L29/568/131

Grantham, St. James's to Fitzherbert, Paris (No 33, draft) Encloses a circular letter from the Secret Committee of the East India Company (not present). Measures are taken for ascertaining the state of the ancient possession of Great Britain's allies in 1776 and the Company enter fully into the idea to protect the French troops should they become exposed to the resentment of Hyder Ally. Grantham approves of Fitzherbert's timing of cessation of hostilities (see L 29/568/123). Grantham will acquaint the Secret Committee of having sent the draft of their circular letter and they will probably prepare the actual letters which they mean to send to India over land by Major Gails and triplicates which Fitzherbert must deliver to the French Ministers to be sent by their messengers over land and by the French frigates. Grantham feels that Major Gails should travel alone rather than be accompanied by a French officer. Fitzherbert is to assure M. de Castries that a convention for recalling the naval forces of both countries would be unusual, but that all British ships will be recalled except those necessary to guard against any possible enemies.

5 Mar 1783

From: 1776 To: 1783

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Fitzherbert, Alleyn,
Ally, Hyder,
Gails,
de Castries,
East India Company

Foreign Secretary, political correspondence, Plenipotentiary, letters, East India Company, French, Indians, French Army, naval warfare, general, land warfare, Major, naval ships, courier, Westminster Saint James, Paris, India, Britain, France