Skip Navigation Links.
Collapse DEBUDE - Papers of General Jacob de Budé. DEBUDE - Papers of General Jacob de Budé.
Expand 1 - Correspondence principally between General Jacob de Budé and George III and Queen Charlotte. 1 - Correspondence principally between General Jacob de Budé and George III and Queen Charlotte.
Expand 2 - Letters to General Jacob de Budé principally from the Duke of York, but also including some letters, etc., from Georg von Löw.2 - Letters to General Jacob de Budé principally from the Duke of York, but also including some letters, etc., from Georg von Löw.
Collapse 3 - Letters from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel (later Lord) Hood to General Jacob de Budé, including some copies of related correspondence to and from Hood.3 - Letters from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel (later Lord) Hood to General Jacob de Budé, including some copies of related correspondence to and from Hood.
1 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé sending congratulations on the surrender of the islands of St Eustatius, St Martin and Saba, enclosing an agreement drawn up between Army and Navy commanders concerning the islands (0614), and giving an account of his and the Navy's successful activities in the area, including the capture of rich Dutch convoys.
2 - Articles of Agreement entered into by Adm. Sir George Brydges Rodney and Gen. John Vaughan that all merchandise on ships and all items in public stores and magazines, etc., taken at the surrender of the island of St Eustatius will be distributed according to the King's pleasure.
3 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on French convoys in the Caribbean, the positioning of British ships looking out for them, and his suspicion that a French convoy may be heading for North America despite his hope that 'I shall soom be so fortunate as to have the Enemy in full view'.
4 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on British ships' movements in the Caribbean in connection with possibly false news of a French fleet at Martinique.
5 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting recent action against a French squadron in the Caribbean and his fear of an attack on St Lucia, enclosing extracts of letters to Sir George Rodney concerning the skirmish [GEO/ADD/15/618] and complaining that his squadron is 'unmeaningly stationed'.
6 - Extracts from letters from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Adm. Sir George B. Rodney [enclosure of 0617], requesting that the British fleet's position might be changed if St Eustatius is unlikely to be attacked, enclosing a letter [not on file] reporting on the approach of an enemy squadron and a likely merchant convoy and suggesting consequent action, on the capability of enemy ships to move in and out of certain ports, on sickness (from scurvy) in British ships and on ship movements in the area generally.
7 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé sending thanks for letters received, promising to assist Mr Stillingfleet [?] in his naval career, expressing appreciation for the King's decision to award the booty taken at St Eustatius to the British Fleet and Navy, describing recent actions against the enemy and the subsequent movements and state of various British ships, reporting the landing of enemy troops on St Lucia and their subsequent hasty departure, and his fear that enemy forces were heading to the East Indies and America.
8 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Sir George B. Rodney [enclosure, presumably of 0619] providing a very detailed account of an encounter with and action against an enemy fleet and convoy, including reports of damage suffered by various British ships and some British casualties.
9 - List of the French Naval force at Martinique [enclosure, presumably of 0619].
10 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, and duplicate [0622a], reporting on the confusion which had arisen over the sharing between the Army and the Navy of the booty acquired from the capture of St Eustatius island, on account of the involvement of an outside agency (Mr Akers of St Kitts) and Captain Young, whom Hood denounces.
11 - Copy [?] letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Sir George B. Rodney, approved and [copy] signed by Rear-Adm. Francis S. Drake and Captains of Ships, enclosing the King's Sign Manual [not on file] relinquishing his rights to the booty from St Eustatius and stating the Captains' submission to the King's pleasure in this matter [enclosure, presumably of 0622].
12 - First, second and third 'plans' for the division of the enemy's captured effects [presumably from St Eustatius] between the land and sea forces.
13 - Letter [copy?]from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé concerning the claiming of a Dutch convoy by Capt. Reynolds, Capt. Harvey and Lord Charles Fitzgerald, Hood's disappointment at not having the confidence of Sir George Rodney and his opinion of him, his actions with regard to possible enemy attacks on Tobago and Martinique (with a hurried postscript reporting that an enemy force was off Tobago, and that he was 'going to Seek the Enemy'), and interaction with Gen.Vaughan over a possible expedition to Curracoe.
14 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, enclosing an extract of a letter [0626] praising the manoeuvres of the British fleet against a larger enemy fleet on 29 April.
15 - Letter from [?] to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood praising the actions of the British fleet on 29 April against a larger enemy fleet, and reporting the opinion of the Governor of St Vincents that 'Admiral Hood led his Fleet like an Angel' [enclosure of 0626].
