 217. Bicetre, prison at, 323. Biographie Universelle, references to, 191m., 271n. Birthday, celebration of King's. See George I. Prince of Wales'. See George. Birtles, Birtle, Mr., English consul at Leghorn, 93, 99, 160. statement of account by, 117. Bisagno, Besagnio, a gate of Genoa, 111. Auslrians in po-ssession of, 187. Captain Smith at, 192. ships for, 191. Biscay, Bay of, 12, 126. Biscuits, price of, 135. Bissy, Marquis de, French commander- in-chief at Genoa, 192. Blackfriars' Bridge. See London. Blackhall, an unfortunace merchant, 163. Blacktail, the letter, dated from, 4. Blain, Sr., brother of, recommended bj' Caylus, 267. Bl^nao, M. et Mme. de, wish their son to serve under Caj'lus, 327. Blondel, Intendant g^n(5ral des Galfres, letter from, 305. Board of Ordnance. See Ordnance. ' Boca Chica,' Lestock's nurse, 157. legacy left to, 156. Booagge (Malta), M. le bailli de, 244, ' 263, 265, 267. Begin, Count de, 193. Bohemia, French officers in, 255. Maillebois in, 340, 341. troops from, 101. Boldero, L., letters from, 226, 227. Bologna, legation of, 101. letters from, 104. Bolton, Rev. Thomas, chaplain of "■ factory at Algiers, 57. Bolzano, troops at, 101. Bomaviel, an actor of note, 345. Bomb batteries, 177. Bona, Bonne, 145, 173. ship from, 187. loaded at, 252, 254. ■ wanted near, 251. trade, a fair track for, 186. Bonavista, plan of, 17. Borme. See Bona. Bonyol, Gabriel, letter from, 188. Boot Rock, the, 150. Booth, Leeds { ? Seeds), letter from, 58. Boot-hose tops, 16, 18. Borde, Sr. de la, mentioned in dis- patches, 261. Bordeaux, the first president of, 290. Bone, le. See Ships named. Bosoawen, Captain, Commodore, 84, 113, 130, 136. letter from, 43. may be made an admiral, 163. Boston, New England, letter dated at, 47. Botta, Marquis, commander-in-chief in Lombardy, 168. letter from, 138. makes terms with Genoa, 141. Bouer, de Lou & Co., Messrs., 145. BoufHers, Due de, French commander in-chief at Genoa, death of, 191. household of, 191, 192. Boulogne, 85. Boulton goes from Harrow to Mr. Parr's school, 237. Bounty for sailors and soldiers enlisting, 222. Bourbon, Due de, sister of, 327. Boussebayre, M., Haillet's agent, 308. Boutflower, Mr. John, master of H.M. store-ship Trelawny, ease of, 58, 59. Bowdler, Captain, 166. rice seized by, 145, 170. Bower-cable damaged, 42, 43. Bowman, John, letter from, 219. Boyd, Mr., deputy receiver-general at Mahon, 172. Boyne, H.M.S. See Ships named. Boynton, a Yorkshire buck, 77. Bracken Closes, 219. Bradshaigh, Captain, of Cornwall's marines, 65. Brancas. M. de, marshal of France, 290. Brancot, Mme. de, 293. Brand, ElUs, Captain of H.M.S. Winchelsea, letter from, 33. Brawn, Charles, armourer, 9. [Braseaten ? ], allied army at, 181. Bream's Buildings. See London sub Chancery Lane. Breda, allied army at, 129. Breda, H.M.S. See Ships named. Brest, 268, 281, 319. engagement off, 240. ships at, 46, 244. squadron, 85, 122, 124, 127, 130, 136, 178. at Ferrol, 134. Bret, M. le, orders sent to, 252. Bretagne, campaign of, 154. Breteuil, M. de, minister, 290. Breton, Mr., a Francophile, 289. Breton, Cape. See Cape. Breton merchants and Mm. Cazamayor, 300. Brett, Captain, of H.M.S. Sunderland, letter to, 45. Lieutenant, recommendedpor captaincy, 70. Brew. See Baru. Briga, La, 137. Briqueras, Count de, letters from, 178, 174, 178, 190. letter to, reference to, 190. Britannia. See Ships named. INDEX. 355 British goods seized, 67. Britons despicable in the Mediter- ranean, 223. Brixen, troops at, 101. Broglie, Marshal de, ambassador in England, timid policy of, 287. Bromley, Mr., to be Grimston's tutor at Harrow, 235. Brown, General Count, 100, l.TO, 1.55, 163, 192. at Cannes, 156, 159. defeat of, 122. felucca of, 185. irresolution of, 194. letters from, 174, 191. marches to Bercetto, 109. operations of, in Provence, 149, 159. praised, 151, 168. relations of, with king of Sardinia, 138. , with Medley, 149, 155, 157. Brown, Lieutenant, of H.M.S. Russell to give evidence at court martial, 70. Brownlow, Sir John, Viscount Tyrconnel, a prisoner, 108. Bran, master caimoner, mentioned in dispatches, 245. Brun, reference to, 262n. Brunet, Mr., 139. Brussels, surrender of, 102. troops at, 100. Buckland, Mr., 190. Buckland near Kingsbridge, Grove buys farm at, 208. letters dated at, 209, 210, 215. Buckle, Captain Matthew, of H.M.S. Russell, 64. Bucknall, Mr. , governor of Harrow, coach of, destroyed, 230, 233. indiscreet language of, 233. manner of his going home, 231. ' Bucks,' company of, 77. Buenos Ayres, ships from, 66, 126, 128, 139. Bulkeley, John, 37. Bulle d' Or, la, 279. Burchett, J., Secretary to the Admiralty, 2, 8, 10. letters from, 26-28. Burford, H.M.S. See Ships named. Burlington Street, Old. See London. Burrish, Captain, 51. court-martial on, 54, 96. Burton, Dr., of York, sent up to London, 105. WiUiam, Byng's secretary, to be purser on the Carcass, 183. Bury, Captain, struck off the list, 113. Butler, Lewis, acting Dvitch consul at Gibraltar, 80. Byng, Vice-Admiral, 27, 84, 125, 158, 161n., 173, 190, 202, 204, 219. at Portsmouth, 162. demands of Medley's executors I upon, 207, 209, 218. in the Forth, 96. letters from, 174-187, 200. to, 156, 158, 176, 201.J Byng — cont. member for Rochester, 207. off Montrose, 108. power of attorney to recover money from, 206. share of prizes of, 188. to join Medley in the Mediterranean, 124, 126, 155, 156, 162, 171. Byzantium. See Constantinople. c -, letter from, 1. vice-consul at Nice, 160, C , P- Cabanis, Mr., 180. money safe with, 188. Cabasson, Patron, 267. Cabenda, 20. Cabrera, letter dated off, 94. refugees from Bastia at, 194. Cadiz, 53, 6.5, 116, 127, 154, 168, 205, 264, 269. advices from, 126. Caylus at, 258, 259, 266, 286. French ships at, 48. letters dated at, 260, 268. passage from Buenos Ayres to, 66. register ships at, 128. rendezvous at, 263, 265. ship seized at, 344. Caffiero, Patron Vincenzo, lets his ship be captured, 188. Cagliari, Caillery, 256. son of consul of, 257. Calais, 85. Calder, Alexander, purser of H.M.S. Boyne, 114. James, letter from, 114. Calle, la, 251, 252. director at, 249. Calle St. Paul, la, letters dated at, 257. Calvi, commissary of, attempts to throw succours into Bastia, 194. Cambridge, Grimston's son at, 47, 56, 71, 105. Camilieri, George, master of a Maltese ship, 189. Camilly, Chevalier de, 312, 313. Campbell, General, commands 3,000 Argyle men, 84. John, 4th Earl of Loudoun, forces of, 84. Campo Florido, Prince, equipage of, 151, 160. Canada, ship built in, 42. Canada. See Ships named. Candeel, Captain, 82. Candia, ships needed southward of, 114. Sudain, 135, 136, 143. Cange, Monsieur du, sentiments of, 180. 