L30/14/306/1

From William Petty, 2nd Earl Shelburne to 2nd Baron Grantham:

Not dated c. 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

Saw M. Heredia yesterday, and encloses the two letters of introduction he brought. Shelburne told him that he himself was going out of town, but he would find in Grantham a compatriot and friend of Spain, and that he himself could be of no use except in giving general opinions. At present things "lay in a very small compass". Shelburne was himself, and believed Grantham and the other Ministers to be also, disappointed to find that instead of a "round and handsome answer of acceptance to the handsomest offer...ever hazarded in any negotiation", Dominique was now to be considered a subject of French negotiations, and the English, excluded from the whole length of coast in the West Indies, "treated as the Japanesse do the Dutch", thus causing a new rupture. In regard to commerce, to talk of new settling tariffs savoured more of war than peace, and such a step taking place in Portugal created discontent and alarm in England. The system should rather go to barring all tarriffs and opening every port, duty free, to which end Shelburne works every day at the treasury. Would this year prefer internal to port duties, but for the present things had better be restored to their former footing, to give time for consideration. IN regard to time, M. Rayneval must remember that it was said about Gibraltar that if negotiation was protracted, it would become impossible. Persons interested in East or West Florida will be alarmed, some for their properties and others for their trade. The Mediterranean merchants will cry up Minorca, the Mosquito Indians will find allies in Parliament. Above all Peace with Spain will be opposed. Causes of the Spanish war will be examined. The French, apart from the Independence of America, acted in the fairest and handsomest manner. Spain alone would gain from the war, and ought to be content with what they deemed an equivalent for the Havannah last war, Shelburne adding Minorca and the Mosquito. England wanted nothing, but gave a comptoir to the French in the East Indies, without any humiliating distrustful condition in the Treaty. Heredia alleged that the English were so enterprising, it was feared they would extend themselves, as Grantham and Shelburne might not always be ministers. He agreed on the principles of commerce, but time must be given for the Spanish nation to open their minds. Shelburne answered that it was proven that the English nation renounced all desire of territory in America, and that regarding commerce, it was time for new principles. Heredia seemed glad to go, and said he would speak Spanish with Grantham. Shelburne hopes he will not get out of Grantham's hands without giving up all Shelburne has stated. Beeston Long is an easy man and Ross too accommodating to rest upon. But Baring says there will be no contentment if a considerable district is not ensured for the purposes. Advises Grantham on how time may be gained and the difficulty of a peremptory ultimatum avoided. Rayneval supported everything Shelburne said. Grantham should communicate everything to him confidentially, that he may aid and expedite what remains through de Vergennes.

item

Shelburne, William Petty, 2nd Earl,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Heredia,
Rayneval,
Vergennes, de,
Long, Beeston,
Baring

West Indies, Spain