May 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2014
Oliver Cromwell warrant signed, dated 1 April 1657 at Whitehall. Letter is addressed to Joseph Almond, Thomas Chesham, Thomas Cowell and William Naylor and discusses the complicated relations with the East India Company. Signed, ''Oliver P'' (Protector) in a wavering hand, as he was suffering from malaria that ultimately led to his death a year later. Quite possibly an implementation of the Navigation Act of 1651, which was designed to address the Dutch dominance of naval commerce, warrant documents the seizure of, ''...quantities of Gold and other things at ye Downes [the stretch of sea off Dover] in several ships bound for the East Indyes, as being designed to be exported out of this Commonwealth contrary to Law...'' Document then details inventory arrangements to be taken by Captain Rolt (presumably Thomas Rolt, later knighted under James II, an official of the East India Company) and Mr. Jessop (likely William Jessop, of the Council of State), as well as the ultimate disposal of the goods ''...to see ye same delivered to the Commsrs. of the Customs...'' Document on one page measures 8'' x 11.75'' with 15 handwritten lines and is framed with an engraved portrait of Cromwell. Folds and toning throughout, else very good condition.
Oliver Cromwell Document Signed -- Regarding the East India Company & Written A Year Before His Death
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