Lansdowne, William Petty, Marquis of, 1737-1805
Biography
William Petty, 1st Marquess of Lansdowne, KG, PC was an Irish-born British Whig statesman who was the first Home Secretary in 1782 and then Prime Minister in 1782–83 during the final months of the American War of Independence. He succeeded in securing peace with America and this feat remains his most notable legacy.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
William Petty Papers
These papers present plans for the management of the Indians of North America submitted for the consideration of the Earl of Shelburne. Included are proposals for taking the Island of New Orleans and re-taking the Province of West Florida (1780). Two memorials deal with the merchants trading in South Carolina and Georgia, and relate to lands ceded by the Creek and Cherokee Indians for the purpose of discharging their debts to the traders.