To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 31 March 1782
From Edmund Jenings
Brussels March. 31. 1782
Sir
I Congratulate your Excellency on the Confusion in England. A Letter from thence received this day says, that the King sent on Saturday night (ie, Saturday sennight), for the Chanceller conversed with Him, and deffered—so parted, and about 4 o Clock on Sunday Morning sent again for Him to come immediately; the Chancellor sent him Word, that He was too ill, but would come as soon as He arose, which was about 10, when the Consultation began (Lord Stormount present). The next morning Lord Shelburne was sent for, arrives at 10, Stays til 12, and then goes to Lord Rockingham to acquaint Him, that His Terms were entirely aceeded to by his Majesty, who desired Him to send Him his Arrangement which was also acceded to, and announced by Lord Shelburne, who called on his Return on Mr. Fox about 2 O Clock, who then set out with Mr. W Pitt for the House of Commons. Mr. Fox Called by the way on the Duke of Richmond, and about 3 got to the Houses, where the members were waiting with the utmost distrust Impatience and Anxiety. Mr. Dunning then quietd their Uneasiness by declaring that the Cabinet was settled, and that the inferior departments would be filled up before Wednesday—so that tomorrow (Tuesday last) warrants will be issued out for the Reelection of such Gentlemen as will do his majesty the Honor to serve Him.
- Lord Rockingham first Lord of the Treasury.
- Lord Shelburn and Mr. Fox Secretaries of State the West Indies under the one and N A under the other
- Lord John Cavendish Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Admiral Keppell First Lord of the Admiralty
- The Duke of Gloucester Commander in Chief of the Army Seconded by General Conway
- Duke of Richmond Master General of the Ordnance
- Duke of Grafton <
President of the Council> Privy Seal. - Lord Thurlow Chancellor.
- Lord Camden president of the Council
The Supposed list of the Cabinet1
The Terms on which these Gentlemen come in are said to be these.
- 1st no Veto to the making a seperate Peace in N America
- 2dly the same respecting a general Peace.
- 3 the Contracters Bill to pass.2
- 4 Mr Burkes OEconomical Bill to pass in part
- 5 for the future no person holding Place under or who are influenced by the Commissioners of the Customs or Excise to have a Vote for members of Parliament.
I congratulate your Excellency on the Taking of St Kitts and other Islands.
Inclosed is the receipt for the money disbursed by my Friend. Nothing hath yet been of young Bracket.3
I beg your Excellency would give the inclosed Letter to Mr Lawrens, who I find is arrivd at Amsterdam. I expected Him here. His Father is gone into the Country. He is better in Health than He was.
I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Edm: Jenings
RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “Mr Jennings 31. March ansd 3. April. 1782.”
1. In the new cabinet Shelburne was ostensibly responsible for home and colonial affairs, while Fox was concerned with foreign affairs; in practice both sought to control peace negotiations. It should also be noted that Conway was appointed commander in chief and that Thurlow was the only holdover from the North ministry.
2. The Contractor’s Bill prohibited any party to a government contract not open to public bid from holding a seat in the House of Commons.