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ISABELLA I OF CASTILE: (1451-1504) Queen of Castile 1474-1504. Catholic Monarch who ruled jointly with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon as The Catholic Monarchs 1475-1504. They are recognized for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. An exceptional manuscript letter, dated in 1483, signed by the Queen `Yo la Reyna´ (“I the Queen”), one page, oblong 4to, Miranda de Ebro, 2nd September 1483, to Sancho de Vergara, in old Castilian. The document bears at the heading the written text `The Queen´, stating below `Sancho de Vergara, I have discussed with Johan de Luxan, Knight of my Household, certain matters that he will share with you on my behalf. I do beg and trust you to fully believe him. Given at the town of Miranda de Ebro, 2nd of September 1483´. Countersigned at the base by Fernando Alvarez `As ordered by the Queen´. With a registration annotation to the verso, referring to the order given by the Queen and the matter related, being a lawsuit regarding property in the town of Corella, in Navarra. Only four months prior to our letter´s date, Castilian forces captured the last ruler of the Muslim Emirate of Granada, Muhammad XII, known as Boabdil, at the battle of Lucena. Overall age wear, with very slightly irregular edges, and very small toning, otherwise G

PHILIP V: (1683-1746) King of Spain 1700-24 & 1724-46. A fine L.S., Yo el Rey, with three lines of holograph text at the conclusion, two pages, folio, El Buen Retiro Palace, Madrid, 25th April 1705, to Marquis Jacques de Puységur, in Spanish. King Philip V states `I have received your letter reporting the positive news regarding the location of most of the enemy´s troops, and that they were ready to start military operations close to Badajoz. Because the Marquis was without enough troops to resist or defend an invasion, I decided to send an extraordinary envoy to Maréchal de Tessé, instructing him, notwithstanding the King, my grandfather, orders for him to march straight to Extremadura where, according to these days reports, their presence is more necessary´ further adding `I specifically order that as soon as you receive this letter, you march to Extremadura with all the French troops located in the Old-Castile….and you will only leave to defend Castile all the infantry and cavalry Spanish troops.´ He concludes `I expect your zeal, and knowing that you are dealing with an affair which the King and I consider of the utmost interest, you will not delay a single instant in the prompt accomplishment of all orders instructed, and that you will report back on all you achieved´. Beneath his signature the King has added a further, severe instruction in his own hand, `The situation is too much under pressure, it´s not the time for you to have fun playing roles: therefore I want that you obey me absolutely and with no delay´. A letter of good content. With integral address leaf, bearing the remnants of a seal. VG   Jacques François de Chastenet de Puységur (1656-1743) Marquis de Puységur. French Lieutenant Général and military tutor of King Louis XV. Appointed Marshal of France in 1734. René Mans IV de Froullay (1681-1746) Marquis of Lavardin and Tessé, Grandee of Spain. Appointed Marshal in 1707. Louis XIV (1638-1715) King of France 1643-1715. The longest reigning monarch in European history. Grandfather of King Philip V. The Spanish city of Badajoz, in Extremadura, was besieged in October 1705 during the War of the Spanish Succession 1701-15. Triggered by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain, the major European conflict was to determine who should be the next King of Spain and whether a Bourbon or a Habsburg would take control of Spain's very extensive possessions. It was well known that the union of France and Spain under one monarch would upset the balance of power in Europe, such that other European powers would take steps to prevent it. The War concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht which forbade any future possibility of unifying the French and Spanish thrones. Philip V, Duke of Anjou, was born at the Palace of Versailles and was the Heir apparent to the throne of France. The grandson of King Louis XIV, Philip was the first member of the House of Bourbon to rule as King of Spain. The sum of his two reigns is the longest in modern Spanish history.

HENRY IV OF FRANCE: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, with holograph `Votre Byen bon amy´, (`Your very good friend´) in his hand, one page, Coutras, 4to, 22nd August 1582, as King of Navarre, to Sieur de Varillant, in old French. The document refers to the possibility of obtaining a freehand for Sieur de Manques, whose father was foreigner, in case he would be persecuted because of the Francs-fiefs land taxation. With small traces of a former seal. Overall age wear, folded, with small repair to the verso and few very small holes to the folds. F    The present letter is signed at Coutras, where five years later, on 20th October 1587, took place the Battle of Coutras, a decisive engagement during the French Religious Wars between a Huguenot army under Henry of Navarre, future Henry IV of France, and a Royalist army led by Anne de Joyeuse who was killed while attempting to surrender to a victorious Henry of Navarre.

LOUIS XIV: (1638-1715) Also known as Louis the Great or The Sun King. King of France 1643-1715. Son of Louis XIII. His reign of more than 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history. An extremely rare Autograph Letter, with paraph at the conclusion in the King´s hand, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. [March-April 1667], to Hugues de Lionne, in French. The King refers to two important crucial state affairs, stating `We must wait and see what the letter of Count of St. Albans will generate and consider constantly the honest means to get the peace.´ the King referring to the peace negotiations between England and the provinces of the Netherlands. Further saying `I approve your tought on Butti and I think he can serve usefully at the Conclave.´ referring this time to the difficult relationships between France and the Holy See and an expected prompt conclave. An extremely interesting and rare letter with very good historical content. With blank address leaf, written in the King´s hand `to Lionne´, and bearing remnants of a former seal. With a reputed collector´s small ink stamp, Victor Sanson, "VS", to the bottom right corner. Small overall creasing and age wear, otherwise G   Hugues de Lionne (1611-1671) French Statesman. Secretary to the Queen Regent Anne of Austria. As minister of state, he was associated with Mazarin in the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659) which secured the marriage of Louis XIV to the infanta Maria Theresa of Spain. Among his most important diplomatic successes were the Treaty of Breda (1667) and the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668).The first State affair mentioned in the present letter refers to the Peace Treaty negotiations between England and the provinces of the Netherlands which started early 1667, France being involved in war against England since a year earlier January 1666. During the pourparler, Jean de Witt, representative of the provinces of the Netherlands, agreed with France to choose the city of Breda for the Peace Treaty signature. What is known as Treaty of Breda. Peace between France and England was signed a few months later on 31st July 1667.Henri Jermyn, Count of Saint Alban (1604-1684) emissary appointed by King Charles II of England.Louis XIV and Pope Alexander VII were in permanent quarrel, Alexander's pontificate was shadowed by continual friction with Cardinal Mazarin, adviser to King Louis XIV of France. The quarrel between Versailles and Rome resulted in Alexander VII's temporary loss of Avignon and his forced acceptance of the humiliating treaty of Pisa in 1664. At the time of the present letter, Louis XIV had been informed of the Pope´s poor health and, expecting a prompt end and conclave, sent his cardinals representatives to Rome, in order to impose his candidate Cardinal Giulio Rospigliosi (1600-1669), who would be elected few months later as Pope Clement IX on 26th June 1667. Louis XIV refers in the present letter to Butti, Abbot Francesco Butti (1604-1682), jurist and diplomat, close to Mazarin, who would later be a key figure in introducing Italian music in France. Butti was appointed by the King to Rome in 1667, with strict instructions to report daily to French Ambassador about the conclave progress.    

ELISABETH OF AUSTRIA: (1837-1898) Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Queen Consort of Croatia and Bohemia 1854-98, spouse of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Assassinated. A rare, attractive signed greetings card, the stiff oblong folding 12mo card (now neatly split into two halves at the central vertical fold) featuring a decorative colour floral design to the front cover and a printed caption ('Besten Gluckwunsch') in German to the inside, signed ('Elisabeth') by the Empress to the verso and with a five line greeting in her hand, in German, in full, 'May the lucky wings fulfil their mission and bring a wholehearted wish to you, from your faithful old friend'. VG Elisabeth of Bavaria (also affectionately known as 'Sisi') was, at 44 years, the longest serving Empress-Consort of Austria and had married her husband, Franz Joseph I, at the age of sixteen. Elisabeth was ill-prepared for the formal Habsburg court life and early in her marriage she was at odds with her mother-in-law, Princess Sophie, who took over the rearing of Elisabeth's daughters. The birth of a male heir, Rudolf, improved her standing at court considerably. However, the death of Rudolf and his mistress in a murder-suicide tragedy at his hunting lodge in Mayerling in 1889 had a huge impact on Elisabeth from which she never fully recovered. She withdrew from court duties and travelled extensively, unaccompanied by her family. Unusually tall, particularly beautiful and with long, flowing hair, Elisabeth became obsessively concerned with maintaining her youthful figure and beauty, spending two or three hours each day on her coiffure. While travelling in Geneva in 1898 she was stabbed to death by an Italian anarchist.

ELIZABETH OF BAVARIA: (1876-1965) Queen consort of the Belgians 1909-34, as spouse of King Albert I. Mother of King Leopold III of Belgium and grandmother of Kings Baudouin and Albert II of Belgium. A.L.S., Elisabeth, one page, 8vo, La Panne, 29th July 1916, to Mrs. Wallace. A boldly and cleanly written letter by the Belgian Queen, in English, during World War One, stating in full `I thank you and all the ladies who have worked so faithfully for the splendid portable house which is the delight of one hundred children saved from danger. I am deeply touched by the generous help which American women and children have given to this work to which I am attached with all my heart.´ With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope. Post-marked with an ink stamp stating "Service du Roi". VG

FREDERICK WILLIAM III: (1770-1840) King of Prussia 1797-1840. L.S., Frederic Guillaume, as King, one page, folio, Berlin, 15th August 1824, to the King of the Two Sicilies, in French. The King expresses his great interest in the news sent by his correspondent 'informing me that Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Calabria, Marie-Isabelle, Infant of Spain, has successfully given birth to a Prince, who received the names of Louis, Charles, Marie, Joseph' and concludes by stating 'Please accept, along with my congratulations, the wish I make for your Royal Highness and his Royal Family's happiness, as well as the repeated assurances of my highest consideration and the perfect friendship by which I am, Sir, Brother, Your Majesty's Good Brother'. With blank intergal leaf. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Ferdinand I (1751-1825) King of the Two Sicilies 1816-25. Maria Isabella of Spain (1789-1848) Infanta of Spain and Queen Consort of the Two Sicilies 1825-30, wife of King Francis I of the Two Sicilies. Prince Louis (1824-1897) Count of Aquila and a member of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Husband of Januaria Maria, Princess Imperial of Brazil, the daughter of Pedro I.

OPALINSKA CATHERINE: (1680-1747) Queen consort of Poland and Grand Duchess Consort of Lithuania 1705-08 & 1733-36 as spouse of Stanislaw I of Poland. She lived in exile in Sweden and France since 1708. In 1725, her daughter Marie was chosen to be the Queen of France, which made Catherine mother-in-law to King Louis XV of France. After the wedding, Catherine and Stanisław resided at the Chateau de Chambord. An excellent A.L.S., `Catherine Reyne de Pologne´, (`Catherine, Queen of Poland´), two pages, 4to, n.p. [France], 12th January 1739, to an unidentified lady, in French. The Queen apologizes for her late reply, only due to her bad health and unexpected bad events, and states in part `..despite my silence, I am keeping a deep esteem which I owe to you and an infinite recognition for all you have given testimony to me during my stay with you as well as with all your people who I will always love…´ In very fine condition. VG

GUSTAF V: (1858-1950) King of Sweden 1907-50. D.S., Gustaf R, as King, one page, folio, Stockholm Palace, 11th May 1928, in French. The manuscript document is addressed to [Antanas Smetona] the President of Lithuania and states, in part, 'Animated by the wish to allow no break in the cordial relations which exist between Sweden and Lithuania, We have decided to accredit to You, as Our Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, M. de Reutersward (Carl, Reinhold, Patrik), who has up to now been the Swedish Charge d'Affaires in Vienna. The high qualities which this representative possesses, his zeal and devotion to duty are a guarantee of the care which he will take to win Your esteem and Your goodwill, and thus to merit Our approval. It is in this conviction that We ask You to accord him a favourable welcome…..' Countersigned at the foot by Eliel Lofgren (1872-1940) Swedish Politician, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1926-28. Some light discoloration to the edges, only very slightly affecting the text but not the King's signature. About VG Carl Reinhold Patrik Reutersward (1885-1963) Swedish Diplomat.

VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom Great Britain & Ireland 1837-1901. An exceptionally fine A.L.S., The Queen, in the third person, four pages, 8vo, Windsor Castle, 26th February 1873, to Alfred Tennyson, on black bordered mourning stationery. The Queen writes, in full, 'Though Lady Augusta Stanley has already conveyed the expressions of the Queen's warmest thanks for high admiration of the beautiful Epilogue he has so kindly inscribed to herself, she wishes to repeat again herself to Mr. Tennyson these feelings on the occasion of the arrival of the copy of the very fine new edition of the Idylls of the King. Pray accept the renewed thanks of the Queen for the noble, heart stirring words addressed to her, & which were a complete surprise. It would give the Queen much pleasure, could she, some day, when he is within reach of Windsor, show him the Mausoleum she has raised over the Earthly remains of her dear Husband whom he knew how to appreciate & so beautifully described - as she feels sure he would admire it & think it worthy of Him who wore "…The white flower of a blameless life". She also hopes that Mr. Tennyson will not find Osborne too far a drive from Osborne'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Queen Victoria and signed ('The Queen') by her to the lower left corner. A letter of remarkable content and association. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG    Idylls of the King is a cycle of twelve narrative poems by Tennyson which were published between 1859 and 1885 and retell the legend of King Arthur. The poems were dedicated to the late Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, and in the very brief final section of the work Tennyson praises Queen Victoria, and her recently deceased husband, and prays that she, like Arthur, is remembered as a great ruler long after her reign is over.Provenance: The present letter is accompanied by the original Sotheby's description, clipped from their catalogue (lot 440, 22nd July 1980) which states that it was the first letter written by Queen Victoria to Alfred Tennyson. Indeed, this is the first of only eleven letters from the Queen to the Poet Laureate recorded by American Book Prices Current as having appeared at auction, and the earliest in date. The other recorded letters range from 1883-90 and cover subjects including her children Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice, John Brown, the death of General Gordon and her suggestion that Tennyson might try to persuade William Gladstone to retire from politics. In their description Sotheby's also state that 'Tennyson visited the Mausoleum at Windsor on 6 March. In her journal the Queen recorded her satisfaction with the meeting: "….When I showed him some of the details of the decorations in the building he said the whole effect was very beautiful & worthy of what it was intended for…"'

PHILIP PRINCE: (1921-     ) Duke of Edinburgh, husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth II. An interesting A.L.S., Philip, six pages, small 4to, Command House, Singapore, 26th February 1965, to Harold [Hartley]. The Duke thanks his correspondent for their letter which reached him after returning from Australia and continues to give an account of the course of events whilst there, 'As you know Bland called his meeting just before I arrived and the morning I got to Canberra he came to see me…..Bland is a small dark balding man with large eyes and a rubbery face. He seemed quite friendly and obviously rather pleased with himself. It soon became apparent that his understanding of the conference concept and method was superficial and I'm fairly certain he was surprised to find that I knew anything about it at all! I buttered him up and he was soon purring!.....Incidentally he revealed his ignorance in quite an interesting way. He announced that he thought the Australian conference should break new ground by studying problems peculiar to Australia & useful to the emerging countries and other things along those lines. I couldn't help saying that if Australia did this half as well as England & Canada they could still be pleased with themselves' and further stating 'I'm glad you thought the Dunrossil [Lecture] went down well. I was pleased to see that there was quite a lot of favourable comment in Australia. I think it was partly amazement & relief that I made any sense at all!'. The Duke further provides other observations, 'Australia is a fascinating place. They're absolutely mesmerised by the Americans and yet they take it as a personal insult that Britain should be in such a muddle at the moment. Australian nationalism is growing rapidly and naturally it is directed almost entirely at Britain. They still haven't got over the fact that Britain was not able to protect them from the Japs, in spite of the fact that she was fighting for her life in Europe. Therefore their gratitude to the US is almost excessive…..' A letter of fine content relating to Australia. VG Sir Harold Hartley (1878-1972) British Physical Chemist, later serving in important positions in business and industry including being Chairman of the British Overseas Airways Corporation. Prince Philip most likely refers to Sir Henry Bland (1909-1997) Australian Public Servant who served as Secretary of the Department of Labour and National Service 1952-67. Prince Philip visited Australia between 19th and 26th February 1965 during which time he planned meetings for a Study Conference to take place in 1968, presented the inaugural Dunrossil Lecture to the Institute of Radio Engineers and opened the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra on 22nd February 1965.

ELIZABETH II: (1926- ) Queen of the United Kingdom 1952- . D.S., Elizabeth R, as Queen, at the conclusion, two pages, 4to, Court of Saint James's, 22nd May 1989. The partially printed and typewritten document is addressed to Dr. Victor Paz Estenssoro, President of the Republic of Bolivia, and states, 'Having need elsewhere for the services of….Colum John Sharkey….who has for some time resided with You in the character of Our Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, We have thought fit to notify to You his recall' and continues 'We are Ourselves so satisfied with the zeal, ability, and fidelity with which Mr Sharkey has executed Our orders on all occasions during his Mission that We trust his conduct will also have merited Your approbation….' With two file holes to the left edge of each page, not affecting the text or signature, VG   Victor Paz Estenssoro (1907-2001) President of Bolivia 1952-56, 1960-64 & 1985-89.Colum John Sharkey - British Ambassador to Bolivia 1987-89 and to Uruguay 1989-91. 

[PETER II OF RUSSIA]: (1715-1730) Emperor of Russia 1727-30. Grandson of Emperor Peter the Great. Orphaned at the age of two, his mother died ten days after giving birth and his father, imprisoned by his own father Peter the Great, died in prison in 1718. When Peter the Great died in 1725 he was succeeded on the throne by his second wife, Catherine I who also died two years after, leaving the eleven years old Peter, although ignored and kept till then in seclusion, as the only male-line grandson of Peter the Great. Peter II reigned as Emperor of all Russias only for two years and half and died at the very early age of 14. Extremely rare D.S., signed on behalf of the Emperor, one page, vellum, oblong 4to, Saint Petersburg, 23rd August 1728, to Ivan Maslov, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document being a decree according to which Officer Ivan Maslov is promoted to the rank of General. The order states `By God-s Will We, Peter II, Imperator of the whole Russia,….Everyone to acknowledge the fact and to demonstrate to Ivan Maslov the proper respect. We expect and anticipate that in his new rank as General he will continue to act as appropriate to his new position. As a proof of this Decree, this document is signed and notarized with our Country´s Seal.´ Signed on behalf of Peter II in his capacity as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias by Duke Grigoriev and Stepan Ignatiev, the Emperor being only twelve years old. With remnants of a former seal at the base. G 

NICHOLAS II OF RUSSIA: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917. Assassinated. A good L.S., `Nikolai´, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Tsarskoye Selo, 19th November 1901, to the President of Chile, in Cyrillic. On a letter bearing the printed heading "By the Grace of God, We Nicholas the Second, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias", the Tsar congratulates his correspondent for his Presidency election, stating `We have received the letter in which you inform Us that you have been elected President of the Republic of Chile, and express your commitment to the maintenance of friendly relationships with Our Empire. We are pleased to express Our willingness to contribute to everything that can strengthen the affection between our subjects and the Republic of Chile. God bless you.´ At the base, copy to Count Lamsdorf. Minister of Foreign Affairs. Small overall minor age wear. Professionally repair to the centre folds with left border damaged, although not affecting the signature. About G   German Riesco Errazuriz (1854-1916) President of Chile 1901-06.Count Vladimir Lamsdorf (1845-1907) Russian statesman of Baltic descent who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire 1900-06 a crucial period which included the Russo-Japanese War and the Russian Revolution.

KAPODISTRIAS IOANNIS: (1776-1831) Greek Count and Statesman. One of the most distinguished diplomats of Europe. First Head of State of independent Greece 1827-31. Widely considered the founder of the modern Greek state. Kapodistrias also served as the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Empire 1816-22 under Alexander I, and was succeeded by Count Nesselrode. A good L.S. `Kapodystrias´, three pages, 4to, St. Petersburg, 13th July 1822, to Prince Kozlowski, in French.  Kapodistrias states in part `We have considered our duty to inform the Emperor about your letter dated 18/30th May… regarding the testimony of your wish to start serving as soon as possible, His Imperial Majesty has not found any reason to believe that your future interests had been unrecognized by the expedition of Count Vorontzov in Munich…´ further saying `.. it is not the Munich posting the one chosen for you as first option, and on the other hand this post is only partially covered by Count Vorontzov, as Count Pahlen has not resigned yet..´ A cleanly written letter of good association. VG    Alexander I (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25. Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov (1782-1856) Russian Prince and renowned field-Marshal. Son of Semyon Vorontsov (1744-1832) Diplomat, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Great Britain 1785-1800 and to the United Kingdom 1801-1806.Peter Ludwig von der Pahlen (1745-1826) Russian General and Count who played an important role in the assassination of Emperor Paul I.

ORLOV NIKOLAY: (1827-1885) Prince Orloff. Russian Diplomat and close friend to Emperor Alexander III. Ambassador of Russia to Paris and Brussels 1859-69. A liberal mind and respected Diplomat. Two good A.Ls.S., `N. Orloff´, four pages and one page respectively, 8vos, both to Jacques Tolstoy, in Cyrillic. The first is dated Paris 8/20th April 1878, bearing a blind embossed crowned seal with his initials to the heading, Orlov stating in part `Dear Mikhail Nikolaevich [Nikonov], I should like to request something that would demonstrate again your friendly disposition; forward the enclosed Power of Attorney to be attested at the Department of Internal Affairs, and after that send it as a certified letter to the following address, H.H.N. Elisabeth Venidiktnovna Meynard, Chernigov Governorate, via Novgorod-Seversky, Svirzh estate..´. The second letter, from Paris, n.d.[1858], states `..Matvey Stepanovich, I invite you to a splendid meeting this evening.There will be 7 people!!! Please, find out about Sazanov situation, and do not forget the card for Orsini's process.´ With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by an original envelope addressed to `Monsieur J. de Tolstoy´. VG, 2 Felice Orsini (1819-1858) Italian Revolutionary. Leader of the "Carbonari" who tried to assassinate Napoleon III Emperor of the French. Orsini was sentenced to death and executed.

