The first seven letters from Henri de Massue, 2nd Marquis de Ruvigny, Earl of Galway in 1697 to various contacts and ambassadors across Europe concern Lord Galway providing a letter of introduction for Lord Tavistock (his first cousin, once removed), and requesting that these contacts receive Lord Tavistock and treat him appropriately for someone of such quality both through birth and merit when he comes to Frankfurt, Wesel and Venice, as there is nothing Henri wouldn't do for him. He asks his contacts to introduce Lord Tavistock to the appropriate people and places and provide recommendations for further travel [relating to Lord Tavistock's grand tour in 1697-99].
This series also includes a warrant recalling him from service in Portugal for the sake of his health, as requested by him and granted by Queen Anne on the condition that he has an audience with the Portuguese king (CS1/97.6).
In the letter to Mr Lee he relays the promise of Diogo de Mendoneu to write to the King to ensure no disturbances [to Mr Lee] in the practice of his religion.
The letters to Rachel, Lady Russell, Henri Massue's cousin concern: writing to Lady Russell with his own hand [after he lost his arm at the Siege of Badjoz]; sending his wishes to her and thanking her for all her concerns about him; his concern for the poor health of Lady Sunderland; his wish that the Duchess of Bedford has boys and that Lady Devonshire does not have any more; a wine order concerning Mr Spencer, Mr Bucknall, and Lady Granby; Lord Sunderland and Lord Marlborough and his current location and wishing to return home; an order of wine arrived with the ambassador Monsieur Methuen; his return to his estate in Rookley thanks to the Queen releasing him from his duties; the need to prepare his house for his return; his deep sympathy and words of condolence on the death of Lady Russell's son [Wriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of Bedford]; his love of Lady Russell's letters that please him more than Dr Tillotson's sermons; bedding from Mr Sellwood to be sent to Mr Tipper's at Winchester; furniture and pictures at Rookley; Prince Eugenie in the assembly and two ladies who have quitted; humble respects from Madame Chavernay and Madame Cosne; accepting the King's employment in Ireland against his own wishes (due to his age and infirmity); his wish that he would have been allowed to stay in his retirement; suffering from rheumatism hindering his visit to Stratton; wishes to Lady Mary and the Duchess of Devonshire; an answer received from Lord Digby in response to his letter that Lady Russell delivered; suffering from a fit of gout and laid up in his country house; his weak legs that mean he has to be carried in a chair up and down stairs; his reflections of a happy time spent at Stratton with Lady Russell; his pleasure at Lady Russell's good health; the healing properties of Stratton air in her company and Rookley without it; gladness that Lady Russell is often accompanied by the Duchess of Devonshire; his wishes to Lady Frances.