VI.

Ancient Manuscripts, Vols. 169-200. These MSS. are probably the relics of the "Lansdowne MSS.," which were bought by the Trustees of the British Museum.

Although the strict chronological order is often disregarded in these volumes, it is in most instances sufficiently observed. The worst deviation from it occurs in part of vol. 22. The papers are accordingly printed in the order in which they come. The difficulty of reference from the printed lists to the MS. vols. would otherwise have been materially increased. Vol. 35 forms an exception to the above rule, for a special reason stated at p. 140.

It has been found impossible since the issue of the report of last year to complete the revision of all the papers in this collection. The detailed notice given below relates to those papers only which form Division I. and Division IV., A. B. It is hoped that the revision may be brought to a conclusion in the coming reports of the Commission. The plan pursued has been to notice those papers only which are of historical interest.

I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing the obligation I am under to Sir James Lacaita, whose previous labours in arranging this collection have alone made it possible for me to make the progress I have in this notice; nor can I omit to mention the constant and valuable assistance I have received from the officials of the Record Office in the course of my work.

DIVISION I.

Papers referring to the politics of the continent, 1754-69. Vols. 1, 2, and 3.

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66

These volumes contain an account of Russia in 1767. On the title page is the line from Ovid, "Omnia bis dices 66 vera fuisse mea." The author gives a minute historical and statistical account of the country, and supports his statements by some very elaborate commercial tables and trade returns. He is equally careful in his account of the army, navy, and church. His opening remarks are that " we are to look upon the Empire of Russia in the light of a deformed child now arrived at the age "of maturity, the force of whose constitution has so far conquered his natural defects, that however they may "take away from his beauty they diminish nothing of "his vigour." Though in a chapter" on the Genius and "character of the Russians" he describes "the common people as "lazy, indolent and sensual, knowing no happiness beyond the gratifications of drunkenness and gluttony," "the clergy as brought very low, gentlemen" as "ignorant and unprincipled " and concealing their want of real culture by superficial acquirements, and the country as swarming with foreign adventurers, yet he nevertheless has a high opinion of the capacity of the nation for future progress and developement. He concludes by saying that no nation "labours under fewer natural disadvantages than Russia. "Though by no means wealthy in proportion to her "funds, though by no means populous in proportion. to her magnitude, yet within herself she is the richest " and with respect to her neighbours she is the most "formidable power in the world."

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"the

The author of these volumes in all probability was Sir George Macartney, as he describes himself as having had the honour of residing for some time in Russia in quality of His Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary. His account of the country is addressed to General Conway as Secretary of State. Sir George was recalled in 1766, when it was intended to send out Mr. Stanley to negociate the scheme for a Great Northern alliance, as projected by Chatham. (See the note in vol. III. p. 18 of the Chatham Papers, and the passage there quoted from Barrow's Life of the Earl of Macartney, vol. I. p. 412. "I have made very ample collection of everything relating to "this country, and shall with infinite pleasure impart to you and Ned all my stores.")

Vol. 3.

This volume contains copies of the secret correspondence which passed in 1755-6 between the Earl of Holdernesse, Secretary of State under the Duke of Newcastle and the Duke of Devonshire, and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, who had been sent to St. Petersburg to negociate a treaty of subsidy and alliance between England and Russia in view of the coming troubles in Europe. This treaty was traversed by the counter projects of Kaunitz and Mme. de Pompadour, which ultimately succeeded in gaining the adhesion of Russia to the treaty of Versailles and the league against Prussia,

notwithstanding the influence of the Grand Duchess MAR Catherine and the Imperial Chancellor Bestucheff.

Russia.

Sir Charles Williams to the Earl of Holdernesse. Petersburg.

1st July 1755.-General account of his conduct in negociation, and sketch of the projected treaty. 31st July,

11th Aug.

1755.-Demand by Russia for a larger subsidy.

11th Aug. 1755.-Reply to this demand. 11th Aug. 1755.-Declaration that the treaty is to have no respect to a war in America or Italy.

Petersburg, 23rd June 1755.-Promising opening of the negociations. Characters of Ministers and sketch of the treaty. There are four who compose the College of Foreign Affairs,-the Great Chancellor, the ViceChancellor, Mons. Ólsufiow, and Mons. Fugowirnikow, which latter person talks no language but the Russian. Funk, the Saxon Envoy, is a person of great influence; "he serves his court here better than ever any minister "served a court, for which he is rewarded by being "in arrear nine quarters of his salary."