356 INDEX. Cannes, artillery at, 180. batteries at, 174, 175. good road at, 150. headquarters of General Brown, 156, 159. Bay of, 155. Canoa, Point, 36. Canopy, damask, for Tvirkish ambassador, 312. Canterbury, H.M.S. See Ships named. Cantharides, cargo of, 76. Canvass bulkheads, 40, 41. Cap Francais, 349, 350. Negre. See Nfegre. Cape Breton, 47, 61. , Brest squadron bound for, 124, 127. convoy, 85. , governor of. See Knowles. , miscarriage of transports to, 112. , reinforcement for, 126. Coast Castle, 19, 20. , letter, dated at, 18. Corse. See Corse. de Gatt, 49, 53, 74. letter dated off, 53. Delle Melle, a point of consequence, 120. Lopez, 19, 20. Masseradas, 19, 20. Nola, Noh, 63, 140. St. Mary's, 57. St. Vincent, 52, 58, 80, 127. Spartel, 52, 57, 82, 94. Trafalgar, 65. Verd Islands, 17, 19. Capelshare. See Kappels hamn. Caplesvik. See Kappel-wik. Captain, H.M.S. See Ships named. Caracas, the, ship at, 128. Caraffa, Count Giorgio de, capitulation of, 109. Carcass, H.M.S. See Ships named, Carignan, Prince de, illness and death of, 289. Carinthia, troops to pass through, 92. Carlevarijs, D. Pietro de, German commissary of war and transports in Gorizia, 92. Carlisle threatened and captured by the rebels, 77, 79, 82. recaptured by Duke of Cumberland, 84. Carmarthen, Lord. See Osborne. Carohna, North, 20. ravaged by the Spaniards, 341. Carraire, signature of, 344. Cartagena [America], 32, 36. letters dated at, 32, 35. siege of, 291. trade of, 309. treasure from, 34. Cartagena [Spain], 53, 123. harbour of, 52. letter dated at, 126. preparations at, 139, 173. ships from, 168. Spanish squadrons at, 48, 53, 54, 64, 74, 122, 126, 136. Cartagena — cont. stagnation at, 154. troops for, 185. Carteret, John, Earl of Granville, principal Secretary of state, 12. intrigues of, 97. Carthagena. See Cartagena. Casamayor. See Cazamayor. Casaubon. See Castagner. Cassa, a haunt of pirates, 93. Cassale, Castello di, besieged, 109. Cassandra, Remond plays, 292. Castagner et Casaubon, Mm., 307, 308, 344. Castannier, M., 333. Castel deir Aquila. See Aquila. Castellane, Comte de, French ambassador at Constantinople, 331. Castles, the, 123. Castres, Abraham, letters from, 122, 129. Castries, M. de, marriage of, 345. Catalan pink captured, 164. Catalans, 191. Catalonia, raising of troops in, stopped, 137. ship captured off, 350. ship of. See Ships, troops from, 185. Catle, Thornton of, 77. Cattegat, the, letter dated from, 4. Cavui, Monsignor, news sought of, 139. Cayley, William, letters from, 126, 128, 139. Caylus, Chevalier de, (1), commission of, 241. (2), de Queilus, Thubiferes, 241- 348, passim. ill-health of, 243, 269, 270, 329- 331, 334, 336. impatience of, 276. invention of, 269. leave of absence for, 342. letters, etc., from, 286, 295. to, 241-348 passim. love affairs of, 271. salary of, 318, 321. services of, in Mediterranean, 242 seq. , on the Martiniquan voyage, 284 seq. , on the Constantinople voyage, 312 seq. translation from Italian by, 277. wonderful elephant of, 343. agent of, at Rouen, 333. brother of, 280, 288, 303, 305-307, 315, 320, 337. a philosopher, 291. gives an Oriental dinner, 322. interviews Turkish ambassador, 317, 318. , haison of ,346. , literary work of, 323. prefers country to town, 341. • sobered by gout, 266. relatives of, at Madrid, 277. Cazamayor, Casamayor, Mm., bad character of, 300. INDEX. 357 Cazamayor — cont. letters entrusted to, 260. Celeste, Madame, 284. letters from, 282, 299. Ceres, Mile. Lemaure as, 289. Cerigo, Serigo, Serigue, 242, 243. letter dated at, 245. letter from consul of, reference to, 262. privateer captured off, 135. ships (French) cruising off, 136. needed off, 114. Cerigotto, a haunt of pirates, 93. Certificate of behaviour, 15. Cerve of Messina, command for, 268. Cette, ships for, 145. Ceuta, mission of Caylus to, 260. Chambray, M. de, commands Maltese fleet, 260. Champagne, wine of, 343. Champigny, Marquis de, Caylus to act with, 284, 285. Champion, Captain, of the Pearl (privateer), 135, 136. Champm61e, la, criticism of, 289. Chancellor, Grand High, of the court of Tuscany. jSee ITlfeld. Chancery a last recourse, 208. suits long and tedious, 201. Chancery Lane. See London. Channel, the, 9, 16, 17, 126, 163. Chops of, 45. Dutch ships in, 7, 11. gale in, 49. service, 14. Chapter held at Leghorn, 153. Charleroi, siege of, 129. CharlesII,treatyof. /SeeTreatyof 1674. VI, Emperor of Germanv, death of, 277, 279. Charles Edward, the Young Pretender, slow progress of, 349. See also RebeUion. Charles Emanuel, king of Sardinia, 38, 48, 132-134, 193. attack on, threatened, 38. blockades Savona, 141. campaign of, 122. conference with ministers of, 119 headquarters of, letter dated at, 140. intends to march to French frontiers, 140. marches to join Brown, 138. to Placentia, 129. money for, 121. ' our hero,' 124. protests against action of Botta, 141. relations of, with Corsica, 118, 133. sends guns for siege of Savona, 155. stores for, 107. thanks Medley for services at the Var, 157. to meet Medley, 153. to shift for himself, 123. Charles Theodore, Elector Palatine, accedes to Treaty of Dresden, 101. Charlotte. See Ships named. Charon, M., 309, 341, 347. Sr., 272. Charron, Mr., letter to, 180. See also Lefroy. Chartreux. See Dom. Chassi, a French actor, 346. Chatham, 22, 49. court martial at, 203. letter dated at, 9. Chatham. See Ships named. Chauss(5e, La, project of, 346. Chavagnac, M. le Comte de, commandant de la Marine, 'at Toulon, 267. story concerning, 288. Chavonier, M., 242. Cheap, Captain, 36, 37. Check, clerk of the, duties of, 52. Chester, H.M.S. See Ships named. Chesterfield, Lord. See Stanhope. Chetwynd, W., Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, 8, 10. Cheylus, S. de, commander of the Immaculate Conception, 242, 243, 256, 257. forced to leave Morea, 244. Chiavari, troops to be placed in the district of, 137. Chichester. H.M.S. See Ships named. Chignolo, French dislodged from post near, 138. Chios, maids of, recommended to Caylus, 311. Chitty Point. See Kiti. Choisy, voyage of, 288. Chollmely. See Morin. Christian slaves, order of priests for the Redemption of, 153. Christianity, Mahomedanism much the same as, 270. sentiments of, how strengthened, 268. Church plate in Medley's hands, 203. Cicardetto, Dominieo, 69. Cicil, General, to command troops in district of Chiavari, 137. Civita Vecchia, recruits, etc., sent to, 90, 94. Clairambaut, Sieur, of Modon, 244. Clarke, Clark, Dr. Thomas, 212. counsel's opinion given by, 213. Classical allusions, 113, 283, 289, 292, 324, 335. Clavixo, Count, 35. Cleats, 41. Cleopatra, Caylus hkened to, 324. Clerioo, Mr., 132, 133. Clerk of the check. See Check. Clevland, Mr., deputy secretary of the Admiralty, 163. Clifton Moor, skirmish on, 84. Clinton, Captain, 14. Clive, Benjamin, midshipman in the Boyal Oak, 95. Close, Mr., 56, 89. Coast-guard ships. See Ships. ' Cobbing,' ' coping,' 63. 358 INDEX. Cockburn, Captain, Lestock's lieutenant, 144. legacy to, 156. set aside without any provision, 162. Cockburne, Dr., 24. Cocoartt, Mr. Isaac, 41. Cokbume, John, Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, 8, 13. Col de Tende, 159. Colchester, H.M.S. See Ships named. Cold Bath Fields. See London. Coletta, Colety, Demetre, Demetrio, 72, 73. letter from, 135. Goloandre Fidele, La, translated by Caylus, 277. Cologne, troops concentrated at, 100. Colombat, Jacques, publisher, 281re., 282. 