State Papers Online – Part III
A Resource for Spanish History
State Papers Online is an online archive of English/British State documents from the 17th
century. The range of documents is enormous and covers trade relations and rivalries between
Spain and England. William III’s letters to Charles II of Spain, the War of the Spanish
succession and exploration in the West Indies are covered in the large numbers of
manuscripts.
Searches performed on the subject of ‘Spain’_____________________________________
Search on Full text: “Spain”= 2824 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Spanish”= 2349 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Spain War”= 145 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Spain and Jamaica”= 74 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “King of Spain”= 843 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Queen of Spain”= 62 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Spanish King”= 154 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “King Charles”= 84 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “King Philip”= 121 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Don Carlos”= 49 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Madrid”= 241 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Catalonia”= 42 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Barcelona”= 45 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Seville”= 59 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Cadiz”= 854 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Majorca”= 41 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Spanish Armada”= 35 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Castile”= 36 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “Gibraltar”= 69 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Full text: “West Indies”= 537 hits in entries with manuscripts
Search on Language: “Spanish”= 71 hits in entries with manuscripts
Full text searches on Spain and other aspects of 17th -century Spanish history include the
following titles with manuscripts:
Spain______________________________________________________________________
“List [by Thos. Wilford, President of the
Spanish Merchants Company] of the
commodities of merchandise interchanged
between England, Spain, and Portugal, and of
those imported from Spain” (May 21? 1604)
SP 14/8 f.68
“Regulations for preventing abuses in the
Narrow Seas and ports of England, by
hostilities committed therein between the
vessels of Spain and the United Provinces, now
at war with each other” (1604) SP 14/11 f.93
List of the commodities of merchandise interchanged
between England, Spain, and Portugal, and of those
imported from Spain
SP 14/8 f.68
“Bill to enable the subjects of England and Wales to
trade freely into the dominions of Spain, Portugal,
and France” (March 29 1606) SP 14/19 f.175
“Sir Ferdinando Gorges to Salisbury” (May 2 1608)
SP 14/32 f.54
Escape of Capt. Challoner out of Spain. Bad feeling of
the Spaniards towards England.
“Opinions in reference to suitable alliances for the
Prince of Wales and Princess Elizabeth” (1611)
SP 14/67 f.109
Bill to enable the subjects of England and Wales to
trade freely into the dominions of Spain, Portugal,
and France, 1606
SP 14/19 f. 175
Danger of encouraging Popery by introducing a daughter
of Savoy or Spain into England. The Prince of Piedmont
an unequal match for the Princess, unless the King of
Spain will give him the duchy of Milan on his marriage,
which is not likely, as that King is said to want her for
himself She could not marry him without changing her
religion, and such a marriage would be dangerous to the
two that are between her and the Crown.
“Petition of the Merchant Adventurers to the King”
(Dec? 1618) SP 14/104 f.95
Against the proposed introduction of base or copper
money, which has proved injurious in Spain and Germany, and would do so in
England, by disturbing public credit, and driving way merchant strangers, &c.
“Memoranda addressed to the Council of inconveniences from suffering too great
quantities of corn to be carried at one time into Spain” (1620) SP 14/118 f.235
“Statement [by Sir Thos. Wilson]” ([undated] 1621?) SP 14/124 f.230
Of the advisability of printing a gazette of news in England, as already done in
Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
“Reasons agreed on by the two Houses of Parliament, to fortify their advice to the King
to break off all treaty with Spain” (March 5 1624) SP 14/160 f.42 95
The request made by Spain of a general connivance at Popery in England; the
increase, during the treaties, of Jesuits and priests, depending on Spain as much as
Rome; the advantage taken thereof to oppress Protestantism, and deprive the King's
son-in-law of all his dominions, and the indignity done to the Prince in Spain, in
importuning him to forsake his religion; with statement of the particulars on which is
grounded the charge of insincerity against Spain.
