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Militaria and Political Auction
Lot 1285:
William Pitt
DS Legal 1791
Born May 28, 1759, Hayes, Kent, Eng. – died Jan. 23, 1806, London) British statesman and prime minister (1783 – 1801,
1804 – 06). The son of William Pitt, he entered Parliament in 1781 and served as chancellor of the Exchequer (1782 – 83).
He was appointed prime minister in 1783 and undertook reforms that reduced the large national debt incurred by the American Revolution, reduced tariffs, placed the East India Co. under government control, and restructured the government in India.
Forced into conflict with France by the French Revolutionary Wars, he formed a series of coalitions with European states against France (1793, 1798, 1805). Pitt responded to demands by radicals for parliamentary reform with repressive measures.
In 1800 he secured the Act of Union with Ireland but resigned in 1801 when his proposal for Catholic emancipation was denied. His second term as premier (1804 – 06) was marked by the collapse of the Third Coalition after the Battles of Ulm and Austerlitz, the news of which weakened his already fragile health.
William Pitt is presented with an impt 5-page 1791 document on British trade
William Pitt is presented with an important 5-page 1791 document on British trade
The author of the document "Mr. Irving to Mr. Pitt" undoubtedly refers to William Pitt. Portions of the document read: "This branch is divided into two distinct Heads namely first the direct Trade of G. Britan Secondly That part of the Trade of the British Colonies and Islands which is not carried on by a direct intercourse with the Mother Country…an extensive view of some of the most Important objects of National concern… I have taken the liberty Sir of troubling you with these remarks, upon the Rates or Estimates in this Office, in order to show that the difference between the value of Imports and Exports is very little to be depended upon, in striking the Balance of Trade, and consequently the Arguments held both in and out of Parliament, and in the voluminous writing of various Authors, upon the subject of commercial Balances, chiefly founded upon the Accounts of the Inspector Generals office. In striking the Balance between this Country & the British West Indies, there are several circumstances to be taken into consideration. To the direct Exports from hence, the value of the Goods exported to Africa ought to be added, because the Slaves purchased with those Goods on the Coast of Guinea are taken off by the West Indies… I forbear making any observation upon our Trade with the States of America… The following account will show the Effect which the restrictions they have put upon our shipping have already had on our carrying Trade to that Country…Prior to the Revolution, the Charges of Collecting the Revenues in France amounted to L 11 17 percent…"
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