[MOROCCO]: MATRA JAMES: (1746-1806) American Sailor and Diplomat who had accompanied James Cook on his voyage to Botany Bay in 1770. Matra served as His Majesty's Consul General at Tangier from 1786-1806. Manuscript draft of an A.L., unsigned, five pages, folio, Bay of Gibraltar, 3rd February 1789, to a Secretary of State. Matra explains that, due to the severe weather conditions of the season, he was unable to attend a meeting with the Emperor of Morocco until the 26th December and, on the morning of that day, received a message via the Foreign Secretary from the Emperor to be read in the presence of all the consuls, continuing, in part, 'No changes, no revolutions ought to surprise a man who is conversant with this country…..notwithstanding this capacious language I was determined to proceed to Mequinez: I knew that if the real causes of the inconsistent message were possible to be learned I could only discover them there. Whatever information I met with on the road was extremely discouraging. It was likewise my opinion that in the present unhappy situation of the British court His Majesty's ministers would wish to avoid an immediate rupture with the Emperor of Morocco…..When I arrived at Mequinez the place appointed for my reception was inconvenient and wretched…..Soon after my arrival at Mequinez I found that a courier from Spain had brought to the Emperor the melancholy intelligence of our Sovereign's Indisposition: and that we were to expect the most hostile measures from the Moorish court from the supposition that we could not, in our present situation, resent them as they might deserve. I was also informed of a letter on our publick and great misfortune….which had been sent from the Emperor to the French King…..It's two first paragraphs requested the French to conduct the two Frigates to Constantinople which the English had constantly refused to convey thither; and desired to know, if he went to war with us, whether his enemies would be permitted to sell their prizes in the French ports. I likewise found that the Court of Mequinez was acquainted with the bad success of our negotiation with Algiers…..I heard that he [the Emperor] had received a supply of what he most needed, 800 Barrels of Gun Powder…..he daily expected a 1000 more, which were procured by a merchant at Gibraltar…..It was my business to gain time: I got a letter conveyed to the favourite Empress and I tried every avenue to an improvement……the Minister, however, advised me to procrastinate as long as possible my interview with the Emperor and to be content for the present with his general impressions of friendship, if I was fortunate enough to procure even them……By the intervention of a faithful female messenger I, at length, prevailed with Lella Dowya, the Empress, to efface prejudicial impressions from the mind of the Emperour, and to represent to him the situation of our Government in an advantageous Light. As I chose to give her influence a little time to operate, in my Conference with the ministers, I plainly told them that I could not with Decency make that object a matter of negociation which had been peremptorily rejected by my Sovereign, and that I wished to defer a more explicit unfolding of my sentiments, till I was honoured with an audience by the Emperour. This mighty object I obtained on the 6th January……By plying him [the Emperor] opportunely with much adulation, and some invention…..I flattered myself that I had softened, and half conciliated him……The audience closed with a very auspicious appearance; the Emperour ordered me to attend on the next day when Talo Hooderani…..would acquaint me with his demands……It was…..proposed to me that I should……be the receiver of his I. Majesty's Dutie at Tetuan and Tangier and that I should invest the produce in Gun Powder. A negative to this offer surely demanded a little hesitation…..I at length agreed that I should dispatch a letter from the Emperour to His Britanick Majesty from Gibraltar with my own hand. One day, as I was crossing the Garden, I was called to a private audience. The Emperour, in consequence of the influence of his favourite wife, behaved to me on this occasion with great kindness and warmly promised me every instance of his friendship…..It was evident, from his conversation, that he expected a more liberal acknowledgement for the seamen whom he had restored to us in the last summer. He expressed a wish for some tea, in the boxes, as it immediately comes from China, and for some sweet meats - with both these articles I have engaged to oblige him. His avarice, and his love of toys, prompted him to observe to me, that I was the only Englishman, in my situation, who had never presented him with a watch, though it was well known that he very much liked such specimens of ingenuity. I was so closely pressed that I could not avoid promising him one. After several meetings on this subject, his I.M. chose a machine…..It will cost far less than the watch that we must have sent him if he had directly chosen a watch. The remaining conversation closed agreeably:- he promised me…..such a restoration of our Treaty as would give me perfect satisfaction……I expressed my strong dislike of a part of the…..style of his letter to his Majesty to which I procured some degree of softening; but he who is delicate with regard to decorum will never do any thing important in this country…..I was inflexibly determined not to receive my papers under the despicable sanction of the imperial seal. This seal……is shamefully prohibited:- for 50 Dollars he will affix it to anything. I insisted on the signature of the Emperour's own hand, which, with much difficulty…..I obtained. A letter was at length given to me from the Emperour to my Sovereign, adjusted with at least some improvement in point of propriety. It was signed by the Emperour and…..I believe it contains the only apology that the Emperour of Morocco ever made? Having settled all my business as effectually and expeditiously as unfortunate circumstances and absurd people would permit, I left Mequinez on the 13th of January…..Permit me to assure your Lordship, in justice to myself, and without exaggeration, that we are now extricated from difficulties in our connexion with the Emperour of Morocco, with more national advantage and credit than are commonly obtained, in delicate emergencies, by the other states of Europe…..' A letter of fascinating content providing a first hand account of the intrigues and influences of the court of Morocco. Some light overall age wear and a few small tears and minor areas of paper loss to the edges of some folds, G

[MOROCCO]: MATRA JAMES: (1746-1806) American Sailor and Diplomat who had accompanied James Cook on his voyage to Botany Bay in 1770. Matra served as His Majesty's Consul General at Tangier from 1786-1806. Small archive of seven contemporary manuscript drafts of letters from Matra, unsigned, twenty seven pages (total), mainly folio, n.p. (Tangier), 1803-04, to Charles Yorke. Matra writes on various diplomatic issues, stating, in part, 'I had the honour to transmit an account of the proceedings here in consequence of the capture of the Moorish Frigate by the Americans…….no directions were given to use force, this order was evaded, but was followed by one to send him [Mr. Simpson, the American Consul] off immediately by force if necessary, they went so far as to threaten to violate the privileges of the Swedish House where Mr. Simpson then was; the dispute was finished by placing a guard on the American House until an answer arrived from the Emperor……H.I.M. disapproved of the treatment he had received & assured him of his protexions & friendship; the Orders to the Moorish Commanders were doubted or attributed to mistake…..In the midst of this African shuffle the mask was torn off by the arrival of a courier on the night of the 16 from Mogodore, to inform us that on the 1st inst., Orders from the Emperor arrived there to seize on all Americans & their Property, in consequence of which a Brig then unloading & her crew were taken. The consul found means next day to acquaint the Commodore with this; as in this case there would be no misspelling, nor blunders of the Governor of Tangier he left the Bay immediately……shortly after the Guard was removed from the American House. By the same courier came a private letter for the American Consul from the Minister in which he told him that if the Frigate were not here when the Emperor arrived, he did not know what would happen. I have no doubt….but that this negotiation will terminate agreeably to the Emperor's wishes…..& to recover his Frigate he will be all gentleness……a Letter was given to one of my servants in the street by a stranger who did not know as he said whence he had it, it was……unsigned, but by a known mark I saw it was from the Minister. He seemed something ashamed of what was going on, assured me that the Emperor would march direct for this place……& promised that whatever I pointed my finger to, either for myself or the nation, would be granted immediately' (20th September 1803; accompanied by a contemporary manuscript translation of a letter from Sultan Mulay Suleiman to Consuls in Tangier), 'H.I.M. did not lodge in the Castle as usual, but encamped on a mountain…..during the whole of his stay here it was one continual gale of wind & shower of rain…..we were called to our first audiences separately, they were as usual very short, being merely complimentary & for the sole purpose of giving a Present, business never being mentioned on such occasions…..Shortly after all the Consuls were dispatched the American Commodore…..had an audience of the Emperor…….The Emperor gave an Order to deliver up the American Brig seized in Mogadore & was promised in return his Frigate taken by them…..No satisfaction was given, nor none demanded for the sudden & unprovoked hostility of the Moors, nor for the violent treatment of the American Consul. Had the War continued it was the American plan to declare the whole coast blockaded, except the export of live stock for Gibraltar, Spain & Portugal; had it gone to that extremity there would have been a complete revolution in this Country' (17th October 1803), '…..there has been communicated to me by authority, but as a Secret, a proposal of the Catholick King to cede to the Emperor the three places Spain holds on the coast in the Mediterranean…..to be paid for in Corn, to be shipped free from Duty. As the Houses in these Provinces are private property being built by the Inhabitants, the King considers it as just that his Subjects should receive some compensation for abandoning them which he proposes to pay by the Money which otherwise would go to the Emperor for Duties. This plan does not exactly meet the Emperor's ideas…….Spain has been so often deceived, & both Parties are so suspicious of each other that it will be very difficult to close the agreement……To the Emperor it is the greatest acquisition he can make, it would considerably increase his influence with the secondary Powers of Europe, particularly those of the Mediterranean' (18th October 1803), '……a Courier was sent to the Emperor with what I understood to be the final resolution of the Catholick King……I yet know nothing more of the answer he brought than that is not satisfactory……The Spaniards seem persuaded that they will succeed, but upon what grounds I cannot conjecture……During the negotiation…..it has been roundly asserted that the Court of Madrid did actually promise to……the late Emperor's Ambassador to give up the three settlements in dispute for nothing……That has been checked: nothing can be more incorrect…..I have before this mentioned the variations that have been made here in the value of the current coin: it had gone so far that the Spanish Dollar was coined into thirteen & a half ounces & occasionally fourteen, although each ounce should of right be worth eight pence English……were soon out of circulation as most of what were not absorbed in the Treasury were buried & rather than take the wretched copper coin, all publick payment to the Treasury which hitherto was made in Spanish money was now paid in ounces' (3rd February 1804), 'This part of the country has been held in a state of the greatest anxiety for near a month past respecting the fate of the Emperor…….H.I.M. was for more than three weeks dangerously ill: reports were for some time spread in the neighbourhood of Morocco that he was dead, to avoid the ill consequences of which he was obliged to appear in publick before he was in a proper state to do so……The long promised Present from the States of America has been delivered: one hundred Land Gun Carriages……they are remarkably well finished, of Oak, with Iron Axletrees. They were ordered at Washington so soon as it was known that the Emperor had attacked their commerce but the vessel which was freighted to bring them out had a long passage by stopping at a French Port with Dispatches for their Ambassador was embargoed for three months……The Spanish negotiation lingers without the least prospect of a favourable termination…..The Emperor is still at Morocco, but having no person of business about him little attention is paid to foreign affairs…..' (17th March 1804), 'For some time past we were all under much uncertainty respecting the fate of the Emperor…..A Moor came in privately from the South to assure me that Mulay Suleiman was dead……which was strengthened by some obscure whispers among the Chief Moors. I had sufficient reason for supposing that if it had been true, I should have received a speedy account of the event from a much more interesting quarter, yet there were some circumstances that gave an air of probability to it.' (23rd April 1804). An archive of letters containing interesting content relating to various Moroccan issues. Some light overall age wear, otherwise VG, 7 Charles Philip Yorke (1764-1834) British Politician who served as Home Secretary 1803-04.

