BOARD OF TRADE LETTERS, 1706–1711

BOARD OF TRADE LETTERS, 1706–1711
A collection of official correspondence and naval orders from Whitehall, primarily addressed to Charles Spencer (1672–1750), 3rd Earl of Sunderland, then Secretary of State. These letters concern a range of issues, from foreign trade and high treason to naval orders regarding the war with France. The documents are contemporaneous with the War of Spanish Succession and reflect the tensions between England, France, and other European powers.

Key Documents:

1. 9th May 1707
   A letter reporting the recommendation of three new councillors for Her Majesty’s Island of Nevis to the Queen’s Council. Signed by prominent members of the Board of Trade, including the Earl of Stamford, Lord Dartmouth, and Sir Philip Meadows.

2. 6th December 1708
   A letter enclosing a representation to Queen Anne regarding Richard Knowles, master of the Happy of Dublin, accused of high treason. Knowles violated the Act of Prohibiting Trade and Commerce with France by carrying barley from Rochelle to Lisbon. The letter seeks the Queen’s judgment, emphasizing that Knowles’ actions contravened Her Majesty’s pass. Signed by the Earl of Stamford and Lord Herbert.

3. 8th December 1708
   A communication to Sunderland enclosing an address from the Governor and Council of Antigua, detailing the French threat to the northern parts of Great Britain. Signed by the Earl of Stamford.

4. 19th May 1709
   A letter responding to Sunderland’s request to review treaties of commerce between England and France from the past 60 years. The Board of Trade states that it holds a 1677 Marine Treaty and a 1697 Project of a Treaty of Commerce, but other treaties may be in the Secretary of State’s or Paper Office. Signed by the Earl of Stamford and Philip Meadows.

5. 10th December 1706
   A letter concerning complaints from Flanders merchants about import duties and potential amendments through an Act of Parliament. Addressed to Sunderland.

6. 17th August 1709
   A request to Mr. Terry Boyles for access to the marriage treaty of King Charles II to address grievances raised by merchants in Portugal to the Earl of Galway.

7. 29th November 1709
   Orders from the Lord High Admiral’s Office to seize Genoese vessels in the Mediterranean due to the Republic of Genoa supplying France with corn, which was deemed detrimental to Her Majesty’s service. Signed by Sir George Byng, G. Dodington, and P. Methuen.

8. Sir Charles Hedges’ Correspondence (1706–1710)
   A series of letters from Sir Charles Hedges to Sunderland and others, covering various matters such as state passes for trading with French and Spanish ships, protection for Spanish ships near Gibraltar, and relief petitions from merchants whose vessels were seized by the Dutch. Included is a 1695 letter from H. Collingwood on a related subject.

This collection provides a detailed glimpse into the operations of the Board of Trade and the complexities of naval and commercial activities during Queen Anne's reign. The documents reflect the era’s diplomatic challenges and the growing importance of regulating international trade and naval actions during wartime.

Condition Report
Condition is generally good, the majority of the letters are laid down by a single long edge onto card. A few letters have some small spots of damp or ink staining, not particularly affecting the text. The edges and corners are mainly in good order with only very minor dog earing, predominantly to bottom right corners. The May 1706 letter has signs of previously being folded

Please see photos

Provenance: Private Hampshire collection

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.