Letters from Lord Edward Russell to Rachel, Lady Russell (formerly Vaughan, née Wriothesley)

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/89
  • Dates of Creation
    • 8-13 October 1695
  • Physical Description
    • 4 items

Scope and Content

The author writes to his sister-in-law concerning the idea of his nephew Lord Tavistock standing for parliament and the reasons devised by the author and others as to why he should stand. The author mentions telling the Duke of Shrewsbury about what had been proposed and mentions Sir John Worsnum, Sir Charles Gerrard and Mr Hautrey. He also mentions Mr Payton's displeasure with the Duke of Bedford after he retracted his interest for him.

In this series of letters the author begins by trying to persuade Lady Russell and the Duke of Bedford to let Lord Tavistock stand. He then writes about the logistics of testing the water and establishing his popularity in the market towns through the Lord Keeper and Sir James Rushworth and an agent. By the end of the series he is informing her of Lord Tavistock going to the sessions and the liklihood of the county voting for Tavistock and this keeping two "enemies of government" out of parliament. He also mentions the King's intention to dine with the Duke of Bedford at Woburn Abbey (CS1/89/3).