The Polwarth Papers A Commentary upon the Historical Manuscripts Commissions Report (1911–1931

Abstract

Alexander Hume-Campbell, Lord Polwarth, the third son and subsequently the successor of the first Earl of March-mont, belonged to a family which had earned Whig patronage by sufferings in the Whig cause under the later Stewarts. Like many other ambitious politicians, he began his public career in diplomacy. He was sent to Copenhagen in 1716 as Minister Plenipotentiary, and was later raised to the rank of Ambassador. He remained at the Danish capital, without any leave of absence, till 1721, and took an active part in bringing about the reconciliation of Denmark with Sweden, which was one of the most difficult tasks undertaken by British diplomacy in its endeavour to put an end to the long war in Northern Europe. After a short period of leave at home, he was sent to the Congress of Cambray as joint British plenipotentiary with Lord Whit worth. In accordance with the extraordinary custom that prevailed in those days, he carried away with him the official and private letters, both originals and copies, which he had amassed during his two missions. These papers were for a long time stored at the family home, Mertoun House in Berwickshire, but have recently and very properly been transferred to H.M. Register House in Edinburgh. The Historical Manuscripts Commission have issued three volumes of these valuable papers under the editorship of the Rev. Henry Paton. The first volume appeared in 1911, the second in 1916, and the third in 1931. It is understood that two more 243 volumes are to be published.