Southwell , Edward , 1671-1730 , statesman Southwell , Sir , Robert , 1635-1702 , Knight , diplomat Blathwayt , William , ? 1649-1717 , statesman Finch , Daniel , 1647-1730 , 2nd Earl of Nottingham , 7th Earl of Winchilsea , statesman

Sir Robert Southwell (1635-1702), who was appointed Clerk to the Commission of Prizes in 1664 and, as well as holding diplomatic posts, became Principal Secretary of State for Ireland in 1690. His son Edward Southwell (1671-1730) succeeded him in the latter post. There are also papers of William Blathwayt, Secretary at War (1649?-1717), whose daughter married Edward Southwell in 1717. Since the Southwells and Blathwayt were often abroad, many of these letters are from the Secretary of State at home, who was for the greater part of the time Daniel Finch, Earl of Nottingham (1647-1730), giving news of decisions reached by the Queen, and after her death in 1694, by the Lords Justices.