Petersburg, 11th Aug.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse, requesting that an additional sum may be granted to Russia by a separate article in the treaty. 11th Aug.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernessc. The sums to be paid on the ratification of the treaty.

St. Petersburg, 2nd Oct.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Illness of the Empress. Character of the Great Duchess (afterwards Catherine II.). Her opinion of the Prussian Royal family.

2nd Oct.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Good disposition of the Court. Importance of Olsufiow. Whitehall, 26th Dec.-The Earl of Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams, opening to him the scheme of the Prussian alliance.

6th Feb. 1756.-The Earl of Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams, instructing him in what manner to communicate the Prussian treaty.

6th Feb.-The Earl of Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. On the disposition and conduct of the Danes.

Petersburg, 19th Feb.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. On the reception of the Prussian treaty. 1st Feb.-The Great Duchess of Russia to Sir C. Williams. On the ratification of the treaty with Russia.

Whitehall, 30th March.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. On an attempt of Russia to limit the sense of the treaty, and the alliance between France and Austria.

Petersburg, 20th March.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. State of the Russian fleet.

Petersburg, 11th April.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Umbrage taken at the Prussian alliance. The Vice-Chancellor not in the interest of England.

Whitehall, 21st May.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams, informing him of the treaty of Versailles. Negociations of France with the Court of Russia.

28th May.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. On the proposed mediation of Prussia between England and France. Answer of the Court of France to the proposed mediation of Prussia. Answer from the English Court.

Petersburg, 5th June. Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Probability of Russia joining in the alliance with France and Austria.

Whitehall, 25th June.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. Reasons why Russia should not renounce the treaty with England, and join France.

Petersburg, 6th July.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Causes of the disaffection of Russia. French influence there. Bestucheff not ill disposed to England.

9th July.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Request of the Grand Duchess to borrow a sum of money to be employed in favour of England.

9th July.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. The Great Chancellor requests a pension from England. Whitehall, 6th Aug.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. To require an explanation of the designs of Russia with respect to Germany.

Petersburg, 9th July.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Endeavours of Ct. Keyserling in favour of England. Ct. Schuwalow in the interest of France. Whitehall, 6th Aug.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. Granting 10,000l. to the Great Duchess, and a stipend to the Great Chancellor.

31st Aug.-Lord Holdernesse to Sir C. Williams. On the Russians furnishing the French with naval

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Holdernesse. On the march of the King of Prussia. State of the Russian army. The Grand Chancellor gained to the King of Prussia.

5th Oct.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Russia invited to accede to the treaty of Versailles.

9th Dec.-Sir C. Williams to Lord Holdernesse. Russia determined to act against the King of Prussia, and to accede to the treaty of Versailles.

Petersburg, 23rd Nov.-Note from the Court of Russia to Sir C. Williams. Offended at a hint of being desired to act as mediator between the Courts of Vienna and Berlin.

Petersburg, 5th Nov.-The Grand Duchess of Russia to Sir C. Williams. Complaining of the influence of Count Schuwalow in favour of France.

9th Nov.-The Grand Duchess of Russia to Sir C. Williams. An attempt of the Schuwalows to engage her in their schemes.

17th Feb. 1774.-Capt. Collier to the Earl of Shelburne. With an account of the Russian navy. Captain Collier had been collecting materials for a larger work, but they had been lost on a wreck. His view of the future of Russia is not so favourable as that of Sir G. Macartney.

Vols. 4, 5.

These volumes, marked Prussia, contain copies of a

portion of the " Mitchell" correspondence. The letters reach from 14th May 1756 to 15th December 1757. Only one-from Lord Bute-is of a later date, viz., 26th May 1762. Several of these letters have already been printed in Mr. Bisset's Life of Sir A. Mitchell.

Whitehall, 14th May 1756.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Desiring the King of Prussia's interest in favour of the Princess of Hesse. Change of the religious persuasion of the Prince of Hesse.

Berlin, 14th May.-Sir A. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The Prince of Hesse disposed to enter into the service of the King of Prussia.

14th May.-Opinion of the King of Prussia as to the Prince of Hesse, as to the designs of France, and the conduct to be observed with respect to Sweden.

