These letters from Henry Bilson Legge largely concern parliamentary proceedings and state of affairs in Ireland relating to his role as a Member of Parliament and in Government as Chief Secretary for Ireland (1738-1741) and the 3rd Duke's role as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1737-1744) and then Lord Hartington's in the same (1755-57).
The letters include mention of: Sir Robert Walpole's responses to the 3rd Duke's suggestions and questions; Colonel Moor enlisting men in Ireland; dropping the charges against Byrne; the Corneleys' affair; dispatching all commissions; a plan of the harbour of Cork and estimates; his recommendations for vacant posts (appointed by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland) including to the Privy Council; the 3rd Duke's recommendations for vacant posts appointed by the Duke of Newcastle; the health of Mr Pelham's children and Sir Robert [Walpole]; the matter concerning the Irish wool trade and a bill to stop the export of wool to France and the details of the "English Act"; correspondence from Mr Potter on the 3rd Duke's behalf; the Place Bill unlikely to succeed; the Duke of Newcastle; the Duke's Christmas in the country; disarming Papists; preventing the export of corn; the dropping, rejecting and approval of bills including the passing and rejecting of bills by the [King's?] Council (CS1/257/5); encouraging linen manufacture against woollen; Mr [Horatio] Walpole's expertise regarding the wool industry; debating of bills in Parliament; money due to the South Sea Company from the King of Spain; the anticipation of the Young Pretender's movements and putting into place relevant parliamentary powers in order for Ireland to be able to defend itself should something occur over the interval of Parliament; the danger of invasion from the Young Pretender still in Rome; attacking of Sir Robert Walpole in Parliament concerning the convention; debate between Lord Halifax and Lord Talbot concerning a message sent to the House of Commons from the King (CS1/257/11); General Ligonier; arms from the tower; Mr Pulteney's bill thrown out by Lord Chesterfield; an account of Mr Vernon taking Porto Bello and returning from there to Jamaica; Mr Stone's business and messages; Lord Carteret's criticism of Sir Robert [Walpole]; the enquiry and acquisition of arms [for militia?] ; taking and keeping Cuba; details of the voting of Justice Blackerby guilty of high crimes; bad successes in Parliament; the strength of the opposition; his eagerness for the 3rd Duke to be in town in time for the debate in Parliament; the threat of a French invasion.
In his letters to Lord Hartington, the author writes concerning: his administration in Ireland and the 3rd Duke's avoidance of Legge since he has done him an "injury"; his advice to Hartington for success in his role as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.