VOL. 12A Summary of Contents. Political and Crimean war correspondence and memoranda....

VOL. 12A Summary of Contents. Political and Crimean war correspondence and memoranda. Politics and government: J.R's desire to resign; Lord Lansdowne warns him against a move which could bring down the government; J.R's letter of resignation (Jan. 23); Lord Palmerston thinks his decision "ill-timed" (fs. 108-11); letters (numerous) of condolence, regret, censure, congratulation and advice; Press antagonism. J.R. votes for Roebuck's motion to enquire into the conduct of the war (Jan. 26); motion carried and Aberdeen government falls (Jan. 29/30); J.R's apology for his actions (fs. 2-9). Question of a new government; the Queen applies to Lords Derby and Lansdowne and to J.R.; J.R's attempt abandoned after refusals of many senior ministers to serve. Lord Palmerston takes office of prime minister of a reconstructed cabinet without Aberdeen, Newcastle and J.R.; Lord Panmure as minister of war: he assures J.R. that he will now amalgamate the two departments and "recall ..... incompetent people" (fs. 183-4); Lord Aberdeen hopes "that we have now arrived at the end of Explanations" and says he will support Palmerston's administration (fs. 185-6). Correspondence: J.R.; Dukes of Bedford and Argyll; Sir C. Wood; H. Drummond; Lords Minto, Panmure, Lansdowne, Cranworth, Palmerston, Aberdeen; Sir W. Molesworth; J. K. Aston; J. C. Symons and others. Foreign affairs: Crimean war: complement and deployment of Russian forces (f. 1). Conduct of the war: Duke of Argyll's concern about lack of news and of top level consultation with the French (fs. 10-13); Clarendon calls for removal of Adjutant and Quartermaster Generals (fs. 18-19); Minto deplores "malignant writing" of the Times (fs. 24-5). General dismay and anxiety at mismanagement of the campaign and mortality and suffering of troops; Sidney Herbert's proposals to increase flow of medical and all other supplies (fs. 34-41); formation of a hospital corps; Aberdeen's proposal to send a senior minister to France for consultations. Increasing dissatisfaction with Lord Raglan and proposal that he should be sent a public despatch; J.R's letter to him of military advice (fs. 85-9) and Raglan's reply (fs. 207-10). Lord Westmorland's despatches from Vienna; diplomatic moves between the allies, Prussia, Austria and Russia; decision to send a British mission to Vienna; Lord Clarendon urges J.R. to lead the mission (fs. 203-6); J.R. accepts. Correspondence: J.R; Lords Clarendon, Minto, Aberdeen, Raglan, Westmorland, Dufferin; Duke of Argyll; Hon. H. Elliot and others.

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Asia

Europe and Russia

Wills and probate

Operations, battles and campaigns

Personal and family papers