14th May. On the convention between France and Austria. Disposition of Russia.

14th May.-Relating to the Prince of Hesse. 18th May.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. On no answ er being received from Vienna.

Berlin, 27th May.-Sir A. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Concerning the Prince of Hesse.

27th May.-On the designs of Austria. A French invasion of England is being planned.

28th May. Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Giving him notice of the treaty between France and Austria.

28th May.-Proposes to enter into the closest connection with the King of Prussia, in order to defeat the designs of France and Austria.

29th May. Mr. Mitchell to Lord, Holdernesse. the loss of a portmanteau containing a despatch.

On

3rd June. On finding that the despatches in the stolen portmanteau had been burned. Arrival of Douglass at Petersburg. Complaints of Sir C. Williams and M. Cressener. Insolent behaviour of the former at St. Petersburg, of the latter at Cologne.

Paris, 4th May.-To the King of Prussia. The French disposed to make peace.

En

8th June.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. closing a copy of the treaty between France and Austria.

10th June.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The precautions of the King of Prussia against Russia. A paper by the King of Prussia, containing precautions with respect to Russia.

15th June.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Answer of the King of Prussia to the notification of the alliance between France and Austria.

22nd June.-Affairs at Petersburg. The King urgent to know what assistance he may expect from England. 22nd June. The Duke of Brunswick willing to take part with England.

24th June.-Apprehensions of the King as to being attacked. Thoughts concerning Denmark and the King of the Romans.

Answer to the above document from England. 23rd July.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The preparations of the King for war. Proposals of England in case of a war in Germany. Answer by the King of Prussia.

30th July.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. No hopes of Russia. The King refuses to have an encampment at Wesel.

30th July. The King of Prussia determined to stand by his engagements with the King of England.

Berlin, 26th July.-M. Valory to C. Podewils, remonstrating against the Prussian armaments. Answer of the King of Prussia.

18th July.-The King to M. de Klinggraeffer. Demanding to know the cause of the Austrian armaments. 30th July.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The King defers the march of his troops till the end of August.

Compiegne, 15th July.-M. Kniphausen to the King of Prussia, On the object of the treaty of Versailles, and the designs of France with respect to Germany.

26th July.-Memorial by the King of Prussia, respecting the French invasion of Hanover, and other subjects.

6th Aug.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Dissuading the King from taking the field, and urging the defence of Hanover.

10th Aug.- Further reasons against beginning hostilities. The importance of guarding against the French invasion of the Empire.

Potsdam, 2nd Aug.-Second instructions to M. de Klingræffen.

20th Aug.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The King consents to spare 10,000 men for the defence of Hanover. Reasons of the King of Prussia for his conduct in attacking Austria. How far he can assist Hanover.

Potsdam, 17th Aug.-The King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell. Urging the necessity of being sure of the armed support of the Protestant states of Germany.

28th August.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The King determined to march the next day.

30th August.-Plan of the proposed operations. 20th August. Answer to the memorial presented by M. de Klingraff to the Court of Vienna. Remarks upon it. 26th August.-The third instructions given to M. de Klingraff from the King of Prussia.

26th August.-Instructions to M. de Malzahn at Dresden, from the King of Prussia, containing his reasons for entering Saxony.

Dresden, 29th Aug.-The Elector of Saxony to the King of Prussia, granting a passage to the troops of the latter, but complaining of his conduct. The King of Prussia replies.

Petersburg, 28th Sept. Sir C. Williams to Mr. Mitchell. The Great Chancellor gained to the King of Prussia.

Sedlitz, 4th Nov.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The King urges a proper attention to Holland. Much provoked at the conduct of the French.

Nov. 1756.-Memorial from the King of Prussia to the King of England. On the conduct of the war.

Sedelitz, 4th Nov.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The French and Prussian ministers withdrawn from their respective Courts. Count de Broglie stopped at Heidenau.

nesse. Enclosing the following papers from the King to the English Court:

Decembre.-Moyens dont la Grande Bretagne pourroit se servir pour ruiner les projets de ses ennemis ou rendre la Guerre plus difficile. By the King of Prussia. Decembre.-Mémoire concernant les principales operations projettées par le Cour de France pour la prochaine Campagne, Dec. 1756.

Dresden, 9th Dec.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Force and designs of France.

December.-Proper quarters for the Hessian troops, as proposed by the King of Prussia.