'rColonel, the old,' 160. Colonies, the northern, 34. Colonnella, redoubt to be made at, 138. Colville, Colvill, Alexander, 8th Baron Colville of Culross, 89. Captain of H.M.S. Leopard, 63, 64, 89. letters from, 149-151. received through, 171. Combe, M. de la, goes to Leghorn, 133, 134. Commerce, Treaty of, [1739]. Sea Treaty. Commissioners for Sick and Wounded. See Sick, of the Navy. See Navy. of Victualling. See Victualling. ' Commissioner's man,' 59. Commodores, position of, 216. Common law. See Law. Common Pleas, notice given to Mr. Maine to appear in the court of, 117. Commons, House of, address of, 54. Admiral Knowles in, 203. Admiral Vernon in, 85, 88. elects its own members, 227, 228. enquu-y at bar of, 50, 51, 53. long session of, 128. motion in, 112. vigorous proceedings of, 54. speaker of. See Onslow Compi^gne, 273. letters dated at, 246, 267, 274, 275. Constable, Mr., of Everingham, 220. Constables to pick up vagrant sailors, 222. Condon, Cundum, Colonel, of Kilnwick, 47. his estate to be sold, 154, 186. Constantinople, Byzantium, 245, 255, 263, 277, 316. advices from, 143. ! ambassador at, EngUsh. See Porter. , French, 278. See also j Castellane. Caylus to go to, 312. campagne de, 309, 311, 314, 318, I 319, 326. I Constantinople — cant. draperies of, 329, 330. envoy to, Neapolitan, 189. letter dated at, 245. ' nation de ', 344. pasha of, 171. ships for, 93, 135, 170, 186. Consultation of captains, 53. ; Conti, Dame de, 276. I'amie du quai de, la pauvre Ton, 303. , health of, 329. Mile. Q., de la Place de, 318. Contraband articles, 146. Controleur G6n6ral, M. le, 318. Cooper, Thomas, Captain of H.M.S. Stirling Castle, 48, 62, 82, 96. charges against, 60. j claim of, against Medley's executors, 204—217 passim. letters from, 82, 94, 205. quoted, 210. ] letter to, 83. recalled, 85, 87. squadron of, 67. Copenhagen, letter dated at, 4. rendezvous at, 3, 6. I ' Coping.' See ' Cobbing.' Copper and wax, cargo of, 73. .' Coral fisheries, 249. Corbeil, butcher of, 292. Corbett, Thomas, Secretary to the Admiralty, letters from, 40-49, 55, 58, 62, 65, 66, 68-70, 79, 95, 97, 102, 155, 158, 162. letters to, 40, 47, 68, 69, 72. Cordage. See Ships. Corfu, Corfou, ship stopped at, 263, 264. Cork, transport at, 155. Cornish, Captain, of H.M.S. Guernsey, 149, 151, 192. letter to, 65. Cornwall, General, commands regiment of marines, 66. Cornwall, H.M.S. See Ships named. Coronation, celebration of amiiversary of. See George I. Corse, Cape, guarded by Genoese, 194. Corsica, Corse, 133, 193, 194. enterprise against, 89. to be abandoned, 118. French ship near, 145. Corsicans, the, deserted by Turin and Vienna, 131, 133. Corvo, 16. Cosby, Captain, acquitted, 113. Costa, Sr. de, mentioned in despatches, 269. Cotton- wool, cargo of, 76. Coulomb, Sr. Francois, designer of ships, praised, 250, 301. Counsel, cases for, 206, 211. Counsel's opinion, 206, 212-217. Country people, cunning of, 210. Cour, M. de, at Gournay, 323. Couroillon, Mme. de, 288. Couriers, Spanish and French, 110. Cours la Keine flooded, 280. INDEX. 359 Court, M. de, M. le, 258, 260, 314, 320, 321, 332, 339. orders, etc., sent to, 316. Court of delegates, 54. Courts martial. Act regulating, 54, 55. country ' sick of,' 144. on Admiral Knowles and others, 203, 204. Lestock, 97, 124. Matthews and others, 54, 71, 130, 135. on Captain Cooper, 87. Hardy, 51. Lloyd, 87. Mostyn, 51. Townshend, 158. on Lieutenant Fry, 124. Graham, 52. publication of account of, 96. Covent Gardens. See London. Cox, Mr. George, acting master of H.M.S. Sandwich, 39. Coxheath, Cox Heath, 239. Coxworthy, Nicholas, 202. Craike. iSee Creyke. Crampton, Mrs., house-mistress at Harrow, 228, 233, 236. letter from, 232. Craon, Prince, obKging conduct of, 161. Crawley, Samuel, consul at Smyrna, letters from, 93, 114, 135, 136. Crenay, M., 272. Creoles in the French navy, 301. Cr6quy, Rue. See Grenoble. Crfevecoeur, a noisy guest, 292. Creyk, Captain, gets wet, 239. Creyke, Craike, Mr., may be a useful witness in the matter of Medley's wiU, 226. Croisette, French battery at, 180. Croix, M. and Mme. la, Caylus in favour with, 315. Crooke, petition of Harrow boys, made by, 236. Crostolo attacked, 108. Crozet, H., signature of, 344. Cruiser sloop. See Ships named. Culloden, battle of, 122, 129. Cumberland, Duke of. See WiUiam Augustus. Cummins, John, 37. Cundum. See Condon. Curing meat, experiments in, 123. Customs, the, place sought in, 228. Cyprus, convoy to stop at, 164. letter dated at, 67. prizes at, 114. wine of, 330, 332, 337. Caylus' fondiiess for, 284. present of, 255, 316. Cythere, Dictionnaire de, 291. La Gazette de, 282. D D. D., Mile., 346. Dalmont, Mile., matron of Providence Hospital, Grenoble, letter to, 270. Dalton, North, 220. South, 219. Damiata, ships loaded at, 170. Dandridge, Captain, alterations suggested by, 40, 41. Danish officer, 95. Dannat. See Taurins-Dannat. Dantin, M., honourable mention of, 246. Darby, Captain Dick, 78. Dartmouth (H.M.S.) See Ships named. Daulton, Lieutenant, General Wynyard hopes not to see, 172. Dauphiness, the. See Maria Josephine, Maria Theresa of Spaia. Dauphiny, French troops from, 1 10. troops in, 137, 145. Davers, Mil(5dy, Uaison of. 346. Vice-Admiral, 37, 39, 43, 125. , death of, 157. , letters from, 38, 39, 44. , to be recaUed, 54, 124, 125. Dawnay, Captain George, 56, 71. Debt, the National, 157. Declaration of 30 April 1744, 99. of war regulates disposal of prize money, 173. Defau, la divine, death of, 288. Delacroix, M., 285. Delaware. See Ships named. Delcampe, S., ensign of the Nytnphe, 242, 261. commands a tartan, 262-264. to command the Syhille, 260. Delegates, court of, 54. Delfico, Abb6 Orazio, spies sent by, 139. D6mont, design on, 190. Denmark, George, Prince of, 28. Russian ambassador in. See Dolgorouki. Dent, Captain, 184. Jamaican command devolves upon, 162. to cruise off Cape Garoupe and Monaco, 179, 182. Deptford, 3, 127. courts martial at, 116, 204. Dept/ord (storeship). See Ships named. Derby, rebels march to, 83. Desert island, adventures on, 36. Deserters, 35. Desertion in Neapolitan army. 111. See also Ships. Desforts, M., comptroller general, death of, 273. Dettingen, battle of, 168. Deydier, M., puts diet before drugs, 275. Diamant, le. See Ships named. Diamond, H.M.S. See Ships named. 360 INDEX. Dictionnaire des Theatres de Paris, references to, 274n., 282n., 345». Didier, Nicolas, alias Grastallor Morick, adventures of, 270. Dilke, Captain, court martial on, 54. dismissal of, 85. Discount, rate of, 188. Dobbin, 228. Dock landlord, a, 210. Doctors' Commons. See London. Dolgorouki, Prince, Russian ambassador in Denmark, 2, 4. Dom Bougre, Portier des Chartrewx, 291, 310, 316. authors of, 323. described, 323. Don Pedro (Dutch). See Ships named. Dorsetshire beer, 81. Dorsetshire, H.M.S. See Sliips named. Dort, Monsieur AUvin of, 180. Dove, Gomm.issioner, 8. Lieutenant, letter to, 38. Dover, stores at, 10. Dover, H.M.S. CiSee Sliips named. Downs, the, 9, 10, 17, 18, 20, 22, 28, 29, 79, 84, 164. letters dated from, 10, 11. Dragon. See Ships named. Dragon's Prize, H.M.S. See Ships named, Drake, D., refuses to take the oaths, 78. Draper, General, health of, 49, 50, 57, 71, 105. Dreadnought, H.M.S. iSee Ships named. Dresden, Treaty of. See Treaty. troops from, 108. Dringhouses, 199. Droit Public, le, 279. Drummond, Ed., 25. James, 3rd titular Duke of Perth, wounded at Culloden, 129. Lord John, rebels under, 84, 87. Dubois, Henry Richard, recommended, 144. Due d' Orleans. See Ships named. Duchesne, M., vicar apostolic, 251. Duclos, La, criticism of, 289. letter of, reference to, 346. Dugdale, Robert, mate in H.M.S. Bur ford, recommended, 125, 128. Duke, H.M.S. See Ships named. Duke of Cornwall, privateer. See Ships named. Diunesnil, an actor of note, 