Oliver Cromwell letter signed ''Oliver P'' as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, from Whitehall Palace on 27 January 1654 shortly after Cromwell's appointment in December 1653. As Protector, Cromwell signed his documents as ''Oliver P'', similar in style to the ''R'' following the signature of a monarch although ostensibly, the Protectorate was designed to pivot away from monarchy. In this letter, written to the Commissioners of the Admiralty and Marine, Cromwell readies the Summer Guard to defend British shipping from Barbary pirates.

Letter reads in part, ''Whereas it is necessary...number of ships for the next Summer Guard, These are to will & require you to prepare & deliver unto us a list of such ships (to the number of Fortie) with the number of their men & Guns as you shall judge first and most proper for the aforeseyd service. And you are to use all Diligence...'' Single page letter measures 8.25'' x 11.75''. On bifolum with only half of integral leaf present. Folds, some chipping and small tears to margins, light soiling and mounting remnants to verso along edge. Overall in very good condition given age, with an exceptionally large and prominent signature by Cromwell.