Between 1892 and 1927, the Historic Manuscripts Commission published ten volumes of transcripts of manuscripts in the possessions of J.B. Fortescue of Dropmore. The majority of documents are letters to William Wyndham Grenville. Historians usually refer to this series as Fortescue but some use Dropmore. 

Fortescue 1892-1927. Historic Manuscripts Commission: The Manuscripts of J.B. Fortescue, Esq. preserved at Dropmore. Volumes 1-10. London: HMSO.

• Nugent Buckingham: Letters on His Desire for a Dukedom

A Feast at Stowe: 1789

15 October 1789. HMC Fortescue 1, 433. Letter from Nugent Buckingham at Stowe to William Wyndham Grenville

On Thursday, which was the day that the post brought us the joyful news, I obeyed your commands; and flatter myself it was done not only according to the letter but also to the spirit of them. Our ox, accompanied by loaves, was divided regularly to above two thousand people; the rest was a scramble as you may imagine, though, considering that we were not sparing of our beer, there was very little riot. The north front was very thoroughly illuminated; that, with the ox roasting in front, made a grand shew, and all the quality of Buckingham came to see it. As I had a hint that might be the case, I had provided accordingly, which all ended with an impromptu dance in the dining room. All the fat would have been in the fire, however, if old Woodward and Parrot had not perceived that the Corporation (who mean to give a fete on Thursday next) had cast an envy on our ox, who happened to be double the size of the one they had provided. It has therefore been decided in our privy council that an ox of the proper size be given to them. All that I am anxious for is that whatever fault I commit in my regency may be of the right side.