THE ORDE PAPERS WERE RETURNED TO THE FAMILY IN 2005 AND SOLD AT AUCTION. THEY ARE NOW AT THE BEINECKE RARE BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS LIBRARY, (YALE) USA.

The papers consist of order books and in and out-letterbooks, 1794 to 1798, and 1804 to 1805, as well as a secret order book, 1804 to 1805, and signal books, 1805. There are many letters received, including those from Nelson (q.v.), 1786 to 1805, Earl Howe (q.v.).), 1793 to 1797, Earl St. Vincent (q.v.), 1797 to 1798, Lord Gambier (1756-1833), 1797, Spencer Perceval (1762-1812), 1809 to 1811, and others, particularly concerning Orde's quarrel with St. Vincent. Finally there are prize accounts, 1800 to 1813.

Related Material http://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/beinecke.orde

Administrative / biographical background
Orde entered the Navy in 1766 and served on the Mediterranean, Newfoundland and West Indies Station until he became a lieutenant in 1774. Between 1775 and 1781 he served in American waters, being promoted to both commander and captain in 1778. He became Governor of Dominica in 1783, not returning to the Navy until 1793 when he commanded the Victorious in the Channel Fleet and in the following year, the Venerable. In 1795 he was promoted to flag-rank. After a short period in the Prince George; and Minotaur maintaining the blockade off Cadiz, he flew his flag in the Princess Royal. In 1798, after a dispute with Earl St. Vincent, he was sent home. He was unemployed until 1804 when he commanded the squadron blockading Cadiz in the glory, withdrawing to join the Channel Fleet when the Toulon Fleet escaped. He saw no further active service. From 1807 until 1812 Orde was Member of Parliament for Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.