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| Auction Details - AUCTION ALREADY HELD | |||
| Postal History, Autographs and Historical Documents | |||
| Auctioneer: | Spink | Location: | 69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET |
| Contact: | Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4000 Fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4066 | ||
| Date: | 18th July 2014 | Time: | 10:00AM |
| Details: | Viewing: Thursday 17 July 2014 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. |
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| Page: | 1 2 3 4 | ||
| Auction Lots - Page 1 | |||
Historical Documents | |||
| 3001 | |||
| 1454 (9 March) indenture in Latin on vellum being a grant by William Rotheley of "Derteford" (Dartford), Kent, to William Custaunce of "South darrent" (South Darenth) in the parish of "Hilles Sancte Margarete" (St. Margaret Hills). The grant of 13 acres 3 roods of land in "Horton" (Horton Kirby, Kent) of which 7 acres 1 rood are in the field called Bockie, bounded by the King's highway from the church of St. Margaret Hilles to South Darenth, north; land of William Custaunce south; land of John Chyld, east. Also 6 and a half acres are in Staplefield, bounded by land of John Chyld north and south, the King's highway from Dartford to Horton, west; land of William Custance, east. Which lands (and others) the grantor had by settlement of Thomas Baker, citizen and draper of London. On condition that Custaunce pays William Rotheley, at his capital messuage in Dartford, £4. 6s. 8d. in quarterly payments of 3s. 4d. (i.e. for a period of six and a half years). Witnessed by Thomas Hilles, John Chyld, Richard Bodeman, Walter Letecote and John Lese. Horizontal folding creases and light soiling but still good to fine. Also some assorted binding fragments. Photo £650-800 St. Margaret Hills lies 1 mile south-east of Darenth, now a hamlet William Rotheley was a merchant of Dartford (d. 1464). He owned property in several parishes in Kent, as evident by this and other deeds. His will, dated 28 July 1464 is interesting as it is in English and full of detail. He left money to a number of churches in West Kent, including Dartford, Sutton, Wilminon, 'Bexhill', Stone, Darenth and Swanscombe. He wanted 13 poor men and women clothed "all newe .. in sherts, breches, smokkes, hosyn, shoous, gownes, kirtell and hoodes in such clothe as is most profitable to them" The mention of 'Bexhill' among the bequests to a number of churches in the vicinity of Dartford is interesting. There is no evidence that Rotheley had land at Bexhill in Sussex, but there is no evidence that 'Bexhill' was an early form for Bexley. On the other hand, 'Bixle' is known as an early form of Bexhill in Sussex |
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| 3002 | |||
1454 (12 November) indenture in Latin on vellum being a grant (300x135mm) by Ralph Couper and William Couper of Hawstead (just south of Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk). To Thomas Coke of Great Welnetham, Roger Drury of Hawstead, Nicholas Helpston of Rushbrook, John Smyth of Stansfield, Robert Coket of Bury St. Edmunds and Geoffrey Gyppes of Hawstead. The grant is of a messuage and a piece of pasture of six acres and a piece of arable land in Hawstead; the messuage and pasture at "haustedgrene", abutting east on the common pasture called "halstedgrene" and the piece of arable land (one acre) in the field called Jelyonsfeld, with the land of the rector east, and the aforesaid pasture north. Witnessed by Thomas Rede, Alan Legat, William Wyffyn, John Makeroo, John Spark and John Medwe. With two seals, one complete and one largely so, featuring the capital letters "R" and "T". There is a minor stain but in a good state of preservation. Photo £500-600Henry Courtenay, First Marquis of Exeter |
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| 3003 | |||
| 1534 (29 December) a neat indenture signed at foot, "H Exetar" by Henry Courtenay, the first marquis of Exeter. The indenture, written in a highly mannered 'common-law' hand, confirms one John Edlyn as a tenant of the manor of Lowthtys and dated on the feast of St. Thomas the Martyr, 26 Henry VIII (the feast day of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket was 29th December). There is a slit along the bottom of the document where the seal would have been attached. There is some creasing but still quite fresh with very little soiling. Photo £400-500 Henry Courtenay, first Marquis of Exeter, c.1496-1539, was the son of Henry VII's friend Sir William Courtenay and Princess Catherine, Edward IV's youngest daughter. He was Henry VIII's first cousin through his mother, and could have held a Plantagenet claim to the throne. At first he was high in the King's favor and attended him at the Field of the Cloth of Gold (This is the name given to a place in France, near Calais, that was the site of a meeting that took place from 7 June to 24 June 1520, between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France). Henry came to resent Courtenay's extensive power base in the West of England, where it was occasionally said that he was the 'true heir' to the throne. At the end of 1538 he was charged with treason, found guilty on the flimsiest of evidence, and beheaded on Tower Hill William Powlett, Marquis of Winchester |
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| 3004 | |||
| 1558 (16 July) letter with address panel to "to my dearye good L: the Lord Northe and to my lovynge friends the Sherefs & other Justyees of peace of the Counteys of Camb." A long letter in a difficult hand to read, some soiling and staining. Also woodcut of William Powlett. Photo £400-500 William Paulet, 3rd Marquess of Winchester (1532-98). An English nobleman, the son of John Paulet, 2nd Marquess of Winchester and his first wife, Elizabeth Willoughby. He was made a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of Mary I, 30 November 1553. He also served as Lord High Treasurer to both Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth |
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| 3005 | |||
| 1608 (25 June) large indenture in Latin on vellum featuring a large and elaborate initial "J", to John Weston from William Cole and Richard Cole. An exemplification of common recovery of one messuage, one garden, 40 acres of land, 10 meadow, 16 pasture, 2 wood and 6 moor in the hamlet of Colliton (near Cullompton) in Devon. With a part of the large seal of the Court of Common Pleas. From the reign of James I. Fine. Photo £300-400 |
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| 3006 | |||
