Letter from Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle to William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire

Concerns: the 4th Duke's conversation with Pratt about his intended role in relation to Pitt's current attitude; Francis and John Buller; letter from Albemarle; removal of the Honeywood; Essex election; Mr Jauncey; political allegiance of the professor of law; other political allegiances; his concern about the extending power of the Crown; the use of his chaplain Mr Hurdis's hand; waters being out preventing him from travelling to see the Duke of Cumberland; Legge; Mr Pitt requiring the the approval of Pratt before he will consider entering the Administration; the Wilkes affair and the Court's wish to expel him; Lord Sandwich's paper published against Wilkes; the proposal for a turnpike road from Mansfield to Derby and Nottinham; Mr Fitzherbert; Naylor's report of opposition to Pratt; the Duke of Bedford; the Duke of Cumberland's support for the Yorkes. Mr Wilkes having left for France; the precendent of Knight in the South Sea affair [1720]; the consequences of Wilkes absconding for the others accused and the ministry as well as possibly provoking resignations in the Army; his company with Lord Bessborough and Lord Rockingham; chances of a reconcilliation between Yorke, Pitt and Pratt; wedding of the Hereditary Prince. Written from Claremont. Signed: "Holles Newcastle".

Copyright held by Chatsworth House Trust.