| Content Description | Is thinking of publishing another volume of memoirs for his book ['Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland from the dissolution of the last Parliament of Charles II until the Sea Battle of La Hogue', published 1771]; encloses part of this and hopes he has not mentioned Lord Portland in any way that might offend the duke; wants to prove first that if the Partition Treaties had taken place, the calamities of 'Queen Anne's' war would have been avoided and the national debt halved; secondly, that Lord Oxford's Treaty of Utrecht saved England from bankruptcy; thirdly that the present royal family owe their crown to Lord Oxford because if the Duke of Marlborough had continued 2 years longer at the head of the army he would have settled with King James as General Monck had done with Charles II.
Asks duke to judge whether there is anything wrong with him seeing Lord Portland's and Lord Oxford's papers in possession of duke; mentions consequences that might follow, with relation to his involvement with the East India Company; found within King William's papers 30 or 40 letters from Lord Portland to the King about the peace of Ryswick; reports that Lord Hardwick or Mr Philip Yorke can let the duke know whether Lord Hardwicke took copies of them; if he did not, cannot think that the secretary of state would prevent duke from taking copies of his own letters; last saw 'King William's box' in the secretary of state's office.
Comments on case of Mr Philip Yorke and the creation of a dozen peers 12 years ago; at that time had told Lord North about Mr Charles York's patent which King consented to; despite consultation between himself, Lord North and Lord Hardwicke, Lord Marchmont asked Lord Hardwicke for a peerage for his son Lord Polwarth; had sent all the notes relating to this to Mr Andrew Stuart to pass onto Mr York, but he never received them and was surprised when he [Dalrymple] recently told him of case; comments on the 'Prince' and the better image he is now portraying; comments that the 'business' has given him a 'golden opportunity' to gain support, particularly if he speaks to the House of Lords.
If the duke agrees to let him read papers, will come to England if necessary; asks on the condition of the papers; mentions that he heard of Lord Oxford's papers from the late Archbishop of York.
Date estimated by internal references.
Paper wrapper for letter numbered Pl C 27/66/2. |