16 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé concerning his action against a larger French fleet on 29 and 30 April, and Sir George Rodney's conduct afterwards, commenting 'there is no truth in the man' [Rodney], and suggesting that Rodney should have engaged the smaller enemy fleet at Tobago before the larger French fleet had appeared.
17 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting the sailing of a large French fleet and convoy from Martinique towards St Domingo but uncertainty as to its ultimate intent, and on the poor condition of the British fleet which resulted in his being sent to Antigua to collect stores, and announcing that he may be going with a squadron to America.
18 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, announcing that he had acquired the requested wine for Prince Frederick and reporting on his and the British Navy's activities in the Caribbean, including the fact that Sir George Rodney had handed the command of the British fleet into his hands and was returning to England, the appearance of various French and American vessels in the area and his hope to reach America before the enemy's ships, and the arrival of a number of Spanish ships at the Cape after the storming of Pensaecola.
19 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting again on Sir George Rodney's making over to him the command of the British fleet on the Leeward Island station, enclosing various papers [0632-0641], reporting on his journey to America and his current position there, on attempts to prevent the enemy's ships in the West Indies and at Rhode Island from combining forces, and on the departure of French ships from the American coast.
20 - Copy of an Intelligence report from Santa Cruix, reporting on the positioning of various French and American ships at St Thomas's and the likelihood that they would be sailing imminently for America, on the arrival at St Thomas's of Spanish ships from Pensacola, on the movements of American, French and British forces at Rhode Island and West Point, including those of Washington., General Green and Lord Rawdon, and that the British fleet was currently cruising off Boston.
21 - Copy of a letter from Capt. H.E. Stanhope to Sir George Rodney reporting on the number of enemy ships reported to have arrived at Martinique.
22 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Rear-Adm. Francis S. Drake informing him that there are possibly four 'Sail of the Line' at Fort Royal and suggesting that he remain at St Lucia, reporting that he [Hood] is on his way to St John's Road and requesting Drake to send back various ships, if convenient.
23 - Copy of a letter from Lt-Gen. Sir Henry Clinton to Sir George Rodney, re the likelihood of a French force arriving off the American coast shortly, reporting the dispatching of various British forces, his belief that enemy forces will make a concerted attack on New York and their likely numbers, and requesting that Rodney go to New York to assist the British cause.
24 - Copy of a further letter from Lt-Gen. Sir Henry Clinton to Sir George Rodney enclosing some intelligence [not on file] regarding the movements of the frigate 'Concorde' and an account of the state of Virginia [?].
25 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Thomas Graves to Sir George Rodney sending various despatches [not on file], reporting concerns over the possible arrival of a considerable French force, his consequent intentions and the current strength of his fleet.
26 - Copy of intelligence from Rhode Island, reporting the likely departure from the Island of enemy forces and their possible removal to the Delaware or Virginia and suggesting that the British fleet should consequently quickly blockade the harbour mouth to prevent the movement of supplies, etc..
27 - Copy of intelligence from Rhode Island reporting the arrival and departure from Newport of an enemy frigate which picked up 10 pilots and is presumably bound for the West Indies, and the current number of French troops on the Island.
28 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Rear-Adm. Thomas Graves reporting on his plans to check various points on the American coast for any sight of the enemy, and his intentions to anchor off Sandy Hook afterwards.
29 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Thomas Graves to Read-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, reporting that they had as yet no firm intelligence about De Grasse despite the suggestion that he was due to join the Spanish and arrive off the American coast, describing the action he was taking to bring Hood's squadron into safe anchorage and reporting news of the movements of American forces.
30 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé enclosing various papers [0643-0647], describing an action between the British and French fleets off Lynnhaven Bay on 5 September, relaying his concerns regarding the intentions of the French fleet, the need to keep them out of the Chesapeake, and the lack of action from Rear-Adm. Graves, and reporting on the scuppering of the 'Terrible' on account of her un-seaworthy condition.
31 - Memorandum by Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood reporting an action between the British and the enemy fleets around Lynnhaven Bay, and describing, in his opinion, the errors made by the British fleet.
32 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Rear-Adm. Thomas Graves asking if he had any information about the location of the French fleet, expressing his concerns that De Grasse would be aiming for the Chesapeake and the subsequent danger this might cause to British ships as well as the supply support this might provide to 'the Rebels'.
33 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Thomas Graves to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood reporting a signal announcing that the French fleet were at anchor 'above the Horse shoe in the Chesapeak', and seeking his opinion as to what to do with the [British?] fleet and how to dispose of the 'Princessa'.