“Geo. Carleton, Bp. of Chichester, to the Carleton” (May 3? 1624) SP 14/164 f.19
Always expected a war with Spain, unless one party converted the other. The contest
will become most important, and will be a war of Papists against Protestants; as the
fall of Rome is prophesied in Scripture, and not that of England, hopes that England
will prevail.
“Discourse upon the mischievous designs of Komanists against England, the probability
that Spain is now projecting a descent upon England or Ireland” (Sept? 1624) SP 14/172
f.107
“Note of jewels lately brought from Spain”(Nov 1 1624) SP 14/174 f.9
“Project to annoy Spain” ([undated]1624?) SP 14/180 f.85
By keeping a fleet of 40 vessels constantly on the coast; arguing the importance of
seizing a seaport, either in Barbary or one of the Mediterranean islands, as a
storehouse for victuals, provisions
“Notes of foreign intelligence” ([Sept?] 1625) SP 16/521 f.317
War proclaimed in Spain, 12th May, against England, Scotland, and Ireland, yet
freedom of trade to the Irish and Scottish so as they coloured not English goods. The
King [of Spain] to be at Madrid, 16th May, to receive the Pope's nephew; thence to
Lisbon with him to see the fleet of 200 sail. Thirty gallions to waft the West Indian
fleet, which brought a double proportion. The seamen of Ireland and many English
pilots and others go for Spain.
“Statement of reasons in favour of the expedition against Spain, preserved amongst the
Conway Papers” ([Aug]1625) SP 16/521 f.209
“The King's reply to the petition of the Commons” (1621) SP 14/124 f.55
Blames their meddling with the Spanish match, to which he now stands pledged, and
also with the conduct of the war, when they were only called to advise upon supplies,
and accuses them of usurping undue powers, and of reflecting on the King of Spain.
“Warrant to pay to Sebastian de Riviere 60l., for carrying a packet into Spain” (Nov 16
1623) SP 14/214 f.50
“Observations on the proceedings with Spain, since the commencement of the Bohemian
war” (1624) SP 14/160 f.11
“Estimate of money required to defray the charges of the Cadiz expedition and
incidental expenses of the war with Spain” (1625) SP 16/521 f.316
The subsidizing of the King of Denmark and Count Mansfeldt Totals of the cost of
the Cales [Cadiz] fleet and army, 313,547l. 13s. 3d.; for the second fleet, 107,306l.
7s.
“Suggestions for the employment of a land army in war time [against Spain]” (May 7
1626) SP 16/523 f.186
“Règlement for ships passing or trading in the Narrow Seas or any of his Majesty's
ports” (1633-4) SP 16/260 f.254
Copy of a draft of a proposed royal declaration prohibiting acts of war between
ships of Spain and Holland within the ports and roads of the Narrow Seas,
“commonly called the “Four English Seas.”
“Notes concerning the mode in which letters are conveyed to and from England,
Flanders, and Spain” ([undated] 1629?) SP 16/154
f.125
“Sec. Nicholas to Jos. Jane” (Sept 28/ Oct 8 1655)
SP 18/100 f.354
Cromwell has told the merchants in England
that the King of Spain has declared war
against the English… All English ships and
goods are seized in Spain, 32 being arrested
at Malaga and Cadiz. Blake is in the river
of Lisbon to victual, and then join with
some Portuguese ships against Spain.
“Holland's representation, or the Dutchman's
looking glass, wherein he may see the inevitable
ruin attending his ingratitude to the British
nation, if not speedily prevented by his just
satisfaction and humble.submission to the King of
England.” (1666?) SP 29/187/2 f.139
A wood-cut by R. Gaywood, representing
Holland in the form of a cow-fed by Charles
II., mounted by the King of Spain, the
King of Denmark, Bishop of Munster,
Holland's representation, or the Dutchman's
looking glass, wherein he may see the inevitable
ruin attending his ingratitude to the British nation,
if not speedily prevented by his just satisfaction
SP 29/187/2 f.139
Louis XIV., &c, surrounding her.In verse, printed by T. J. for F. K., at the Prince's
Arms, Chancery Lane:—
Inc. “What may this emblem mean? A cow with kings?
