Letters from John Ponsonby to William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough and William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/381
  • Dates of Creation
    • 27 May 1752- 25 March 1755
  • Physical Description
    • 4 items

Scope and Content

In these letters John Ponsonby writes to his brother Lord Duncannon and his brother-in-law Lord Hartington, concerning Irish political affairs.

To Lord Duncannon he writes concerning: the session in Ireland ending; the Cork election and Harry Cavendish advising the Duke of Dorset to drop the election; lies propagated against the Government of Ireland; relying on the support of friends of the government; wishing for his brother's opinion on political matters.

To Lord Hartington he writes concerning: Mr Lesley's new appointment; a polite letter from Mr Pelham laying out his commands; appointing Sir Thomas Wilmott to a post and requiring Lord Hartington's assistance to persuade his brother Bristow; his congratulations on Lord Hartington's appointment as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; the pleasure of people in Ireland at Lord Hartington's appointment; his assurance of the Primates willingness to be of service to Lord Hartington.

Administrative / Biographical History

Ponsonby, John 1713 - 1787 [2nd son of 1st Earl of Bessborough]

William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough 1704 – 11 March 1793 [styled Hon. William Ponsonby from 1723 to 1739 and Viscount Duncannon from 1739 to 1758].