Dresden, 13th Dec.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Nomination of a general for Hanover.

31st Dec.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. The plan of the French for the invasion of Germany.

Dresden, 25th Dec.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. On Russia declaring openly for Austria against the King of Prussia.

St. Petersburg, 11th November.-Sir C. Williams to Mr. Mitchell. On the impression made by the Prussian paper at Petersburg, and the journey of Prince Czernichew into Saxony.

Berlin, 18th January 1757.-Mr. Mitchell to the Earl of Holdernesse. Desertion of several of the Protestant Princes of the Empire to the side of the Court of Vienna.

Whitehall, 8th Feb.- Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Of the attempts which are being made to detach England from the Prussian alliance.

Brunswick, 8th Feb.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Against recalling Sir C. Williams from Petersburg. On the treaty with the Duke of Brunswick. Treaty of subsidy between the King of Prussia and the Duke of Brunswick. Treaty between the King of England and the Duke of Brunswick..

4th March.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Enclosing the preceding treaty.

Hanover, 26th Feb.-Mr. Mitchell to the Earl of Holdernesse. The Swedes take part against the King of Prussia. Behaviour of the Prussians in Saxony.

Dresden, 20th Feb.-The King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell. On a fruitless attempt to detach England from Prussia. Advice as to the Russian fleet. Advices from Russia.

February.—Advices to the King of Prussia from Russia. Circular letter to the Russian ministers at foreign Courts, dated Petersburg, 21st Jan. 1757, against the King of Prussia.

Hanover, 26th Feb.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Complaining of the inactivity of Hanover.

Berlin, 5th March.-Enclosing a letter received from the King of Prussia.

Dresden, 27th Feb.-The King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell. Designs of the French respecting the invasion of Ireland and Hanover.

Dresden, 12th March.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Complaints against Hanover.

16th March.-Desiring that the Duke of Cumberland may be sent to take the command in Hanover.

23rd March.-The King of Prussia wishes to employ the Prince of Hesse in Westphalia.

31st March.--Complaining of Hanover, and urging that the Duke of Cumberland be sent.

12th April.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Desiring that the Prince of Hesse may not be employed in Westphalia.

Dresden, 4th April.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. Orders given relating to the Queen of Poland. Desertion of the Saxons.

15th April.-Treachery of Glaso, valet to the King of Prussia. Designs of murdering the King.

29th April.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. The King rejects the overtures from Vienna. On a treaty proposed by the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel.

Dresden, 19th April.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord HolderOn the opening of the campaign.

nesse.

Without date.-On the attempt to assassinate the King of Prussia. Account of the campaign of the two Prussian armies in Bohemia.

Camp before Prague, 17th May.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. On the prospect of a peace after the successful campaign.

18th May.-On an attempt of the Court of Vienna to break the alliance between England and Prussia. How to dispose of the Prince of Hesse. The treaty with the Landgrave.

24th May. As to the suspicion that the King of Prussia is treating with France.

12th June.-The King of Prussia complains of the

divided state of England, and that no fleet is sent into the Baltic.

11th June.—The King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell. On the advices from Petersburg.

16th June.--Copy of the verbal declaration from England to Russia in favour of the King of Prussia.

16th June.-Copy of the 2nd article of the treaty between his Britannic Majesty and the King of Prussia.

Whitehall, 21st June.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Reception by Prince Gallitzin of the preceding declaration. Advices from Constantinople.

Leitmeritz, 29th June.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. On the defeat at Kolin, and need of a subsidy. 2nd July.-The King of Prussia hopes that the new Administration (Pitt and Newcastle) in England will act with vigour.

5th July.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Reasons why a fleet cannot be sent into the Baltic.

Leitmeritz, 9th July.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. On what terms the King of Prussia would make peace.

11th July.-Dangers from Russia. The King's chagrin at the conduct of England. Mr. Mitchell wishes to be recalled.

17th July. Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. General state of affairs. Plan of the war. Subsidy to Prussia.

Pirna, 28th July.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The King of Prussia much offended. His generous conduct with regard to the subsidy.

Dresden, 11th Aug.-On the desperate state of the royal affairs. Denmark wholly in the interest of France. Difference between the King and Prince of Prussia.

Dresden, 31st Aug.-On the subsidy. Negociations respecting Hanover.