A mitred prince?—These are mysterious things.”
“Certificate by S. Pepys that a pass was granted, pursuant to the Treaty marine with
Spain and the United Provinces, to the Jonas of London dated 6 Sept., 1676” (1677) SP
29/396 f.83
“S. Pepys to William Blathwayt” (Nov 27
1677) SP 29/397 f.267
Trade from Italy and Portugal and the south
of France and Spain is mostly in
commodities which by the said Act are to be
imported in English-built shipping or
foreign-built shipping belonging to England
S. Pepys to William Blathwayt
SP 29/397 f.267
“Note of Proceedings in Regard to the
War with France and Spain” (June 1702)
SP 34/1 f.78
Orders issued to the Treasury, Admiralty and
Warden of the Cinque Ports for laying an embargo on all ships and vessels within any
of the ports of the Kingdom.
“An abstract of British prisoners in Spain” (Aug 23 1710) SP 34/19
“Extract of the regulation of trade with Spain” (undated) SP 34/28 f.201
“Proclamation issued by Henry, Earl of Galway and General—in—Chief of the queen's
troops in Spain and Portugal” (undated) SP 34/33 f.262
Stating the nature of rewards and incentives to be offered to dissenting Spanish
soldiers leaving the service of the French to fight with the English
King of Spain_______________________________________________________________
“Proclamation, with certain ordinances, to be observed by his Majesty's subjects
toward the King of Spain” (1605) SP 14/73 f.63
“Petition of merchants trading to Malaga in Spain to the King” (1605) SP 14/12 f.105
To order Thos. Stanton to be sent home, to answer for his interference in inducing the
King of Spain to levy an imposition upon them.
“Detail [by Levinus Munck, corrected by Salisbury,]” (1605) SP 14/21 f.8
Of the secret negotiations of Guy Faukes and Rob. Winter with the King of Spain
and Constable of Castile, to induce them to support the Catholic cause, on the
accession of James I. States that nothing was proved, from any of the examinations,
inculpating any foreign prince in the Gunpowder Plot.
“The King of Spain to Julian Sanches de Ulloa” (1618) SP 14/99 f.168
“Order in Council, made on the above application of Diego de Castro Cortasar, showing
that he had come over for satisfaction, on a promise thereof made by the King to the
King of Spain” (1621) SP 14/123 f.33
“Chamberlain to Carleton” (1621) SP 14/120 f.160
Some say the King of Spain, on his death-bed, bequeathed his daughter to the
Emperor's son, others, to our Prince.
“Speech by Colonel Cecil in the House of Commons” (Feb 5 1621) SP 14/119 f.118
Danger resulting to England from
the ambition of the King of Spain,
who aspires to universal monarchy,
pushes his arms abroad, and has the
connivance of Papists at home;
necessity of providing against it by
raising forces for foreign service,
and strengthening defences at home.
“Proposition [by the Spanish
Ambassadors] for a proclamation
notifying the King's intention of
strengthening his alliance with Spain, by
the marriage of the Prince” (Aug 2? 1623)
SP 14/150 f.18
“Journal, &c. of the manner of the
arrival and magnificent entertainment
given to the Prince of Great Britain by
the King of Spain” (April? 1623) SP
14/143 f.137
Journal, &c. of the manner of the arrival and magnificent
entertainment given to the Prince of Great Britain by the King
of Spain
SP 14/143 f.137
“Poem, by Sir Hen. Goodere” (May 17 1623) SP 14/145 f.19
On the Prince's journey to Spain, defending it against those who impugn it on the
grounds of the national hatred between the countries, of the toleration to Popery
likely to arise from the match, of the secrecy of the undertaking, &c., wishing a
speedy and happy return to him, in company with his bride.
Poem, by Sir Hen. Goodere With an epistle dedicatory to the Prince
SP 14/145 f.19
“Speech of Sir Ben. Rudyard in the House of Commons” (March 1 1624) SP 14/160 f.20
The King of Spain has verified the proverb that a Kings daughters are so many ways
to deceive his neighbours. The match is injurious to the State, for since the treaty
began, the Palatinate and almost all Protestantism abroad are lost, and much Papistry
sprung up at home. To proceed with the treaty would only subject us to more abuse,
and entangle us in a net.
