L30/14/320/1

From 2nd Earl Camden, Baynham Abbey to 2nd Baron Grantham:

9 Aug 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

Act of Parliament designed to prevent practice of fitting out privateers and cruisers to be sold to the Enemy. Suggests Monsieur Dryer, subject of Grantham's letter, be acquainted with provisions of the Act. Council Board has no authority to grant any License of departure for such ships as were sold to Ferriquers before 30 July etc....cannot be relaxed. Only in cases of sales subsequent to 30 July can the King in Council provide a Licence, otherwise ships will be confiscated. One Council, at which Lord Keppell was present, has already been held; agreed that all petitions for Licenses should be referred to the Commissioners of Customs who would inspect Vessels in question. On confirmation that they were fitted out for trading in Merchant's service only then Licence granted. Contracts made before 30 July result in the property being returned to original owner, if he applies for License to sell via Council on acquiring it he may then re-sell to the original purchaser. Camden thinks Dryer, as a Public Minister, may receive special treatment, may grant License without reference to Commissioners. "Ships in question are really intended for trade & the purchase bona fide for a Danish subject...[but] consider whether such a precedent might not convert a Publick Minister into a private Agent - two Characters that ought most carefully to be kept distinct".

item

Dryer,
Keppell

naval ships, national acts