1631 (23 May) large and elaborate indenture being an exeplification of common recovery by John Paule from John Allen of a messuage (dwelling house with adjoining buildings and lands), toft (site of a house of farm), 3 gardens, 40 acres of land, 10 meadow, 30 pasture and 30 woodland in Sturry (near Canterbury), Kent. Issued in the reign of Charles I and with handwritten heading with large initial capital, an unusual decoration of tulip-type flowers. There is some soiling around one of the folding creases. Photo £300-400Sir Thomas Fairfax |
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| 3007 | |||
| 1647, a small bound volume of printed letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax with "Another letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons; New Propositions from the souldiery under the Command of His Excellency Sit Thomas Fairfax; A Narration of severall passages betwixt His Majesty and Master B. Reymes, Newmarket concerning the Army; Two Letters ... to both Houses of Parliament". Very interesting accounts and in fine condition. Photo £300-400 Sir Thomas, Lord Fairfax (1612-1671) was the leading Parliamentarian general of the First and Second Civil Wars and Lord-General of the New Model Army Sir Thomas Fairfax |
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| 3008 | |||
| 1648 (16 November) A remonstrance of this Excellency, Thomas Lord Fairfax, Lord Generall of the Parliaments Forces and of the Generall Councell of Officers Held at St Albans... A complete 71 page publication regarding an important meeting of the senior officers in the Parliamentary Army including Thomas Fairfax, Ireton, Oliver Cromwell and others at St Albans. Published by John Partridge & George Whittington at the Blue Anchor, Cornhill in 1648. Size 6 x 7 3/4 inches. Some peripheral wear and soiling, the pages uncut at top. Photo £250-300 The General Council convened in St Albans Abbey on 7 November 1648. After discussion of the petitions and general grievances of the soldiers, Ireton presented the draft of the Army Remonstrance on 10 November. It was initially rejected by Fairfax and the moderate officers but their opposition evaporated after 15 November when the House of Commons voted to allow the King to return to London on completion of the Newport Treaty and to restore his lands and revenues. Fearing that Parliament intended to grant an unconditional restoration, the Army united behind Ireton's Remonstrance. After some last-minute amendments to ensure the support of the Levellers, the Remonstrance was adopted by the General Council on 18 November 1648. Under the maxim salus populi suprema lex ("the safety of the people is the supreme law"), the Remonstrance proclaimed the sovereignty of the people under a representative government. Divine providence would prove the righteousness or otherwise of the government's actions, and would also thwart unjustified rebellion against authority. Thus, the defeat of King Charles in the Second Civil War vindicated the actions of the Army as the defenders of the people. It was argued that the King should be brought to account because he had broken the sacred covenant with his people and attempted to place himself above the law. This sealed the fate of the King |
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| 3009 | |||
| x 1653 (28 July) An Act for Constituting Commissioners for Ordering and Managing the Affairs of the Admiralty and Navy; a four sheet pamphlet with some light soiling but still in a good state of preservation. This act was to set up a committee to oversee the running and organisation of the Navy, " ... a true and perfect Survey and accompt of all the Ships, Frigots, Pinnaces and Vessels, of or belonging to the Navy; and of all the Ammunition, Tackle, Furniture, Cordage, Timber and Stores belonging to them or any of them; or in the Docks, Yards, Storehouses or other places belonging to the Common-wealth of all sorts; and also of all Courses now held in the managing, ordering or Governing of the Navy; and to deliver the same so made and taken in writing, unto the Parliament ...". Photo £100-120 |
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| 3010 | |||
| 1654 (September) printed pamphlet of His Highness the Lord Protector's Speeches to the Parliament in the painted chamber. The speeches were made on 4th and 12th September and the notes were "Taken by one who stood very near him, and Published to prevent mistakes". 34 pages and in good condition. Photo £150-200 |
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| 3011 | |||
| 1657 "an act for the setling of the postage of england scotland and ireland at the Parliament at Westminster the 17th Day of September, Anno Domini 1656", printed in London by Henry Hills and John Field. This is the first act of parliament relating to the erecting and setling of one General Post Office for the speedy conveying, carrying and re-carrying of letters by post to and from all places within England, Scotland and Ireland and into several parts beyond the seas. Be it enacted by His Highness the Lord Protector and the Parliament, that from henceforth there be one General Office, to be called, and known by the name of the Post-Office of England: and one officer under the name and stile of Postmaster General of England, and Comptroller of the Post-Office. Also setting out the rates of postage. This document had been bound in a book and is virtually separated into single pages, there is a worm hole towards the upper right which runs through all pages, and some minor buckling at right. A rare and important document which established the Post Office for the carriage of mails. Photo £1,000-1,200 The origins of the Post Office date from 1635 when King Charles I opened the Royal Post to the public. This was conceived as a way of generating extra revenue for a service which was already in operation. However, the civil war between the royalists and the parliamentarians effectively closed the post for the public. It was not until 1652, after the battle of Worcester had ended and Charles II had fled to the continent, that parliament felt able to reopen the post to the general public. This, the first postage act, confirmed the right of the new position of Postmaster General to carry letters, establish rates and supply horses on the post roads. This act also established the Post Office monopoly for the carriage of letters |
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| 3012 | |||