“Names of the King of Spain's subjects prisoners in England” (Dec 13 1626) SP 16/41
f.138
“Narrative of the course of public affairs in England, from the entry into the treaties
with Spain for the marriage of the present King, and the restoration of the Palatinate,
until the present time” (Feb 28 1626) SP 16/21 f.127
Written with the view of disabusing the public mind of various prevalent “jealousies,
rumours, and misinterpretations” respecting the conduct of the King and the Duke of
Buckingham.
“Francis Lord Cottington to Sir Henry Vane” (1632) SP 16/223 f.125
The Court mourns for the death of Don Carlos, the King of Spain's brother, but
rejoices at the “atonement” made in France between the King and his brother
“Printed bill, which announces that the Count de la Tour and Tassis, General
Hereditary of the Post of the Emperor and of the King of Spain in his Low Countries,
Burgundy, &c., undertakes not” (1637) SP 16/375 f.47
“Articles of peace, intercourse, and commerce,
concluded between Charles I. and Philip IV., of
Spain” (1630) SP 16/175 f.44
“The King to the Empress” (Dec 17 1641) SP
16/486 f.133
Letter of condolence on the untimely death of the
Infante of Spain, her Majesty's brother
“The King of Spain to Admiral Robt. Blake”
(Nov 14/24 1650) SP 18/11 f.121
I have given orders in all my ports that you shall
always find satisfaction, and wish the Parliament to
receive the same from me, in all things.
Printed bill, which announces that the Count de la
Tour and Tassis, General Hereditary of the Post of
the Emperor and of the King of Spain in his Low
Countries, Burgundy, &c., undertakes not
SP 16/375 f.47
“T. Ross to [Sec. Nicholas.]” (Feb 29 1655) SP
18/124 f.224
I am glad to find your firm hope of the King of
Spain's shortly entertaining the King. I hope your
opinion is better founded than that in England that Cromwell would come to a
composition if he could, notwithstanding the bustle he makes.
“Secretary Boyle to Lieut Gen [James] Stanhope” (1709) SP 34/11 f.25
He has full powers to conclude the treaty with the king of Spain giving possession of
Minorca to the queen
“Tho[mas] Macarty to Earl of Dartmouth, from London. On his sufferings since leaving
King Philip [of Spain's] service in obedience to HM's proclamations, and praying for
future employment” (1714) SP 34/18 f.119
King Charles II of Spain______________________________________________________
“The King of Spain to the King” (1691) SP 8/9 f.192
Thanks him for his letter of the 14th June, testifying his zeal for the public good, and
particularly in respect of the crown of Spain, which had already been declared to the
writer by Lord [Don] Francis Schomberg in King William's name.
“Queen Marianne [second wife of King Charles II. of Spain] to William III” (1696) SP
8/16 f.189
I do not cease to declare myself in favour of peace; the King [of Spain] has given all
possible orders and instructions to that end.
“Marianne, Queen of Spain, to the King” (Feb 19/March 1 1697) SP 8/16 f.595
Ill health prevents her writing as frequently
as she would. She never doubts but that the
King's clear views and inalterable
constancy will provide the succour of
which both kingdoms now stand in need.
The greatest fear, at the moment, is as
regards Catalonia; the least advantage
gained there by the enemy would be
equally prejudicial to England and Spain.
“Charles II, King of Spain to the King”
(March 4/14 1697) SP 8/16 f.641
With regard to the assistance of troops
promised him by England.
“Charles II., King of Spain, to the King,
as to the appointment of a Governor of
the Low Countries” (1697) SP 8/10 f.96
Charles II, King of Spain to the King
SP 8/16 f.641
“King Charles II of Spain to William III,
congratulating him on the success of the
Allies” (1697) SP 8/17 f.55
Spanish____________________________________________________________________
“Opinion against a Spanish match for the Princess of England as dangerous to the life of
the King” (1611) SP 14/67 f.111
Also against Italian matches, either for the Prince or Princess, arguing that she should
marry into Protestant Germany, and naming the Palatine house as most suitable.