Erfurth, 17th Sept.-On the state of the affairs of the King of Prussia.

Whitehall, 23rd Sept.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. On the subsidy.

4th Oct. On the retreat of the Russians. 10th Oct,-On the convention for Hanover. of the Prince of Hesse.

Troops

7th Oct.-Resolution of the Privy Council with respect to Hanover.

London, 10th Oct.-Lord Holdernesse to the Prince of Hesse Cassel. To engage him to continue his troops in the service.

10th Oct.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. Desiring that the King of Prussia would name a general for the army of observation.

14th Oct. On the situation of Hanover. Terms of the subsidy.

14th Oct. On the assistance to be given to the King of Prussia.

22nd Nov.-Prince Ferdinand appointed commander of the army of observation.

Naumbourg, 15th Oct.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. On the critical situation of the King of Prussia.

Leipsic, 24th Oct.-Encloses a letter from the King of Prussia, who apprehends that all assistance will come too late.

17th Oct.-The King of Prussia to Mr. Mitchell. Complaining of the treaty with the Landgrave of Hesse, and pressing for a fleet to be sent into the Baltic.

Leipsig, 30th Oct.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. About the general for the army of observation. 30th Oct.-A proposal to land some English troops at the mouth of the Elbe.

Friburg, 7th Nov.-Letter from the King of Prussia to George II., giving an account of the battle of Rosbach.

Leipsig, 11th Nov.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The King of Prussia insists upon going into Silesia, leaving the army of observation to the command of Prince Ferdinand.

29th Oct.-Baron de Munchausen to Mr. Mitchell. To know whether the King of Prussia will yield Hanover any effectual assistance.

Leipsic, 11th Nov.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. On Prince Ferdinand taking the command of the army of observation.

13th Nov.-Plan of the war in Hanover.

12th Dec.-Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Mitchell. No squadron can be sent into the Baltic. State of Russia and Turkey.

Leipsic, 5th December.-Mr. Mitchell to Lord Holdernesse. The retreat of the Prince of Bevern, and the surrender of Breslaw.

Itsbourg, 1st Dec.-On a letter received from Prince

A portfolio, lettered "Political State of the Low "Countries."

The italicised passages represent notes written in red ink on the margin.

(1.) Political state of the Austrian Netherlands, both past and present. Without name or date, but in the writing of Benjamin Vaughan.

(2.) Lettre de Mons. Gérard, Secretaire de l'Academie à M. l'Abbé Needham, Directeur de l'Académie, 9 Octobre 1774. This letter is followed by a collection of papers relative to the Low Countries, prepared by M. Gérard for Lord Shelburne (whom he calls Milord Sczelburn). These papers are

1. Mémoire sur les États Generaux et Particuliers des Pais-Bas, sur la composition des Magistratures des principales Villes du Pais (on ignore quel est l'auteur de ce mémoire qui n'a jamais été imprimé, il paroit avoir été formé vers le milieu du 17me siècle. On y a fait quelques notes sur des changemens survenus depuis. Sufficiently well written.

2. Mémoire touchant la formé du gouvernement politique des Païs Bas et des Conseils et officiers qui en composent le ministère, dressé en 1662 pour être envoié au Roi, par le Président du Conseil Zovines. Very ill composed and worse transcribed, no calmness in it, and intended chiefly to shew how their constitutions were to be corrected. But the piece contains general information on all the parts of the subject. Les notes qui y sont à côte sont du Conseiller Wynants et ont été faites au commencemen du 18e siècle. Notes written with some little vivacity here and there, and correcting the foregoing, particularly by enumerating alterations in the course of time, etc. (Ce mémoire n'est pas trop bien copié, mais on n'a dans le moment pu se procurer une copie plus exacte.)

3. Un memoire tres etendu concernant les Etats de Brabant, dans lequel on voit comment ces Etats son composés, la manière dont ils s'assemblent, et commen ils portent leur consentement.

Ce mémoire est extrait d'un Manuscrit, intitulé Remarques sur les joyeuses entrées de S. M., par "M. de Pape, conseilleur fiscal de S. M., au conseil de "Brabant, qui fut ensuite President du Conseil Privé." Il a été ecrit vers l'an 1670. Le reste du Manuscrit, qui contient des remarques sur chaque article de la joyeuse entrée, n'est pas fort interessant.