| 1662, 1663 and 1683 indentures in Latin on vellum, exemplifications of common recovery from the reign of Charles II 1662 (18 June) by Francis Oldfield and John Crowth(er) from Edward Godfrey of the manor of Great Grandsen (or Gransden magna) and 6 messauges, 2 windmills, 1 dovecote, 6 gardens, 400 acres land, 40 meadow, 60 pasture, 20 wood and 200 heath and scrub in and around Great and Little Gransden, Caxton, Abbotsley, Hardwick and 'Lycott', villages between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Features a fancy initial capital with coat of arms in centre and various heraldic devices 1663 (28 November) by John Freman and Louis Mountgomery from Sir Henry Capell and his wife Dorothy of the manor of Perry (alias Perry Court), 3 messauges, 2 tofts, 2 gardens, 150 acres land, 20 acres pasture in Preston, Ospringe, Faversham and Luddenham in Kent. (Perry Court still exists and is just south of Faversham.) With large initial capital featuring royal coat of arms in centre and other heraldic devices 1683 (12 February) by Matthew Young from Richard Harvey of 7 acres of marsh in West Ham, Essex with a portrait of King Charles II in large initial capital with heraldic devices alongside All are good to fine and make a very appealing group. Photo £600-800 |
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| 3013 | |||
| x 1668 (9 May) A Proclamation Against those Rebels that have not accepted the Act of Indempnity; Edinburgh, printed by Evan Tyleer, printer to the King's most Excellent Majesty. A broadside with royal coat of arms at top with "C R" for Charles II and instructs all officials of the law " ... immedaitely after notice hereof, to seize upon, and apprehend the persons and rebels underwritte." followed by a long list of the wanted men. Folding creases, some peripheral wrinkling at foot and some worm damage, otherwise very fresh on laid paper. Also 1667 (1 Oct.) broadside, His Majesties Gracious Pardon and Indempnity to those in the late Rebellion, with similar coat of arms at top and elaborate initial capital; usual creasing and some peripheral faults. A good pair of documents. Photo £200-250 |
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| 3014 | |||
1689 (19 June) large indenture in Latin being exemplification of common recovery by Samuel Dodd from Bernard Whalley of the manor of Billesley, with one messauge, one dovecote, 6 gardens, 500 acres of land, 100 meadow, 600 pasture, 20 wood in Billesley, Atherstone on Stour, Ullenhall and 'Walls Wotton' in Warwickshire. Large initial capital features illustrations of William and Mary (engraved head and shoulders) with nautical allegorical figures and armorial devices. Usual folding creases and some minor soiling. Photo £400-600Speaker of the House of Commons |
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| 3015 | |||
| 1693 (28 February) entire letter with full address panel to The High Sheriff of the County of Devon from the Speaker of the House, John Trevor, complaining about the absence of members and stating the the House, " ... will proceed with all severity against all such of those Members as shall then neglect their attendance.", with bold signature at foot, "J Trevor Speaker". The address panel includes the Speaker's signature with "free J Trevor Speaker" and a note in the margin, "The Speaker of the House of Commons order to Christopher Savery Esq. Sheriff of Devon for summoning the members to a call of the house". Vertical folding crease and two punch holes at one side; a fine and interesting parliamentary letter. Photo £500-600 Sir John Trevor (1637-1717) was a Welsh lawyer and politician. He was Speaker of the English House of Commons from 1685 to 1687 and a second term from 1689 to 1695. His second term as Speaker came to an end when he was expelled from the House of Commons for accepting a substantial bribe. He remained the most recent Speaker to be forced out of office until Michael Martin resigned in 2009 |
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| 3016 | |||
| 1697 (29 November) large indenture in Latin being an exemplification of common recovery by William Davy from Sir Thomas Lee Bart. and Nicholas Pottenger of the manors of Watlington, Gawsells, West Dearham in Watlington and Totenhall (alias Totnill), with 20 messuages, 1 dovecote, 20 gardens, 520 acres of land, 150 meadow, 800 pasture, 1200 heath and scrub, 70 fresh marsh and 300 salt marsh in Watlington, Totenhill, Wormegay, Upwell, Outwell, Welney, West Lynn, South Lynn and several other named locations in Norfolk. Large initial capital with engraved upper body of William III and with the same nautical allegorical figures at top. V shillings blue revenue stamp at left. Usual folding creases and some soiling. Photo £350-450 |
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| 3017 | |||
| 1700 (28 November) large indenture in Latin being an exemplification of common recovery by George Buckley from William Chase and Roger Poston of a messuage in the parish of St. Dunstans in the east, London. Large initial capital featuring a different engraved head of William III with new coat of arms at top with other allegorical figures at top. A pair of V shilling blue revenue stamps. Folding creases. Photo £350-450 |
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| 3018 | |||
x 1702 (12 June) Act For a National Fast, extracted from the records of Parliament by Jo. Mackenzie. Also an Act Of the Commission of the General Assembly, anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation (3 June), extracted by Dav. Dundas; the act was to improve the lawfulness of the people who, it was felt, were falling into bad ways, " ... Let us therefore humble our selves before the Lord, and amend our ways and doing, and turn unto the Lord with Fasting and with Weeping, and with Mourning, and to return to the Lord our God with all our heart ...". Also 1706 (27 Dec.) A Proclamation Discharging Unwarrantable and Seditius Convocations and Meetings, extracted from the Records of Parliament by Ja. Murray. All are soiled and tatty £80-100John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough |
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| 3019 | |||
| 1703 (1 February) warrant signed "Marlborough" employing Alexander Fforts to be a joiner and countersigned by "Ja Craggs"; with wafer seal, fragment missing from foot, worn and soiled. Also a selection of other documents relating to the Marlborough family including a copy of the 1856 Blenhein Estate Act, some picture postcards of Marlborough House London (4) and an engraving of Marlborough by J. Posselwhite. Photo £120-150 John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, Prince of Mindelheim, Prince of Mellenburg, (1650-1722). An English soldier and statesman whose career spanned the reigns of five monarchs James Craggs (1657-1721), of Jermyn Street, Westminster and Charlton, Lewisham, Kent was Secretary to master-general of the Ordnance 1702-11 'History of England' & the 'Continuation' |