345. Dunbar, [ 7 tutor to young Rowley], 81. Duncombe, Colonel, marines of, 49. Dundas, Sir Lawrence, finds VVedder - burn intractable, 228. Dunkirk, 108. fort needed at, 292. invasion from, feared, 84. rebel officers from, 84. threatened by the English, 341. Dunkirk, H.M.S. See Ships named. Duquesne, M., difficulties of, at Scios, 244. Duras, M. de, marshal of France, 290, 292. son of, has manners but not wit, 292. Durfort, M. de, ill-health of, 275. Durrell, Captain, 188. Dutch Admiral at Spithead, 42. consul at Gibraltar. See Butler. interests favoured, 219. mail, 87. reject offers of neutrality, 129. ships, distemper on, 7. , masters of, 66. , no security for, 99. . See also ships. treaty with. See Treaty of 1674. troops at Hulst, 181. augmented, 145, 157. not to oppose rebels, 87. war of, with France, probable, 348. ' Dutchman, every honest,' 180. Duval, letter from, 343. Dyle, the, alhed camp behind, 122. E East India Company, United, 11. voyage, 64. East Indies, command of ships in, 237, 238. drapery from, 324, 329. ships for, 88. East Riding regiment, 239. iSee also Yorkshire. Eaton. See Eton. Ecclesiastical court, Hardwick's suit in, 227. Ecclesiastical State. See Papal. Economy in French naval service, 312-314, 319, 321, 325, 326. Edinburgh, Edenborugh, 1, 2. Duke of Cumberland at, 96. Hessian troops at, 103. rebels may march to, 84. returns to its duty, 79. Young Pretender at, 75. Edinburgh Castle, troops march to relieve, 75. Edinburgh, H.M.S. See Ships named. Effendi, Sallet, an agreeable Turk, 322, 329. Eygpt, coast of, 93, 135, 136, 170. Elba, French ship near, 145. Electioneering methods, 203, 204. Elector Palatine. See Charles Theodore. Elephant, a non-abstaining, 343. Elford, Captain, commander of H.M.St York, 8. Elfsnabben, Elsnab, letters dated at. 3-6. INDEX. 361 Elizabeth Farnese, queen of Spain, pretensions of, 129. Elsinor, letter dated at, 7. Elton [co. York], letters dated at, 50, 71, 76, 104, 154. Enchuysen, memorial of the deputies of, 98, 99. iSee ships. Enee. See Aeneas. England, and Corsica, 131, 132. chain made in, 340. expected invasion of, 239. Jacobite invasion of, 77. See also RebelUon. policy of France towards, 287. rejoicings in, at defeat of rebels, 120. troops march from, to relieve Edinburgh, 75, war with, would benefit French navy, 266. English and French ships, guns of, engagements of. See Ships, army in Low Countries, 181, 341. defeat in America, 294. insolence, 347. prisoners, 47, 82, 178. turn Moors, 168. subjects in Genoa, 145. in Tangiers, enslaved, 82. ' vilains coquins,' 298. violent proceedings of, 99. Enterprise. See Ships named. Erskine, Captain, 171. Esk, rebels cross, 84. Eaperance. See Ships named. Espinasse, Pere 1', 347. Essex, H.M.S. See Ships named. Estaque, Caylus sets out for, 348. Estr^es, Marshal d', 287. Eton, letter dated at, 232. Mr. Heath returns to, 231. ' some person from,' 235, 23, 94. 95, 97, 98, 210. wishes to attend Medley's funeral, 200. Hardy, Captain, 121, 123, 168. , letter sent through. 183. , letters from, 82. Captain Charles, 54. Captain John, of H.JI.S. Torrington, 58. , court-martial on. 51. Hare Court. See London suh Temple. Hargrave, General, Go\"ernor of Gibraltar, 53, 64, 73, 105, 130. letters from, 53, 153, 168, 173, 185. letter to, 69. Harley, 225. Harnage, Richard, contract of, 22, 24. Harrach, Count Joseph, President of the Council of War in [ ? Tuscany], 90, 101. Harrington, Earl of. See Stanhope. Harris, Captain Barrow, in chief command of ships at Jamaica, letter from, 25. Mr., secretary to Admiral Haddock, '208. Harrison, Captain, 42, 43. Harrow hill, Bucknall's coach sent rolling down, 230. Harrow School, disturbances at, in connection with choice of head- master, 229-234, 236. expenses at, 228, governors of, petition to, 230, 233, 235. , unpopular, 229-233. illness at, 228, 229. letters dated at, 229, 232, 235, 230. pocket money at, 236. Rev. B. Heath appointed head- master of, 232. Harvest, bad, in France, 277. of 1776, 237. Harwich, John PhiUipsou M.P. for, 74. Haswell & Co., Messrs., letter from, 71. Haswell, Mr., master attendant at Gibraltar, 107. Hautbois, Colonel des, ' a nasty piece of business ' befalls, 190. Havana, letter dated at, 35. ship bound for, 139. ships from, 98, 127. tobacco, 317. treasure from, 128. Havre, intendant at. See Begou. Hawk Road, letters dated at, 222, 224 Hawke, Captain, a witness at court martial, 71. his chance of becoming admiral, 163. Hawley, General, forces of, 84, 87. leads his army to Scotland, 84. within twelve miles of the rebels, 89. Hayes, Adam, master shipwright at Gibraltar, letters from, 107, 113. Haynault, President, dramas of, 290, 291. Heath, Rev. Benjamin, chosen to succeed Dr. Sumner at Harrow, 230, 232, 233. disturbances on his arrival at Harrow, 230. follows Dr. Simmer's rules, 236. goes back to Eton, 231. is liked very well, 236. letters froni, 232, 235. letter to, 234. peaceably admitted to Harrow, 235. Hedon, Lord George Anson M.P. for, 47. Heidelberg, letter from, 91. Helvoetsluys, 18, 26, 27. letters dated at, 18, 27. Henshaw, James, agent to Admiral Medley, 55. letters from, 49, 51, 52, 54, 72, 78, 83, 87, 94, 95, 98, 112, 134, 161, 196. Herbert, Captain, 26. Hercules, Caylus likened to, 335. Hern, Mr., governor of Harrow, windows of his house broken, 230, 231. Heroa, le. See Ships named. INDEX. 367 Hervey, Captain, appointed to H.M.S. Princesaa, 162. Colonel, Yorkshire regiment of, 240. Hessian troops in Scotland, 87, 103, 106. to be sent to Flanders, 120, 121. Hestre, M. de 1', supper given by, 289. Heureux. See Ships named. Hewgill, Mr., 57. Hiekington, P., letters from, 195, 190. Highlanders to be ' ferreted out,' IKi. Highlands, the, Lord John Drummond in, 87. rebels retire into, 96. Hill, Jack, 72. John, Commissioner of Customs, letter from, 174. Hilton. See Hylton. Hippolyte et Aricie, Kameau's opera of, 341. Hispaniola, 20. Holborn. iSee London. Holcomb, Captain, 188. Holcome, 81. Holland, Captain, Conunander of H.M.S. York, 9. Holland, 154. augmentation of army of, 188. interests of, favoured, 219. letters from, 108. passage of George I from, 18, 26, 27. Prussian overtures of peace to, 125. ransacked for a certain materia], 324. ship for, 9. Stadholder of, 180. States of, 99, 180. See also Low Countries. Hoh-oide, Mr. Richard, 72, 76. letter from, 66. to, 66. prize account of, 203. Holway, W., letter from, 66. Homer and Virgil, 290. Hop, M., Envoy Extraordinary from the States General, 65, 80. Hope (Swedish snow). See Ships named. Hopson, Vice-Admiral Edward, letters from, 36. services of, 3, 36. Hosier, Vice- Admiral Francis, death of, 35. letters, etc., from, 4-7, 30-35. rear-admiral of the White, 3, 6. Hosier's Armorial General, reference to, 281. Hospital ship. See Ships. Hospitals. See Gibraltar, Lisbon, Vado. Hotham, Commodore William, first Baron Hotham, 238. Houdetot, Comte d', death of, 241. Houghton, Colonel, regiment of, 74. Hound (H.M.S.). See Ships named. House of Commons. See Commons. House of Lords. See Lords. Howe, Mr. James, 78, 203. letters from, 102, 142, 197, 198, 200, 201. to, 200. recommended to Medley, 130. Hughes, Captain, 81. Captain Richard, of H.M.S. Essex, 174. at Toulon, 186. , letters from, 152. John, 'a troublesome man,' 04. Hull, 50, 154. all well at, 