Letters from Lord Charles Cavendish to William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire and William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire

This material is held atThe Devonshire Collection Archives, Chatsworth

  • Reference
    • GB 2495 CS1/211
  • Dates of Creation
    • [April 1733]- 9 December 1755

Scope and Content

In this series of letters Lord Charles Cavendish writes to his brother William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire concerning: having received the 3rd Duke's letter which he promises not to divulge the contents of to anyone; a letter he's written to Sir Thomas; the 3rd Duke's "list" that Sir Thomas gave in; his uncle adding some of the names on the 3rd Duke's list to his own with some unwillingness; his view that it is a farce to compile lists of people for a committee called on by the House of Commons to inquire into the frauds and abuses of the customs so that the inquiry is without the authority of Parliament and made up of those who are not desirous to find any abuses in the management of customs; his own balanced list and handing in his brother's list without much alteration (CS1/211/0);

news that the march of the troops [to the Jacobite rebels] is likely to be slower than anticipated and that the number falls short of earlier reports according to Col. Ellyson; taking the Duchess's bank bills to Mr Snow; his having not done anything about the 3rd Duke's draught or other commission and wishing for more positive direction should the Duke have more information that would allow it; hoping the 3rd Duke approves of his wishing for Lord Duncannon's assistance; his discussion with Mr Plumer and the danger of a sudden uprising in London; the concern about the number of Irish in London sparking an uprising if they felt so inclined; seeing General Wade who is due to set out as soon as he has his instructions and passing on the 3rd Duke's compliments to him; the train of artillery setting out; the transports to collect troops from Flanders due to sail shortly; the different way in which troops are being raised in other counties compared to the way the 3rd Duke has done it; the Dukes of Bedford, Rutland, Montague, Lord Halifax and others paying the enlisting money, as the ones raising the regiments and the regiments are to be paid for by the public; information about ranks in the army and how they will revert after this episode according to Lord Duncannon; delivering Mr Barker's bill to Mr Snow (CS1/211/2);

paying away all the 3rd Duke's bank bills; having the 3rd Duke's money at home and wishing to know how to apply it; having received the draught upon Mr Snow; wishing to know what the 3rd Duke would have him do about his medals considering if there were an uprising [in London] they may be safer packed away and possibly even sent out of the Kingdom.

Also included in this series is a statement of Charles Cavendish's accounts of money received and due, 1729-1732.