The last weeke, in a news lettr wrote by a servᵗ of yours, one Mr. Edmᵈ Sawkell, there is a scandallous reflection on my honʳ and reputation, by his writeing that Sʳ Rᵈ Haddock wᵗʰ seuerall other seamen were gone into Holland, wᶜʰ I have recᵈ aᶜᶜᵗ of sᵈ letter from 3 or 4 countys, and must beleive it hath flowne all the kingdome over.
Sʳ, I was this day to waite on you at yʳ post ofice; but, haveing accᵗ given me that you were in the country, thought fitt, before I spake wᵗʰ Mr. Sawkill, to give you notice hereof, and yᵗ you will readylie conclude I shall expect satisfaction from him for this scandall, at least yᵗ he finds out his author or else must conclud him to be the inventor himselfe. I do presume you know me so well as to beleive, however the King may please to deale wᵗʰ me (wᶜʰ hetherto hath bine extra kind), I shall never forsake my loyalty and duty to him, even to my last breath. Praying a lyne or two in answer, with great respect, I remaine
Your very afectᵉ servant,
Rᵈ H.
To Jn. (sic) Frowd, Esq.
[a] Postmaster-General.
Captain Joseph Haddock to his brother, Sir Richard Haddock.
Abord the Ship Princess of Denmark, 17th Xber, 1688. Balasore Roade.