Folios 301-304. Robert Kirke, late Consul at Algier, to Lord North. Memorial reciting...

Folios 301-304. Robert Kirke, late Consul at Algier, to Lord North. Memorial reciting his service in the Royal Navy from 1745 and events after Commodore [Thomas] Harrison, then Commander of the Mediterranean Squadron, in 1766 'sent a very unjust and severe complaint against' Kirke as a result of which he was suspended and ordered home to answer that complaint. Kirke prays that his case be considered so that he may be paid the salary remaining due to him, the £347 he expended as Consul, reimbursed his expenses in collecting the evidence to rebut the complaint and be appointed to 'such office in his Majesty's service as may appear most reasonable and just'. He mentions Mr Secretary Conway, the Earl of Shelburne, Lord Weymouth and the Duke of Richmond. The Memorial is endorsed in red ink 'Mr Kirke having lost his most valuable friends, Lord Halifax and Wm [William] Sharpe Esq [Esquire] late of the Privy Council, is obliged humbly to solicit your Lordship's favour and protection'. Annexed are copies of promotions, certificates etcetera referrred to in his memorial and the translation of a letter from the Dey and Divan of Algiers to the King in his favour. Mr Secretary Conway, the Earl of Shelburne, Lord Weymouth, and the Duke of Richmond are mentioned. The Memorial is endorsed in red ink 'Mr Kirke having lost his most valuable friends, Lord Halifax and Wm [William] Sharpe Esq [Esquire] late of the Privy Council, is obliged humbly to solicit your Lordship's favour and protection'. [The Earl of Halifax died 8 June 1771].