M. Scott to Joseph Williamson, 9 September 1666, 4pm Berwick, Northumberland, Catalogue ref: SP 29/171 f.2
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’.
- How has the lack of post in Berwick, Northumberland affected the people there?
- Can you explain the meaning of the ‘ships in the air’ seen by some soldiers on guard?
Transcript
Berwick the 9 September,1666 at 4 of the o ’Clock in the afternoon.
Sir
As yet the post that usually comes here on the Saturday morning weekly, if not arrived which breeds great fears and doubts that the late fire (which a gentleman that came past here on Thursday last reported he saw much of it) hath done great destruction. There is no men in these parts only there are some soldiers that relate this morning they being on the guard see the likeness of abundance of ships in the air which is taken to be but their strong imaginations.
Your servant,
M. Scott
Simplified transcript
Sir
Usually, the post comes here on the Saturday morning each week, but it has not arrived which brings us great fears and doubts. A gentleman that came here on Thursday last reported that he saw that the fire had caused great destruction. There are some soldiers whilst on guard this morning state that they saw many ships in the air- which is taken to be their overactive imaginations!
Your servant,
M. Scott