[MOROCCO]: MATRA JAMES: (1746-1806) American Sailor and Diplomat who had accompanied James Cook on his voyage to Botany Bay in 1770. Matra served as His Majesty's Consul General at Tangier from 1786-1806. Small archive of nine contemporary manuscript drafts of letters from Matra, unsigned, thirty five pages (total), folio, n.p. (Tangier), June - December 1804, to Earl Camden. Matra writes a series of diplomatic letters in which he makes references to Napoleon, French espionage and other matters, stating, in part, 'I believe it will appear Sir that the restless ambition of Buonaparte is not content with disturbing of Europe, but that he seriously means in his leisure moments to attempt something in this country. Towards the close of last summer a Passenger landed here from…..Spain; about 30 years of age, he was in the Turkish dress & called himself Ali Bey, a Syrian, but he spoke not a word of Arabick. His story was that when he was an infant his Father & Family took refuge in England…..since he grew up his time has been employed in travelling through England, France & Spain. I have always observed here that the more absurd the Tale the more readily it was believed by Moors……yet this man had not been twenty four hours in the Country before he was suspected to be a Brother of the Corsicans, & still all over the Country he goes by no other name than Bonaparte…….he was asked if he wanted anything from the Emperor; he answered no, he was very rich & only desired to return to, and spend his days, in the religion of his ancestors…..About the middle of September he received from Cadiz forty cases, two of which were filled with mathematical instruments, the others contained such articles as are usually given at this Court as Presents…..The whole was consigned to the Spanish Arsenal. About this time he solicited my acquaintance considering him as an adventurer……The Emperor arrived shortly after with whom he went to Mequinez & we never met, which at that time I did not much regret, as we had here…..a man decorated with the Order of the White Eagle…..by the late Ali Bey of Egypt, who had been sent young as a Hostage to St. Petersburgh, & by an Empress of the Greek Church, brought up in the Catholick Religion. I believed him to be a Polish Jew…..who had taken up a trade he was no means qualified for & I concluded that this second Ali Bey was one of the same cast……On his arrival Mr. Goblot the Spanish Vice Consul & Secretary visited him & generally was with him every evening at what time all the Servants & Interpreters were put out & the Room shut……Goblot is a French man, but he has been near thirty years in the Spanish Service……In his [the Syrian's] journey to Mequinez under the very eye of the Emperor, he sounded all the Rivers, measured their breadth & examined the roads & mountains with the accuracy of a Quarter Master General…..The Moors are petrified…..The Emperor seems blinded by his piety & charities…..& by the very valuable Present he made him……yet I believe that H.I.M. is not altogether without his suspicions…..I conclude…..he can surely be no common traveller……that he is immediately an Agent for Spain I cannot readily believe because there is scarce any temporal advantage which……would induce the Court of Madrid to send a Christian here……Much is not easily to be done against a man who has such a command of money, & parts with it so readily as he does, but I will lose something on him. His principal Servants & Interpreters are Jews & I know that I can command the Services of the Jewish Priesthood in Morocco…..& I hope in the course of the summer to have him completely surrounded' (6th June 1804), 'Until about a week past there was every reason to expect a civil war of the most serious consequences. H.I.M., who was in Mequinez, for reasons not distinctly understood here had a dispute with the Udaya, a most powerful tribe who cover a great extent of Territory' (18th July 1804), 'I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that for a month past an attack by this country on the commerce of America was considered as certain. The Emperor had loaded one of his Frigates…..in the Pass given by the American Consul there was a prohibition for the ships entering any Port blockaded by the United States…….I believe My Lord there has been for a long time past very considerable intrigues here on the part of Spain to procure a revolution, as under the present Emperor there is no probability that they will obtain any corn from this country….' (25th August 1804), 'I have this morning received official notice from the Emperor that it is his intention to send a Person to London with a considerable sum of Money to purchase certain articles and I am requested to assist him…..to procure good Bills of Exchange……the sum I believe will be nearly two hundred thousand Mexicos' (18th September 1804), 'The danger I most apprehend arises from the disposition of the Emperor, which is a secret to none of the Parties. It is impossible to detest anything more than Mulay Suleiman does the Jewish Butchers of Gibraltar, whom he has described to myself as a set of Rascals enriched at his expense. He certainly has not much more love for us……we are the only nation who get anything from him, & he would be glad……to be rid of us…..The state of Health in Gibraltar and the main parts of Spain has caused a most rigorous Quarantine to be established here; but I have after a little struggle obtained a continuance of the supply for the Garrison…..all subject to the usual laws of Quarantine' (29th September 1804), 'I had a long conversation……I then learnt for the first time that the Emperor expected we would make him a Present of two Ships. I did not lose one moment to employ the strongest, but most decent language I could, utterly to destroy every hope of that nature……A very long experience has taught me the full value of such promises, yet when the state of Gibraltar became so deplorable….I wrote directly & solely to himself…..I told him plainly that if our Army was reduced the Spaniards who were in force at the lines were not such blockheads as to let the Peace stand in the way of such an acquisition as Gibraltar…..The opposition I meet with in this business is astonishing. Of course nothing is…..openly…..said, but every street & alley in the place is filled with whispers of the danger I am leading the country into' (20th October 1804), 'Of Bin Tab I know nothing personally……but I have a sufficient knowledge of his character from many who have associated with him in Portugal, Spain & Italy; he is a merchant & man of pleasure, and having lived much with the Christians, his manners are more polished than those of any other man of this country, As to other points I suppose he is a complete Moor as I have never known a change of life make any real change in the national character of these People……he generally keeps an open table where ever he is, & is reckoned a good judge of wine, of which he is very fond……of the English he knows much more than he is willing people should suppose' (21st October 1804), 'I have had the honour to mention to your Lordship the demand formerly made by this country on the American Consul for a Passport for a Moorish Vessel to convey a Present of Corn to Tripoly, then blockaded by the Americans, and its refusal……The Governor sent a message to the Consul which he insisted should be delivered before witnesses. It was composed of every term of the lowest abuse which the most vulgar DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CAN NOT BE DISPLAYED HERE.FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT IAA EUROPE DIRECTLY

[MOROCCO]: MATRA JAMES: (1746-1806) American Sailor and Diplomat who had accompanied James Cook on his voyage to Botany Bay in 1770. Matra served as His Majesty's Consul General at Tangier from 1786-1806. Archive of twenty six contemporary manuscript drafts of letters from Matra, unsigned, eighty six pages (total), mainly folio (a few 4to), n.p. (Tangier), 1801-03, to Lord Pelham. Matra writes a series of diplomatic letters, with various references to the activities of Jews in Morocco and their relationship with the Emperor, a possible invasion by the French, stating, in part, 'The two cargoes are estimated at two hundred thousand Dollars, most of which according to custom the Jew I suppose has purchased at a long credit, and by a bankruptcy in consequence of the Emperor's proceedings will defraud the London traders of the whole' (1st August 1801), 'In consequence of Your Grace's secret and confidential letter of the 18th July I wrote to this Court again to apprise them of the dangers of the French & Spaniards against this Country and to impress as forcibly as I could on the Emperor's mind……His Majesty's…..exertions for restoring Egypt to the authority of its lawful sovereign…..I am confident that the Emperor sees his danger……however….(does)…..rely a good deal on the recent & positive assurances to the contrary which he has received from the Catholick King: although when I was last at Court……I dwelt much on the constant denial of the French……and he is no stranger to the humiliating state of Spain which obliges that Power to write or say whatever the French may order……It is rather a general opinion here My Lord with the Moors that it is Algiers which the enemy mean to attack……& that throughout the Kingdom of Algiers every Moor & every Jew are ready to join them…….Under any other Government than the Present, the produce of this Country which might include nearly all the Articles of Commerce required in Europe would amply compensate for the expense of Conquest…..I am persuaded My Lord that a most considerable majority of the People of this Country would rejoice if it were conquered……What causes much suspicion here of the designs of the Enemy, even among the Christian agents, is that the Spanish, French & Dutch consuls who left the country with the others on account of the Plague have declined returning' (16th September 1801), 'I hope Sir that our merchants will not lose so much as they fear they shall; it is not very probable that a Stranger & a Barbary Jew could obtain credit in London to the amount of the two Cargoes, nor, considering the funds that he certainly carried with him, could he stand in need of such credit…..I believe that this Jew is not in such penury pleads & so far from intending to satisfy his creditors, has formed a plan to dupe many more……He doubtless will obtain all the papers he asks from the Emperor, and in a City abounding in Commercial Speculators like London may find many to rely on Barbary faith' (18th September 1801), 'I am sorry to inform Your Lordship that I have certain accounts that the Yellow Fever has again appeared in the City of Madeira……I suspect with some violence. I am told that a double cordon is round the city' (2nd October 1801), 'I had the honour to receive Your Lordships letters…..enclosing the Preliminaries of Peace with the French Republick…..I shall take a favourable opportunity to inform the Emperor of the consideration of the two Danish vessels supposed to belong to his Jew……and as I am authorised to give him an official answer on the subject I apprehend no difficulty' (21st November 1801), 'I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that…..an order came from the Emperor that the Dutch Counsel and his Family should leave this Country immediately & not return until the States sent him an Ambassador…..I am privately assured that it has been notified to the American Counsel that if his Country does not send an Ambassador by the first of next April, on that day he must leave Barbary' (12th December 1801), 'The Emperor arrived here…..At the Publick audience of the different Vice Consuls…..he particularly distinguished the English and told the Governor that as he preferred them to all other nations, the most particular attention must be shown to their interest. The Commerce requested payment for the merchandise which they had imported for the private use of the Emperor, the unsettled claim of which amounted to fifty seven thousand Mexicos. H.I.M. enquired if the English were concerned in the debt & expressed his pleasure at being answered in the negative' (13th December 1801), 'H.I.M. says that the Jews were not worth an ounce, until employed by the Governor of Mogadore as receivers of the publick Revenue; that their commerce was carried on with the publick money…..for the truth of all this the Emperor appeals & I really believe with foundation, to the whole commerce of Mogadore. H.I.M. declares it impossible for any man to believe that a strange Jew would suddenly get such credit in London; that he has only seized on what belonged to his Treasury, and now having no farther demands against the Jew he pardons him……During the war H.I.M. applied to the Merchants…..for a quantity of Gun Powder, not liking the commissions they excused themselves on account of the war, that plea being at an end he has sent them word that if the Powder does not come out immediately he will put them all in irons. Fortunately we have no Englishmen concerned……' (23rd December 1801), 'The French….received orders from Paris to acquaint this Court with the convention between France & the Italian Republick; to demand…..they should be respected equally…..I was told the Emperor hesitated at a good deal, but finally complied with the whole demand. Admiral de Winton who has been so long expected here, has passed the straights on his return without noticing this country. Our information of this was casual, by a Spanish smuggling boat from Cadiz when the Squadron had been forced by a gale of wind. As that was not generally known the Dutch Counsel sent to inform the Emperor…..' (14th April 1803), 'H.I.M. sent a messenger to me requesting that I would embrace some means of having him conveyed by Sea to Alexandria as he was going on business of great consequence to Cairo, and I am to let him know on what day he leaves Gibraltar. I sent him over last night in hope that His Royal Highness may have an opportunity of sending him to Malta where there may be vessels either direct for Alexandria or to some of the near Ports on the Coast of Syria' (4th May 1803), 'Shortly after the Treaty of Amiens there was a general opinion here received from all parts of Europe that the Turkish Empire was to be divided; and in a short time the whole of this country had an idea that so soon as one Treaty was signed the French had proposed another to us against the world for general division and plunder, by which the Turkish Empire was to be annihilated…..' (13th June 1803), 'I have frequently had the honour to mention to Your Lordship the state of the American business here. The Present promised last summer has never appeared…..The Emperor ceased from all application to the Consul but determined on what he would do when prepared. To complete his ill humour, the Tripoly ship which sailed from Gibraltar as his property & with a Pass from the American Consul, is taken & carried into Malta.  DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CAN NOT BE DISPLAYED HERE.FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT IAA EUROPE DIRECTLY

