Lord Herbert to Joseph Williamson, 10 September. Catalogue ref: SP29/171 f40.
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 has Lord Herbert not received his post?
- What questions does Lord Herbert want answered in reply to his letter?
- Why does he think that Parliament will be delayed from sitting due to the fire?
Transcript
Lord Herbert to Williamson, 10th September 1666
These four last posts I have not received our news since when the reduction of the Great City in fire, the various reports of the fire, whether accidentally or by one native or foreigner, being inhabitant or enemy, and how our fleet has succeeded, for as save few say we are victorious others the contrary; how much of the city and how we shall now make exchange of our commodity and full satisfaction to these queries, [In Latin abbreviation: That is, this] may be a subject of your next letter either from yourself or if you talk to our friend of years to do me the favour, for I could not live such another dark week for the world, and whether our parliament will sit at Westminster or not this hour and whether the day holds being the year end of the Term will be so filled by these of the other now destitute of dwellings I fear their will and am x/concerned(?) for the parliament term and failure yet intended is this winter. I pray Sir fails me not.
I am Your obliging servant.
Herbert
Simplified transcript
I have received nothing since the last four posts, since reports of destruction of the great city by fire. Please let this be the subject of your next letter, for I cannot live such another dark week in the world. I wonder if the fire is caused by accident or natives or foreigners? How much is burnt, has our fleet succeeded and how our trade and exchange of goods can continue? Will Parliament sit at Westminster? Has a day has been fixed as the town will be filled by those made homeless so there will be no room?
Yours humble servant Herbert