Bourke, Edward (fl. 1700-1730) to William Cadogan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.446.08 Author/Creator: Bourke, Edward (fl. 1700-1730) Place Written: Cambray, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 November 1716 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 22.7 x 17.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to "John Williams," a pseudonym Cadogan used in his correspondence with Bourke. Refers to previous correspondence discussing the discovery of a Jacobite plot (refer to GLC01450.446.04, .06, and .07), in which Bourke requested a pension in exchange for information he provided. Writes "I am very sorry that the news I did myself the honnour to write to you last, proves false by reason it was a trick of mister Sheldons" (possibly referring to Dominick Sheldon). Relates that Sheldon and others sent false information through Bourke to see if he could keep a secret. Writes that he hopes to go to England to procure information regarding Jacobite plots through his friends, a great number of whom are Tories.
James Stuart (James III, the "Old Pretender"), incited Jacobite support in France and Scotland in the early eighteenth century, attempting to claim the British crown. Though Stuart's plot had collapsed by early 1716, Jacobite sentiments continued to exist, leading to a 1745 rebellion in Scotland led by Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). General Dominique Sheldon served as commander of Roi d’Angleterre, a regiment raised by Stuart in 1791; he fought in the Jacobite and French armies from 1689-1721. Edward was the son of John Bourke, Earl of Clanricarde. Cadogan was known for his disdain for and suppresion of Jacobinism.
Sr: Cambray november y.e 18 1716
I am very sorry that the news I did my self the honnour to write to you last, proves false by reason it was a trick of mister Sheldons and some others to try whether I could keep a secret but I promise you that if ever any comes to my hearing [struck: I will] that concerns either you or the government I will give a faithfull account of it upon condition you will send me the money I asked in my last letter to you [2] or if you think fit that I should goe into England I would be glad because I could lett you know more there then here because of the number friends [inserted: I have in the tory] party if you think it proper I should goe you will let mee know it and send mee some money for I have none I hope you never wil lett any body see my letters but immediately burn them after you read them and pray belive mee to be s.r
your most humble servant
Ed: Burke
[address]
To
Mister John Williams
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