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| 3020 | |||
| Plan map of the Plan of the Lines of Brabant in 1705, showing the armies commanded by the Duke of Marlborough and Field-Marshal D'Averqueque, 18 1/2 x 15 1/2 Nicolas Tindal (1687-1774) was the translator and continuer of the History of England by Paul de Rapin. Very few comprehensive histories existed at the time and Tindal wrote a three-volume 'Continuation' Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland |
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| 3021 | |||
| 1706 (17 April) Exchequer receipt being a receipt for interest on a loan of £7000 from the Earl to the government, made in 1704 on the security of duties on wines, etc.; signed "Sunderland" and witnessed. On watermarked paper. Some minor soiling. Photo £100-120 Sir Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1675-1722). Known as Lord Spencer from 1688 to 1702, was an English statesman from the Spencer family. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1714-17), Lord Privy Seal (1715-16), Lord President of the Council (1717-19) and First Lord of the Treasury (1718-21) The Scottish Act of Union |
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| 3022 | |||
| 1706 (6 December) a printed letter from the Commission of the General Assembly to the Presbytery of Hamilton, telling them all will be well with discussions for the union with England. But reply from the people in Hamilton states that are not at all happy with this intended Union stating "As to the Disposition of the People, the plain Truth is, That they are generally most adverse from the Union; and many have expressed themselves broadly against it, as what they fear may prove an irremediable Evil". In the end, England was able to sway the mood by throwing a lot of money into the pot. Black letter press printing, size 7 3/4 x 12 1/2 |
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| 3023 | |||
| x 1708 (20 July) By the Queen, A Proclamation For a General Thanksgiving, with large and elaborate initial capital featuring two rather suspicious cherubs; to commemorate the victory by the Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Oudenarde in Flanders. Printed in London by Charles Bill, and the executrix of Thomas Newroth, deceas'd, printers to the Queen. Folding creases and some soiling. Photo £100-120 The Battle of Oudenarde (or Oudenaarde) was a key battle in the War of the Spanish Succession. Fought on 11 July 1708 between the forces of Great Britain, the Dutch Republic and the Holy Roman Empire on the one side and those of France on the other. It took place at Oudenaarde (now in Belgium) and was a decisive victory for the allies Queen Anne |
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| 3024 | |||
1710 exemplification of common recovery, indenture in Latin with engraved "Hona Dei gratia magnar Britannia" with a fine portrait of Queen Anne without crown, with Royal arms and national emblems. Apparently for land near West Ichenor near Chichester. Usual folds, one quite heavy through the Queen's portrait. Photo £300-400King George I |
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| 3025 | |||
| 1714 (15 January) a broadside poster being a Proclamation by King George I stating that all men in Office of Government shall continue till his Majesties further direction. With two fine wood blocks and black letter press printing, size 15 x 11 1/2 inches and printed by John Baskett. Repaired folds and some other age related faults. Scarce. Photo £300-350 |
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| 3026 | |||
1714 (12 February) large indenture in Latin on vellum being an exemplification of common recovery by George Alington from Marmaduke Alington of two messauges in the parish of St. Dunstans in the west, London. Features an impressive engraved head of Queen Anne engraved by J. Nutting within the large initial capital, Royal arms in centre with lions, dragon and allegorical figures printed at top. With pair of V shillings blue revenue stamps. Usual folds but in a good state of preservation. Photo £400-600Jacobite Uprising, 1715 |
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| 3027 | |||
| 1715 (15 September) hand delivered letter to Hugh Saphons in Buckland ... from Colonel Samuel Rolfe requiring lists to be made of able men for service and what arms they may have. Some folding and other creases but still quite fresh. Written three weeks after the Jacobites had captured Perth. Photo £400-500 In 1715 the different Devon militias were required to make returns so that a good assessment of military capability could be made Field Marshal George Wade |
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| 3028 | |||
| 1742 (16 September) letter to the Office of Ordnance for supplies to H.M.S. Royal Caroline with Captain Charles Molloy commanding. Signed "George Wade", "Tho. Lascelles" and "W.R. Earle"; some splitting along folds, otherwise in a good state of preservation. Ex. Rawlins Collection. Photo £250-300 Field Marshal George Wade (1673-1748) Master General of the Ordnance. He fought the Jacobites in 1715 and was C. in C. of the forces in the 1745 rebellion. A major builder of roads and bridges in Scotland to enable the government forces to move about Thomas Lascelles (1670-1715) Surveyor General of the Ordnance. He served in several campaigns and was chief engineer of the army. W.R. Earle was Clerk of the Ordnance King George II |
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| 3029 | |||
| 1749 (6 March) warrant appointing Edward Horea as second lieutenant and other appointments, "To our Right Trusty and Wellbeloved Councellour William Pitt Paymaster General of our Guards, Garrison and Land Forces in Great Britain and Forces abroad, and to the Paymaster General of Our said Forces for the time being" and signed "H. Fox". Bold signature "George R" at top. Some splitting along some fold lines; fresh. Photo £450-500 Henry Fox (1705-74) First Baron Holland, was Secretary of State for War Channel Islands Ship's License |
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| 3030 | |||
1753 (25 August) printed pass for a vessel travelling between Jersey and Guernsey for Louis Malovin, the master of the 'Le Conde' and signed "William Deane" with red wax seal of the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey at Castle Elizabeth. Usual folding and with a few age faults. Photo £120-150Ralph Allen |
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| 3031 | |||
