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Reference Number705:73 BA14450/337/3 (1-3)
Hierarchy Browser Number350/8/10/2/10
TitleLetters from Essex [William Anne Capell, 4th Earl of Essex (1732–1799)]
DescriptionLetters sent from Cashiobury [Cashiobury Park, Hertfordshire] and Kensington [London]. Item 705:73 BA14450/337/3 (1) gives an account of the affairs in Quebec [Canada] [in relation to the conflicts fought during the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), arising from the French and Indian War in 1754]. Talks of the British bombarding the town but the French are still holding out. It is feared that unless Amhurst [Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst of Montreal (1717-1797)] arrives to assist them they shall not succeed in taking it. Hawke is come to Plymouth safe with all his ships except one, the Royal Anne, Sir William Burniby fired guns of distress in the storm but has not been heard of since. The Herefordshire Militia have received orders to march to Southampton or Portsmouth to relieve the Norfolk Militia. General Barrington has met with an accident whilst shooting with Mr David Hamilton and has had one of his eyes shot out. The King is very sorry to hear that Lady Coventry [Maria Gunning, Countess of Coventry] is ill again.
Item 705:73 BA14450/337/3 (2) gives a more detailed account of affairs in Quebec, listed by date of occurrence. The [British] killed and wounded may amount to 800, but no officers of distinction have been named. The Royal Anne which was thought to be lost is now safe. The Russians are retiring towards Poland for want of subsistence. Asks that Lord Coventry doesn't forget to send him his tulip trees and Newfoundland Spruce, 'for I am since I saw your nursery grown planting mad'.
Item 705:73 BA14450/337/3 (3) gives further accounts of affairs in Quebec. The enemies surrendered on 18th September but Gen.Wolf [General James Wolfe (1727-13 September 1759)] was killed during the seige. Monsieur Montcalm [Louis-Joseph de Montcalm-Gozon, Marquis de Saint-Veran (1712-14 September 1759), commander of the French forces in Quebec] was also killed, along with his second, third and fourth in command. Is sorry for Wolf's death, particularly on Miss Lawther's account, who it is rumoured was married to him the night before he went.
Date15 Oct 1759-17 Oct 1759
CategoryCorrespondence
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