“List of the Priests confined in. various prisons in England, all of whom the King has
consented to deliver to the Spanish Ambassador” (June 5 1618) SP 14/97 f.246
“Sec. Naunton to Lord Admiral Buckingham” (Sept 28 1621) SP 14/122 f.250
Ships of war are prepared at Dieppe, St. Malo, and other French ports, which are to
be joined by Spanish vessels and to attack Ireland, in order to divert the King from
sending succour to Rochelle.
“Reasons conceived by Spanish instruments for liberty of “Popery in England.” (1631)
SP 16/205 f.163
“[Don Alonso de Cardenas,] Spanish Ambassador, to the King” (1641) SP 16/485 f.173
Oblige me to represent to your Majesty the great grievance and prejudice I have
received by the Parliament infringing the right of Ambassadors and the public faith
under which, and your royal protection, I ought to enjoy all assurance, by a suspicion
impeaching my upright intentions and the sincerity I have always professed and
endeavoured to demonstrate in whatever concerns your royal service, and the
conveniences of your kingdom.
“Account of 244 bags of Spanish or Segovia cloth wools received by 3 several vessels
from Weymouth” (1644) SP 16/502 f.111
“List of 10 Spanish officers and 112 soldiers who are prisoners in England, with their
places of abode” (1656) SP 18/131 f.194
Trade with Spain____________________________________________________________
“Petition from the English merchants trading to Spain and Portugal to the Council for
redress” (1605) SP 14/16 f.205
They complain of the injuries they receive in their trade, and of their persecutions for
religion, contrary to treaty.
“Statement of “the good that may ensue” by incorporation of the English merchants
trading into Spain and Portugal; with suggestions for their government” (1605) SP 14/12
f.108
“Treatise by Edw. Bennett on the inconveniences of importing tobacco from Spain”
([undated]1622?) SP 14/135 f.118
It is the chief cause of the scarcity of corn and bullion in England, 60,000l. being
spent yearly in its purchase, and English goods fallen 20 per cent, in the Spanish
markets.
“Statement of the amount of Customs on exports and imports in the trade to Spain,
Portugal, and the Islands, for the past year. Total 69,898l. 2s. 4d” (Dec 25 1623) SP
14/156 f.3
“Sir Sackville Trevor to Buckingham” (June 3 1627) SP 16/62 f.87
Reports arrangement: made for stopping the contraband traffic between Hamburgh
and Spain.
“Propositions for defence of the kingdom by sea in the handwriting of W. Chesterman,
Clerk to Secretary Conway” (1628) SP 16/529 f.107
The first squadron to lie off and on, near the Western Islands and as high as the
Canaries for [the intercepting of] Brazil men-of-war, the Caracs and Plate fleet. The
second at the Southern Cape and as low as the Groyne, for capture of ships going in
or out of Spain or Portugal
“Petition of English merchants who trade to Spain to the King” (1632) SP 16/229 f.30
Care was taken by his Majesty's Commissioners in the late treaty of peace with
Spain, that commerce should be free for the King's subjects in the King of Spain's
dominions.
“Clause proposed for insertion in the treaty with Spain that English manufactures be
not esteemed contraband; that the certificates of their ships be credited” (1665) SP
29/139 f.133
“Considerations offered to Parliament against the Bill to reduce interest from 6 to 4%
per annum”(1698) SP 32/13 f.237
The natives themselves
will send their money
into Spain or other
countries, where
interest is greater, and
securities less
hazardous.
“Commissioners for trade and
plantations to Hedges” (1704)
SP 34/5 f.181
Proposals offered by
Hedges for making
practicable a trade to
and from Spain by the
subjects of England,
and from which so
many benefits will
manifestly accrue.
Chart of the Western coast of Europe. before 1600
© The British Library Board.