| 1754 (18 July) autograph letter signed "W. Warburton", to Mr. Nourse, Bookseller at the Lamb in the Strand, asking him to forward a letter "to the Genl Post office by the penny post add. to Christopher Robinson Esq at the Genl post office, who has directions abt. it."Single page (7 1/2 x 6 inches), filing hole, centre fold split, light rust soiling to letter, with the integral address leaf written and signed as "free R.Allen" (Ralph Allen, Postmaster at Bath) with straight-line "BATH" postal marking and "20/JY" Bishop mark. The letter closes with the initials "P.P." (Prior Park, Ralph Allen's mansion outside Bath). An unusual letter with the address written by the man who devised the Cross Post system for England and Wales. Photo £350-400 William Warburton (1698-1779), bishop and scholar, defender of Alexander Pope's Essay on Man, a controversialist who tackled Hume, the Deists, Voltaire and Wesley Ralph Allen (1693-1764), entrepreneur and philanthropist, friend of Pope and Fielding, notable for his reforms to the British postal system. In his youth he worked at the Post Office. He moved to Bath in 1710, where he became a post office clerk, and at the age of 19, in 1712, became the Postmaster of Bath. In 1742 was elected Mayor of Bath. He was the Member of Parliament for Bath between 1757 and 1764. He devised a system of cross-posts for England and Wales. Allen's friendship with Alexander Pope led to Pope bringing Warburton to Prior Park. This resulted in Warburton's marriage to Gertude Tucker, Allen's favourite niece, and his appointment, through Pitt's influence, to the bishopric of Gloucester Admiral Lord George Anson |
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| 3032 | |||
| 1758 (30 August) a sheet of "Additional Fighting Instructions" and signed "Anson" on board His Majesty's Ship Royal George at Sea, addressed to Captain Deane of His Majesty's Fireship Vesuvius. The message reads, "If upon coming to action with the enemy I should think proper to hawl down the signal for the Line of Battle, every ship in the Fleet is then to use his utmost endeavours to take or destroy such ships of the enemy as they may be opposed to, by engaging them as close as possible and pursuing them if they are driven out of their Line, without having any regard to the situation which was prescribed to themselves by the Line of Battle before the signal was hawled down." Countersigned at foot by Philip Stephens (Anson's secretary). Affixed to backing sheet, some soiling. Photo £150-180 Admiral of the Fleet George Anson, 1st Baron Anson (1697-1762). A wealthy aristocrat, noted for his circumnavigation of the globe and his role overseeing the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War. During his time in office Anson instituted a series of reforms to the Royal Navy Sir Philip Stephens, 1st Baronet (1723-1809) After his return from his voyage round the world, Rear-admiral George Anson took notice of young Stephens, and had him moved to the admiralty. Stephens afterwards served as Anson's secretary. Later he became First Secretary of the Admiralty and later a Lord Commissioner of the British Admiralty between 1795 and 1806. A friend of Captain James Cook, the Pacific atoll of Caroline Island is named for his daughter H.M.S. Royal George was launched in 1756, a 100-gun ship of the line and, at the time, was the largest warship in the world H.M.S. Vesuvius was an 8-gun fireship (purchased in 1756) King George II |
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| 3033 | |||
1759 (26 May) Royal warrant appointing John Clerk as chaplain to the Coldstream Regiment of Foot, signed at top "George R", also signed "W. Pitt" (later Prime Minister), the Secretary at War. With wafer seal and three blue revenue stamps, each of 2/6d.; folding creases. Photo £200-250Thomas Townshend, First Viscount Sydney |
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| 3034 | |||
| 1765 (10 December) Treasury Order for payments to Francis Earl of Hertford, "One of the Gentlemen of his Majesty's Bedchamber", signed by Thomas Townshend, J.Cavendish and William Dowdeswell, Lords of the Treasury. Single page (13 1/2 x 9 inches), cancelled with a broad pen stroke as is customary with these Exchequer documents, integral blank leaf, a few minor marginal tears only. Marked at foot as paid on 31st December 1765 and signed "Lincoln". Photo £250-300 Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney (1733-1800) was brought back into office by Rockingham as a Lord of the Treasury on 12 July 1765. He became Secretary of State for the Home Office in July 1782, after a few months as secretary at war under Rockingham. In those days the home department included responsibility for the colonies. He is famous for his support of the plans for a convict settlement in New South Wales. On 26 January 1788 Arthur Philip named Sydney in New South Wales in his honour Jonas Hanway |
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| 3035 | |||
| 1773 (30 August) certificate of account that the purser of H.M.S. Pallas, " ... appears to be Creditor in this Office for Victualing the said ship's Company ...", from the Victualling Office, London and signed "Jonas Hanway". Light paper ageing. Photo £80-100 Jonas Hanway (1712-1786), an English traveller and philanthropist, was born at Portsmouth. He was the first Londoner, it is said, to carry an umbrella, and he lived to triumph over all the hackney coachmen who tried to hoot and hustle him down. This contemporary caricature attempts to show some of the reactions he provoked HMS Pallas was one of the three 36-gun Venus-class fifth-rate frigates of the Royal Navy. She was launched in 1757 and served until her loss in 1783 Survey Plan |
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| 3036 | |||
| 1784, "A Survey of an Estate in Stonham Aspell belonging to the Rev. C. Jeaffreson", surveyed by John Spurling the Younger. The title in pen and wash with rococo cartouche, table of contents (121 acres) and elaborate scale of perches topped by large dividers. House and field margins are in colour wash. Map frame 425x565mm. Folding creases, fresh and very scarce. Photo £500-700 John Spurling the Younger, surveyor of this attractive plan of an estate at Stonham Aspal, near Stowmarket, worked from Grundisburgh, north east of Ipswich. All his work is recorded as being of Suffolk and dating, until the discovery of the present plan, between 1775 and 1777; with four examples in the Suffolk Record Office (two at Ipswich and two at Lowestoft) and one in the British Library Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings |
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| 3037 | |||