A plain calm piece, with good sense enough in it, rather leaning to the sovereign, but taking the people against the Nobles. Very various in its matter.

4. Mémoire sur la manière d'imposer les charges en Brabant.

Ce mémoire est extrait d'un Manuscrit, intitulé "Traité des charges publiques de Brabant par M. le "Conseiller Wynants." Il a été écrit au commencement du 18 siecle, et le reste du Manuscrit n'est aussi guère interessant, s'y agissant des affaires de détail et qui dans le fond ne peuvent interesser qu' une personne

du Pais.

Written with the same vivacity as the notes in the former page. The piece though popularly written is curious enough however.

5. Mémoire sur la consistance du peuple et corps de la ville de Bruxelle, et la manière, selon laquelle ils se comportent, pour donner leur consentement dans les demandes qu'on leur fait. Ce mémoire a été formé pendant le dernier siècle, les choses sont encore a peu près sur le même Pied; et le corps des villes de Louvain et D'Anvers (qui sont, les autres chefs villes du Brabant), sont a peu près composés comme celui de Bruxelles, et ont a peu près les mêmes reglements. Clear, and goes into all the particulars.

6. Translat. de la joyeuse entrée de S. M. Philippe,

Roi d'Espagne comme Duc de Brabant, le 13 Fevrier MARQUE 1702. Also the concordat with Brabant of Limbourg.

Toutes les joyeuses entrées des Ducs de Brabant sont en Flamand; et contiennent a peu pres les mêmes choses puisqu'elles sont moulées les unes sur les autres; au moins les articles essentiels sont les mêmes, mais ces articles sont quelquesfois transposés. Du reste, on n'a jamais traduit du Flamand en Francais que celle, dont ou joint ici un exemplaire. Celle de l'Imperatrice Reine qu'on peut aisement se procurer, est en Flamand. The joyous entry means the oaths, engagements, and acts at a new sovereign's assuming the government of Brabant, usually taking place at Bruxelles. They are various.

7. Un mémoire concernant la province et les Etats de la province de Namur.. Ce mémoire présenté l'Etat actuel. In some respects a formal piece, but on the whole explicit.

8. Mémoire de la manière dont le Corps des Etats de Luxembourg est composé. A great deal of detail in parts of it, but on the whole informing as to the subject.

N.B.-Accompanying the above there is a letter from M. Gérard, Secretary of the Academy at Bruxelles, &c., to the Abbé Needham, giving an account of the collection and of the above. Also a list of books in French, Flemish, &c., on the government, &c. of the Low Countries.

Vol. 7.

This volume contains two sets of papers, the first relating to German foreign affairs in 1756, the second to foreign affairs in 1765-6. The latter contains only notes and abstracts of despatches; in the former the full text is given. Both sets are copies. The subjoined list contains a notice of the most important of these papers.

I.

Vienna, 16th May 1756.-Mr. Keith, Minister at Vienna, to Lord Holdernesse, on the manner in which the treaty with Prussia was received at Vienna. A long despatch of 37 pages. Précis de la reponse que le Chancelier d'État et de Cour a donné à Mon. de Keith, 9 Mai 1756, au sujet de la communication du traité de Westminster du 16 Jan. 1756.

Vienna, 16th May.-Mr. Keith to Lord Holdernesse. He asserts Kaunitz to be the sole adviser of the treaty of Versailles.

London, 11th June.- Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Keith, on the mischievous nature of the treaty of Versailles.

Whitehall, 21st June 1756.- Lord Holdernesse to Mr. Keith. The latter is to engage Count Keizerling to use his endeavours to draw Russia from the alliance with Austria, the former of these powers showing a disposition to evade the treaty lately made with England. Answer of Count Kaunitz to the memorial presented by M. de Klingraff, the 20th August 1756, demanding on behalf of Prussia an explanation of the military preparations of Austria.

Vienna, 4th Sept. 1756.-Mr. Keith to Lord Holdernesse, on the last declaration of the King of Prussia to the Court of Vienna.

2nd Sept. 1756.-Memorial from the King of Prussia, demanding whether the Empress-Queen will attack him in the space of two years.

7th Sept. 1756.-Answer of the Empress-Queen to the above memorial.

13th Sept.-The "Conclusum" of the Empire against the King of Prussia.

II.

