- 486
James II
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description
- Autograph letter, signed as Duke of York ("James"), to Samuel Pepys, and annotated by him
- paper
Discussing the state of the navy, the loss of H.M.S. Marigold at Tangiers, looking forward to the arrival of reinforcements with Sir John Narborough, and expressing doubts that there are enough ships at sea, given the number of ships presently being fitted out by the French, telling Pepys that he had "receved yours in which you gave me an account of the losse of the marigold prize at Tanger. I hope we shall now soon heare of the arrival of Sr: J: Narborough for then we shall have some strength at home, tho not so much as I thinke aught to be at sea, considering the ships they say the french are fitting out"; James mentions that he hopes that his page Hickman, who hand-carried this letter, will go "on one of the convoys for Newfound Land."
2 pages, 4to (227 x 175 mm), integral autograph address leaf ("For Mr Pepys"), annotated by Pepys ("Aprill 24 1679. Hague His R. Highnesse to Mr Pepys"), monogrammed red seal, The Hague, 24 April 1679; light overall foxing. Typed transcript, modern blue cloth chemise and morocco-backed slipcase.
2 pages, 4to (227 x 175 mm), integral autograph address leaf ("For Mr Pepys"), annotated by Pepys ("Aprill 24 1679. Hague His R. Highnesse to Mr Pepys"), monogrammed red seal, The Hague, 24 April 1679; light overall foxing. Typed transcript, modern blue cloth chemise and morocco-backed slipcase.
Provenance
acquisition: Christopher Edwards, 2008
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
In 1662 Pepys had been on a committee to run Tangiers, but this lucrative post ended in 1679. His position as Secretary at the Admiralty was made precarious by the appointment of a Whig-dominated commission. On 20 May he was charged with leaking naval secrets to the French, accused of popery in the wake of the "Popish Plot" and was sent to the Tower. The HMS Marigold was a 44-gun ship captured from Algeria in 1677 and wrecked in 1679. Sir John Narbrough was sent out in 1674 to the Mediterranean as admiral and commander-in-chief of a squadron against the Tripoli corsairs, eventually leaving the command to Vice-Admiral Herbert in May 1679.