ORDE JOHN: (1751-1824) British Admiral, remembered as a professional enemy of Lord Nelson. An interesting series of eight A.Ls.S. and two Ls.S., J Orde, twenty nine pages (total), mainly 4to and folio (2), HMS Princess Royal, off Cadiz, 1797-98, to James Matra, His Majesty's Consul General at Tangier, some marked Private and Confidential. Orde writes a series of formal letters to Matra regarding supplies, French and Spanish fleet movements, frictions with the Emperor of Morocco, Colonial Government posts, making references to Lord Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte etc., in part, 'Having the honor to command a Squadron of His Brittanick Majesty's Ships cruising off Cadiz; I am requested by the Earl of St. Vincent to forward to you a Bag of Letters….& to request you will dispatch it to General O'Hara, Govr. of Gibraltar by the earliest opportunity…..I have directed Captain Gage…..to apply for your assistance in procuring a small supply of Bullocks & Vegetables for the Squadron under my Order' (5th December 1797), 'Lord St. Vincent's letters shall be forwarded to him…..We are given to understand here that the whole Spanish Fleet that left Cadiz returned to it except one frigate. What say you to this? Have you had any late accounts of the movement of the French in the Mediterranean Has the French consul with you received orders…..to confiscate vessels taking any article of British manufacture on board? Has he any information relative to the invasion of England & of Portugal?' (25th February 1798), 'The commander of the Emerald Frigate has my directions to call in at Tangier and apply to you for any intelligence you may have to communicate to me…..The Spanish Fleet seem prepared for sea and I have my suspicions intend to come out, should it so happen, I trust we shall not be found unprepared for them' (16th March [1798]), 'I shall not be at all surprised at any attempt the Spaniards may make to promote a difference between Great Britain and the Emperor of Morocco….Your letters for the Duke of Portland I sent to Lisbon, to be forwarded to England….by the same consignment I sent also extracts from your letters to Lord St. Vincent, who I daresay will consider himself much obliged by the intelligence they contain' (2nd April 1798), 'The value of the Governor of Barbados, or rather the income, I conceive to be about 2000 £ Sterlg. Pr. Annm; the greatest part of it arising from the salary allowed by Government……The climate, you will have heard of course, is the mildest possible, and the society of the capital, not bad when I was there, is now, I am informed, greatly improved with the town. Living in the island is not expensive…..supplies of various kinds are got……from America and the intercourse with the mother country in West Indian colonies afford a favourable opportunity to draw what may be wanting from them. The situation of the island of Bermuda makes it ever of importance to G.B., but more especially in time of war…..I cannot too strongly express my gratitude to you for the correct accounts sent me of the proposed movements of the Spanish Fleet…..they enabled me to draw those reinforcements from Lisbon in time that, I conceive, have prevented the Sp[aniar]ds pulling to sea…..I feel more indignant than I can express at the conduct of the E! His hostility to us can not be concealed……Would that we could get hold of Cadiz & the Spanish Fleet! It is an object, in my opinion, more likely to recall to us a tolerable & lasting peace than any other I am aware of. Time will show what we will do. As the Emperor has cut off our supplies of cattle…..I request you to let your servant procure for me about six dozen of the cattle of the best quality, about ten baskets of corn and 200 eggs' (21st April [1798]), 'I intend leaving this about Thursday or Friday next, or so soon after as the Wind will permit, for the purpose of rejoining the Fleet; and intend, in my way, to drop anchor off Tangier, for the purpose of receiving on Board the Princess Royal, as many live Bullocks, and Stock, as I can possibly store, which shall be Publickly understood, to be for my ship only' (6th May 1798), 'I am truly sorry my Dr. Sir that I cannot have the pleasure of your company…..I will however put on my plain coat tomorrow morning, if the weather is moderate, & run up to your house for five minutes to make my Bow to you. My uniform I will not wear as I should wish it not to be understood I am offended at not being saluted……What you say about the Emperor…..I trust will prove true, but such is the apathy that prevails at present and such the apprehensions entertained by all the European stations of the French power, that I must entertain doubts…..We have flying accounts of some arrangement being likely to take place between Great Britain & Spain, but I question it much & rather fear than wish it, as…..[Spain]….making Peace with us would only furnish a better pretext to the French…..It is said Buonaparte and Desaix are at Toulon & to command the expedition preparing in that quarter for Egypt' (18th May [1798]), 'We look anxiously for news from Admiral Nelson and from Home: our latest from the latter is of the 17th June, from the former of the 19th ult.; when he was off Naples and on the moment proceeding after the French known to him to be at Malta destined for Alexandria. When an occasion offers do say what I am in your debt; and pray add to the charge by sending me half a Dozen sheep and 4 or 5 Dozen Capons or Fowls with 4 or 500 oranges' (24th July [1798]), 'Accept my thanks…..for the plentiful supply of Bullocks you have caused to be procured for us……The intelligence you are pleased to send me is further corroborated from other quarters, that respecting the Toulon Squadron in particular……PS I have so blotted the other half of the sheet of paper on which I wrote your letter that I have torn it off - should you have anything more respecting the movements of the French Toulon ships I will beg you to communicate it to me by any opportunity you may have' (12th December [1798]). A fine correspondence of interesting content. Some light overall age wear, generally VG, 10 James Matra (1746-1806) American Sailor and Diplomat who had accompanied James Cook on his voyage to Botany Bay in 1770. Matra served as HM Consul General at Tangier from 1786-1806.  

COLLINGWOOD CUTHBERT: (1748-1810) British Vice Admiral, notable as a partner with Lord Nelson in several of the British victories during the Napoleonic Wars. An excellent collection of eight A.Ls.S. and eight Ls.S., Collingwood, thirty five pages (total), 4to and folio, at sea (‘Ocean’, off Cadiz), January 1806 – July 1808, to various correspondents, each of them British Consuls at Morocco, comprising James Matra, John Ross and James Green. Collingwood writes an interesting series of letters regarding British relationships with Morocco (and the role of Jews in contract negotiations for supplies) and the Emperor, also making references to the French and Spanish armies, peace negotiations in Paris etc., in part, ‘I received the favour of your letter by Captain Pearse – and am much obliged by the communication of intelligence which accompanied it – you know that only a certain degree of credit is to be given to any intelligence received from the French – for besides the….whole nation….composing stories – they have an interest in deceiving us – however I ascertained their being at Teneriffe – and I have information of their movements from that time (17 Decr.)…….the story of their having captured the Magnamine’s convoy was a fabrication – the Magnamine being in England and unfit for sea…….You know the fleet is always at sea – it must be at sea – and the health can only be maintained by a supply of refreshment……and trust with confidence that this important object will have its due weight and consideration with you’ (A.L.S., 15th January 1806), ‘I have just received and send you by the Amphion a letter from His Majesty to the Emperor of Morocco, with a great quantity of valuable articles sent by His Majesty as presents to the Emperor……The letter from Lord Castlereagh to Lord Nelson which accompanied these Packages, I am afraid was sent to England, amongst His Lordship’s papers…..I hope in this negociation which is the subject of His Majesty’s Letter, that a free and open use of the Country may be obtained for the Fleet as far as relates to the procuring refreshment and stock, that the exorbitant duty of 26 Dollars a head on the cattle may either be discontinued or reduced to the same terms on which the Garrison of Gibraltar is supplied……I am informed that the most friendly dispositions are entertained by the Moorish Government and the people in general towards the English, and that the difficulties to which we are principally exposed in receiving supplies proceed from the Jews who……turn every circumstance to profit, and by limiting the quantity of stock exported, raise its price to an extravagant height – perhaps these people might be softened by a proper kind of attention’ (L.S. to Matra, 11th January 1806), ‘…..if you can procure me 4 or 5 dozen fowls, with some eggs and a few vegetables, to be forwarded by the Duchess of Bedford, I will be much obliged…..’ (L.S. to Ross, 22nd April 1806), ‘I have received your letter…..in which you informed me of the French mission. I will be glad if you can now tell me what the result of it was – if the nature of their business has transpired & what success they met with’ (A.L.S. to Ross, 12th May 1806), ‘I have received your letter…..with….the copy of your correspondence with…..the Consul of Portugal. I am very sorry when these causes of complaint occur, and am disposed to make some allowance to the Portuguese for the circumstances of the times. The influence which France has obtained in Portugal we must expect in some degree to feel the effect of……I have no doubt that had the Portuguese Consul refused the requisition of the French for a vessel to bring their people round to Tangier, it should have been alleged against him as a high offence……I have great satisfaction in hearing that the French did not obtain the object of their mission’ (L.S. to Ross, 15th May 1806), ‘You arrive, Sir, at a period when there happily exists the most perfect harmony and good understanding with the Emperor, and with the Barbary states in general……The Fleet has always been very plentifully supplied with Beef and refreshments, but the duty paid on the cattle sent to us is extravagantly high (26 dollars a head) while the French and Spanish agents have lately concluded a treaty by which they are only charged 5 or 6 Dollars a head…..If at a reasonable time by a temperate negociation with the Emperor’s ministers you could get the duty reduced it would be very desirable……I have on all occasions endeavoured to introduce to their consideration (the Moors) how much they have to apprehend of danger to the tranquillity of their Country by the extension of the French power’ (L.S. to Green, 15th July 1806), ‘I have received the favour of your letter informing me of the rights of neutrality of the Barbary coast by some of the Spanish Privateers……The fact is that the Privateers boats on both sides are not very regular in their conduct, not very observant of the laws of neutrality when it suits their convenience or their interest to break them……The reprisal made by the English boat – I cannot condemn after his Captures being taken from him as they were – those things should not be encouraged – but if they were put a stop to by authority – or granting passports to Spanish vessels – the spirit of that coasting warfare would be damped – and it is certainly very advantageous to Gibraltar – as it employs a great number of Ruffians who would otherwise be acting against us’ (A.L.S. to Green, 31st July 1806), ‘The most material business we have with him (the Emperor of Morocco) is the obtaining supplies, which we now do in abundance, but at a most enormous price…..I am led to believe the high duty demanded of us is an extortion by the Jews and others who are engaged in the contract…..I have not heard from England since the beginning of August, but have little expectation of any favourable termination of the negociation at Paris’ (L.S. to Green, 14th September 1806), ‘I have received your letter……and am sorry to find the Emperor should have been less accommodating than you had reason to expect……but I am afraid remonstrating with him on the subject will not avail us & on the contrary, should he take it into his head to be displeased he may still impose higher duties, for these people are governed less by principles of interest than of momentary passion. He knew the duty was not paid in Gun Powder, but meant it to be understood as threatening that he would raise it, to what could not be paid……Lord Lauderdale was still at Paris, but with little hope of Peace’ (L.S. to Green, 14th October 1806), ‘…..the Emperor and his Governors are not very liberal of any thing but fair promises – but they are a people who will always require a certain address to manage – and what we get – and is so necessary to us, is only to be done by yielding a little to their caprices…..I am glad you could accommodate the affair of the….escape – but the owners of the boats should be informed that if their crews do illegal things in Barbary – they must be subject to the law of that country – and not expect under…..the English flag to be shielded from the punishment they deserve – being in an English vessel protects them in their lawful pursuits – not in the violations of the Law of any Country’ (A.L.S. to Green, 17th November 1806), DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CAN NOT BE DISPLAYED HERE.FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT IAA EUROPE DIRECTLY

POLAND: A good and attractive selection of Autograph Statements signed by various famous Polish Intellectuals, Writers, Historians and one Cardinal, one page each, large 11.5 x 16.5 folio card, comprising Aleksander Kakowski (1862-1938) Cardinal archbishop of Warsaw and member of the Regency Council. The last Primate of the Kingdom of Poland before regaining independence in 1918. Kakowski states in French `There will be no Peace as long as there are states not wanting it. Poland wants Peace.´; Jean Rozwadowski, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Literature. Dated 2nd July 1928, in French. Stating `The eternal struggle, like life…but the murderous war between civilized people..´; Dr. Osokar Chlup, Polish Writer. Brno, 4th March 1929; Jozef Kallenbach, Rector of Krakow University. In Polish; Helan Jaworski, Polish Scholar, in French `..Today, that Humanity has grown and Science is supplying combat with horrifying engines of destruction, war is an anachronism which only those who live without seeing, without learning and without knowing, can defend.´; Stanislaw Estreicher (!869-1939) Polish Historian. Krakow, 30th June 1928, in Polish. Together with Emil Ludwig ( 1881-1948) German-Swiss Author and Biographer. Ludwig reproduces a lengthy text by Goethe, in German. VG, 7  The statements were prepared for publication in the Pax Mundi book; an anthology of sentiments on peace published in Switzerland by the World League for Peace. Between 1925 and 1932 many notable persons from around the world were asked to comment on the prospects of world peace and the volume included contributions from Marie Curie, Guglielmo Marconi, Albert Einstein, Rabindranath Tagore and many others.