| x 1793 (28 November) A.L.S. written in Portsmouth to Augustus Rogers, he is requesting that the guns and howitzers which he ordered be obtained from other stores (these not being available in Portsmouth), "Sir Charles Grey has left some of the sixteen Light Six-pounders attached to the Regiments with their amunition. He has also made over to me two 5 1/2 inch howitzers ..." and concludes, "Admiral Macbride is at Spithead. If, when I can converse with him on the subject I find that I must not reckon of the assistance of heavy cannon from the ship ..." and is signed "Moira". Included with this letter is a reply from the Office of Ordnance to The Earl of Moira on the subject of the revised and agreed ordnance for the expedition and lists the guns, howitzers and mortars which are to be supplied from Portsmouth and from Woolwich. Fine documents dealing with the Expedition to Ostende during the French Revolutionary Wars. Photo £100-150 On the death of the first Earl, he became The Earl of Moira from June 1793 to 1816. He was a British soldier and colonial administrator. He served as Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823. He had also served with British forces for years during the American Revolutionary War and in 1794 during the French Revolutionary Wars. He took the additional surname 'Hastings' in 1790 in compliance with the will of his maternal uncle, Francis Hastings, 10th Earl of Huntingdon Following the declaration of war in 1793 of France upon Great Britain, Rawdon-Hastings (as he was now known) was appointed major general, on 12 October 1793. Sent by the Pitt ministry, Rawdon-Hastings launched an expedition into Ostend, France, in 1794. He marched to join with the army of the Duke of York, at Alost. The French general Pichegru, with superior numbers, forced the British back toward their base at Antwerp. Rawdon-Hastings left the expedition, feeling Pitt had broken promises James Gambier, 1st Baron Gambier |
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| 3038 | |||
| 1799 (2 August) commission document on vellum, appointing John Chambers White as captain of H.M.S. Windsor Castle, signed "J Gambier" and others, with wafer seal of the Admiralty and blue 2/6d. revenue stamp. Good to fine. Photo £120-150 James Gambier, 1st Baron Gambier (1756 -1833) was an admiral of the Royal Navy, who served as Governor of Newfoundland, and as a Lord of the Admiralty. He gained public distinction for his part in the Glorious First of June in 1794 King George III |
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| 3039 | |||
| 1801 (31 July) Royal warrant for the appointment of a legation secretary at Naples, " ... to our good Brother the King of the Two Sicilies". Hand signed by King George III top left above the Royal Seal. Also signed by Hawkesbury as Foreign Secretary. An 8 page document tied with silk appointing William à Court, as Legation Secretary, being of text in English and 3 pages translated into Latin. Plus 2 blanks and cover. Size 7 3/4 x 12 inches; good to fine. Photo £300-350 Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool (1770-1828) was a British politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1812-27) since the Union with Ireland in 1801. He was 42 years old when he became premier in 1812, which made him younger than all of his successors. Hawkesbury became Lord Liverpool after the death of his father in December 1808 William à Court, 1st Baron Heytesbury (1779-1860) appointed Legation Secretary, (he went back there as Envoy Extraordinary in 1814, later was Ambassador to Russia) Interesting date as there is a Lord Nelson connection. At that time Lord Hamilton was British Ambassador at Naples with Lady Hamilton, so Lord Nelson at every opportunity was frequently in port refitting his ships General Sir George Beckwith |
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| 3040 | |||
| 1803 (16 August) an autograph letter signed, as Major-General sent from "Danbury Camp" to Colonel Stanley of the 1st Royal Lancashire Regiment about the disposition of regimental officers; some paper loss at seal opening, clear of signature, (9 x 7 inches) and affixed to old album page, light stains. An elusive Revolutionary War signature. Photo £350-400 General Sir George Beckwith (1753-1823). Beckwith was commissioned into the 37th Regiment of Foot in 1771. He distinguished himself as a regimental officer in the American Revolutionary War. He fought with distinction in the New York and New Jersey campaigns in 1776, leading the British advance into Elizabethtown and Brunswick. In 1780 he took charge of British military intelligence in New York. After the war he worked for Sir Guy Carleton in Canada. His efforts were aimed at stirring up trouble in Vermont, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee. At the time Britain thought the weak American government might ask for British help. He was then appointed Governor of Bermuda in 1797, Governor of Saint Vincent in 1806 and Governor of Barbados in 1810. He was made a K.B. for his Capture of Martinique in 1809 and also led a successful expedition against Guadeloupe, the last French possession in the area, in 1810. He attained the full rank of General in 1814. Sir George Beckwith was Commander-in-Chief, Ireland from 1816 to 1820. He has an entry in Spies, Wiretaps, and Secret Operations: An Encyclopaedia of American Espionage Napoleon's Planned Invasion |
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| 3041 | |||
1803 (26 October) General Defence and Security of the Realm. A printed notice of the meeting "Held at the Tiger Inn in Beverley, on Wednesday 26th October 1803 ... Resolved, That as many Waggons as are necessary be provided for the purpose of removing the Sick, Infirm Persons and others not capable of removing themselves; and all such Waggons shall take a Northern Direction, for the Bridge at Frodingham". Also "That the Waggons marked and numbered in Holderness and Dickering for Military purposes, shall have four Horses each"; as well detailing, "places of General Assembly of Waggons for conveyance of Troops from the West-Riding to the East" and movement for defence of Hull and others plus instructions for procuring signal rockets at the each Beacon. Mentioning "for the Drains in this County to be filled with fresh Water in order that the County be Inundated on the approach of the Enemy". Printed by M. Turner, Beverley, size 9 1/4 x 15 1/4 inches and in a magnificent state of preservation. Photo £500-600Major-General Henry MacKinnon |
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| 3042 | |||
