Lot 407
  • 407

King Charles II

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description

  • King Charles II
  • Two autograph letters, one signed ("CR"), to Prince Rupert of the Rhine
  • ink on paper
the first expressing concern about Rupert's health and discussing the launching of new ships ("...I was yesterday to see the new ship at wollwich Launched and I think when you see her ... you will say she is the finest ship that has been built...") and manning the navy, the second (signed with a cipher, possibly "JL", seemingly to disguise the King's identity) giving instructions for the best use of the limited number of seamen available ("...leave some of the 4th rates in the swale makeing use of these sea men to man the rest..."), four pages, small 4to, Whitehall, 27 June and 27 October [1664], both with integral address leaves ("For my Deare Cousin Prince Rupert"), remains of red wax seals, [with:] Two anonymous and unsigned letters from a royalist involved in the defence of York during the Civil War, in French, the first informing him that he intends to leave York when possible and asking when Prince Rupert will reach Newark, the second warning that the country around York is so ravaged that Rupert's troops may not be able to sustain themselves and informing him of the enemy's movements, two pages, York, 7-9 April [1644], one letter originally folded into a small package with a narrow address panel ("PR") to facilitate secret delivery, remains of black wax seals, seal tears, remains of mounts, later docketing (one letter inaccurately attributed to Sir John Lawson), three letters with red stamp of the Northumberland collections

Provenance

Prince Rupert of the Rhine; his natural daughter Roberta; by family descent to Sir George Bromley of East Stokes, Notts.

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

Letters to the great royalist commander, and first cousin of Charles II, Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1619-82). Charles II's letters were written to Prince Rupert as Admiral in joint command of the Royal Navy in the period leading up to the Second Anglo-Dutch War.