Letters to and from Col. William Legge, transcribed from the originals in the possession of William Fourth Earl of Dartmouth, 1816-1817

Manuscripts, in a single hand, containing copies of 373 letters arranged in chronological order and dated between 1641 and 1688, and extra-illustrated with many prints and drawings, primarily engraved portraits of the correspondents. The letters in the first volume are addressed to William Legge, and mainly discuss political and military activities, including tactics during the English Civil War; correspondents include Sir William Davenant and King Charles I. This volume also contains numerous letters concerning the marriage negotations of John Butler, 1st Earl of Gowran, the son of the Duke of Ormonde

The letters are annotated in red ink. The work is prefaced by a letter to William, 4th Earl of Dartmouth, by Bagot, Dartmouth's relative

The second volume contains letters addressed to Legge's son, George Legge, 1st Baron Dartmouth, which primarily concern political affairs. Many letters are from James II, which refer to his exile and his attempts to return to England. Others mention the Rye House Plot; congratulate Dartmouth on becoming Master of the Ordinance; and discuss opposition to King Charles II. Several letters request Dartmouth's help in releasing Philip, Baron Wharton from the Tower

The third volume contains letters addressed to Baron Dartmouth, which primarily concern preparations for a naval resistance to the expected invasion by William, Prince of Orange. Letters include instructions from the Admiralty naming Dartmouth an Admiral of the fleet and instructing him to oppose William's landing; and letters from James II and Samuel Pepys providing rumors and information on the movements of William's fleet

The fourth volume contains 98 letters (copies) to and from George Legge, 1st baron Dartmouth, 1648-1691. Followed by papers written by Lord Dartmouth during his confinement in the Tower of London, and an appendix