:

22nd June 1765.-Lord Stormont, Ambassador at Vienna, to Lord Sandwich, Secretary of State in the Government of Mr. Grenville, Vienna :Relating to the fortifications at Pless. 29th June 1765.-Relating to the election of a King of Poland.*

6th July.-(3.) Relating to the marriage of the Princess of Modena.

23rd July. The Duke of Grafton, Secretary of State in Lord Rockingham's first administration, to Lord Stormont. To send an account of the state of the Court. 24th July.-Lord Stormont to Lord Sandwich, on the marriage of the Princess of Modena.

10th August.-Lord Stormont to the Duke of Grafton, on the marriage of the Archduke Leopold.

Lord Stormont to the Duke of Grafton:21st August.-(1.) On the death of the Emperor. 24th August.-(2.) On the consequences of his death.

• This relates to the events preceding the confederation of Bar.

OF LANSDOWNE.

Vienna, 23rd Aug.-Lord Stormont to Duke of Grafton. General policy of the Court of Vienna. The men of this country retain their partiality to the old system, and lament this Court being connected with those who cannot be cordially its friends.

30th August.-Duke of Grafton to Lord Stormont, on the death of the Emperor, Francis of Lorraine.

30th October.- Affairs of Bohemia. Debts of the State.

30th October.-On the King of Poland sending an ambassador to France. Death of Count Bathiani, Palatine of Hungary.

19th Nov. 1765.-Duke of Grafton to Lord Stormont. Coldness of England towards Prussia.

14th Sept.-On the death of the Emperor.

14th Sept.-The new Emperor a friend to England. 4th October.-Duke of Grafton to Lord Stormont. Sending the new credentials of the latter.

21st September.-Lord Stormont to the Duke of Grafton. The Emperor made co-Regent with the Empress-Queen, but this arrangement not to apply to Hungary.

25th September.-The late Emperor died intestate. 10th September.-A very elaborate account of all the Emperor's dominions.

2nd October.-Conduct of the new Emperor. Economy introduced. Discovery of frauds.

9th October.-State of the finances. The Emperor liberally disposed.

16th October.-Now determined to acknowledge the King of Poland.

Vienna, 6th Nov. 1765.-On the respect paid to Prince Poniatowski.

13th Nov.-Respect paid to Prince Albert of Saxony and Prince of Deux Ponts.

20th Nov. 1765.-On the intended marriage of Prince Albert of Saxony.

27th Nov.-Encampments in Bohemia and Moravia. Views of the Emperor.

4th Dec.-On the notification of the death of the Duke of Cumberland.

20th Dec.-Duke of Grafton to Lord Stormont. Affairs of the Pretender. The old Pretender dying, the Pretender asking the Pope to be recognised in young all his father's titles. The Pope will be guided by the conduct of the other European Courts. The Imperial Court to be sounded on this subject.

20th Dec. Is sending a new cypher. State of American affairs.

20th Dec.-The Emperor's affection for the Duke of Gerontine's daughter.

11th Dec.-Lord Stormont to the Duke of Grafton. On the exchange of Ministers at Berlin.

14th Dec.-On the Polish Ambassador being sent to France.

21st Dec.-Conjectures as to the business of C. Rosemberg, Imperial Ambassador to Spain at Florence. 28th Dec.- Emperor's attention to the finances and army.

28th Dec.-Pacific designs of Austria.

13th January 1766.-On an Ambassador being sent from Warsaw to France. State of Russia.

14th Jauuary.- Affairs of the Pretender. Prince Kaunitz will not encourage the recognition of the Pretender in his father's titles by the other European Courts.

14th January.-General state of politics. Power of Prince Kaunitz. No attachment on the part of the Emperor to the Countess of Gerontine.

29th January.-A Polish Minister going to Paris. Has private intelligence from Rome that the French and Spanish Ambassadors are supporting the young Pretender's claims.

5th Feb.-On the death of Cornt Daun.

8th Feb.-Of the marriage of an Archduchess to the Dauphin.

12th Feb.-On the above subject. State of the army after the death of Count Daun.

19th Feb.-General Lacy made Field Marshal and President de Guerre.

26th Feb.-Power of Prince Staremberg. The French alliance. Marriage of the Archduchess with the Dauphin.

28th Feb.-Duke of Grafton to Lord Stormont. On the Spanish armaments, which seem to threaten Portugal.