34 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Rear-Adm. Thomas Graves replying to 0645, expressing concern over the French fleet being at anchor in the Chesapeake and noting that 'he would be very glad to send an Opinion but he really knows not what to say, in the truly lamentable state we have brought ourselves'.
35 - Copy of a memorandum by Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, Rear-Adm. Thomas Graves and Rear-Adm. Francis S. Drake reporting the decision reached at a 'Council of War' that, in view of the French fleet being at anchor in the Chesapeake and the consequent inability of the British fleet to give 'any effectual succour' to Gen. Earl Cornwallis, the British squadron should immediately proceed to New York and put the squadron 'in the best state for service'.
36 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé complaining about the actions of Rear-Adm. Graves, reporting an agreement between the British Army and Navy to attempt to relieve Lord Cornwallis, announcing that Prince William had recently arrived in the 'Prince George', and remarking on the long time it has taken to repair the squadron and his fear of being too late to help Lord Cornwallis.
37 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting a meeting with Prince William, who had recently arrived off Staten Island, announcing that there were 36 French ships in the Chesapeake, outlining the plans agreed between the British Army and Navy to attempt to assist Lord Cornwallis and also his opinion of the ineffectiveness of 'our [underlined] commanding officer' [presumably Rear-Adm. Graves].
38 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé basically repeating (almost verbatim) the contents of 0648, but with the addition of reporting the arrival of two more British ships and, in the postscript, that the British fleet was still at Sandy Hook 'to my unspeakable concern' but that he hoped it would be on its way to the Chesapeake the following day and thus able to offer relief to Lord Cornwallis.
39 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting that Lord Cornwallis had been forced to capitulate to superior French and American forces and his opinion that this could have been avoided, and announcing that he hoped to return as soon as possible to the West Indies 'for the protection of our Royal masters possessions'.
40 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting his efforts to return to the West Indies, enclosing copies of letters he sent to Admiral Digby on the subject (0653-0654) and his hopes that Digby would go with him to the West Indies and that Prince William might pass the winter months there, remarking further on the missed opportunities and mistakes he felt were made by Rear-Adm. Graves previously, and his opinion that New York would not be in any danger until the beginning of April at the earliest.
41 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Rear-Adm. Robert Digby expressing his hope of leaving the American coast for the West Indies with as strong a force as possible, i.e. with all of Digby's squadron, and offering to prove that he has no wish to deny Digby's ships of any profit by signing agreements to share any prizes acquired equally.
42 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Rear-Adm. Robert Digby, requesting that, as the threat from the French fleet is now more likely to be in the West Indies than off the American coast, all British battle ships should join him in returning there.
43 - French naval line of battle, delivered by Capt. Hudson, from Chesapeake Bay off York river.
44 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, reporting on the locations of the French fleet, which had arrived in the West Indies from America in late November, and the condition of the British fleet, and enclosing copies of letters [presumably 0657-0658] re the 'strange and unaccountable business' of 'this St Eustatius event' [presumably the surrender of the island to French troops].
45 - Copy of a letter from General G. Christie to Ensign William Rogerson, sending questions to which answers were demanded 'relative to the Dishonorable Surrender of that Important Island [St Eustatius] and of St Martin's to an handful of French troops'.
46 - Copy of Questions, posed by General G. Christie (annexed in 0657), and Answers, provided by Ensign William Rogerson, relating to 'the Dishonorable Surrender of that Important Island [St Eustatius] and of St Martin's to an handful of French troops'.
47 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, describing the situations and movements of the French and British fleets in the West Indies, reporting that he has had to borrow food supplies from the Army on account of the Navy's supplier's ineptitude, and remarking on the poor condition of a number of British ships, largely caused by bad weather.
48 - Copy of Orders for the rendezvous of the French Fleet in the West Indies.
49 - Copy of a letter from Capt. John Ford to 'Mr Printer' [the printer of a Barbados paper?], requesting him to insert the succeeding text into his newspaper, denouncing a letter purportedly from an officer on board the 'Nymphe' reporting on action against the French fleet on 5 September 1781, which letter had been reproduced in certain London newspapers.
50 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Adm. Sir George Rodney, giving the totals of the French and British fleets in the West Indies and the movements of the latter towards St Kitts, and describing Hood's intention to sail to the relief of the island; and a duplicate copy in a different hand [0662a].
51 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, reporting on actions between the French and British fleets off St Kitts and the resulting casualties, and on the deployment of British troops against the French on land, commenting also on the lack of British supplies; and near duplicate, in a different hand [0663a]. Wrongly dated on Hood's letter as 1781.
