L30/14/306/34

From 2nd Earl Shelburne, Shelburne House to 2nd Baron Grantham:

Received 21 Sep 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

Sends a letter from Sir Charles Bunbury to Mr Hankey, which proves that Shelburne's memory did not deceive him. Also sends Mr Barring's letter, which he ought to have given Grantham with his African Paper. Has written to him to continue his enquiries, and hopes Grantham will see Mr Barnes as it would be wrong to let the matter rest solely on Mr Oswald's information or judgement, as he has a personal interest in it, being the sole proprietor of an island on the Coast. Had short meeting with Rayneval yesterday: Mr Ord and he having missed each other, he met Shelburne at Colonel Barre's. Shelburne is convinced they may be sure of almost every point as set down in Grantham's answer, if insisted on. Thinks Fitzherbert cannot be too strongly instructed upon the determination of going no further in any event, and of the difficulty in going so far, and therefore how important it is that M. de Vergennes shall make his first proposition as fair and as direct as their communications have been. The article regarding Massulipatam must be as limited as possible, and the word 'Comptoirs' to mean nothing more than a Commercial House. Is convinced that the company will never consent without being obliged to it to give up Massulipatam of one side and Mahe_ at the other. Fitzherbert may keep it in reserve, in order to keep down what regards Massulipatam. Will judge French sincerity by their next step. Suggests Fitzherbert is informed of this. Reminds Grantham of the importance of keeping "things as high as possible in your correspondence, as tho' It's not probable it may be call'd for by Parliament". Instructs Grantham to burn this letter.

item

Bunbury, Charles,
Hankey,
Barring,
Barnes,
Oswald,
Rayneval,
Ord,
Barre,
Fitzherbert,
de Vergennes