The author writes to the 3rd Duke concerning their roles as Lord Lieutenant and Lord Chancellor of Ireland, mainly relating to possibly criminal cases.
Topics include: his willingness to take up the position of Lord Chancellor of Ireland should the 3rd Duke be considering him for the vacancy; the King's approval of him as replacement for Lord Wyndham as Lord Chancellor of Ireland; his gratitude to the 3rd Duke for the promotion; a matter concerning Sir Marmaduke Clerk; Patrick Rochfort the Cork merchant; the details of the court martial of Quatermaster [Achmenty] and events that led up to it; a warrant against Edward Edgeworth and the apprehending of him and seizing of his papers; the vacancy of the prime sergeantcy; his cousin in Barbados and a recommendation for the Governor; Edgeworth's forgeries; provisions shipped in the harbour at Cork; an account from Mr Hamilton on look out in Cork for illicit trading; the misery and mortality of the poor and large numbers dying in prison (CS1/267/5); the repercussions of allowing exports of beef and butter to Newfoundland; the need for corn in Ireland; accounts of deaths of prisoners in docks; vacancies to be filled; appointing a replacement for the deanery of St Patrick's on the death of Dean Swift; Dean Swift opposing to the Government; his suggestion of Dr Syng to replace Dean Swift; the entertainment of the late Primate; the recovery of Dean Swift; vacancies on the King's bench and recommendations including Mr Malone; the death of Dr Cope.
In his letter to Lord Hartington he confirms his readiness to support him in his new post as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.