| Citation |
MJ.782.052
7 May 1782:32 (9/19 453)
London, January 15. Copy of a letter written by General
Murray, Governor of Minorca, to the Duke de Crillon,
Commander in Chief of the Spanish forces at Mabon.
Fort St. Philips, October 16, 1781,
"Sir, when your brave ancestor was desired by his sovereign
to assassinate the Duke de Guise, he returned the answer
that you should have done when the King of Spain charged you
to assassinate the character of a man whose birth is as
illustrious as your own, or that of the Duke de Guise. I
can have no further communication with you but in arms. If
you have any humanity, pray send cloathing to your
unfortunate prisoners in my possession; leave it at a
distance to be taken up for them, because I will admit of no
contract for the future, but such as is hostile in the most
inveterate degree. I am, Sir, your obedient humble servant,
[signed] James Murray.
"P.S. Your soldiers do not act with that honour they should
do, they having attempted to corrupt one of my drummers
yesterday, who was at your first post."
Answer from the Duke de Crillon.
Mabon, October 16, 1781.
"Sir, your letter places us each in our proper stations; it
confirms me in the esteem I have always had for you. I
accept with pleasure your last proposition, and am your
Excellency's most humble and obedient servant, [signed] B.
B. Duc de Crillon.
"Your drummer should not have mixed himself with the
soldiers from my first post; I shall give orders to punish
those who have committed the offence you complain of. I
sent the cloaths for the prisoners in your possession.
[signed] B. B. Duc de Crillon.
[Editor's note] We are informed that General Murray's
letter was occasioned by an overture from the Duke to be put
in possession of St. Philip's Castle, on a consideration of
two millions of dollars.
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