Books and Manuscripts

(London), July 27, 1666. One sheet folded to make four pages, 12 x 7 3/4 in. (305 x 197 mm). Manuscript letter in a secretarial hand, signed by Charles II ("Charles R") as King of England, to "Our Attorney or Sollicitor Gen'all", directing them to "prepare a Bill for our Royall signature...a Commission unto Our Right Trusty and Right Welbeloved Cousin Robert Earle of Lindsey (1630-1701) Lord Great Chamberlain of England, to be Our Lieutenant of Our County of Lincolne, with such powers, authorities & priviledges as are usuall in Comissions of like nature..."; counter-signed by Secretary of the State and Lord of the Treasury Will(iam) Morice; docketed on verso in an unknown hand, date in an additional hand "31 Aug. 1666". Creasing from contemporary folds, scattered separations to same; tape remnants and residue on verso of integral leaf; scattered spotting. Lot includes an engraved portrait of Charles II.

This commission refers to Robert Bertie, 3rd Earle of Lindsey, whose father, Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earle of Lindsey (1608-1666), died only two days before this document was signed. The 2nd Earle fought on the Royalist side during the English Civil War (1642-1651). Signed by the English King only five weeks before the Great Fire of London, that burned from September 2-6, 1666.