A POLITICAL CRISIS WITH THE BANK OF ENGLAND CANNING (George, 1770-1827, Prime Minister)

Important Autograph Letter Signed to Thomas RAIKES, (1741-1813, Governor of the Bank of England), marked 'Private', as Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs to Lord Grenville, (1796-1799), saying that "Count Starhemberg, the Imperial Minister, has complained to Lord Grenville of the violation of his privileges ... by the arrest of Count de Waldstein ... attached to his Mission ... at the instance of Mr Raikes the correspondent of Englebarts and Lack at Hamburgh", Waldstein is now "in Winchester County Gaol" and Starhemberg is demanding the relevant "Attorney &c" be punished for "this outrage against the Law of Nations &c &c", Lord Grenville wishes "this delicate situation" to be settled "quickly and privately ... taking it for granted that you are the Mr. Raikes in question", if not, "I have only to ask your pardon for having given you the trouble of reading so far", and asking "(if you happen to be able to do so ) which is the Mr Raikes to whom application is properly to be made", talking about the privilege involved, "I am to instruct you therefore whether it would not be more prudent to withdraw the suit, without any formal interference from the Government", than to push it "to a prosecution on the part of the Crown", especially as an omission in the arrest warrant has been rectified, he repeats his apologies, sure that Raikes "will do justice" to Lord Grenville's anxiety "to have a business of this nature arranged without official interference ...", 5 sides 4to, '27th February Received and Answered' on side 6, Downing Street, 27th February light remains of tabs in blank edges between sides 5 and 6, light traces round the edges of side 6 from former laying down, all without loss, otherwise in fine condition

Written at a time of great anxiety for the nation and when Austria's friendship was essential in the war with France. Under pressure from the Government, the Bank of England had suspended payment in gold in the crisis of 1797. To cope with foreign dispatches Canning, a rising political star, was working all hours into the night - here '26th' has been altered to '27th' He was also the principal writer of the weekly Anti-Jacobin which promoted government policy at home and abroad, reflected in this courteous but firm letter.

Item Date:  1798

Stock No:  56530      £475

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