52 - Line of Battle of the British fleet in the West Indies; and duplicate [0664a].
53 - Return of killed and wounded on various ships in the British fleet, following action against the French fleet on 25 and 26 July 1782; and duplicate [0665a].
54 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Maj-Gen. Robert Prescott, suggesting the establishment of a Post onshore [on St Kitts?] and specifying the British troops and ordnance that could be landed to 'make a diversion in favor [sic] of Brimstone Hill, and very much distress, puzzle and embarrass the Enemy'; and duplicate, in a different hand [0666a].
55 - Copy of a letter from Maj-Gen. Robert Prescott to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood suggesting that as the French had such complete control of Brimstone Hill [on St Kitts], it was more important for British troops to be sent to Antigua, where the garrison was weak and more essential to maintain; and duplicate, in a different hand [0667a].
56 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Maj-Gen. Robert Prescott replying to 0667 and reporting the action he will take to follow Prescott's recommendation that British troops be sent to Antigua; and duplicate [0668a].
57 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, describing British attempts to reach the garrison on Brimstone Hill [on St Kitts] and its eventual surrender to the French, reporting his squadron's subsequent departure from the area to join the fleet at Barbados, on their lack of bread, on the strength of the French fleet and their movements, and commenting what could have been achieved against the French if Rear-Admiral Kempenfelt had come to the West Indies.
58 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé: a partial, unfinished, duplicate of 0669, with a different date and also different wording in the last paragraph compared with the similar paragraph in 0669.
59 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, remarking on the character of Sir George Rodney and his willingness to serve under him, reporting on his journey to join Rodney and the British fleet at Barbados, and on his fears if the French fleet should move from Martinique before the British ships are properly watered, commenting on the accusations that have been levelled at him and reported in English newspapers, regarding events on 5 September, and reporting on the location of the French fleet.
60 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on the state of the British fleet, the movements and likely intentions of the French and Spanish in the West Indies, and his fears that the French may intend to send ships and troops to America; and partial duplicate [0672a], which is dated 9 March and has some text missing.
61 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on his movements and those of the British fleet, on the likely intentions of the French and Spanish fleets, and on his hope to intercept the armaments sent to the French from Brest, and commenting on the character of Sir George Rodney and his poor relations with the other captains.
62 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on the arrival of French armaments in Fort Royal Bay, Martinique, describing his attempts to persuade Sir George Rodney to take action to prevent this and enclosing copies of papers exchanged on the matter [presumably 0676-0677], and outlining the strength of the enemy force.
63 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé: principally duplicate of 0674, but with an additional postscript dated 2 April 1782 and information about the strength of the British fleet, including the poor condition of various ships.
64 - Copy of a memorandum from Adm. Sir George Rodney to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, outlining sailing orders for the various divisions of the British fleet.
65 - Copy of a letter from Adm. Sir George Rodney to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood requesting the latter's squadron join his and describing his determination to keep the British fleet to windward of Martinique, with only cruises to the northward.
66 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé commenting on Sir George Rodney's apparent indecision as to what to do and his [Hood's] opinion that the greater part of the British fleet should 'offer the Enemy battle' at Fort Royal and 'block them up', and reporting a satisfactory visit from Rodney and the latter's intention to take such action as Hood proposes.
67 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, mostly a duplicate of 0678, but with further comment on Sir George Rodney's character, and a postscript reporting information obtained from some black deserters that the French fleet were likely to sail shortly to join the Spanish, and Hood's hope that this might lead to battle.
68 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé describing in detail successful British naval action against the French earlier in the month [presumably the Battle of the Saintes] and his great disappointment that the French fleet was not pursued, enclosing various letters exchanged between himself and Sir George Rodney [0681], and a list of French ships taken.
69 - Copies of correspondence between Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood and Adm. Sir George Rodney regarding the movements of the British fleet against the French, and including Rodney's acknowledgement of Hood's congratulations [on the British victory].
70 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, partly duplicate of 0680, but forcibly expressing his disappointment at not pursuing and capturing the fleeing French fleet, criticising the abilities and actions of Sir Charles Douglas and Adm. Sir George Rodney, and remarking that his (Hood's) health has suffered as a result of 'seeing things go as they do'.
71 - Copies of correspondence between Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood and Adm. Sir George Rodney, duplicate of 0681.
72 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, enclosing correspondence exchanged with Adm. Sir George Rodney [0685-6], complaining of Rodney's actions and the failures to take advantage of the fleeing French fleet and describing some movements of the British and French fleets.
