Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan Pitt family Papers |
Collection of correspondence by William Pitt, 1st earl of Chatham (1708-1778), Sir John Pitt, 2nd earl of chatham (1756-1835), William Pitt the younger (1759-1806), and Lady Hester Pitt, countess of Chatham (1721-1803).
The majority of letters in this collection are by William Pitt the younger. A protégé of Lord Shelburne, he was made chancellor of the exchequer in 1782. In December, 1783, he was appointed prime minister and held that office until 1801. He effected financial reforms and made alliances in Europe against revolutionary France and napoleon. Although he resigned because of George III's opposition to his Irish policy, he returned to power in 1804; he died in office.
The letters of William Pitt the younger extend from 1780 to 1805. There are 48 from Pitt to 1st viscount Melville; 42 to 1st viscount Sydney; 27 to George Rose; 11 to Thomas Coutts; 10 to the 1st marquess of Wellesley; to to Count Vorontsov; 6 to Lord Shelburne or his secretary, Mr. Morin; and 42 to various other persons.
The 1st earl of Chatham is represented by 11 letters, 1750-1772; Lady Hester Grenville Pitt by 20 letters, 1775-1799, chiefly to Thomas Coutts; and Sir John Pitt, 33 letters, 1789-1830.
Purchased, 1937
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