| 1805 (17 December) entire letter from Saxony to Bracknell, rated at "1/11" and with London arrival datestamp on the flap. An original campaign letter, written while serving with his regiment under Lord Cathcart in Germany, from Henry MacKinnon to his wife Kate at Bracknell, Berkshire, with good military content, referring to the Battle of Austerlitz, reporting the entry of the Prussians into Wurtzburg, warning that communication with England might be cut off by the freezing of the Elbe. Endorsed "via Cuxhaven" (a German town situated on the shore of the North Sea at the mouth of the Elbe River). Postage due 1/11d (1/6d Germany to London + 5d London to Bracknell); lightly toned. Photo £350-400 The contents of the letter include, "Monday 16th, ... We still remain here, nor do I as yet see any appearance of our moving, there certainly has been a great Battle in which the Three Emperors were present and we have had many contradictory reports." Major-General Henry MacKinnon (1773-1812) entered the Coldstream Guards, served under the Duke of York in Holland, in the expedition to Egypt, in Germany in 1805, and at the taking of Copenhagen in 1807. Mackinnon commanded the 45th, 74th, and 88th regiments in the Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington. He was killed by the explosion of an enemy magazine during the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo on January 19, 1812. Prior to the Napoleonic wars, MacKinnon had a cordial acquaintance with Napoleon Bonaparte while the former's father resided in the French Province of Dauphiny when Napoleon was a frequent visitor to the region. The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, was one of Napoleon's greatest victories, where the French Empire effectively crushed the Third Coalition. On 2 December 1805 a French army, commanded by Emperor Napoleon I, decisively defeated a Russo-Austrian army, commanded by Tsar Alexander I and Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, after nearly nine hours of difficult fighting. "Tuesday 17th. Still in doubt as to the fate of this great battle, which will be of so much consequence to our fate and that of the world." King George III |
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| 3043 | |||
1807 (24 December), "Most Humbly Submitted to His Majesty" for Major Drigue Morgan to be appointed Inspecting Field Officer and Captain William Plenderleath be appointed Deputy Assistant Adjutant General to the Troops destined to Foreign Service under the command of Brigadier General Beresford. The King has written, "Approved GR". The writing is characteristic of his becoming blind from cataracts. Photo £180-200William Huskisson, the First Man to Die on the Railway |
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| 3044 | |||
| 1808 (21 June) letter from Downing Street to John Maitland, requesting his attendance at the House to vote on a bill proposed by Spencer Percival concerning compensation to be paid to John Palmer, the originator of mail coaches. Signed "W. Huskisson" and the recipient's name. Fine. Photo £200-250 William Huskisson (1770-1830), President of the Board of Trade. In 1808 he was Secretary to the Treasury The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Spencer Percival, was trying to get through the annual Act for various grants (heads of government expenditure). The House of Lords had the power to reject the whole but not to amended parts, and Percival feared that their opposition to a proposed grant to John Palmer would lead to the entire Act being rejected. He therefore proposed to deal with the Palmer grant separately John Palmer (1742-1818) devised the system of mail coaches and, for a time, was comptroller general of the Post Office. Dismissed in 1794 he campaigned strongly for a proper reward for his work. Percival's instincts were correct as three Acts were rejected before Palmer was awarded £13,000 in 1813 The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&M) took place on 15 September 1830. The opening day was a major public event. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, the Prime Minister, rode on one of the eight inaugural trains, as did many other dignitaries and notable figures of the day. Huge crowds lined the track at Liverpool to watch the trains depart for Manchester. William Huskisson, former cabinet minister and Member of Parliament for Liverpool was a highly influential figure in the creation of the British Empire and an architect of the doctrine of free trade, but fell out with Wellington in 1828 over the issue of parliamentary reform and resigned from the cabinet. Hoping to be reconciled with Wellington, he approached the Duke's railway carriage and shook his hand. Distracted by the Duke, he did not notice an approaching locomotive on the adjacent track, Rocket. On realising it was approaching he panicked and tried to clamber into the Duke's carriage, but the door of the carriage swung open leaving him hanging directly in the path of the oncoming Rocket. He fell onto the tracks in front of the train, suffering serious leg injuries, dying later that night The Peninsular Wars - Battle of Salamanca |
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| 3045 | |||
| 1812 hand-drawn map of the allied and French forces showing the areas of high ground and includes "Two hills called the two Arapiles. The one to the North formed the centre of the British Position - that to the South was the centre of the French Position" with and extensive and detailed key to the map. Also 1812 (2 June) letter from William Mordaunt in Lisbon to Sir Charles Stuart asking for help after he was imprisoned as a French spy and a later letter to Sir Charles Stuart. Other items include a long letter written in Portuguese written on 24 December 1812 which makes mention of Lord Wellington and Marshal Beresford (serving in the Portuguese army). An official letter in Portuguese from the secretariat of the junta. A letter in French referring to Marquis de Wellington. A very interesting group. Photo £300-400 The Battle of Salamanca saw the Anglo-Portuguese army under the Duke of Wellington defeat Marshal Auguste Marmont's French forces among the hills around Arapiles, south of Salamanca, Spain on 22 July 1812 Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay (1779-1845). A British diplomat, between 1812 and 1828 he was known as Sir Charles Stuart. He served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Portugal and Brazil between 1810 and 1814 Napoleonic Wars |
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| 3046 | |||
