These letters cover the period when Sir Wilmot was Resident Secretary to the 3rd Duke whilst he was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and then Lord Treasurer. The letters continue with political news (including from Ireland) after the 3rd Duke has ceased to be either, but remained a peer in the House of Lords and Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. Sir Robert Wilmot remained Resident Secretary to a number of Lord Lieutenants of Ireland after the 3rd Duke.
The letters concern detailed political affairs, particularly relating to Ireland and post holders in government and court. There are references to: recommendations and appointments made for vacant posts and peerages; the King; the movements of individuals at home and abroad; political policies, petitions and bills in Ireland and England; events in the Houses of Parliament. Wilmot reports on news, his conducting of the 3rd Duke's business and matters which require the Duke's input.
Topics include: Lord Duncannon and Lady Caroline [3rd Duke's daughter]; the Duke of Newcastle; the Tillage Bill; Sir William Gordon; decoying members from the House [of Commons] in order to vote bills through; Mr Pulteney; Lord Hartington; Mr Legge; Lord Santry; Sir Robert Walpole; the Prince of Wales; the admiralty; Mr Herbert General Wade; Mr Duncomb; Lord Chief Justice Willis; Lord Carteret; Lord Harrington; Irish regiments; Bill of Indemnity; Lord Orford; Lord Bath; Mr Fox; Captain Holwell; Mr [Henry] Pelham; Lord Cholmondeley; Lord Winchilsea; Captain Willers and Mr Kennedy's matters; John Stanhope; the Jacobite rebels uprising; Marquess of Tweeddale; the arms of the rebels; East India ships in Galway; the 3rd Duke's own regiment in Derbyshire; favour to his brother MacCulloch; a list of sheriffs of Derby (1601-1745); intelligence from Rome about the Pretender and his family; copy letter from Mr Mann; copy letter from Lord George Cavendish; Copy letter from Lord George Sackville; Sir Robert Wilmot's application to be Solicitor in England; ship from New York; Sir Everard [Tawhenn]; Colonel Conway; the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton; Adlerson's regiment; Sir J Bland's death; Mr John Gisborne the younger and Mr Vernon's recommendation for the commission; Mr Pitt; Mr Trewin; Sir Thomas Robinson; Leicester House; Lady Better Spencer refusing James Lowther; the peace agreed; Lord Hartington's speech and administration in Ireland; Linen and Navigation Bills; threat of invasion from France; foreign subsidies; Lady Burlington sending anything via Sir Robert Wilmot; policies related to the role of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.