5th March.-Lord Stormont to the Duke of Grafton. On commercial disputes with Saxony.

12th March.-Of Prince Staremberg and of Hesse Cassel.

16th March.-Lady Stormont dying. Asks for leave MARQ of absence.

19th March.-Mr. Langlois* to Duke of Grafton. On the King of Prussia's management, respecting Saxony and Poland.

Vienna, 26th March.-On the affairs of Hesse Cassel, and the Spanish armaments.

2nd April.-Spanish armaments. Trading Company from Trieste to Cadiz.

16th April.-On the reduction of interest. Disposal of the Archduchesses. Prince Kaunitz' influence with the Emperor.

18th April.-Duke of Grafton to Mr. Langlois. On the Spanish armaments. Affairs of Hesse Cassel. Vienna, 23rd April.-Mr. Langlois to the Duke of Grafton. Financial measures. Hesse Cassel.

26th April.-Lord Stormont to the Duke of Grafton. On the administration of justice.

3rd May.-Intended repeal of edicts on foreign trade. 7th May. On the affairs of Hesse Cassel, Genoa, and St. Remo.

Vienna, 14th May.-Mr. Langlois to the Duke of Grafton. Interests and prospects of Count Rosemberg. Projected marriages.

21st May. On the reduction of various expenses. 28th May.-Revolt of the peasants in Bohemia. Mr. Langlois to the Duke of Grafton.

4th June.-Jealousy of Prussia. Views of France. Vienna, 11th June.-Mr. Langlois to General Conway. Revolt in Hungary, and other disturbances.

18th June. Troubles in Hungary. Arrangement of Ministers. Payment of debts.

Vienna, 21st June.-Mr. Langlois to General Conway. On an earthquake at Constantinople.

25th June.-Arrangement of Ministers. Visit of the Emperor to the King of Prussia.

28th June.-French Ambassador disgusted.

St. James's, 2nd July.-General Conway to Mr. Langlois. Connection of Austria with France. Views with respect to Prussia.

2nd July. On the troubles in Italy.

9th July. No visit to the King of Prussia. Various savings.

16th July.-Troubles at Milan and in Hungary.

Vol. 8.

Professes to contain copies of the correspondence between Mr. Pitt, Mr. Hans Stanley, and M. de Bussy, relating to the peace negociations of 1761; but the collection is incomplete, the letters from Mr. Pitt to M. de Bussy being missing. There are also several letters from the Duc de Choiseul in this volume. The whole of this diplomatic correspondence is printed by Mr. Thackeray with great fullness, partly in his text, vol. i. p. 510-79, and partly in his Appendix, vol. ii. p. 507-602.

Montreuil, 26th May.-Mons. de Bussy to Mr. Stanley. Apologising for not meeting him sooner.

27th May.-Mr. Stanley to Mons. de Bussy. In answer to the preceding.

Senlis, 3rd June.-Mr. Stanley to Mr. Pitt. An account of what he could observe of the state of France. Paris, 8th June.-M. de Bussy's delay, and Mr. Stanley's first interview with the Duc de Choiseul.

9th June.-Postscript to the above. Belle-Isle taken by the English.

Paris, 12th June. Mr. Stanley to Mr. Pitt. Conver sation with the Duc de Choiseul about Austria, Hanover, Canada, and Guadaloupe. Superiority of England. Paris, 16th June.-Discourse occasioned by the taking of Belle-Isle.

13th June. The Duc de Choiseul to Mr. Stanley. On the taking of Belle-Isle.

13th June. Mr. Stanley to the Duc de Choiseul. In answer to the preceding.

Paris, 18th June.-Mr. Stanley to Mr. Pitt. With the Duc de Choiseul's first proposals, and conversation relating to them. The Duc de Choiseul's first proposals. Paris, 23rd June.-Mr. Stanley to Mr. Pitt. Concerning Belle-Isle. Invasion of England, stocks, &c.

28th June.-Discourse about the conduct of M. de Bussy. Views of the Court of Austria. The fisheries, &c.

29th June.-Civilities to him from private persons. Characters of the foreign Ministers in France. Probable ultimatum of France.

Paris, 1st July. Difficulties with respect to Dunkirk, Goree, Spain, and the fisheries.

Chargé d'affaires at Vienna during Lord Stormont's absence. + The Duke of Grafton resigned office as Secretary of State in May.

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