Description
This collection consists of 195 pieces
of business, diplomatic, and personal correspondence and accounts primarily accumulated by
English civil servant William Blathwayt (1649-1717) during his service as a clerk in The
Hague (1668-1672) and his tour of Europe in 1672, with some items dated 1682 and a few
pieces relating to colonies in East and West Indies. Approximately twenty items are secret
diplomatic correspondence and intelligence reports from agents throughout Europe, dating
from 1720 to 1734 (after Blathwayt's death).
Background
English politician and administrator William Blathwayt (1649-1717) was one of the most
distinguished civil servants of his time. Blathwayt was born in London, England, in 1649.
Beginning in 1665, he attended the Middle Temple and in 1668 entered public life as clerk in
the embassy of Sir William Temple at The Hague (1668-1672). The Embassy was established with
the purpose of implementing the Triple Alliance (1668) and was closed in 1672, following the
secret treaty between Charles II and Louis XIV (1670) and the outbreak of the Third
Anglo-Dutch War (1672). In 1672, Blathwayt toured Germany and Italy, before returning to
England.
Extent
3.5 Linear Feet
(3 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.