Lot 208
[Edward VI]. Letters signed by known persons during this era are scarce, and this letter concerning the behind-the-scenes conscription of men for the Royal Service is a fine example. The letter is chipped along the right margin, somewhat stained, and has been trimmed at the top. Still, the ink is very dark, and signature bold. 1537-53. King of England (1547-53), born in London, the son of Henry VIII by his third queen, Jane Seymour. During Edward's reign, power was first in the hands of his uncle, Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, and after his execution in 1552, of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. Became a devout Protestant, and under the Protectors the English Reformation flourished.
Letter Signed by Sir Thomas Cheyney. One page, Octavo, Shortland, August 1, [1547-1549], to John Monynge [Monyn]. Scarce letter signed during Edward VI's reign regarding orders from the Lord Protector, Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, uncle and Regent for the boy King. The letter announces the dispatch of letters by which the Duke directs that 270 "mariners" [sailors] be engaged for the royal service, within the liberties of the Cinque Ports, to be at Gillingham by the 12th of the month. To Cheyney, this number seems excessive, because he has never raised more than 50 or 60 at a time, and there were evidently not enough men at Sturbourne available. Monyn is directed to raise 60 men at the very least. He says that John Anthony can give him the names of some mariners available in Thanet, and Cheyney thinks that some can be found at Dover.
Estimated Value $450 - 600.
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| Realized $391 |