76. corporation of, resolution of, 222. letters dated at, 222. dated off, 222, 224. mayor of, refuses to countenance press-gang, 224. Hulst, Dutch troops at, 181. Humming-birds, 334. Humphreys, Mr. Thomas, acting master of H.M. store-ship Trelawny, 59. Hungarian troops from Ponte Nura and other posts, 138. Hungary, Queen of. See Maria Theresa. Hunting, rights of, determined by ancient custom, 219. Hunts, Yorkshire, 219. Huske, General, within twelve miles of the rebels, 89. Hyferes, office of commandant of, abolished, 270. islands, letter dated at, 260. ships captured near, 246. Hylton, John, Baron Hylton, estate of, 188. Illiterate writing, 217, 223. Isle of Wight. See Wight. Iman, Sallet Effendi not a real, 323. Immaculate Conception, See Ships named. India Company, United East. See East. India. See East Indies. Indies. See East, West. Industry. See Ships named. Infante, the. See Philip. Ingram, Mr., deputy [ ? King's] remembrancer, 227. Henry, Lord Irwin, commands Royalist company, 77. Inspector. See Ships named. Invasion from France threatened, 84, 85. at an end, 97. Inverness, victory near. See CuDoden. Ipswich, H.M.S. See Ships named. Ireland, Admiral Martin goes to, 130. 368 INDEX. Irish officers in Jacobite rebellion, 84. priests, temptations of, 117. regiments in service of France, 108. Iron, Spanish, 71. Irwin, Lord. See Ingram. Isenghein, M. d', marshal of France, 290. Isle Boyale, Caylus to serve at, 255. Istria, imperial [Avistrian], 262. ports of, 93. Italian, letters in, 86, 93, 94, 101, 104, 108-112, 138, 139, 153. studied at Leghorn, 81. translation from, 277. ' Italian ', ' the young,' escape of, 129. Italy, 69, 86, 140, 163, 197. army of, 92. changed situation in, 108, 109. coast of, 48, 64, 67, 103, 140, 261. Don Philip in, 134, 140. enemy's losses in, 113. money for, 121. news from, 12, 103, 122, 142. ransacked for a certain material, 324. Spanish coiiriers to, only two in number, 137. troops for, 91, 123. Ives, Mr., surgeon of H.M.S. Dragon, 114. .lackson, Mr., of Leghorn, 189. Jacobite, a pretended, 47. .lamaica, 20, 26, 33, 35, 162, 163. complaints from, 124. convoy from, 44. court martial at, 124. English fleet at, 25, 36. French able to capture, 291. hurricane at, .50. letters from, 34, 157. merchants, 54, ships of. See Ships. James, 217. James II, difficulties of, 1. Janvill, de, captain of militia in Martinique, memorial from, 348. Jasper, Captain, a witness at court martial, 71. Jeer capstan, 41. Jelf, Captain, 222. Jeliot, appreciation of, 282. I I splays in an unsuitable part, 345. Jennings, Sir J., Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, 2, 8, 10, 13. Jermy, Captain, of the bomb Carcass, distinguishes himself, 150, 162. to be made post-captain, 162. Jersey, H.M.S. See Ships named. Jerusalem. See Ships named. Jesuit missions, 334. Jew, letter of a, 151. Jonville, M. de, attached to the Turkish Ambassador, 337. Journal de Barbier. See Barbier. JouviUe, Sr. de, remittance to, 263. Judge advocate, partial practices of, 124. ' Jupiter upon Olympus', Lestock 'as calm as,' 113. .Justice, Lord Chief. See Willes. .lustioes of the kingdom. See Lords Justices. K Kappelshamn, Capleshare, letter dated at, 5. Kappel-wik, Caplesvik, 5. Bay of, rendezvous at, 4. Kaasavo, Rev. Father Gregory, a Greek priest, 39. Keeper of the Seals (French), 258. Kempe, Mrs., letter from, 238. Keppel, 240. Keux, John le, letters from, 123 ,125, 127, 130, 156, 162. Kid, Lieutenant, of H.M.S. Rupert, praised, 192. Kilnwick, Colonel Condon's estate at, 47, 186, 188. letter dated at, 217. directed to, 240. the Grimstons at, 205, 217, 225, 226. Kilvington, Mr., 198, 199. , charged with Medley's will, 203. Medley's niece, 104. Kimolo, 343. King, the petition to, 11. See Charles II, James II, George I, George II. icing's Channel, 27. letter-boys. See Letter-boys., pleasure, the, an idle expression, 85. remembrancer, deputy. See Ingram, speech gives satisfaction, 87. King's Bench prison. See London. King, Francis, 28. ICing Square court, letter dated at, 116. ICingsbridge, Grove buys farm near, 208. Kinsale, H.M.S. See Ships named. Kipliugcoats, 220. Kirby Hall, letters dated at, 197, 221. Kirton's farm, 88. Kiti, Chitty, Point, 67. Klagenfurt, troops near, 102. Knight, Captain Richard, of H.M.S. Surprise, 222. Knowles, Captain, 84, 85 appointed governor of Cape Breton, 112. coirrt martial on, 203, 204. may bo made Admiral, 163. INDEX. 369 Knowles, Admiral — cont. elected member of House of Commons, 203. Konigsegg, Marshal, 101. Labat, Sr., French merchant at Constantinople, 331. Lading, bills of, 252. Lady, remark of a, 128. Lafltte wine, 121. Lage, M. de, at Malta, 67, 114. expected at Smyrna, 114. Lagos, 60. letters dated off, 64, 73. Lagos Bay, 58. Lais, Caylus compared to, 289. Lake, Captain, of H.M.S. Exeter, 52. Lancashire, ' poor deluded fellows of,' join the rebels, 84. Land's End, 31. Lane, Sr. de, consul, despatches for, 251, 254. despatches from, not received, 253. to go to La Calls, 252. Languedoc, coast of, 251. released Spanish prisoners to be sent to, 178. Lanterna, a gate of Genoa, 111. La Porte. See Porte. Larach, 114. Laria, a Turk and a friend of Salley, 316, 322, 327, 342, 343. character of, 341. death of, 347. Lascelles, a Yorkshire buck, 77. Edwin, member for Scarborough, 47. Laat Judgment, exhibited at Paris, 290. Latakia, letter dated at, 169. Pasha of, 170. Latham. Captain, 150, 156, 159, 200. 201. attests copy of Medley's will, 202. command of, 151. letter to, reference to, 198. unfortunate position of, 218, 219. Lati), signature of, 344. Latin, list of priests in, 153. quoted by Robert Grimston, 239. La Tour. See Tour. Lattre, M. de, rejoices at Caylus' success, 304. Laurens, Roefel, master of the Dutch ship Don Pedro, 166, 167. Lavoro, Terra di, 100. Law, common, and of nations, 146. Lawrence, Captain, 74. Captain Peter, letter from, 42. George, recommended, 97. Lee, Admiral, to be recalled, 54. Captain Fitz Roy, 163. to be made an admiral, 161. Dr. George, counsel's opinion given by, 206, 208, 215. eminent character of, 207. referee between Grimston and Cooper, 212. See Masters. Leeward Islands, 20. Lefroy & Charron, Messrs., of Leghorn, 88. letters from, 127, 144, 151, 153, 165, 172, 188. Medley's effects with, 198. sale of prizes by, 153. Legard, Sir Digby, 225. , letters from, 226, 234. , to, 235. Lady, letters from, reference to, 238. Jack, son of Sir Digby Legard, at Harrow, 232, 234, 236. [Thomas, 2nd son of Sir Digby Legard,] to be introduced to Sir Edward Vernon, 237. , settled on board H.M.S. Ripon, 238. Major Kit, 47. , at Toumay, 56. , in Holland, 154. Robert, lieutenant in Grimston's company, 77. , letters from, 217, 239 Legendre, M., intendant at Montauban, death of, 273. Sr., mentioned in dispatches, 269. Ligere, la. See Ships named. Legge, Captain, 163. not to go westward, 96. on a favourite cruise, 88. to try Lee, 161. Leghorn, Livorno, 69, 87-90, 92, 118, 133, 146-148, 160, 166, 170, 171, 189, 191, 197, 219. advices, etc., from. 83, 123. chapter of the order of the Holy Trinity at, 153. colours, ship under, 187. consuls at. See Goldsworthy, Birtles. convoy detained at, 164. currency at, 118. Italian and French learnt at, 81. letters, etc., dated at, 75, 86, 90, 91, 93, 99, 101-103, 107, 109, 111, 117, 127, 137, 142, 144, 151, 153, 161, 165, 172, 188, 194, 197, 198, 200, 201. live cattle not to be demanded at, 152. prizes sent into, 63, 07, 114, 153. stores at, 187. trade of, 90. wood cheap at, 166. Lemaure, Le Maure, Mile., 345. rival of, 290. success of, 282, 289. Lemon, syrup of, 308. Lennox, H.M.S. See Ships named. 