- 10
Blake, Robert.
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Letter signed ("Rob: Blake"), also signed by General Richard Deane, to the Commissioners of the Navy
- ink on paper
explaining that he had delayed writing "hopeing wee should have by this tyme beene able to give you some Certayne accompt of the Dutch Fleete wee haveing had good Grounds to bee in Expectation of them Continually", with the latest intelligence of the movements of "Vantrump with his Fleete" and the arrival of additional ships to bolster his own fleet, one page, folio, "A board the Tryumph sixe Leage of the Isle of weight", 17 February 1652/3, mounted on card, some minor creasing and staining at edges
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."
"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
An important letter by one of England's greatest seamen, written on the eve of a major battle during the First Anglo-Dutch War. Blake's squadron encountered the Dutch under Maarten Tromp off Portland the day after this letter was written. The resulting three day action culminated off Beachy Head (20 February) and was an important English victory, although Blake himself was severely wounded. This letter is also signed by Richard Deane (1610-1653), the regicide and general at sea, one of Cromwell's closest allies and a central figure in the development of the navy in the 1650s, who was killed at the Battle of Gabbard Bank (2-3 June 1653). The most important Blake letter to have been offered at auction in more than 15 years.