Correspondence

Scope and Content

Bundle of correspondence between 1735 and 1755 relating to bread for the troops in Minorca.

This correspondence comprises letters from the deputies to Lord Irwin with copies of other letters which at times contain relevant information.

Gives information about the Bread Contract and Lord Irwin's profits - how the corn was bought and equipment provided and maintained etc.

Half-yearly accounts were enclosed but they are not now with the letters. There are a few Bills of Exchange in Lord Irwin's favour. He also received wine and honey from the island.

Administrative / Biographical History

Henry, 7th Viscount sometime just before June 1735 had succeeded Walter Bacon as Commissary General of Stores and Provisions in Minorca. The work was done by deputies on the spot (headquarters, Port Mahon) as he apparently remained at Temple Newsam.

Lord Irwin's deputies were:-

William Sharman to 1737

Russel Revell, 1737-43.

Turing Barclay & Co. sign letters on his behalf to 1749 when Edward Blakeney and Anthony Weltden are appointed.

There is some disagreement between them.

Correspondence ends in 1755 with appointment of Charles Williams as the Bread Manager.