Madrid____________________________________________________________________
“Brief account of the arrival of the Prince at Madrid, and of his reception and
entertainment [similar in substance to the printed relation]” (1623) SP 14/143 f.157181
“The first number of the Intelligencer,—News from Copenhagen of Count Uhlfeldt's
conspiracy; from Amsterdam, Madrid, and Paris” (1663) SP 29/79 f.180
“Sir William Hodges to [?], from Winchester Street.” (1710) SP 34/13 f.56
On behalf of Francis Arther, a merchant in Madrid who desires a recommendation
from Lord Dartmouth for protection, as King Philip is about to leave Madrid 1710
Sept 22
Barcelona__________________________________________________________________
“Richard Gibson to the Navy Commissioners” (1671) SP 29/299 f.149
We hear from Marlia [Marseilles ?] that six galleys and ten ships are arming there for
the relief of Barcelona, and are commanded in chief by Capt. Ferere, a famous thief,
that has done much mischief to our nation in burning the Talent and taking other
ships, and now intends the like ruin to any of our ships.
“R. Yard to the “My Lord Ambassador” Williamson” (1697) SP 32/7 f.83
I believe we must prepare ourselves to hear that Barcelona is taken, or a neutrality
agreed on for Catalonia.
“Another news-letter to the “Lord Ambassador” Williamson” (1697) SP 32/7 f.152
We received news from Madrid by letters of the 16th ult., old style, that the King of
Spain was perfectly well again, and that the Spaniards had a very good opinion of
their affairs in Catalonia, and seemed very confident of saving Barcelona.
“News-letter” (1697) SP 32/8 f.7
The Spanish Alliance had that morning arrived with one mail from Corunna in four
days. She brings news from Madrid that the King of Spain, in order to put a stop to
the murmurs of the people occasioned by the surrender of Barcelona, had resolved
in council to march in person to Sarragossa. To that end 1,500 foot and 500 horse
were being raised in Madrid
Seville_____________________________________________________________________
“A True Relation how the
Catholic King James draws his
subjects to the Knowledge of the
Holy Faith,” (1606) SP 14/24 f.93
Spanish poem by Juan de
Goday, with two other short
“romances” on similar
subjects appended.
“William Purnel [a priest from
Seville in Spain] to his brother
Thos. Purnel” (1625) SP 16/4 f.102
A second letter of
View of Seville 1595?
exhortation to embrace the
© The British Library Board.
true Catholic faith. Reasons
which induced the writer to make change of his religion.
“Petition of James Stonehouse to the King:— (1626) SP 16/32 f.147
Having lost his ship, the Elizabeth Margaret, by going into Seville, not knowing of
the breach of peace, he prays to be allowed to purchase the Fortune, an old Flemishbuilt prize lying at Deptford, near the Dock, on favourable terms.
“Warrant to the Commissioners of Customs to permit Edw. Back-well to export Mexico,
Seville, and Spanish coin, to the value of 27,658l., custom free” (1656) SP 25/77 f.385
“Certificate by the Mint officers” (1656-7) SP 18/154 f.74
Authorizing the Master of the Mint, to receive of Mr. Maynard by weight the money
that came from Portugal, that there were delivered 133,642¾ pieces of 8 in Seville
and Mexico money, weighing 9,601 lbs. 9 oz.
“Sir W. Clarke to Williamson” (1665) SP 29/137 f.18
From Seville the account of the Tangiers fleet is that seven Dutch men-of-war met 17
English merchantmen with one galley, which engaged the Dutch till most of the
vessels got into harbour
“Hugh Salesbury to Williamson” (1670) SP 29/275 f.11
Capt. Kempthorne, in the Mary Rose, has parsed the Isle of Wight with Lord
Howard's retinue, and convoyed several English and Dutch merchant ships, one of
which, laden with oranges and lemons from Seville, has put in here, having sprung a
leak.
