Letters from John Charlton to Rachel Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire

Scope and Content

These letters to Rachel Cavendish are written from Mr Charlton - the former agent of Rachel Cavendish's late grandfather (1st Duke Duke of Bedford).

The letters concern the following: his thanks to Lord Hartington and Sir William Forester concerning his help in soliciting his suitability for certain employment; his wish to wait upon the Duchess; his company in Newmarket; an anecdote about the Queen throwing her chair back perhaps in argument for the Dissolution; family well at Devonshire House; the work being carried out on Devonshire House; everybody being at Windsor except Lord Sunderland; donations to the Palatines; Lord Devonshire's swollen hand; thanks for the hospitality he received at Chatsworth; his wishes to Lady Russell; illness of Lord Hartington (2nd Duke's son); allusion to the death of the 2nd Duke of Bedford; Mr Silvester's good character reference of Mr M who is a learned man of Greek, Latin and mathematics and capable of serving Lord Granby and recommended to Lord Gilward; character reference for a French gentleman from Mr Flournois; missing Lady Devonshire's company at her house and Southampton House; his intentions to be at Chatsworth in ten or twelve days; his intention to keep all he knows of Prince Eugene and the Turk a secret until he sees them; his affection for his lady and mistress.

There is one letter to Lady Russell in this series in which Mr Charlton requests on Lord Orford's behalf to rent some land from a field belonging to Lady Russell in order that he may build there, and a similar quantity for Lady Gower, after hearing her offer of land to Lord Rutland should he wish to build a house. He also mentions: wishing to wait on the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth; the cold reception at Streatham despite Mr Harvey and Lady Anne acting usually; Mr Russell being visibly angry when they dined; his mistress having £40,000; the doctor's bill he paid; his wishes to Lord Galway; a visit to Streatham with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire; wishes from his mistress.

Administrative / Biographical History

Charlton, John, [Agent to 1st Duke of Bedford until 1700.]