John Lysle to Joseph Williamson, 8 September 1666, from West Cowes, Isle of Wight. Catalogue ref: SP 29/170 f.155.
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’.
- What is John Lyle’s attitude towards (a) the fire of London (b) the Dutch?
- What does his letter reveal about the difficulties of receiving information via the post?
Transcript
West Cowes the 9 September 1666
Much Honoured Sir,
Since my last unto you of the 5th instant, I have not heard anything from you which I conceive is in regards of the present distractions about the unhappy fire in London of which we have no certain intelligence come to this Island, as yet we are all amazed to think of what the issue of it is or will be.
…..
Seamen since the fire at London are extremely rampant and outrageous as well as landmen for revenge upon the enemy and not without just cause. The Lord be our comfort and stand by us if any sudden things should happen to advise you. It would be very necessary that a post warrant be sent done to compel expresses other ways no Boatmen or postmaster will take notice but by the ordinary post. I hope to hear good news from you and by … shall send what passes and assure you that I am,
Your most unfeigned Humble and devoted servant
John Lysle.
Simplified transcript
I have not heard anything from you since the 5th September, which I conclude is due to present difficulties caused by the fire, which have no definite information on the Island [Isle of Wight] we are all concerned what tis the cause of the fire and what its consequences will be.
Since the fire at London, seamen and landmen are keen for revenge upon our enemy [the Dutch] and not without just cause. May the Lord comfort and stand by us. If there is an emergency, or anything we need to know, it will be necessary issue a post warrant for an express delivery otherwise boatmen or postmasters will just send letters in the ordinary post. I hope to hear good news from you. Be assured you that I am, your most unfeigned Humble and devoted servant.
John Lysle