73 - Copy of a letter from Adm. Sir George Rodney to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood giving orders for Hood's squadron to move towards Alcavala [?].
74 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Adm. Sir George Rodney reporting his squadron's pursuit and capture of some French ships, but the escape of various others before he could reach them, and sending an account [not on file] of the British and French killed and wounded.
75 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting that Adm. Sir George Rodney had sailed for Jamaica with various identified ships, commenting on the lack of frigates (which are useful for watching the enemy), his suspicions of what the French may do next and the need for readiness if they proceed to America, and again criticising Rodney's lack of action in pursuing the fleeing enemy fleet.
76 - Incomplete letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé [?] commenting on Adm. Sir George Rodney's public letters and reporting discourse with Rodney in which Hood suggested he [Rodney] might leave himself open to accusations of having acted differently from what his letters might suggest.
77 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting information regarding some of the French fleet, his decision to split his squadron into three smaller groups in the hope of apprehending the conjoined French and Dutch ships and their convoy at one of three locations, and the sending of French prisoners to Port Royal.
78 - Letter [copy?] from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Adm. Sir George Rodney reporting that he has sent ships to Cape Francois with French prisoners to be exchanged for British (and enclosing letters re [not on file]), and suggesting that, as it seems unlikely there will now be an attack on Jamaica, British ships should be refitted and sent elsewhere.
79 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, reporting the loss of a captured French ship by fire and the consequent death of British officers and sailors, again lamenting Adm. Sir George Rodney's lack of action and the consequences thereof as regards the major participants in the conflict, enclosing intelligence from a French seaman (0693) and an account of the combined forces (presumably 0695?) and remarking on the respective states of the British and French fleets, and losses of personnel on the French ships.
80 - Copy of a French seaman's account of an action between the French and British Fleets off Guadaloupe and Domenique on 9 and 12 April.
81 - Copy of a [translated?] letter from 'M.P.F.' to his uncle at Monsieur P. Gauvel & Son [?], merchants, reporting an action between the British and French Fleets on 9 April.
82 - State of the combined Fleet of France and Spain at Hispaniola on 16 May.
83 - Accounts relating to the naval actions of 9 and 12 April 1782 by British seamen who were prisoners on board vessels in the French Fleet.
84 - Copy of a [translated?] letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Adm. Marquis de Vaudreuil, proposing an exchange of British and French prisoners.
85 - Copy of a letter from Adm. Marquis de Vaudreuil to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, accepting his proposal for the exchange of prisoners, reporting the delivery of 93 French prisoners and the sending of 93 British prisoners in return, along with an additional 160 British prisoners in exchange for a similar number of French prisoners, and other British prisoners being sent to Adm. Rodney in the hope of news of French officers.
86 - Copy of intelligence concerning the progress of a Dutch convoy, which had been in company with various French Men of War which had arrived in Cape Francois on 12 May.
87 - Extract of a letter from Adm. Sir George Rodney to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, requesting his immediate attendance as he needs assistance in refitting the fleet.
88 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, expressing pleasure at knowing of the King's approval of his conduct, reporting that Adm. Sir George Rodney has put the entire fleet under his direction, including its refit, and that every ship will shortly be sea-worthy, enclosing a letter [not on file] from Rear-Adm. Rowley to Rodney reporting the departure of a merchant fleet and convoy recently left Cape Francois for Europe, and referring to the appointment of Lord Keppel as head of the Admiralty; with near duplicate (0701), of different date.
89 - Copy of a letter from Adm. Augustus Keppel to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, reporting on his appointment as First Lord of the Admiralty and assuring Hood of his support and that this change would not prove adverse for him (Hood).
90 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, reporting on the work required to refit certain British ships, enclosing a copy of the letter from Adm. Keppel [0702 and 0704], commenting on Adm. Sir George Rodney's determination to go back to England and his likely replacement, remarking on the nature of the command of the Leeward Islands and the Islands' defenceless state, expressing pleasure at hearing of the King's approbation and congratulations on the success of Adm. Barrington, and reporting on his efforts to ensure the return of the captured nephew of the Marquis de Vaudreuil and the resulting report concerning the state of the French fleet.
91 - Copy [presumably] of a letter from Adm. Augustus Keppel to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, reporting on his appointment as First Lord of the Admiralty and assuring Hood of his support and that this change would not prove adverse for him (Hood).
92 - Copy of a letter from Adm. Marquis de Vaudreuil to Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood, thanking him for the return of his nephew.
93 - Memorandum by Capt. William Augustus Merrick of the state of the French and Spanish ships at the Cape [Cape Francois], including reports on the French and Spanish armies and on numbers of casualties.
