844 | To the Earl of Hillsborough

    Hampstead, May 13, 1770.

    My Lord,

    I was much disappointed by Your Lordships being out of Town yesterday; I wanted to communicate to you my Thoughts upon the Subject of the New Hampshire-grants in New York. Upon my preparing a Memorial for my own Lands there I found the Case of the Grantees in general so very strong that I went into it farther than my own Interest required for your Lordship’s Information; & therefore your Lordship will consider the enclosed as designed only for your own Perusal. If a Memorial is wanted for the Governor of New York I will prepare one that shall be clear of the offensive Truths which were necessary which were necessary to this.1

    The New Hampshire Grantees have Law & Equity on their Side; altho they are generally poor they are numerous; they have been hardly used; but have been quieted by the Stop put to the New York Grants of their Lands; & they remain quiet in Expectation of Redress. If they should fail of it and New York should be again let loose to grant away the rest of their lands, their Cry will be very loud;2 and considering the temper of the Times it is more than probable that they will be supported on both Sides of the Water.3

    If this should be so, it is impossible to say how far this may be carried: it is practicable by particular Management to carry it into the Chancery of England.

    And for what Purpose should such a Risk be run, or even an ineffectual Clamour raised? It is not the Cause of the King ^or^ of the Ministry: the former is no otherwise interested than in the Quantum of the Quit rents, which will be abundantly compensated by the Populations of the Country; the Interest of the Ministry is on the Side which will prevent Clamour & Trouble. In Truth ^Indeed^ this is truly the Cause of the Land Engrossers of New York, who will if they are not prevented drive the Governor into Measures which Government may afterwards have Occasion to regret & condemn.

    It is therefore my firm Opinion that the Governor should be directed to issue a Proclamation giving notice to all Persons who claim lands under the New Hampshire Grants that if they will apply to the Secretary’s Office making Oath that they are the Same Persons named in the several Grants, they shall have their Grants specifically regranted or other Lands of the same Value, if it shall be necessary, in lieu thereof upon the Terms of their former Grants. And for that the former Grants became forfeited not by the Neglect of the Grantees, but by the Obstruction given them in their settling their Lands, and the present Grants are to be considered only as Confirmations and not as original Grants, that the Grantees upon this Occasion shall pay only half fees. This last is mentioned, because the paying the fees, which at New York are thought very high (being £14 Sterlg for per 1000 Acres) has before created Difficulty in this Business. I will if Your Lordship pleases, extend & explain this Proposal in a subsequent Letter.

    I intend with Your Lordships Leave to go into the Country tomorrow to be absent a fortnight. But I will wait upon your Lordship tomorrow morning between 9 & 10, if it is your Pleasure & your Lordship has any Commands for me. I shall send my Servant with this who will wait for an Answer, which I should be obliged to your Lordship for to favor him with at your first Convenience.

    I am &c.

    My Direction will be at Lincoln

    The Right Honble The Earl of Hillsborough

    L, LbC      BP, 8: 90–92.