L30/14/306/2

From 2nd Baron Grantham, at Whitehall to 2nd Earl Shelburne:

Not dated c. 1782/83

From: 1782 To: 1783

[Marked 'Private']. Intended to send himself the two last dispatches from Paris, but finds Shelburne has already been sent them. The request of the Dutch is important, and Grantham could not give Mr Fitzherbert instructions upon it without the King's command and some conference with Shelburne and other ministers. It seems that the situation of the Dutch is now so different from what it was, that they do not have the same title to the principles they ask for, and the manner in which they claim the adoption of them is highly unreasonable. Thinks that Holland should be told that the English are very desirous to return to the friendly alliance with them, and that if that is their plan, greater facility might be expected from the English. If on the other hand, as Grantham fears, they were entirely given up to France and nothing is to be expected from them, it is impossible to grant that gratuitously to them which they before enjoyed for services on their part. Doubts if "something of the Nation which they ask for much in the Body of our Treaty with them be given up", but thinks it proper for Mr Fitzherbert to induce them if possible to open their pretensions, and not go on in the way which M. de Vergennes began with. Wrote to de Vergennes acknowledging his dispatches, and to tell him his observation was just, and that Grantham was glad he did not preclude consideration of the question. The Dutch and France must see how wide a field would be opened by this concession. Wrote Mr Fitzherbert a private letter, observing that Shelburne's name was used in the Note Consideration [?]. (M. de Rayneval had visited Shelburne before Grantham.) Thought that if Fitzherbert came to see that paper with M. de Vergennes it would be proper to make an alteration to 'Ministre Britanique'. The article in the Morning Herald made Grantham very uneasy, as it can only come from servants or messengers, indiscreetly communicated or wickedly selling such articles to the news writers. Is sorry to see that France gives any countenance to the principles of the Dutch picture; it agrees ill with the slight manner in which that article was spoken of by M de Rayneval. The letters forward of these by M. de Bractze [?] confirm the accounts given in the enclosed letter from a person well informed of Dutch affairs. Refers to Mr Middleton's advertisement. Promises to write to Fitzherbert that he may if necessary document in the most explicit form to Vergennes... [Remainder of letter missing].

item

Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Shelburne, William Petty, 2nd Earl,
Fitzherbert,
Vergennes, de,
Rayneval,
Middleton

France, Holland