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The Rooke-Blathwayt letter book contains letters that Admiral Sir George Rooke wrote in the early 18th century, as well as documents regarding the English Navy's actions in the English Channel and in the West Indies.

The Rooke-Blathwayt letter book contains 18 letters that Admiral Sir George Rooke wrote in the early 18th century, as well as documents regarding the English Navy's actions in the English Channel and in the West Indies.

Rooke composed much of the correspondence while onboard the Triumph at Spithead, off the Isle of Wight. He addressed several different English officials, and the material in this volume was compiled by William Blathwayt, acting secretary of state. In his letters, Rooke confirmed the receipt of various orders and discussed developments around Brest, France, and other news of the fleet. An item entitled "A List of his Matys. Ships design'd on Service with Sr. George Rooke" provides the locations of English ships (July 10, 1701). The book has two sets of official instructions from King William about naval actions in the West Indies during the War of the Spanish Succession (August 12, 1701, and [September] 10, 1701). Two letters are in French: a letter from Count Wachtmeister, who was awaiting a rendezvous with George Rooke and the English fleet (June 19, 1700), and a letter about King William's confidence in George Rooke's military abilities (August 12, 1701).

This collection consists of manuscript copies of Sir William Monson's six books on naval history and theory, written by him in the first half of the 17th century. The volumes contain accounts of English voyages around Europe, contemporary assessments of rival navies and of international trade, and stories of famous voyages, including those of Magellan and Columbus.

This collection consists of manuscript copies of Sir William Monson's six books on naval history and theory, which the English naval officer wrote in the first half of the 17th century. The cover of each book is stamped with a decoration and the letters "W M." The volumes contain accounts of English voyages around Europe, contemporary assessments of rival navies and of international trade, and stories of famous voyages, including those of Magellan and Columbus.

• Volume 1
  • History of English conflict with Spain, ca. 1585-1602
  • Voyages of Sir Francis Drake
  • Voyages of other English sailors, including lists of ships and their commanders
• Volume 2
  • History of English conflict with Spain, ca. 1588-1636
  • Timeline of important encounters with Spain
• Volume 3
  • Structure of and hierarchy within the English admiralty
  • Contemporary naval life, including notes on punishment at sea and officers' duties
  • Notes on current Spanish naval strength
  • How to fight naval battles
  • Trade with the East Indies
• Volume 4
  • Important historical voyages, including those of Magellan and Columbus
  • Voyages of Sir Francis Drake
  • Exploits of Cortés
  • Geography of Africa, inland seas, and the Northwest Passage
• Volume 5
  • A plan to prevent the French from landing in England
  • Proposals for how to fight a war against Holland
  • The security of English shores
  • Trade with the East Indies and West Indies, particularly for tobacco
  • "A Project how to Ruyne Spaine"
• Volume 6
  • Trade with Holland and the West Indies
  • "what is necessarie for a plantacon in, Lewis"
  • Notes on salt, casks, and fishing
  • "A Story of 2 Piratts" [Pirates]
  • "The favours England have done Holland" and assessments of Holland
  • The books of Sir Roger Williams