SIKORSKI WLADYSLAW: (1881-1943) Polish military and political leading figure who promoted the cause of the independence of Poland from the Russian Empire. He served as Prime Minister of Poland 1922-23, and of the Polish government in exile during WWII. Sikorski died in a plane crash, the circumstances of the accident still remaining unclear. A very good signed and inscribed 5 x 7 photograph, the Vandyk image showing Sikorski in a head and shoulders pose, wearing his military uniform and decorations. Signed in bold blue ink to the lower white border `Sikorski´, in Polish, and dated beneath `London 22nd July 1942´ in his hand. Bearing to the verso an ink stamp of the London Photographer Vandyk, 41, Buckingham Palace Road. Signed portraits of Sikorsky are rare in any form. Very small age ear and toning, otherwise G  Sikorski visited the England and the United States in 1942 looking for the allies support and pleading in favour of his invaded homeland. In his speeches he would say `The Polish Armed Forces have been fighting, are fighting and shall continue to fight on land, on sea and in the air, wherever the military forces of Germany can be destroyed.´

BURKE EDMUND: (1729-1797) Irish Statesman, Orator, Political Theorist and Philosopher. A.L.S., Mr. Burke, in the third person, one page, 4to, n.p. (London?), 8th February n.y. ('Wednesday morn.'; early 1780s?) to the Duke of Manchester. Burke presents his respectful compliments and adds that he 'has the honour of communicating to his Grace the first article of the specific charges which are to be made with relation to Indian delinquency', further writing 'Mr. B. trusts his Grace will think the matter important & clear' and assuring the Duke of Manchester that the next articles will be, according to their nature, of equal importance and asking that, once perused, they are returned to Burke at his lodgings at 45 Pall Mall. With blank integral leaf. VG George Montagu (1737-1788) 4th Duke of Manchester. British Politician & Diplomat who served as Lord Chamberlain from 1782-83. Burke pursued the impeachment efforts against Warren Hastings, the former Governor-General of Bengal, for many years, culminating in the trial of 1786. The trial was the pinnacle of years of unrest and deliberation and Burke had first been able to delve into the issues surrounding the East India Company in 1781 as Chairman of the Commons Select Committee on East Indian Affairs, and it is likely that the present letter dates from around this time. From his appointment as Chairman until the end of the trial, India was Burke's primary concern. Charged to investigate alleged injustices in Bengal, Burke authored a report for the Committee which conveyed to the Indian princes that Britain would not wage war on them, along with demanding that the East India Company should recall Hastings. This was Burke's first call for substantive change regarding imperial practices and when addressing the House of Commons regarding the Committee report Burke described the Indian issue as one that “began 'in commerce' but 'ended in empire'”.

WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the Victor of Waterloo, 1815. British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A.L.S., Wellington, two pages, 8vo, Walmer Castle, 10th November 1832, to Admiral [Benjamin William] Page ('My dear Admiral'). Wellington writes 'I have been earnestly urged to recommend to your protection the efforts of Mr. Goldburne and of Mr. FitzRoy Kelly to recommend to the town of Ipswich to be its representatives in Parlt. I think that the whole question of the future Government of this country depends upon the choice made of Members to serve in the Parlt. which it is expected will shortly be elected. These gentlemen are well spoken of. They stand on the Conservative interest; and I earnestly recommend them to your protection. I have here in sight of my windows the Combined Fleet under the command of our old friend Admiral Malcolm. I entertain no doubt that he will perform his duty as a Man of Honour ought. But I should like to see him in any other command' and in a postscript asks to be remembered most kindly to the Admiral's wife. With integral leaf docketed and signed by Page. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG  Benjamin William Page (1765-1845) British Rear Admiral of the Blue.  Pulteney Malcolm (1768-1838) British Admiral who, during The Hundred Days' War, commanded a squadron in the North Sea, in co-operation with the army under the Duke of Wellington.  Wellington's letter is written whilst he was Leader of the Conservative Party (1828-34) and shortly before the 1832 General Election in the United Kingdom, held from 8th December 1832. The first election following the Reform Act, the Whigs won a large majority (including the Ipswich constituency) with the Duke of Wellington's Tories winning less than 30% of the vote.

PALMERSTON VISCOUNT: (1784-1865) British Prime Minister 1855-58, 1859-65. L.S. Palmerston, one page, folio, Foreign Office, 21st June 1837, to [Edward William Auriol Drummond-Hay] Her Majesty's Consul at Tangier, on black bordered mourning stationery. The printed diplomatic circular states, in full, 'It is with the deepest concern that I have to acquaint you that it has pleased Almighty God to take unto Himself His late Most Gracious and Excellent Majesty King William the Fourth. His Majesty expired at The Castle at Windsor yesterday morning at 12 minutes past two o'clock, to the great affliction of the Royal Family, & of all classes of His Majesty's Subjects. Her present Majesty was this day proclaimed Queen, by the name of Victoria'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Edward William Auriol Drummond Hay (1785-1845) English Antiquary & Military officer who was present at the Battle of Waterloo. Later Great Britain's Consul-General at Tangiers, Morocco 1829-45.

PALMERSTON VISCOUNT: (1784-1865) British Prime Minister 1855-58, 1859-65. L.S., Palmerston, three pages, folio, Foreign Office, 22nd June 1838, to Edward William Auriol Drummond-Hay, Consul-General at Tangiers. Palmerston states that the Government have been considering Drummond-Hay's despatches and his 'suggestions for the amendment of the British Treaties with Morocco, and for the settlement of other questions…..between the two Governments' and continues to offer his responses, 'On the first point I have to observe to you that although there may be imperfections in the Treaty between this Country and Morocco, which it might be advantageous, if possible, to remove by substituting a new Treaty for that which now exists…..Her Majesty's Government do not think it advisable to make the attempt. Her Majesty's Government would certainly not feel themselves justified in acting upon your suggestion of using coercion, even if it were practicable, to compel the Emperor of Morocco to acquiesce in a demand for a new Treaty……The Point therefore to be now discussed with Morocco is only that…..of the Right of Her Majesty's Government to appoint Jews to act as Consular Agents in Morocco and upon that Point, I propose to send you such further instructions…..after I have received the opinion of the Law Officer of the Crown….' A letter of interesting content relating to Morocco and their historic treatment of Jews. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Edward William Auriol Drummond Hay (1785-1845) English Antiquary & Military officer who was present at the Battle of Waterloo. Later Great Britain's Consul-General at Tangiers, Morocco 1829-45.

BALDWIN STANLEY: (1867-1947) British Prime Minister 1923-24, 1924-29 and 1935-37. A.L.S., Stanley Baldwin, one page, 8vo, Astley Hall, Stourport, 6th January 1937, to 'My dear Maiullier'. Baldwin writes, in full, 'That is as pretty a little book as I have seen for many a day and as pretty a note inside! I thank you'. Together with Lucy Baldwin (1869-1945) English Writer, wife of Stanley Baldwin. An interesting A.L.S., Lucy Baldwin, two pages, 8vo, Chequers, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, 9th June 1923, to Mr. Holiday. Baldwin states that she has given her husband her correspondent's message and that he was touched by the thought, adding 'He assures me that he doesn't smoke too much & I don't really think that he does for if ever he feels that he has had a pipe or two extra he knocks off & can restrict himself to a certain number for a day…..He never smokes before breakfast. But very often if he has a big speech to prepare he smokes before & after it as a relief to nerves. It is the photographers who always demand the pipe! I don't think that I have ever seen him write with a pipe in his mouth, but it is a great help I am told to thinking especially when people have a tale to unfold & he can think whilst smoking & so not betray his thoughts. You see a man who is clean shaved is at a disadvantage & having no moustache cannot conceal the play of the lips. A pipe helps this…..' VG, 2

CHURCHILL WINSTON S.: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. A.L.S., with his initial W, one page, 8vo, Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, 13th July n.y. (1957), to Pamela Bulwer-Lytton, Countess of Lytton ('My dear Pamela'). Churchill thanks his friend, and early lover, for her letter and continues 'Poor “Prof” was a great sorrow to those who knew him & worked with him. We had a jolly dinner together notwithstanding. You were wonderful as a companion'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Churchill, marked 'Private' and signed by him with his initials ('WSC') to the lower left corner. With a red wax seal to the verso. An affectionate letter with good association. VGPamela Bulwer-Lytton (1874-1971) English Society Beauty, wife of Victor Bulwer-Lytton, 2nd Earl of Lytton. Before marrying her husband in 1902, Pamela Chichele-Plowden had been romantically involved with Winston Churchill. The relationship ended amicably and the two remained close friends, as illustrated by the present letter.Frederick Lindemann (1886-1957) 1st Viscount Cherwell. British Physicist, the prime scientific adviser to Winston Churchill during World War II. Affectionately known as 'The Prof' to his close friends, Lindemann had passed away in his sleep on 3rd July 1957, just ten days before the present letter was written.

EDEN ANTHONY: (1897-1977) British Prime Minister 1955-57. T.L.S., Avon, with holograph salutation and subscription, one page, 4to, Alvediston, Salisbury, 23rd October 1975, to Michael Henderson. Eden thanks his correspondent for their letter and a photograph, although remarking 'I have to admit, however, that I do not appear in it and my wife, who is a better judge of these things than I am, has checked carefully and agrees with this conclusion', further sending a signed photograph (no longer present) and declaring 'though in doing so I am breaking a long-established rule!'. Eden concludes his letter stating 'Thank you for what you wrote about Suez. I can assure you that judgements such as yours from someone who has closely followed these events means much to me'. EX The Suez Crisis (or the Second Arab-Israeli war) of 1956 largely overshadowed Eden's term as Prime Minister and two months after ordering an end to the Suez operation he resigned as Prime Minister on grounds of ill health and because he was widely suspected of having misled the House of Commons over the degree of collusion with France and Israel.