370 INDEX. Lentrow, General, at Asti, 104. Lenza. See Enza. Leopard, H.M.S. See Ships named. Le Page. See Page. Leslie, Captain L., 54. Lester, John, 26. Lestook, Vice-Admiral, 59, 87, 144. acquitted and made admiral of the blue, 125, 126, 128. at the bar of the Commons, 50, 51. court martial on, 54, 85, 97, 112, 116, 124. death and funeral of, 156. friends of, 162. to command a squadron, 136. will of, 156. Letter-boys, King's, 15, Leutrum, Baron de, letter from, 189. news from, 191. Levant, the, 154, 262, 263. French squadron in, 142. Governor and company of merchants trading to, 164. 170. measures for protection of, 264. ships captured in, 171. trade, 90, 114, 145, 147. , a fair track for, 186. Isle of, 251. Levant galley. See Ships named. Leveson-Gower, Granville, Viscount Trentham, 203, 204. John, Earl Gower, 163, 203, 204. Lewis, Mr., 76. Leytonstone, letter dated at, 134. Lianoourt, praise of, 293. Remond at, 288. Lichfield (H.M.S.) See Ships named. Lichtenstein, Field Marshal the Prince of. Commander-in-chief of the Austrian forces in Italy, 91, 99, 100, 104, 107, 120. army of, 87, 91, 109. letters from, 109, 142. victory of, 129. Lightning, H.M.S. See Ships named. Ligondes, M. du, proposed for service on U Espijrance, 248. Limasol, 67. Ling, fine old. 113. Liaguist, appointment of, in Mediterranean, 116. Linieres, P. de, the King's confessor, 161, 167. Linlithgow, Cumberland at, 96. Linz, regiments near, 101, 102. Lion, H.M.S. See Ships named. Lisbon, 14, 16, 17, 50, 78, 83, 87, 88, 98, 113, 116. chaplain of factory at. See Parker, hospital at, 117, 123. letters dated at, 117, 121, 122, 129. money sent from, 75, 82. news by way of, 98. prize carried into, 96. rumours at, 140. 'sham contract' for, 145. trading ships for, 43, 187, 188. from, 45, 58. Lister, Mr., 57, 22.5. Listenay, M. de, a ' tonneau enflamm6', 288. Littleton, Admiral James, letter from, 9. Littr6, reference to, 281 n. Livorno. See Leghorn. Livry, Chevalier de, 338. , captaincy refused to, 321-323. , dejection of, 325. , in disfavour, 280. , marriage of, 284. , not on active service, 330. , brother of, interviews Maurepas, 321, 323. Comte de, illness of, 274, 284. Marquis de, marriage of, 290. Lizard, the, 11. Lizardais, M. de, 310, 311, 314. Lloyd, Captain, of H.M.S. Nassau, charges against, 60. recalled 85, 87. Lobkowitz, Marshal, 101. Lochaber, French privateers at, 129. Lodi, provisions from, 138. Lombard Street. See London. Lombardy, 138. affairs in, 91, 104, 120, 124, 139. army of, 92, 100, 101, 137, 138. Austrians to make an effort in, 349. enterprise in, 94. French troops for, 104, 110. harbours of, 93. post day for, 100. stores for, 103. successes in, 108, 111. Lomellini, Srs., coral fishers, 249. London, 49, 59, 105, 121, 164. Admiral Mathews ordered to leave, 112. and Paris, couriers between, 221. court martial at, 97. Court of, 92, 99. fires in, caused by Gordon rioters, 240. Gazette, reference to, 240. Genoese nobles to be sent to, 110. James II returns to, 1. latitude and longtitude reckoned from, 36. letters dated in, 1, 8, 56, 77, 78, 105, 136, 146, 148, 174, 188, 193, 195, 198, 203-205, 207, 208, 210, 211, 218, 220, 221, 228, 240. medical advice in, better than in provinces, 209. merchants of, 16. post from Turin to, 186. Pretender marches on, 85. regular troops in and about, 85. ships of. See Ships. London, streets, etc. : — Billingsgate, St. Mary Hill near, letter dated at, 218. Blackfriars' Bridge, fires at, 240. Chancery Lane, letters dated at, 226, 227. INDEX. 371 London, streets, etc. — cont. Chancery Lane, Bream's Build- ings, letter dated at, 227. Cold Bath Fields, Warner Street, letter dated at, 227. Covent Gardens, election in, 203. , Tavistock Street, St. Paul's, Groves' address, 205. , Turk's Head, Bedford Street, Cooper's address, 205. Doctors' Commons, letter dated at, 212. Fenchurch Street, Gordon rioters killed in, 240. Fleet prison on fire, 240. Hanover Square, letter dated at, 74. Holborn, fires in, 240. King's Bench prison, 212. , fires in, 240. Lombard Street, letters dated at, 229, 233. New Inn, letters dated at, 239, 240. Old Burlington Street, letter dated at, 224. Soho Square, Frith Street, letter dated at, 229. Temple, the, 1, Hare court, Grimston Ul in chambers at, 217, 218. Tower Hill, letters dated at, 49, 51, 52, 54, 72, 78, 83, 87, 94, 95, 98, 112, 161, 196. Whitehall, escape of Princess Anne from, 1. , letters dated at, 38, 60, 140. Will's Coffee House, letters dated at, 123, 125, 127, 156, 162. , the Great House opposite, 215. Long, Captain, cited to appear before House of Commons, 51. Long Reach, 9, 14. Longueville, M. de, lieutenant at La Trinity, 285. Looze, Captain of the Speculation, 137. Lopez, Cape, 19, 20. Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. See Admiralty. Lords, House of, meeting of, 1. still sitting, 128. Lords Justices, 61, 62; 65, 69, 70. Secretary to. See Ramsden. Lords Lieutenant command Royalist companies, 77. Lorges, Due de, 288n. Lorraine, Charles de, Comte d' Armagnac, 101, 298. letter from, 344. Lou, de. See Bouer. Loudoun. See Campbell. Louis XIV, commission signed by, 241. Louis XV, king of France, arr§t of, 93. at Mechlin, 122. letters, etc., from, 242, 248, 252, 286, 293, 318. movements of, 273. presentation copy for, 282. said to have left the army, 190. Louis the Dauphin, Maria Josephine, wife of, 340. Louisbourg, 45, 61, 62, 69, 70, 74. reduction of, 60. safety of, 159. harbour of, 42. Lovett, Captain, of H.M.S. Princess OaroUne, 82. Lovibond, Edward, bill on, 188. Low Countries, the, 86, 103. command in, 101. English in, 341. troops in, 108. Low Countries, States General of United Provinces of, complaint of, 79. , envoy from. See Hop. , resolution of, 80. Low, Lowe, a pirate, 16, 17. Lowestoft, H.M.S. See Ships named. Lucca, Pretender at, 12. Luchon, Caylus scoffs at, 271. Ludlow Castle, H.M.S. See Ships named. LuUists and Ramists, 345, 346. Lully's Roland, production of, 345. Lund Holm, 219. Moor, 219. Luri, Captain, 132. complaints of, 131, 133. sets out to Florence, 133. Lusignasco, letter dated at, 189. Luttrell established in Wilkes' seat in the Commons, 227. Luxembourg, M. de, 292. Luynes, references to, 273«., 280n., 284n., 288-291«.., 305n., 310n., 345ra. Lyons, Gulf of, storm in, 260. Lynn, H.M.S. See Ships named. M Madalena, river, 35. Madeira, rendezvous at, 31. wine, 19. Madonna del Monte, La, enemy dislodged from, 138. Madrid, 112, 344. British ambassador at, 12, couriers from Lombardy to, 110. Court of, overtures from, 113, 139. letter dated at, 259. letters from, 129, 137. visit of Caylus to, 258, 259. Maestricht, allied forces at, 193. Magalon tobacco, 317. Magazine consumed at Port Orient, 113. Magellan, Straits of, 37. Mahmud V, Emperor of Turkey, Grand Signor, 67. Mahogany for the use of the Admiralty, 25. 372 INDEX. Mahomedanism (Mohammadenism) much the same as Christianity, 270. Mahon, 48, 63, 67, 68, 70, 74, 81, 83, 94, 102, 136. 