P. Manton from Barnstaple to Jospeh Williamson, 11 September 1666. Catalogue ref: SP 29/171 f56.
Joseph Williamson (1633-1701) was the Under-Secretary of State 1660-74 and Keeper of the State Papers which he reorganised from 1661-1701. He also started the ‘Oxford Gazette’ at the time of the Great Plague in 1665, which later became established as the ‘London Gazette’.
- Why did Manton write this letter?
- What does he believe about the cause of the fire?
- Why was the town of Barnstaple under armed guard
Transcript
Barnstaple
My desire at present (though in a most distracted time) is to beg a line or two from you: How and by what faction the city was fired and how for the future (if not to Master Hickes? at the weather office). I shall direct my letters to you: we are here in Arms and heap very strict guards by our trained band hearing that the plot was not only for London but the destruction of all cities and towns in England, such a word in answerance being craved and heartily respected presented is all from
Yours most obliged,
P. Manaton
Simplified transcript
My current desire is to beg a line or two of you, even in this most distracted time: how and by who was the city fired and what of the future? I shall direct my letters to you: we are here in arms and are keeping strict guard, hearing that the plot was not only for London but for the destruction of all the principal cities and towns in England, such a word or answer from you being craved an respected at this time.
P. Manaton