Jamaica and the West Indies__________________________________________________
“Sec. Conway to the English Colonels with Mansfeldt” (Jan 26 1625) SP 14/214 f.97
Sends the declaration touching Mansfeldt's passage; they are in no other way to
attempt anything
against the King of
Spain's dominions.
“The King to
Attorney General
Heath” (April 17
1627) SP 16/60 f.61
Warrant to prepare
such an enlargement
of the commission
granted to the Earl
of Warwick, as
would authorize him
to invade and
possess any of the
dominions of the
King of Spain
Map of Central America and West Indies. before 1600
© The British Library Board.
“Petition of
English merchants
who trade to Spain to the King” ([undated]1632?) SP 16/229 f.30
Care was taken by his Majesty's Commissioners in the late treaty of peace with
Spain, that commerce should be free for the King's subjects in the King of Spain's
dominions. Petitioners set forth a variety of cases of exaction and interference
contrary to the agreed freedom of traffic. They complain that the Government takes
all goods belonging to any person dying in Spain
“Declaration of the Protector” (Nov 29 1655) SP 18/101 f.370
The King of Spain has lately seized English ships and goods, without the 6 months
notice agreed upon by the treaty of peace in 1630 to be given in case of war, having
not only exercised for many years great cruelties to the English in Barbadoes, but
now made preparations for war, and ordered the seizure of English ships; therefore an
universal embargo, seizure, and reprisals have been issued against the said King and
his subjects, and his Highness entreats all Princes in amity with him to restrain their
subjects from sending, lending, or selling to the said King any arms or instruments of
war. As the law of nations allows all such to be treated as contraband, they will be
seized after due notice, and forfeited on proof that they were intended for Spain.
“—— to his brother, Tho. Everard, Norwich” (March 19 1661) SP 29/32 f.203
All Papists are to be turned out of employment. Hears that the King will keep Jamaica
and Dunkirk, which will be a great check to the Popish party. There is fear of war
with Spain.
“[H. Muddiman] to Thos. Bond, haberdasher” (June 9 1670) SP 29/276 f.123
It is reported that a vessel from London, not finding any trade at Jamaica, went to
South Cams near Mantanella for trade; finding a Spanish man-of-war, the master
sent his mate aboard to inform him that he had merely come to trade, and meant
nothing hostile; but the Spanish commander kept the mate, and the next morning
fell upon the English ship, and after a close fight, took her, killing the master and
most of his men; the Spaniard had 36 killed, and 30 wounded
“News-letter to Mr. John Davies at Hertford” (July 1 1671) SP 29/291 f.143
Jamaica letters of 15 April, advise that the fleet of “pirateers,” under the command of
General Morgan, sailed in December from the Isle of Vaca in High Spaniola
(Hispaniola), with 34 sail of small vessels and above 2,000 men
“P. Bowles to William Blathwait, Secretary of War” (Dec 27 1689) SP 32/2 f.136
A list of the ships that make up the squadron for the Leeward Islands, Barbadoes,
and Jamaica.
“Remarks and queries by the South Sea Company on a certain contract, and the king of
Spain's licences for two ships to go to the northern ports of the Spanish West Indies”
([July 17]1713?) SP 34/21 f.154
Gibraltar___________________________________________________________________
“Instructions for management of the ship and crew”(May 29 1621) SP 14/121 f.126
They are to proceed, in company with the Dreadnought, to join Sir Robt. Mansell's
Fleet at Gibraltar
“Commanders of 14 merchant vessels off Gibraltar to Capt. Teddeman” (Aug 7 1660)
SP 29/10 f.92
“Petition of Peter Skinner to queen [Anne]” (undated) SP 34/35 f.35
As secretary to the Prince of Hesse, he was sent to Gibraltar to report on the
garrison, but was arrested by one Pickering for a debt, and so prays for release Anne
“Copy of the instructions to Col Joseph Bennet, engineer, for the fortification of
Gibraltar” (1710 June 19) SP 34/12 f.137
Claire Napoli for Julia de Mowbray, Publisher, June 2010
Please contact Julia de Mowbray with any questions (julia.demowbray@cengage.com)