143, 148, 152, 178, 180, 182-184, 211, 218. Admiralty court at, 153, 106, 219. , books of, 209. agent at. See Bevell. deputy receiver-general at. See Boyd, hospital at, 103. letters, etc., dated at, 75, 78, 100, 103, 142, 166, 167, 171-173, 185, 3.50. money scarce in, 75. prizes at, 67, 76, 78, 164, 186. harbour, letters dated in, 49, 52, 67, 152. iSee also Port Mahon. Maichens, Sr.. case of, 253, 254. Maiistone, letter dated near, 114. Maillebois, M. de. Marshal of France, 104, 290. army of, in Bohemia, 340. at Novi, 111. in Genoa, 138. meets de Gages, 129. probable retreat of, 120. takes possession of Aqui, 122. Maillebois, Comte de, son of the above, 104. Mailly, Comtesse de, resigns her post, 340. Mile, de, 288. Maine. See Mayne. Maister, Colonel, 239. H., letters from, 225. Nathaniel, letters from, 222. Majorca, Mallorqae, roads of, 257. Malaga, 300, 303. Caylus leaves his wounded at, 306. engagement near, 307. French consul at, 299. letter dated from, 260. rendezvous at, 285. wine, 302, 335. , floating butts of, 68. Malimba, 20. Mallorque. See Majorca. Malta, 266, 341, 343. a French victualling station, 242, 243, 245. Boccage in, 244. channel of, ship for, 205. convoy from, 153. captured, 165. Government of (Knights of St. John of Jerusalem), treaties of, with kings of Sicily, 257. letter dated at, 203. letters sent to, 245, 264. M. de Lageat, 67, 114. rendezvous of Levant trade, 114. to be avoided, 257. Maltese, ' an occasional,' 68. fleet. See Chambray. pilots, 335. ships. See Ships. Man, Captain, 153. Manchester, rebels pass through, 83. Manetan corsair stopped, 263, 264. Mangis, M. de, illness of, 318. Maniban, M. de, marriage of his daughter, 284. Mann, Horace, British minister at Florence, 81, 92, 165, 193. letters, etc., from 89, 118, 130, 133, 147, 160, 180. letters to, 140, 194. Manna, cargo of, 76. Mantua, letters dated at, 91, 94, 100, 101, 108. troops for, 101. Marbeuf, president of, 292. Marche, M. de la, a youth of promise, 289. Margaret, Lady, 126. Maria Josephine, la Dauphine future, 340. Maria Theresa, Empress of Germany and Queen of Hungary, 48, 86, 91, 292. resolution of, 101. situation of, 304. troops of, in Italy, 62, 91. Maria Theresa of Spain, Dauphiness of France, death of, 138, 140. Marioone, B., letters, etc., from, 86, 90, 91, 93, 99, 101, 103, 107, 109, 111, 137, 191. to, 109, 111. Marie Galante [Windward Islands], 348. Marine Treaty of 1674. See Treaty. Marines, 43, 49, 65. Mariveaux, a moral truth worthy of, 276. Marlborough, H.M.S. See Ships named. Marly, letters dated at, 248, 253, 270. Marnieres, M. de, 278. mentioned in despatches, 269. Marqueze, Comte, stops an English ship, 333. Marquisan, Sr., sous-lieutenant d' artillerie, 273. Marseilles, 254, 267, 270, 317. aldermen and deputies of commerce at, congratulatory letter from, 344. blockaded, 167. Caylus puts into, 306, 309. citadel of St. Nicholas in, 268. garrison from Ste. Marguerite to be transported to, 151. letters by way of, 341. dated at, 305, 347, 349, 350. merchants of, 269. news from, 165. passport to, 191. ships at, 244. for, 93, 114, 137, 145, 148, 186-188, 205. from, 93, 135, 173. Marseilles, Gulf of, 250. Isles de, 314. Marsh, Captain Henry, a witness at court martial, 71. INDEX . 373 Marshals of France appointed, 290. Marsillao, M. de, 136. Marston, proposed sale of, 76, 154. Martin, Admiral, 125. goes westward, 96, 124. in the Downs, 84. lets the Brest fleet escape, 130, 136. to be superannuated, 163. Martin, Captain C^sar, of the Vainqueur, 348, 349. ship of, captured, 350. Majtiniquans, capabilities of, 301. Martinique, 306. Caylus at, 284, 285. engagement off, 349. memorial from, 348. rum from, 318, 322. ship from, 344. iSee also Ships, wheat exported to, 344. Mary (galley). See Ships. named. Mason, Captain, a pretended Jacobite, 47. Hasseillon, a heretic imprisoned at Marseilles, 268. Masseradas, Cape, 19, 20. Massiac, M. L. de, 272. Master attendant, duties of, 52. Master shipwright, duties of, 52. Masters & Lee, of Smyrna, letters from, 147. Mathews, Admiral, 51, 59, 62, 70, 77, 85, 92, 103, 113, 116, 169, 175, 178. court martial on, 54, 71, 112, 125, 126, 128, 130, 135. , to be postponed, 88. memorial on behalf of, 112. outcry against, 136. partial practices in favour of, 124. questioned in House of Commons, 51. shews Uttle concern at his sentence, 156. will go to sea no more, 125. Matra. See Gaffori. Maule, 329. Maumba, 20. Maupertuis. See Verger. Maure, Mile. Le. See Le Maure. Maurepas, M. J. F. Phelypeaux, Comte de. Superintendent of the Marine, 279, 280, 285, 287, 293, 304, 310, 312. 313, 316, 338, 341, 345. countersigns royal letters, 248, 253, 286, 294, 318. criticism of, 245. firmness of, 321. health of, 260, 260, 273, 274, 310, 318 329 letters from, 241-275, 278, 285, 293, 300-302, 309, 311, 313, 314, 316, 320, 326-328, 331, 337, 348. , etc., to, 286, 295, 305. Memoires of, 27 In. plan to be sent to, 317, 319. speaks to Louis in Caylus' favour, 303. Maurepas— con*, wine for, 326. brother of, death of, 259. Maurepas, Mme. la Comtesse de, 255, 269, 272, 293, 294, 306, 311. character of, 288. health of, 291, 318, 329, 340. presents for, 280, 316. taste of, 330. uses her inflnonce on Caylus' behalf, 334. mother of, death of, 340. Mauriac, M. de, letter from, 191. Maurice. See Port Maurice. Maux, M. et Mme. de, 299. Mawman, William, letter from, 121. Maxwell, Lord [ ? son of William Maxwell, styled Earl of Nithsdale], illness of, 229. May, Use of, 19. Maynard, Captain, of H.M.S. Ipswich, letter to, 58. Mayne, Admiral, 54, 84, 125. not to command in Jamaica, 162, 103. quarrels with Lord Chief Justice Willes, 117, 124. to succeed Davers, 124, 125, 157. Maynes, , friends of Medley, 121. Mazarin, Duchesse de, house of, 288. Mme. de, death of, 340. McGoren, M., an Irish officer, 179. Mead, Samuel, Commissioner of Customs and a senior captain of H.M. Navy, 161. Meareend, Lieut. Hambleton of, 36. Mechlin, king of France at, 122. Medicine for fever, 24. Mediterranean, the, 13, 48, 49, 51-53, 56, 61-63, 65, 69, 71, 79, 126. action in, 50. Britons despicable in, 223. command in, 93. convoy from, 44. French fleet for, 178, 179. friends in, toasted, 157. naval failure in. See Toulon, engagement off. passes, 171. provisions lor, 98, 103. service in, 48. ' things carried with a high hand in.' 124, 125. Medley, George, letter from, 224. Medley, Vice-Admiral Henry, commander of H.M.S. Poole, 2. York, 7. Leopard, 9. younger Brother of Trinity House, 37. services of, from 1744 until liis death, 38. commander-in-chief (temporary) at Plymouth, 51, 52. Vice-Admiral of the Blue, 55. commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, 61. death and funeral of, 195-198. accounts of, confused, 200, 202. 374 INDEX. Medley — cont. at variance with Rowley in matter of Capt. Cooper. 