These papers comprise copy letters, reports and circulars about the rising of Jacobite rebels in Scotland in late summer of 1745 and the progress of the rebels and the defence response from the government and county militias to the threat as well as the losses suffered and the declaration of "C P R" - Charles, Prince Regent or the Young Pretender. There is a particular focus on Derbyshire and Yorkshire and the threat to Derby and York from the rebels, likely compiled here due to the 3rd Duke's role as Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and landholder in Yorkshire. A number of the papers are endorsed in the 3rd Duke's hand. He was likely also privy to some of the intelligence circulating and compiled here due to his role as Lord Steward in the Royal Household. The series includes:
- a printed circular letter concerning a general meeting to be held at York, 11 September 1745;
- a notice of the Association of the Nobility, Gentry, etc. of Yorkshire, for the defence of the county;
- copy letters concerning the Battle of Prestonpans and an enclosed list of men killed, wounded and taken prisoners by the Jacobite rebels, September 1745;
- a copy of the Young Pretender's declaration, October 1745;
- copy letters concerning the movements of the rebels from Alnwick and Newcastle, November 1745;
- a report of the rebels quartered at the house of William Bateman, town clerk, Derby in December 1745.