In these letters Thomas Robinson writes to Lord Hartington, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, concerning political affairs. He writes to update Lord Hartington on public affairs since his departure from England for Ireland and to address Lord Hartington's information regarding Irish affairs.
He mentions: Admiral Boscaven sailing to North America; the French fleet from Brest; Admiral Holburne sailing from Spithead; a line of ship under Admiral Hawke's command defending England; ships seen off the coast of Ireland; negotiations with the Duc de Mirepoix; nominating Lord Justices of Ireland; English and French fleets voyaging to the West Indies; Duc de Mirepoix wishing for an answer to his memorial/memorandum; the response to the Duc de Mirepoix provoking an ulitmatum from the French in all likelihood; the French Ambassador (Mirepoix)'s sudden departure from London, suggesting a rupture in negotiations; being dilligent for any mischief created by the French in ports of Ireland; opening of the session of Parliament in Ireland; stopping the cargo of fifteen thousand barrels of beef for the French bought by Mr Bradshaw; French engineers aboard a vessel bound for Irish ports; beef shipped for Stockholm and St Eustatia to be purchased and the rest be purchased for use by the Navy; the defeat of General Braddock; the arrival of the King in England; his return to role as Master of the Wardrobe with a pension and Mr Fose's replacement as Secretary of State; the King's approval of the speech; the King's answers for the House of Commons in Ireland; suspected people aboard the Industry bound for Waterford from Rotterdam to smuggle prohibited goods, to be investigated by Lord Hartington; the King's approval of Thomas Carter to the Privy Council and Anthony Malone to have a free-audience.
Also included in this group of letters is a copy of Sir Benjamin Keene's letter giving an account of the effects of the vast earthquake felt in Portugal and across Spain (CS1/411/135) and a copy of an account from Rotterdam of Irish smugglers (CS1/411/13).