Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan William Dowdeswell Papers |
William Dowdeswell, strategist for the Rockingham Whigs, entered Parliament as a Tory for Worcestershire in 1761 and held that seat, uncontested, until his death. Throughout his political career Dowdeswell was deeply interested in financial questions. During the Grenville ministry he advocated reduction of the army and navy, urged lowering the land tax, opposed the government on Wilkes and general warrants but supported the Regency Bill. He first came to notice in 1764 for his well-reasoned speech in opposition to the cider tax.
Dowdeswell was appointed chancellor of the exchequer in the first Rockingham ministry and, although not a regular member of the cabinet, was frequently consulted on American affairs. Dowdeswell refused to hold office in the Chatham administration, choosing instead to join the Rockingham group. During the unsuccessful negotiations for a coalition ministry with the Bedfords in July, 1767, Dowdeswell formulated a policy which gave the Rockinghams a semblance of unity during their years in opposition. A conservative on America, he saw the inherent danger in the Townshend Duties, predicting American resistance to any duty for revenue purposes. Yet Dowdeswell believed Great Britain would lose sovereignty over the colonies if it did not maintain its right of taxation. After 1768 Dowdeswell was not only principal spokesman for Rockingham in the House of Commons, but his close friend and adviser.
Political correspondence of William Dowdeswell, chancellor of the exchequer, member of Parliament.
This collection contains important correspondence between Dowdeswell, Burke, Rockingham, and other members of the opposition regarding America, the East India Company, Ireland, and the Middlesex election. There are 40 signed drafts or retained copies of letters written by Dowdeswell and copies of 13 letters to him.
Purchased, 1936
| Homepage | Manuscripts | Collections | Staff | Hours and policies |
|---|