Catalogue description Folios 50-57. Folios 50-51. Letter dated at St James's from Lord Weymouth to the...

Folios 50-57. Folios 50-51. Letter dated at St James's from Lord Weymouth to the Treasury as to what 'indulgences' they judge reasonable and expedient should be given to Monsieur Hocquart late commandant of the French settlements in Bengal in relation to the effects he brought with him from the East Indies. Enclosed with the letter are copies of the following:- Folios 52-53. Letter dated 24 April 1779 at East India House from P [Peter] Michell, Secretary to the East India Company, to Sir Stanier Porten enclosing:- Folio 54-55. Letter dated 22 April 1779 at Custom House, London from Edward Stanley to Peter Michell enclosing a copy of a letter from Monsieur Hocquart who came as a passenger in the 'Eagle', lately arrived at Plymouth, respecting some articles of private trade which he desires may be passed and delivered to him on the conditions and in the manner stated in his letter'. Stanley suggests that it may be expedient for the Board of Directors to lay Hocquart's request before the Secretary of State or the Treasury for directions. Folios 56-57. Letter dated 12 April 1779 at Plymouth from Colonel Hocquart to the Directors of the East India Company that 'completely ignoring [?being ignorant of] the rules of the East India Company of England' and having brought with him a small number of items which he intended to transport to France for his family and acquaintances he has encountered countless difficulties here because of them. He intends to enjoy the freedom his capitulation on his surrender of Chandamagore [Chandannagar] gave him and the various letters and passports given to him to enable him to return at will to France. These letters, orders and passports are from Mr [Warren] Hastings, Governor [-General] of Calcutta and the Council there as well as from Mr Rumbold and the Council of Madras. He says he would be very upset if he were forced to move his effects to London as the quantities are not large and, moreover, he gave the list to Mr Tolcher the Customs' Collector in Plymouth. Hocquart hopes that the necessary orders will be given as soon as possible so that all his effects can be taken free of duty off the 'Eagle' and those held in the warehouse at Plymouth as being 'against your laws and Customs' be returned to him when he leaves. He further asks that orders be given for restitution of two 'patches de chitte' [Indian fabrics in vibrant colours] seized on board from his servants, who like him being ignorant of the law, did not bring them ashore as they intended them as presents.