Bath Postal Museum

Olive Tree

Description

This letter, written on 19th January 1701, describes the wreck of the Olive Tree, bound for Amsterdam from Cadiz. It was seen, by the writer on 15th January 1701, on arrival at Deal in Kent, England.

Mr John Ayleward

Sir, this serves to advise you of our arrival here Friday night and (we) do salute you and (your) Lady with our humble respects for all your kindness and civilities to us, which I do hope shall correspond with what (ever) lies in my power.

Captain Daly is still at Gravesend, (it) not being possible his coming here with his ship, for the great storm and contrary wind, and (which) still continues.

On Friday night of (the) 15th instant when (we) arrived here, between 8 and 9, a Dutch ship, bound for Amsterdam from Cadiz, by contrary winds carrying (it) in by this, struck on the sands, where it remained, and this day all broke to pieces (is) in sight of all the people of this town, which was mighty grievous to me of such an accident. The ship (was) called the Olive Tree, (her) Captain, Robert Andrieson (had come) from Cadiz in four weeks, loaden with fruit, wines and oil. All the men (were) saved, only the carpenter, who would not come with the Captain and the rest of the men, did perish alone. Its true there was 22 men who went in the long boat (on) Saturday morning, but no news of them as yet. It is supposed (they)are lost. I pray God we may have better news of them. There is nothing of her cargo (which) can be saved, except there be any money, which the Captain will not declare, and is in the right of it.

I shall desire, if your receive and letter (s) from Ireland for me, to direct them to myself at the Post Office, and (I) remain always, yours and (your) Lady