1812 (25 July) entire letter from Charles de Havilland, a prisoner of war, to his father, the Grand Bailli de l'Isle de Guernsey. Sent from Verdun with "1/1" rate mark and London transit on the flap. Long and interesting contents include describing in detail his financial difficulties as a prisoner of war in France, with his debts listed as "the immense sum of 7095 francs, God knows when I can pay you..." and "I had an argument the other day with an officer & a lawyer about this question. Can an Englishman be tried by the law of England if he defames the Character of another Englishman or tries to extort from him while a prisoner of war in France? ... we have a small wager depending on it". Vertical folding crease otherwise fresh and fine with most unusual and interesting contents. Photo £250-300King George IV as Prince Regent |
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| 3047 | |||
| 1812 (22 October) commission document to James Boath to serve as cornet in the 22nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards and signed "George PR" in the top corner. Manuscript amendments to the document include, "In the Name and on Behalf of His Majesty" and "By the Command of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent in the Name and on Behalf of His Majesty". With wafer seal and blue £1.10 revenue stamp; some creasing and soiling. Photo £150-200 |
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| 3048 | |||
| 1821 King George IV Coronation, Pass Ticket for the Procession with central illustration featuring the King riding on a chariot with classical maidens as escort, printed in red and pale blue. Fancy embossed surround by Dobbs featuring the Crown, King's emblems and national flowers and foliage. Unused and in a superb state of preservation. A fine example of the Congreve method of bicolour security printing. Photo £180-200 |
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| 3049 | |||
| --Westminster Abbey Pass Ticket with central illustration featuring the abbey, printed in pale blue and black. Fancy embossed surround by Dobbs featuring the Crown, King's emblems and national flowers. Unused, minor corner crease, otherwise in a superb state of preservation. A fine example of the Congreve method of bicolour security printing. Photo £180-200 These are early examples of the bi-colour printing which was employed by Charles Whiting for his 1839 Treasury Competition essays (George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough) |
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| 3050 | |||
| 1821 (24 November) "Conveyance of the Steeple Barton Estate Subject to the Indemnity Deed as to the Tithes of the Holdenby Estate - The Devices in trust under the late Duke of Marlborough's Will to Viscount Clifden". A group of related documents and indentures legally bound together, eight pages on vellum signed by "Shaftsbury", "Robt. Spencer", "J. Blackstone" and "Clifden". The reverse of this document with, "Received the day and year first within written of and from the within named Henry Welbore Ellis ... Viscount Clifden the sum of One hundred pounds being the consideration money within mentioned to be paid by him to us - I say received the same By us" and signed by Shaftsbury, Robert Spencer and J Blackstone with witnesses to each signature. The first seven pages, dated 1796 and 1804 are an exemplification of common recovery relate to land in "Wescott Barton and within the Liberty and Proximity of Middle Barton in the parish of Steeple Barton in the county of Oxford", and describes over two hundred acres near Clympton from George, late Duke of Marlborough to Cropley Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftsbury, Lord Robert Spencer and James Blackstone plus lands of Henry Welbore Ellis, Viscount Clifden. The final page is an indenture dated 24 November 1821 between Cropley Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftsbury, the Right Honorable Robert Spencer, James Blackstone and Henry Welbore Ellis, Viscount Clifden, referring back to the two earlier leases but here the reference is to the Manor of Holdenby in Northamptonshire, subject to a mortgage of £20,000 and adds, " ... in consideration of sixty thousand five hundred and twenty six pounds six shillings and 2 pence ..." Each of the first seven pages with blue £1 revenue stamps, the final page with blue £100 and £10 revenue stamps. Some soiling to the outer cover, otherwise fine. A very unusual document. Photo £200-250 George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough (1766-1840), styled Marquess of Blandford until 1817. A British peer and collector of antiquities and books. Although the Marquess was born and baptised with the name of George Spencer, soon after succeeding to the Dukedom of Marlborough, he had it legally changed to George Spencer-Churchill. This illustrious name did not, however, save him from his mounting debts and his estates were seized and his collections sold. He retired to Blenheim Palace where he lived the remainder of his life off a small annuity granted to the first Duke by Queen Anne Henry Welbore Agar - Ellis, 2nd Viscount Clifden (1761-1836) Lord Clifden married Lady Caroline, daughter of George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough, in 1792. His only son George became a successful politician and was created Baron Dover in his father's lifetime, but predeceased his father. Lady Clifden died at Blenheim Palace in November 1813, aged 50. Lord Clifden remained a widower until his death at Hanover Square, Mayfair, London, in July 1836, aged 75. He was succeeded in his titles by his grandson Henry, the eldest son of Lord Dover Lord Robert Spencer (1737-1841) was the youngest son of the second Duke of Marlborough William Seymour Blackstone (1809-1881) was an English MP in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. He lived at Castle Priory, Wallingford, built for his grandfather, but decided to build a still-grander house, Howbery Park, across the Thames in Crowmarsh Gifford. However, he fell into debt, largely because of the costs of building this new home, and spent time in the debtors' prison at Oxford. His debt problems also contributed to the end of his political career. He died in Brighton, never having lived at Howbery Park Reward Poster for Forged One Pound Notes |
| Auction Details - AUCTION ALREADY HELD | |||
| Postal History, Autographs and Historical Documents | |||
| Auctioneer: | Spink | Location: | 69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET |
| Contact: | Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4000 Fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4066 | ||
| Date: | 18th July 2014 | Time: | 10:00AM |
| Details: | Viewing: Thursday 17 July 2014 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. |
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