Halifax, George Saville, first Marquess of

Apologising for his delay in in writing and commenting that although he could wish for better news, at least "the Provinces are willing to contribute largely in order to their preservation, it being more than I doubt some of their neighbours would do, were the occasion never so pressing," 2 pages, 4to (224 x 165 mm), integral address panel, docketed, London, 27 September 1681, remains of wafer seal; seal tear and other minor tears neatly repaired. Green cloth folding-box and morocco-backed slipcase.

Enys family of Enys, Cornwall (Bonhams, 28 September 2004, lot 349). acquisition: Christopher Edwards, 2005

A rare autograph letter by the great Restoration statesman and author. Halifax writes at a time of simmering tension in the Southern Netherlands and throughout much of northwest Europe, brought on by the territorial ambitions of Louis XIV of France.