94 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting that the British fleet had been refitted but that he was not yet at sea, commenting on the continuing delay in the sailing of the convoy and on his broken shin, which prevented his attendance at a dinner at Kingston for Sir George Rodney, and remarking on further forthcoming entertainments at Spanish Town and on his activities.
95 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting news of a combined fleet of French and Spanish ships which had recently departed Cape Francois with a convoy of American ships, and of a vessel dispatched from Congress and General Washington arriving at Cape Francois and requesting assistance, also commenting on the arrival of Adm. Pigot as his new Commander in Chief and the general praise of Prince William, and referring to various mutual friends.
96 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé expressing concern at the delay in the sailing of the British fleet and suspicions that something may be amiss, quoting a letter to him from Lord Keppel of 29 April recommending Adm. Pigot but disparaging it, remarking that Pigot had never previously commanded a squadron and would therefore require advice and assistance from all his able officers.
97 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting that British ships have put to sea and are waiting to protect the Jamaican convoy from possible attack, reporting advice that he had given to Adm. Pigot with regard to reconnoitring along the American coast, which had been followed, and reporting on recent actions by British ships.
98 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé debating what actions the various enemy commanders may take and describing what action he thinks the British fleet should take to counteract the various possible threats, expressing disapproval at Lord Rodney's commandeering of several ships 'to protect his own person', agreeing with comments by French commanders that the British do not know how to make use of its victory in April, and reporting that he had calmed Adm. Pigot's fears about troops and ships which had arrived from Carolina, and offered him advice. Also, near duplicate of part of letter dated 8 April [but undated itself: 0711a].
99 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on escorting the Jamaica convoy to New York [?], complaining of the time this was likely to take and what actions should be being taken by the British fleet to patrol against the enemy's movements, and giving his opinion of Adm. Pigot, expressing sympathy for his lack of experience at sea, and for the lack of anyone to give him worthy advice.
100 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, writing from various locations and detailing his activities, expressing frustration over the general lack of action by the British fleet and the failure to take opportunities against the enemy, complaining about Adm. Pigot's inexperience, reporting on illness on board his ship and his own need for exercise, and commenting on the whereabouts of Prince William and his ship.
101 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé expressing eagerness to hear news from England [apparently in connection with political matters], reporting the capture of a French frigate by Prince William's ship, his approval of the Prince's character and the recent arrival of 'the Blue Ribbon' for the Prince, and on his own improving health and stamina, and on his concern at the current situation in America.
102 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting the sighting of an enemy convoy near the Delaware, and the consequent decision by Admiral Pigot to sail with half his force, leaving Hood with the other half to keep watch on Vaudreuil, and outlining Hood's plans to monitor the situation.
103 - Letter [copy?] from Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley to Adm. Hugh Pigot forwarding intelligence recently received [presumably 0717-0718] and requesting the sending of a force to protect Jamaica, and reporting the re-taking of Fort Dalling and the Black River settlement.
104 - Letter [copy?] from Capt. Thomas Spry to Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley forwarding information recently received that the Spanish intended to return to the Cape towards the end of October to join the French in an attack on Jamaica, and reporting other information about movements of enemy ships and troops.
105 - Extract [copy?; incomplete?] from secret Intelligence from Port au Prince, received 3 October 1782, reporting on the state of Spanish and French troops there and a likely strike by Spanish and American forces against Bermuda.
106 - Duplicate of a letter from Rear-Adm. Robert Digby to King George III, replying to instructions received and reporting that he will place Prince William with Lord Hood, praising Hood despite their differences of opinion over prize money, commenting on the future employment of those currently in attendance on the Prince (Mr Majendie, Mr Waddington and Capt. Napier) and strongly advising that the latter should be kept with the Prince, giving his opinion of the Prince's character and abilities, and recommending Capt. Elphinstone.
107 - Duplicate of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to George III acknowledging his new responsibility for Prince William and assuring the King that he will do his utmost to encourage his development.
108 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé commenting on Prince William's assignment to the 'Barfleur', agreeing that a suitable associate should be appointed to him but not entirely approving of Adm. Digby's choice (of Capt. Napier) and remarking that he has as yet received no instructions from Digby, and also enclosing copies of correspondence between himself and Adm. Pigot [0723], reporting that a change in his orders meant that he has remained at New York, assuring de Bude of the good relations between himself and Pigot, and noting in a postscript the force under his command.
109 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé: near duplicate of 0721, but without the last paragraph and postscript.
