image

Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20025 - Historical Documents, Postal History and Autographs
Lot: 521

Great Britain
King Charles II
1678 (25 Feb.) seemingly hurried document signed headed "Instructions for Our Trusty and well beloved John Bribane Eighth Sent by (?) to Flanders", instructing him to "immediately embarque yourself upon the Vessel appointed for you, and make the best of your way to Ostend where when arrived you shall deliver Our Letter to the Governor and Receive his answer and if you there find Bruges not invaded by the French you shall goe withall expedition thither and deliver Our Letter to the Governor or Commander in chief there" ... "You shall in both places as well you can informe your best of the Strength of the Garrisons, the provisions that are in the places, the Temper of the inhabitants and bring back an account of the particulers to us with what possible Expedition the weather & nature of the affaire will bear". Signed "Charles R", though partly covered by remnants of wax seal, and "CR" at the foot of the document, accompanied by the countersignature of "Henry Coventry". Superb.

In March 1678, Louis XIV of France invaded the Spanish Netherlands, commencing the Siege of Ypres. Charles II, whose niece Mary Stuart had just married William III of Orange, raised around 20 regiments to sail to Ostend in preparation for battle with France though he never declared war.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
£1,200 to £1,500

Starting price
£1000