This series of letters from Mr Sherard to Rachel, Lady Russell concerns his assistance to Lord Tavistock and Mr Hicks on their European travels in 1698-99. He advised them on routes to travel as well as assisting with couriering goods home and drawing funds for the onward journey. There is much in Sherard's letters about the finances including the difficulty of finding bankers to provide credit and bills along their route.
Topics of the letters to Lady Russell include: his treacherous journey but friendly welcome at the Hague; taking the road through Germany and the risk of robbing being less than is reported in England; the circumstances of Mr Fascio/Fatio leaving, to be relayed by Lord Tavistock's letter, he having no prior knowledge of it; where to direct letters; Mr Playard the banker having 'failed' and his bills may not be accepted on their journey from Hamburg to Vienna; a request for Sir John Chardin to give credit to them; using Mr Stratford for bills in the future; the death of the Duke of Hanover; a breakdown of the exchange rate for marks, pistols and rixdollars; Lord Tavistock's good health; the cold weather; letter for the Duchess of Zell from Mr Cressat and for the Duke of Wolstenbuttle to be delivered by Lord Tavistock; a large dinner with the Dukes of Holstein Ploen and Wirtenberg; travel to Leipzig and Dresden, avoiding Vienna; letters from Lord Galway that may be of use in Turin (see CS1/97); payment for the liveries and suit of Lord Tavistock; credit from Mr Jamineau; letters to be sent via Venice; Lord Tavistock's appetite being affected by his drinking of cool waters; an account of expenses at Rome; payment for a long "Parri" wig sent from Leghorn along with other items of clothing and services; the bad reputation the English gained at the carnival in Venice last year; Cardinal Ottoboni's offer of his father's house; his difficulty in managing the expenses when Lord Tavistock does not want to be denied anything and when the budget is not fixed by Lady Russell; an account in the Dutch Gazette of shots fired at Lord Tavistock which Mr Sherard corrects as shots fired near Lord Tavistock by farmers who are accustomed to protecting their vineyards in this way; an explanation of the complaint made by Lord Tavistock (for appearance's sake) of the shooting incident and the imprisonment of Prince Borghese's tenants before being pardoned by Lord Tavistock; an invitation to Florence from the Great Duke.