83, 96, 211-217. criticized, 123-125. does good service at the Var, 157. does not observe cartel of Frank- fort, 178. effects of, 195, 196, 200-202. guards straits of Gibraltar, 218. Hardwick ' sorry to expose his character,' 223. Kilnwick to be bought for, 186. letters from, 72, 128, 148. to, 1-193 passim. ' picks up a good many prizes,' 148. relationship of, to Grimston family, 226. scandalous story about, 193, 195. share of prize money, 102. toasted, 78, 124, 154, 157. will of, 195, 197, 200-203, 224. , disputed, 224-226. , upheld, 227. wines of, 185. Medway, the, 29. Mel, Louis, letter to, 349. Melie, Cape Delle. See Cape. Mequines, 114. Emperor of Morocco at, 115. Merchant ships. See Ships. Mercure, le. See Ships named. Messina, Cerve of, praised by Caylus, 268. Mestre, Jean, second mate, mentioned in dispatches, 246. Meudon the only means of communi- cation between Paris and Versailles, 280. Mouse, the, army of, 255, 304. Middelburg, riot in, 180. Middleton Field, 220. Milan, Don Philip at, 349. evacuation of, 108. General Wentworth goes to, 194. letters dated at, 174, 191. siege of, 87, 94, 100. Milanese, evacuation of, 109. Milesimo, Count, offers Medley his carriage, 168. Mille, le, 267. Mille, B., signature of, 344. Milo, Millo, letter dated at, 263. Mina, Marquis de la, enters Spanish ministry, 137. letters from, 169, 177. Mingate, Peter, 8. Mining privileges, memorial relating to, 348. Ministers, foreign, strange orders to, 161. Ministry, change of, 97. Minorca, 69, 70, 158. action off, 260n. Governor of. See Wynyard. letters dated at, 195, 196. Miquelets at San Remo, 189. Mirandola, la, may be besieged, 94. Mirepoix, General, to join Maillebois, 138. Mitchell, Captain, Davers' command devolves to, 157. death of, 162. Mithon, M., Intendant de la Marine at Toulon, 249, 251, 254, 262, 263, 267n. estimate forwarded to, 253. letter to, 265. order given to, 250. Mitylene, 93. Modena may be besieged, 93. Modon, 242, 244, 264. Moggy Lavder. See Ships named. Mohair yam, 135. Mohamet, Azus Ben, Alcayd of Tangier, 114, 116, 144. a deceitful African, 115. letter from, 143. releases English prisoners, 168. Moidores very scarce, 165. Monaco, 183, 184. Auxerrois regiment at, 110. letter dated at, 167. ship captured off, 164. troops in or from. 111, 180, 182. Mondonville, M., choir-master in the king's chapel, 317. Money plentiful, 157. scarce, 88, 106. Monk, Mr., an apothecary, Lestock's executor and legatee, 156. Monmouth, H.M.S. See Ships named. Monroe, commander of the Revolution, 12. Mons, siege of, 129. Montagu, John, 12th Earl of Sandwich, 95, 209. influence of, 126. letters from, references to, 180, 181. Monteallegre, Duke of, letter from, 83. Montemar, Duke de, enters Spanish ministry, 137. Montfaucon, M. Dastier de, gentleman of Avignon, 326. Montijo, Count de, enters Spanish ministry, 137. Montlaur, M., squadron of, 257. Montmorency, Due de, story told by, 104. Montmort, 292. letters dated at, 294, 304. See Remond. Montpellier, letters dated at, 169, 177. Montrose, Admiral Byng off, 108. Moore, Zach., a Yorkshire buck, 77. Moors, English prisoners turn, 168. insults of, 89. on board English ship, detained, 333. wrecked crew threaten to turn, 115. Mora, Antony, master of a Catalan pink, 164. Morea, 262. Caylus cruises off, 244. ship from, captured, 186. Tripolin ships off, 243. INDEX. 375 Morgan, Captain, and his ragged crew, 183. indespensable at Ste. Marguerite, 176. narrow escape of, 177. praised, 177. Morgan's squadron, 12. Morick, Grastallor. rint.\ VI. Date. I8a5 (4.) Appendix and Index Earl of Westmorland ; Capt. Stewart ; Lord Stafford ; Sir N. W. Throck- morton ; Sir P. T. Mainwaring, Lord Muncaster, M.P., Capt. J. F. Bagot, Earl of Kilmorey, Earl of Powis, and others, the Corporations of Kendal, Wenloob, Bridgnorth, Eye, Plymouth, and the County of Essex ; and Stonyhurst College. 1885 \ (5.) Appendix and Index (Be- j The Marquis of Ormonde, Earl of printedi Fingall, Corporations of Galway, 1895.) Waterford, the Sees of Dublin and Ossory, the Jesuits in Ireland. Size. 8vo. ! Sessional Paper. 1887 1887 1887 1887 1887 1887 1887 1887 1888 1890 1K88 1888 (6.) Appendix and Index Marquis of Abergavenny, Lord Braye, G. F. Luttrell, P. P. Bouverie, W. Bromley Davenport, E. T. Balfour, Esqs. Eleventh Ekpoet This is introductory to the following : — (1.) Appendix and Index H. D. Skrine, Esq,, Salvetti Corres- pondence. (2.) Appendix and Index House of Lords, 1678—1688. (3.) Appendix and Index Corporations of Southampton and Lynn. (4.) Appendix and Index Marquess Townshend. (5.) Appendix and Index Earl of Dartmouth. (6.) Appendix and Index Duke of Hamilton. (7.) Appendix and Index Duke of Leeds, Marchioness of Waterford, Lord Hothfield, etc. ; Bridgewater Trust Office, Beading Corporation, Inner Temple Library. Twelfth Eepokt This is introductoiy to the following : — (1.) Appendix Earl Cowper, K.G. (Coke MSS., at Melbourne Hall, Derby). Vol. I. (2.) Appendix - Ditto. Vol. II. [G.457B] [C. 4.576 [C.5242] [C. ."iOBO .3 vi.j Price. .!. d. [Out of [C. 5060 [C 5060 i.] [C. 5060 ii.] [C.5889] [0.5472] [C.6613] 2 10 1 7 1 1 2 1 8 [C. 5060 ; 2 6 iii.] i [C. 5060 j 2 8 iv.] I i [c. 5060 ; 1 v.] I [0.5612] I 2 3 2 7 2 5 vu. Date. 1880 (3.) Appendix and Index Earl Cowper, K.G. (Coke MSS., at ; Melbource Hall, Derby.) Vol. III. 1888 {i.} Appendix - The Duke of Eutland, G.C.B. Vol. I. 1891 (5.) Appendix and Index i Ditto. Vol. II. 1889 j (6 ) Appendix and Index House oJ Lords, 1689-1690. 1890 (7.) Appendix and Index S. H. le Fleming, Esq., of Bydal. 1891 (8.) Appendix and Index The Duke of Athole, K.T., and the Earl of Home. 1891 I (9.) Appendix and Index The Duke of Beaufort, E.G., the Earl of Donoughmore ; J. H. Gurney, W. W. B. Hulton, R. W. Ketton, G. A. Aitken, P. V. Smith, Esqs. ; Bishop of Ely ; Cathedrals of Ely, Glouces- ter, Lincoln, and Peterborough ; Corporations of Gloucester, Higham Ferrers, and Newark ; Southwell Minster ; Lincoln District Registry. 1891 I (10.) Appendix The First Earl of Charlemont. Vol. I. 1892 Thirteenth Eepoet This is introductory to the following : — 1891 (I.) Appendix The Duke of Portland. Vol. I. 1803 (3.) Appendix and Index Ditto. Vol, n. 1892 (3.) Appendix - J. B. Fortescue, Esq., of Dropmore. Vol. I. 1892 , (4.) Appendix and Index Corporations of Eye, Hastings, and i Hereford ; Captain F. C. Loder- Symonds, E. E. Wodehouse, M.P., i J. Dovaston, Esqs., Sir T. B. [ Leonard, Bart., Eev. W. D. Macray, and Earl of Dartmouth (Supple- mentary Report). 18')2 (5.) Appendix and Index House of Lords, 1690-1691. 1893 (6.) Appendix and Index Sir W. Fitzherbert, Bart. ; the Delaval Family, of Seaton Delaval ; the Earl of Ancaster ; and General Lyttelton- Annesley. Size. 8vo. Sessional Paper. [C. 5889 i.] [C.5014] [C. 5889 ii.] [C. 5889 iii.] [C. 5889 iv.] [C.6338] [C. 6338 i-] Price. 6: d. 1 i [OlU nf j/irint.] ■2 2 1 1 11 1 2 6 [C. 6388 ii.] 1 11 [C.6827] 3 [C 6474] 3 i/ [C. 6827 i-] 2 Ot^ [C.6660] [C.6S10] [C.6822] [C.7166] 2 7 2 4 2 4 1 4 Vlll Date. 1893 1893 1896 1894 1894 (7.) Appendix and Index The Earl of Lonsdale. (8.) Appendix and Index The First Earl of Charlemont. Vol. II. Fourteenth Eepoet This is introductory to the following :- (1.) Appendix and Index The Duke of Rutland, G C.B. Vol. III. '■. ) Appendix - The Duke of Portland. Vol. III. 1894 (3.) Appendix and Index The Duke of Roxburghe ; Sir H. H. Campbell, Bart. ; the Earl of Strathmore ; and the Countess Dowager of Seafield. 1894 (4.) Appendix and Index Lord Kenyon. 1896 (5.) Appendix - J. B. Fortescue, Esq., of Dropmorc. Vol. II. 1895 (6.) Appendix and Index House of Lords, 1692-93. (3Ianiisr:ri2>/s of the House of Loriln, 1693-1695, Vol. I. (Neiv Series). Sec H.L. No. (5) of 1900. Price 2s. 9d. 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