NIXON RICHARD: (1913-1994) American President 1969-74. Signed and inscribed 18 x 15.5 photograph of Nixon standing in a three quarter length pose alongside Walter Loridan in an official state room. Signed by Nixon in black ink to the lower mount and with a calligraphic inscription, 'To His Excellency Walter M. Loridan, Ambassador of Belgium, with warm regards'. VG Walter M. Loridan (1909-1997) Belgian Diplomat who served as Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations in New York 1959-65 and as Belgian Ambassador to Washington 1969-74.

NIXON RICHARD: (1913-1994) American President 1969-74. An excellent and very attractive colour signed 18 x 12 cardboard photograph, `Richard Nixon´, the image correspond to the signing ratification of the SALT I summit (Strategic Arms Limitations Talks) between the United States and the Soviet Union, on 3rd October 1972. The signing ratification took place in the White House, East Room, the image showing President Nixon alongside Soviet Minister Andrei Gromyko, Soviet Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Dobrynin, Secretary of State William P. Rogers and U.S. SALT negotiator Gerard C. Smith, all seated, applauding as well as the assistants to the signing event. Signed in bold black ink to the lower white mate. Beneath the photograph, in gilt printed letters and alongside President Nixon´s signature, an inscription states “To Ambassador Dobrynin, With great appreciation for your personal contribution to better relations between our two countries” Small overall staining to the mate, otherwise VG Anatoly Fiodorovich Dobrynin (1919-2010) Russian Statesman and Diplomat. Soviet Ambassador to the United States for more than twenty years, 1962-86. Dobrynin was involved at the beginning of his ambassadorship in the Cuban Missile Crisis, denying the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba.Andrei Gromyko (1909-1989) Soviet Politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for close to thirty years 1957-85.Gerard C. Smith (1914-1994) American Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.William Pierce Rogers (1913-2001) American Politician and Diplomat. Rogers served as United States Attorney General under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and as Secretary of State under President Richard Nixon. The SALT I negotiations lasted from November 1969, until May 1972 in a series of meetings with the US delegation headed by Gerard C. Smith. After a long deadlock, and further discussions the negotiations reached an end on May 26, 1972, in Moscow when Richard Nixon and Leonid Brezhnev signed both the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

DUMONT MARGARET: (1882-1965) American Actress who starred alongside the Marx Brothers. An extremely rare vintage fountain pen ink signature and sentiment, 'With sincere good wishes for 1931, Margaret Dumont', on a slightly irregularly clipped oblong 12mo piece, neatly laid down to a page removed from an autograph album. About VG

CASTRO FIDEL: (1926-2016) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76, later President 1976- 2008. An extremely rare L.S., `Fidel Castro´, two pages, 4to, beige lined paper, Isle of Pines, Cuba, 6th December 1953, in Spanish. The multiple letter signed by the Moncada prisoners, probably smuggled out of the Isle of Pines, was written from prison and very shortly after Castro wrote his well-remembered manifesto “History Will Absolve Me”. The letter, written by prisoner Agustin Cartaya, is addressed to a lady and is a letter of appreciation to all supporters of their cause, stating in part `Together with these sincere lines, attached are the affection and respect from all my partners. We read your poem and it inspired all of us.. In these difficult times.. I will remember your beautiful thoughts and incomparable ideals..´ further saying `You know that our tasks are firm to serve the ideals, our formula of action demands continuity of our efforts, that is why from here we will fight continuously…´ Signed by the 27 imprisoned comrades, including Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, Juan Almeida, Andres Garcia, Mario Chaves, Francisco Gonzalez, Gabriel Gil, Eduardo Rodriguez, Armando Mestre Martinez, Ramiro Valdes, etc.. Overall age wear and foxing stains, few traces of former staples and three small areas of paper loss, only affecting a few words of the letter, but not affecting the signatures. F Castro formed a group called "The Movement" in 1952 which operated along a clandestine cell system, while arming and training anti-Batista recruits. Castro stockpiled weapons for a planned attack on the Moncada Barracks, a military garrison outside Santiago de Cuba. The attack took place on 26th July 1953, but ran into trouble and most of the rebels pinned down by machine gun fire. Castro set out for the rugged Sierra Maestra mountains, where they established a guerrilla base. Responding to the attack, Batista's government proclaimed martial law, ordered violent crackdown on dissent and tortures. Rebels were rounded up, some were executed, and others including Castro transported to a prison. The government put 122 defendants on trial on 21st September 1953. Acting as his own defense counsel, Castro cited Jose Martí as the intellectual author of the attack and convinced the three judges to overrule the army's decision to keep all defendants handcuffed in court, proceeding to argue that the charge with which they were was incorrect, as they had risen up against Batista, who had seized power in an unconstitutional manner. The trial ended on 5th October, with the acquittal of most defendants. Castro was sentenced on 16th October 1953, during which he delivered a speech that would be printed under the title of “History Will Absolve Me” . He was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment in the hospital wing of the Model Prison on the Isle of Pines (Today called Isle of Youth). Imprisoned with 25 comrades, Castro renamed his group the "26th of July Movement" (MR-26-7) in memory of the Moncada attack. Castro and his comrades were released a year and a half later, on 15th May 1955.

CASTRO FIDEL: (1926-2016) Cuban Prime Minister 1959-76, later President 1976-2008. A good three times signed T.L.S., Fidel Castro at the conclusion,also signed with his initials `F. C´ to first and second page borders, three pages, to three sheets, folio, La Habana, 25th September 1959, in Spanish. The document bears to the heading a blind embossed monogram above the printed text "Republic of Cuba - Executive Power", and is a decree, number 2064, being the approval of a pension in favour of Antonio Marcelino Cué Acosta. The document reports on his services and rights and the amount of his pension. Also signed in full at the conclusion and with their initials to first and second page by Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado (1919-1983) and by Cuban Minister of Communications. Bearing at the conclusion alongside their signatures three attractive blind embossed seals, one of Presidency, the second of the Prime Minister office and the communications Ministry one. With small staple to the upper left corner. VG  Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado (1919-1983) Cuban Politician who served as the President of Cuba 1959-76

HUSSEIN SADDAM: (1937-2006) President of Iraq 1979-2003. D.S., Saddam Hussein, in Arabic, one page, 4to, Republic of Irak, 23rd October 1995, also in Arabic, 1416. The partially printed document, bearing at the heading a printed eagle seal, is a Presidential decree stating that Sabri Younes Mohamed Ali, who passed away, is from now on considered a martyr, and therefore his children will get all their rights and privileges as established in favour of the martyrs of the Popular Army of Irak. Signed in dark ink by Saddam Hussein in his capacity as President of the Republic. Four small pinholes to the right border, otherwise VG

ZEDONG MAO: (1893-1976) Mao Tse-tung. Chairman of the Communist Party of China 1943-76 and Chairman of the People's Republic of China 1954-59. An exceedingly rare vintage blue ink signature, in Chinese characters, to the verso of an oblong 8vo (6.75 x 4.5) printed invitation to a Buffet Party hosted by the China-Latin America Friendship Association at the Xinqiao Hotel [Peking] on Thursday, 27th October 1960 at 6.30pm 'in order to kindly see off the cultural friendship delegations of Latin American countries'. The red printed text appears in Chinese characters. Some very light, extremely minor staining and age wear to the recto and verso, none of which significantly affects the signature. About VGFollowing the end of World War II, the Communist movement was flourishing in Latin America and in 1947 Mao Zedong was prompted to remark that 'the Latin American peoples are not the obedient slaves of United States Imperialism'. Chairman Mao and the Chinese communists' goal was the defeat of United States Imperialism and Latin America was regarded as vital to attaining this goal as, because of its geographical location, it supported Mao Zedong's theory of the establishment of rural revolutionary base areas. Chinese interest and activities in Latin America increased sharply in the early 1950s (there were believed to be 250,000 card carrying communists active in the area) and the countries were of considerable interest to the Chinese and viewed as a fertile filed for advancing Communism, not least Red China's own brand of the ideology.The China-Latin America Friendship Association was established in Peking (Beijing) in March 1960 and became the general fortress of cultural infiltration into Latin America.The American diplomat Roy R. Rubottom Jr., who served as Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (1957-60), noted that, in 1960, Mao Zedong appeared to have 'gone out of his way' to receive Latin American Communist leaders and to exhort them to give their full backing to the kind of revolution he favoured. The present signature, also dating from 1960, was undoubtedly obtained during the Buffet Party which Mao Zedong attended in honour of Latin American communists. ONE OF THE RAREST & MOST SOUGHT AFTER SIGNATURES OF ANY MAJOR POLITICAL LEADER OR CULTURAL ICON OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURYOur research of auction records, including those of American Book Prices Current, show that only ten examples of Mao Zedong's autograph have been sold at auction in the last quarter of a century (one of which was the present example, last sold at auction in America in 2005). Most recently an autograph letter signed was sold by Sotheby's in London on 11th June 2019 for £519,000.

MALESHERBES GUILLAUME-CHRÉTIEN DE LAMOIGNON DE: (1721-1794) French Statesman. Counsel for the defense of Louis XVI, he had the painful task to inform the King of his condemnation. Despite his committed monarchism, Malesherbes was best known for his vigorous criticism of Royal abuses. His works contributed to the development of Liberalism. Malesherbes was arrested and imprisoned together with his family accused of “conspiracy with the emigrants”. They were all guillotined few months later. A good A.L., in the hand of Malesherbes, four pages, 4to, Malesherbes, 29th October 1761, to Mr. Grosley, lawyer at the Troyes parliament, in French. Malesherbes explains that he has received his correspondent´s four letters and responds `I do not know anything more irregular, nothing more abusive that the pretended right given…and nothing more contrary to ordinary law that this tax.´ further saying `..but which one will be result of these steps taken? That is impossible to predict. I think that they will succeed, because I always think that what is evident justice will be heard.´ Further again and before concluding states `It is not the fear of compromising myself which stops me, I beg you make that observation, I do not have this fear and fortunately I do not have it. But compromising citizens who will be committed to an affair which I will not have the certitude I will be able to get them out..´ A letter of interesting content. Provenance from Jean Crassion collection. VG

DANTON GEORGES: (1759-1794) Leading figure of the French Revolution and first President of the Committee of Public Safety. Danton voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793. Guillotined by the advocates of revolutionary terror. An exceptional and rare multiple D.S., Danton, three pages, large folio, Paris, 15th September 1792, in French. The hand written decree states to the heading “Au Nom de la Nation - Le Comité Exécutif Provisoire” (“In the name of the Nation - the Provisional Executive Committee”) and is signed by Danton in his capacity as President of the recently created committee, stating in part `Considering that some locations have been given after treason to the enemies of the homeland, who distress and devastate our boundary and with numerous armies threaten the inside of the Kingdom. Considering that in a time when the danger to our Homeland is imminent, no extraordinary decision has to be avoided..´ Danton further appoints citizen François Joseph Westermann as commissar and assistant to the head-quarters of the Ardennes army under Commandant Dumouriez, expecting a daily report and the execution of the decrees issued by the Executive Committee.Also signed by several members of the Provisional Executive Committee, including GASPARD MONGE (1746-1818) Count de Péluse. French Mathematician, credited as the inventor of the descriptive geometry. Monge served as Minister of the Marine from August 1792 to April 1793. The present letter is signed during this short period of eight months; ETIENNE CLAVIERE (1735-1793) Genevan-French Financier and Politician. Minister of Finance in 1792. In August 1792 he was given charge of the finances in the provisional Executive Committee. Arrested in June 1793 for unknown reasons, he remained in Prison until December, when he committed suicide the day before appearing before the Revolutionary Tribunal; PIERRE-HENRI LEBRUN-TONDU (1754-1793) French Foreign Minister in 1792, and same year and temporarily of the Minister of war. A strong advocate of the immediate peace with Prussia and of the annexation of Belgium and the Netherlands. Lebrun-Tondu signed the execution of King Louis XVI. Arrested and executed in 1793; JOSEPH MARIE SERVAN DE GERBEY (1741-1808) French General. He served twice as Minister of War. The letter bears an attractive Pro Patria watermark. Folded. Small repair to the verso to the union of the two pages, otherwise G On 10th August 1792, only a month before the present letter was signed, the popular forces marched on the Tuileries ending with the French monarchy the day after. With the fall of the King, the six existing ministers created the 12th August 1792 the Provisional Executive Committee in charge of converting into law the decrees approved by the citizens representatives.Danton was also appointed Minister of Justice on 10th August 1792, holding the post only until 9th October same year. The present document was signed by Danton during that very short period of two months. .