110 - Copies of letter and reply between Rear-Adm. Lord Hood and Adm. Hugh Pigot, with the former requesting permission to go to sea and outlining what action he would take in seeking the enemy and their intentions by sending parts of the British fleet to various locations in the West Indies and along the American coast, and Pigot conveying orders which require Hood to remain at his current position, while agreeing with his general opinion; with near duplicate [0723a], which has a different date for Hood's letter.
111 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé, reporting the arrival of Prince William on board the 'Barfleur' and enclosing a copy of the instructions concerning him [0726], which he feels is lacking, particularly as regards the Prince's expenses, and he consequently requests assistance from de Bude to clarify this point; remarking that it is unlikely the French squadron will be able to leave Boston before the end of the month; and, in a postscript, commenting further on Prince William's education while on board.
112 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé: near duplicate of 0724, but with small additions to the postscript re Prince William's education.
113 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Robert Digby to Rear-Adm. Lord Hood, conveying the King's instructions with regard to Prince William being placed under Hood's care and direction during the next campaign, outlining the rules that Digby established for the Prince, sending Capt. Napier as the Prince's companion, and referring to Mr Waddington and Mr Majendie in connection with the Prince's previous naval education; with two duplicates (one in a different hand).
114 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé sending enclosures [most not on file, apart from 0728] concerning the movements of enemy ships and a threat to Jamaica, and reporting his intention to put to sea as quickly as possible.
115 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley to Adm. Hugh Pigot enclosing intelligence [0729] that the enemy intend to attack Jamaica, an account of action between the British ship 'London' and a French ship [0730] and commenting that it will be some time before the 'London' can be refitted, and remarking on the movements of various British ships.
116 - Secret Intelligence reporting the despatch of orders from France to Cape Francois regarding the arrival of French troops and the subsequent preparations being made to receive them, and suggesting that the intention is for them to unite with Spanish forces and proceed to attack Jamaica, and also remarking on recent enemy losses at Gibraltar.
117 - Copy of a letter from Capt. James Kempthorne to Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley reporting an action between British and French ships, principally the 'London' and an enemy frigate, and including details of the British sailors killed and wounded.
118 - Copy of a letter from Gen. Sir Guy Carleton to Rear-Adm. Lord Hood forwarding extracts of letters he had sent [0732-0733], wishing him success and a prosperous voyage, and sending regrets that he is unable to pay his respects to Prince William in person.
119 - Copy extract of a letter from Gen. Sir Guy Carleton to Lieut-Gen. Leslie, ordering him to make arrangements to send various named regiments and corps under his command to Jamaica, on account of an expected imminent attack on that island, and ordering that the remainder of the troops currently at Charlestown should be sent to New York.
120 - Copy extract of a letter from Gen. Sir Guy Carleton to Maj-Gen. Archibald Campbell replying to a letter received and reporting that he has issued orders for troops to be sent to Jamaica as soon as the evacuation of Charlestown is completed, requesting that as this leaves other areas potentially in danger there should be a delay in the sending of any troops from Jamaica to the Spanish Main, and also asking that some of the troops he is sending might be sent in due course 'to the Northward' along with any weak and sickly regiments currently in Jamaica.
121 - Intelligence [extracts of?] received from Connecticut and Boston on 12 and 19 October and 7 and 8 November concerning the location and supplies of, and repairs to, various French ships, and the likelihood of when and where they might sail, and also reporting the movements of French troops towards Boston.
122 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé enclosing various papers [possibly 0737-0745] to show the measures taken to intercept the enemy, reporting that Prince William is in good health and taking baths to improve his shoulder and arm following an accident, and expressing delight at the British victory over a combined enemy fleet [the Battle of Cape Spartel?].
123 - Letter [?] from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé expressing his dissatisfaction at Capt. Napier being attached to Prince William on the Barfleur and at the general procedure which has been followed for his mathematics education in view of some knowledge which he lacks, and reporting on some of the training the Prince is now having.
124 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Adm. Hugh Pigot conveying information formed from past observations as to the usual routes taken by French ships when near Jamaica, suggesting where it would therefore be best for the British fleet to intercept them, and reporting what actions he proposes to take.
125 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley reporting his opinion of the best location to intercept the French fleet, and requesting the immediate return to North America of the 'Santa Margaretha', which he has just sent on convoy to Jamaica.
126 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley further to 0738, reporting that he had intended to 'take my Stand' off Caicos island but has since learned that the French ships do not tend to return that way, describing his current strength of ships and requesting Rowley to send him all the serviceable ships of the line from Port Royal, and noting that all the French troops in America are currently in Boston for embarkation.
