The Creevey Papers
Lord Henry Petty to Thomas Creevey, 2 November 1807
“Teignmouth, Nov. 2nd, 1807.
“. . . Altho’ I understand that Ld. Wellesley claims all the glory of the
Copenhagen expedition, I think Ld.
Chatham’s negative will prevail over his positive
qualities, and that he will be the minister of next year. Archd. Hamilton writes to me that Melville is more than ever Minister de facto in Scotland, and that a year’s fasting
has so sharpened the appetites of his followers, that not a chaise is to be got
on any of the roads which lead to Dunira, so numerous are the solicitors and
expectants that attend his court.
“Dartmouth harbour—a beautiful
basin—exhibits a curious spectacle at present. The flags of Portugal and
Denmark flying on board at least twelve or fourteen detained ships of both
nations, the crews of which are maintained by Govt. . . . I am now an
inhabitant of New Burlington Street, but a letter directed London will be sure
to find me.”
Henry Dundas, first viscount Melville (1742-1811)
Scottish politician, president of the board of control (1793-1801), secretary of war
(1794-1801); first lord of the Admiralty (1804-05).
Lord Archibald Hamilton (1770-1827)
The second son of Archibald, ninth duke of Hamilton (d. 1819); a Whig MP for Lanarkshire
from 1802, he was a supporter of Charles James Fox and radical causes.
John Pitt, second earl of Chatham (1756-1835)
The eldest son of the elder Pitt and favourite of George III; as lieutenant-general he
led the Walcheren expedition (1809).
Richard Wellesley, first marquess Wellesley (1760-1842)
The son of Garret Wesley (1735-1781) and elder brother of the Duke of Wellington; he was
Whig MP, Governor-general of Bengal (1797-1805), Foreign Secretary (1809-12), and
Lord-lieutenant of Ireland (1821-28); he was created Marquess Wellesley in 1799.
