=Source.=--_Calendar of Home Office Papers (1773-1775)._ Pp. 240 _et
seq._
_Earl of Suffolk to the Earl of Dartmouth._
_31 Aug._--Sends extracts from two letters from Sir Joseph Yorke
relative to large quantities of gunpowder said to be purchased in
Holland and shipped for some of the ports in North America.--St.
James’s.
The enclosures. It was the house of Crommelin at Amsterdam which was
chiefly concerned in this trade. A great quantity of war material was
exported by the Dutch to St. Eustatia, the centre of all contraband in
that part of the world.
_Earl of Suffolk to the Earl of Dartmouth._
_24 Sept._--Giving notice of intelligence received from Sir Joseph
Yorke that it was being confirmed to his Excellency more and more every
day that North America is largely supplied by way of St. Eustatia with
what it does not choose to take from England, or to export directly
from Holland, in which the Dutch find their account and will not let
the market want.--St. James’s.
_Earl of Suffolk to the Earl of Dartmouth._
_25 Oct._--Enclosing an extract from a letter from Sir Joseph Yorke,
stating the steps taken by him in consequence of the instructions
transmitted to him by messenger on the 17th instant.--St. James’s.
The enclosure. Sir Joseph found the Pensionary as well disposed to
satisfy the King as the most zealous wishes could expect. He said that
whatever depended upon him to stop such a dangerous traffic should
be done, though the manner of doing it could not be immediately
determined, because it might not be advisable to exert an extraordinary
power which might occasion both a clamour and alarm. He explained, in
conversation, that in the present temper of the magistracy of Amsterdam
it would be difficult for the Ministry at the Hague to work at all
through that channel. He imagined that the channel of the Admiralty at
Amsterdam, which is at the same time charged with the department of the
Customs, might be preferred. Afterwards saw M. Fagel, whose attachment
and zeal are too well known to require any new assurances. He soon
brought a letter to M. Boreel, Fiscal of the Admiralty, and said the
Prince did not think it necessary or advisable to use any extraordinary
methods, but that he had desired M. Boreel to examine strictly into
the affair, to prevent in every way the departure of any vessel with
such a cargo, &c. Calling on the Prince to thank him in the King’s
name, the Prince said he should always contribute with joy to the ease
and welfare of His Majesty and his dominions, but that he, Sir Joseph,
knew the merchants well enough to be convinced they would sell arms and
ammunition to besiege Amsterdam itself.
_Lords of the Admiralty to the Earl of Dartmouth._
_9 Dec._--Send copies of letters of 1st and 11 Nov. and 6th inst.
from Lieut. Walton, of the _Wells_ cutter, giving an account of his
proceedings consequent on Lord Dartmouth’s letter of 18 Oct.--Admiralty
Office.
The enclosures. The vessel Lieut. Walton was sent to watch at
Amsterdam, after one attempt to sail, was finally unladen of her
cargo and partly unrigged. Information was also obtained that if she
attempted to go down the river she would certainly be searched at the
Texel by the Dutch Admiralty.