Lot 408
  • 408

King James II

Estimate
600 - 800 GBP
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Description

  • King James II
  • Autograph letter signed ("James"), as Duke of York, to the Attorney General Sir William Jones
  • ink on paper
thanking him for "all the services you have done me" and acknowledging that "you see what need I have of freinds [sic]", 1 page, 4to, HM Yacht Mary, 4 March 1679, integral address leaf, near-complete remains of red wax seal impression, seal tear, some spotting and fading, [together with:] a later pencil transcript of a second unrelated letter by James, 2 pages, undated

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

A letter of thanks for welcome support at the height of the Popish Plot. Despite the friendly tone of this letter, Sir William Jones (1630-1682), who had been Attorney General since 1675, was not in fact a supporter of the Duke of York: he led the early Popish Plot prosecutions, and from November 1680 he was one of the leading Parliamentary supporters of a bill to exclude the Duke from the succession.