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Document ReferencePw A 2137/1-2
TitleCopy letter in English and French from 'J. Jons' [James Johnston] to Dr John Hutton, the Hague [Netherlands]; 29 Jan. 1688
Date29 January 1688
Extent4 ff
LevelItem/file
Content DescriptionThe first part of the letter in black ink is in English; comments on the ill health of [Hutton's] aunt and urges him to come as soon as he can, noting that she has not yet made her will and that 'the nearest are best served'.

The major part of the letter is written in 'white ink' [i.e. invisible ink] in French; refers to the lack of letters and urges him not to write until he receives new addresses; refers to problems of security when letters are in the same hand and making use of the same seal; questions the use of seals for such letters and the damage caused when they are opened; instructs him not to send any packets.

Reports that he is informed by Sydney that it has been decided to resolve matters without a parliament; refers to increasing Catholic contempt for the king [James II] and reports that Mrs Melfort 'overheard the priests with her Husband, that they are all for blood'; reports rumours that certain English regiments are to be sent to France and French regiments are to take their place; warns of a serious attempt to remove or kill Burnet; refers to enclosure [not present] of 'Reflexions sur la letter de M. Fagel' and states that he is urged to find out the views of [the Prince of Orange] on this; asks him to send a letter dealing specifically with this.

Copy of Pw A 2138.

Copy made in 1733 and forming part of a bundle of papers sent from Holland to England and referred to in the papers of the 3rd Duke of Portland (Pw F 1261).
LanguageFrench
Termciphers, use of
intelligence, reports
revolutions, Glorious Revolution 1688, preparations
religious affairs, England
political intrigue

Click the links below to view related name indexes

Persons
CodePersonNameDates of existence
NA30377Sydney; Henry (1641-1704); 1st Earl of Romney; styled Viscount Sydney of Shepey 1689-1694; modern spelling Sidney1641-1704
NA31710Drummond; Euphemia (-1743); Countess of Melfort; née Wallace; m. 1680 the Earl of Melfort-1743
NA18601Burnet; Gilbert (1643-1715); Bishop of Salisbury; attended Lord Russell on the scaffold; Bishop of Salisbury 1689-17151643-1715
NA31477Fagel; Gaspard (1629-1688); -; Grand Pensionary of Holland1629-1688
NA1083William III (1650-1702); King of England Scotland and Ireland1650-1702
NA15001James II (1633-1701); King of England Scotland and Ireland; succ. 1685; also styled Duke of York1633-1701
NA30375Johnston; James (1655-1737); 'secretary Johnston'; studied law at Utrecht and sent to prepare way for William of Orange's invasion1655-1737
NA29773Hutton; John (-1712); Dr; 1st physician to Queen Anne; M.P.-1712
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