| Content Description | States that he has no objections if Portland wishes to show the letter to other friends in addition to Lord Sunderland [giving as examples, Lord Stamford and the Duke of [Somerset] noting that he would also add Lord Halifax, if he did not anticipate that he would already have seen it]; however requests that no copies be given out; notes his impatience for a reply to his letter; comments that it is not necessary for M. de [Schutz?] to know about the letter, noting that it is not included in his packet and that he believes him to be in the country.
Comments that if, having taken such good measures within the kingdom in relation to the matter of the succession, ministers also wished to do the same outside and enter a treaty for the succession with Holland, the [Emperor] and the principal allies, this would demonstrate their good intentions; notes that it would be best if this was done while the war is going on, as France will easily raise obstacles if the matter is postponed until the end of the peace confederation, since France will then have ministers at every court.
Urges Portland to discuss the matter with his friends; hopes he knows M. de Bernstorf well enough to understand that, with regard to the affairs of England, it is fortunate that he has entered the Elector's service, being first minister after the Comte de [Plateu]; reports that he is very well informed about England and the interests of that house; comments that M de Schutz does everything he can to promote the right ideas and that M de [Howe] equally acquits himself with all the zeal of an honest and well-intentioned man; ends with hope that he will be as pleased with them as they are with him.
This fragment may be the final page of Pw A 1079/1-2.
Pw A 1080/2 is a paper simply carrying the date 1708.
The letter is not dated; the date provided is based on that of Pw A 1079/1-2. |