| Content Description | Refers to being under her protection and presents facts in his defence in the face of allegations made against him by 'Lord Har.' [Earl of Harcourt]; suggests possible personal reasons behind his disfavour; comments on allegations concerning his [Cresset's] association with the late Bolingbroke and names two friends who can testify as to his character and actions, Reiche in England and Bentinck [probably Count William Bentinck?] in Holland; cites Reiche as a witness able to verify the honours he received from the late king [George I] on his accession to the throne and his service under General Carpenter at the time of the 1715 rebellion when he was just 14; refers to continued honours shown him by the late king until his death and particularly to the respect and courtesy shown him over the years by Hanoverian ministers.
Refers to insinuations that he was involved in the education of the princes which he strongly denies stating that the only conversations he has had with them have been in presence of their governor [Earl of Harcourt] and the bishop [Thomas Hayter]; states if to be accused of anything it would be attending Savile House too infrequently rather than the other extreme and that even had he wanted to act the 'busybody', he was not in position to do so; states that the bishop [Hayter] could back him on this if cared for truth but relates instead incident when bishop proposed that he [Cresset] was better placed than the bishop to instil "des bonnes idées", even using tears in an attempt to persuade him in "une scène plus digne d'Arlequin et du téatre italien que d'un prélat ou précepteur des enfants d'Angleterre"; reports his refusal and the bishop's displeasure.
Emphasizes his devotion to the house of Hanover and the high principles in which he was raised by his father who served King William and makes further reference to the esteem in which he is held by Hanoverian ministers.
This letter is undated, the date given is based on the date it was received.
Endorsed: 'sent to me by the King on Monday night, Dec. 4th 1752 with orders to me to keep it'. |