127 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Adm. Hugh Pigot remarking on dispatches suggesting Jamaica is under threat of attack and that he (Hood) is at risk of being 'abominably thrashed', reporting that he will endeavour to ascertain the whereabouts of the Spanish squadron, but will be careful of engaging with them if it is near a port where a superior enemy fleet may be based.
128 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Rear-Adm. Joshua Rowley reporting his location off 'Monti Christi' [sic] and his recent movements, sending a copy of the orders he had sent to the commanders of various British ships [0742?], noting those ships he expects to join him shortly and requesting the return of others to supplement his force.
129 - Copy of Orders from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Capt. Smith directing him to cruise through the Turks Island Passage, round Caicos island and back, and to leave with the commanders of any British ships that he might meet a copy of the enclosed letter [0743].
130 - Copy of Orders from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to naval Captains, requesting them to look out for enemy Spanish or American squadrons and then to go to join Hood, who also provides details of his location.
131 - Copy of Orders from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Capt. F. Parry ordering him to proceed with the ships under his command to the island of Mayaguana to watch out for enemy squadrons and, on discovering any, to join Hood immediately; and to direct the Commander of L'Amiable, should they meet, to survey the Turks Island passage while Parry surveys the Caicos passage.
132 - Copy of a letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to Philip Stephens, reporting on his movements and the actions he had taken in despatching various British ships to look out for enemy squadrons, and enclosing copies of despatches and orders he had sent [possibly some, if not all, of the preceding documents, and certainly including 0744, and possibly 0743].
133 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé, thanking him for his letter and particularly for his advice to Hood's son [?], Henry, commenting on his nomination for Westminster [presumably as a MP] and his strong disinclination to stand, reporting on the good health and progress of Prince William, expressing concern over the political situation, the prospect of further war and the future lack of experienced Naval officers, and remarking on a recent reported sighting of an enemy fleet which proved instead to be a [British?] convoy en route to Jamaica.
134 - Letter (duplicate) from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé, sending thanks for one received and his wishes for de Budé's swift recovery from a fall while hunting, and remarking on the difficulties caused by disputes between Prince William and Capt. Napier and his feelings that, while considering Napier 'a man of honor' [sic], he was not a suitable companion for the Prince.
135 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé commenting further on the difficulties between Prince William and Capt. Napier and the latter's decision to return to England, reporting that excursions had been made in Jamaica with Prince William, describing his plans to prevent a meeting of French and Spanish squadrons and reporting news he had received about the movements of enemy ships.
136 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting that he had received the preliminary articles for peace between Britain, France, North America and Spain, that he had been informed of the signing of these articles and received a proposal from the French for an immediate cessation of hostilities 'in these Seas', giving his thoughts about peace, and remarking that preparations had been made by the French for a substantial attack on Jamaica.
137 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé noting letters received for himself and Prince William and reporting that he has just written to the King about the Prince, expressing his pleasure with Prince William's progress and commenting on the Prince's character, and remarking that he is expecting orders directing him to England.
138 - Copy of a letter from Baron de Gálvez to Prince William, reporting that he has in custody, under sentence of death, the leader of the revolt in Natchez and some of his accomplices, all of whom are English, and offering to release them to the Prince.
139 - Copy of a letter from Governor Bellecombe to Rear-Adm. Lord Hood remarking on the establishment of peace and the cessation of hostitilies at sea, and expressing pleasure at an honour bestowed on him by Prince William.
140 - Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting that he was on his way to England, having received his orders in April, and noting that Prince William had visited Havana [?] and was in excellent health.
Expand 4 - Personal papers of General Jacob de Budé.4 - Personal papers of General Jacob de Budé.
Expand 5 - Miscellaneous and undated papers, including verses, recipes, etc.; presumably belonging to or written by General Jacob de Budé.5 - Miscellaneous and undated papers, including verses, recipes, etc.; presumably belonging to or written by General Jacob de Budé.
Expand 6 - Copies [in de Budé's handwriting?] of correspondence between Lord Melville, Henry Addington and William Pitt, re Pitt's possible return to office, and connected papers.6 - Copies [in de Budé's handwriting?] of correspondence between Lord Melville, Henry Addington and William Pitt, re Pitt's possible return to office, and connected papers.
Expand 7 - Accounts, including bills, receipts and account books, presumably kept by General Jacob de Budé.7 - Accounts, including bills, receipts and account books, presumably kept by General Jacob de Budé.
       
Powered by CalmView© 2008-2024