CHOUANNERIE - BOURBOTTE & PRIEUR DE LA MARNE: Pierre Bourbotte (1763-1795) French Revolutionary, Deputy and member of the National Convention. Bourbotte voted in favour of the King´s Louis XVI execution. He died guillotined at the early age of 32; & Pierre-Louis Prieur (1756-1827) Known as Prieur de la Marne. French Lawyer, member of the Committee of Public Safety. A good L.S., `Bourbotte´, and `Prieur de la Marne´, one page, folio, Rennes, 2nd December 1793, in French. The letter bears a very attractive and large printed vignette to the heading, showing three cherubs and the republican motto "Liberty or Death". The document reports on the confrontations against the Chouans, stating in part `..since too long now we have been defeated by the brigands who always appear in large number, we must attack them vigorously and with enough forces to destroy them..´, further saying `We are waiting for the arrival of fifteen thousand men of the North Army with great impatience..´. Before concluding Bourbotte and Prieur, as representatives of the People,  request support to the Committee of Public Safety, asking for guns, ammunition and cannons. Folded. With small age wear to the edges. G to VG     The Chouannerie was a Royalist uprising in the western France. The first confrontations broke out in 1792 and developed in stages into a peasant revolt, then guerrilla warfare, and eventually to full-scale battles, ending only with their defeat by forces of the Republic in 1800

CHAUMETTE PIERRE GASPARD: (1763-1794) French Politician during the revolution period. Guillotinedat the age of 30. He acted as prosecutor on the Girondists trial in 1793, and made a leading contribution to establishing the Reign of Terror. Chaumette held strong anti-monarchy views before the National Convention. A good L.S., `Chaumette´, one page, 4to, Paris, 17th July 1793, on the Commune of Paris printed stationery, bearing an attractive vignette, in French. Chaumette confirms having received list of the employees of his administration `..who have presented a certificate of public spirit..´ He further reports that some names are missing and asks for an additional list. Small professional repair to the verso to the edge, otherwise G

COUTHON GEORGES: (1755-1794) French Politician and Lawyer. President of the National Convention 1793-94. A proficient speaker who often exploited his condition as a paraplegic in order to gain the Assembly`s approval of his proposals. A close associate to Robespierre and Saint-Just in the Committee of Public Safety. Couthon, responsible of the huge increase of executions, was himself guillotined alongside Robespierre. A good multiple signed document. Signed `Couthon´, in bold black ink beneath a fifteen lines annotation to the upper front page left border, Paris, 15th March 1794. The holograph lengthy annotation is in the hand of LAZARE CARNOT (1753-1823) French Physicist and politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. Signed at the base, alongside Couthon´s signature `Carnot´. The annotation states `To be forwarded to the Minister of war, and to take in consideration the advantageous report done by General Ferrand abut citizen Dessolff who seems apt for a post. The committee instructs the Minister of War to get all the necessary information and to send to this committee his decision.´ The lengthy annotation is signed by Couthon and Carnot as members of the Committee of Public Safety. The document being a L.S., `Ferrand´, three pages, folio, Maubeuge, 5th February 1794. General Ferrand reports in detail about his aide de camp, a refugee from Holland, citizen Frederic Christophe Dessolff, about his services, his wounds, his presence at the besiege of Dunkirk. The report contains a second report signed by a representative of the People. The document bears at the conclusion a red wax seal. Small overall age wear and very small creasing, otherwise G Jean Baptiste Bouchotte (1754-1840) French Minister of war 1793-94. During his mandate the predominant role of the Committee of Public Safety did not leave much scope for the new minister, yet he rendered services in the organization of the republican armies, and chose his officers with insight, among them Kleber, Massena, Moreau and Bonaparte. Despite his incontestable honesty, he was accused by the anti-revolutionists and was tried by the tribunal, although was acquitted. He the withdrew from politics.

NECKER JACQUES: (1732-1804) Swiss Banker & Finance Minister 1777-81 under Louis XVI. Some of his decisions have been later considered as critical in creating social conditions which contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution. An excellent Autograph Letter with historical content by Necker, three pages, 4to, [Coppet], 11th August [1794], in French. The letter is addressed to a French noble who went in exile escaping from the terror. A violent attack manifesto against Robespierre by Necker, expressing his thoughts in this manuscript letter about Robespierre´s execution. Robespierre was guillotined two weeks before the present letter was written. Necker states in part `I was not aware of this…that the tyrants weapons had killed your brother.. Alas, will there ever be an end to so many evils?…´, and referring to Robespierre `.. I have less concern since the scoundrel is gone, he seemed reveling with the blood and with the crime. The National Convention seems since that moment being less terrible.. but I am shaking thinking in the moment that they will realize that its ferocity was its strength..´ Necker further refers to the situation in Geneva and states `.. all Genevese have been told to supply an inventory of their belongings and fortune and we cannot  predict yet what kind of tax they will have to pay. We should be out of Geneva but nobody can get out… it is still the same brigands who are commanding..´ Very small overall minor creasing, with small professional repair to the fold, otherwise about VG

HOCHE LAZARE: (1768-1797) French General of the Revolutionary army. Best known for his victory over Royalist forces in Brittany. Minister of war. Lazare died of tuberculosis at the early age of 29. An excellent L.S., with three autograph lines in is hand, `L. Hoche´, one page, 4to, n.p., [Vendée],  21st November 1796, to General Dugua, in French. The document states in part `Patriots are threatened and often slain by Royalists. Everything makes us fear a rekindle of the war in the Vendée if we do not hasten to stop the evil.´, further requesting troops to join them and the appointment of a commissar who would grant order and `..avoid contagious overflows..´. The document being the copy of a letter sent by the inhabitants of Lisieux to the Directory which Hoche forwards to General Dugua annotating alongside his signature `..to G[ener]al Dugua, who will be the General requested.´ Bearing a red ink Directory stamp to the upper left corner. A very good content and association letter. With edges slightly trimmed and overall small creasing. G   Charles François Dugua (1744-1802) French General. Present during Napoleon´s campaign in Egypt, commender of Cairo, further General of the West army and furthermore General Head of Staff under Lecrec at Saint Domingue. Killed during the attack to Fort Pierrot.

DELACROIX CHARLES-FRANÇOIS: (1741-1805) French Statesman and Minister of Foreign Affairs 1795-97 under the Directory. Father of painter Eugene Delacroix. A good L.S., `Ch. Delacroix´, two pages, 4to, Paris, 29th June 1797, to the Minister of War, in French. The letter bears an attractive vignette to the heading and the printed letter heading of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Delacroix stating in part `I have been informed, my dear Colleague, that the Ambassador of la Porte Ottoman will arrive to Paris on the 26th of this month. I have therefore written a project of ceremonial to observe on the day of the first audience before the Executive Directory.´ Delacroix further explains that the ceremonial has been largely reproduced from the one that the French Ambassador had at Constantinople. VG   Claude Louis Petiet (1749-1806) French Minister of war 1796-97.  It has been widely reported that when Eugene Delacroix was born, the gossip in Paris had it that his father Charles-François Delacroix had been succeeded in his bed by the man who had succeeded him at his desk, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. On September 1797, the surgeon removed a "monstrous tumor" of twenty-eight pounds, in which were tangled "the most delicate masculine organs". The tumor apparently would have rendered him impotent.

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. A good L.S., `Bonaparte´, a good example signature, one page, large folio, Head Quarters at Passariano, Udine, 6th October 1797, to citizen Faipoult, Plenipotentiary Minister, envoy of the R.F from Geneva, in French. The letter bears an impressive and large revolutionary vignette to the heading, created by Appiani, showing the French Republic symbols, including Marianne, France´s national symbol of liberty and the Phrygian cap, and the printed text “Republic of France - Liberty - Equality”. Beneath this magnificent vignette, the printed text states ''Bonaparte General in chief of the Army of Italy''. Napoleon explains to his correspondent that he has made come back his troops which were in Geneva, further stating `I have ordered General Sauret to call back this troops positioned in Genova. I have also ordered the 9th half-brigade to leave, as I could not have enough number of men to be respected, and I have no intention to leave there eighty or a hundred men…´ further saying `.. the first Ligurian battalion with one thousand well-equipped men will march to Mantua..´, and concludes stating `Make all the necessary diplomatic efforts in order to avoid any difficulty.´ With blank integral leaf. Overall age wear and creasing, mostly to edges with extremely small tears, but not affecting the text or signature. G The present letter is written in the hand of Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne (1769-1834) French Diplomat. Best known for his Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte. A close youth friend of Napoleon since they met at the Military Academy at the age of 8 years old. In 1797, General Bonaparte urgently summoned Bourrienne to Italy for the negotiations with Austria, where his knowledge of law and diplomacy was useful in drafting the terms of the Treaty of Campo Formio on 7th October 1797, the day after the present letter was written. Bourrienne would also accompany Bonaparte to Egypt as his private secretary. Andrea Appiani (1754-1817) Italian neoclassical Painter. Appiani was created pensioned artist to the Kingdom of Italy by Napoleon. He rendered multiple portraits of Napoleon, his Marshals and personages of his regime. He lost his allowance after the fall of the Kingdom in 1814 and fell into poverty. Villa Passariano, where Bonaparte was residing and where the terms of the Treaty between France and Austria were negotiated, was the countryside residence of the last Doge of Venice Ludovico Manin (1725-1802) who abdicated few months earlier when French troops occupied Venice.

TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815. A clean L.S., `Ch. Maur. Talleyrand´, one page, 4to, Paris, 5th September 1803, to general Dejean, in French. Talleyrand forwards to Dejean a request received by Citizen Guerinel, war commissar at Moulins, who wishes to be upgraded to Comissar of first class, stating in part `I have received very advantageous reports on his behaviour. I even had the opportunity to meet him during my stay at Bourbon d´Archambault and he seemed to me worthy.. and all the testimonies received agree on his capacities..´ The letter bears a "Hollande" watermark. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise about VG    Jean-François Aimé Dejean (1749-1824) Count of Dejean. French Minister of State under the First French republic and the First French Empire. Since March 1802 he was appointed Minister of War Administration.

BRUNE GUILLAUME MARIE ANNE: (1763-1815) Marshal of France. A good L.S., `Brune´, two pages, 4to, Terapia, close to Constantinople, 15th September 1804, to Monsieur Luce, Commissar appointed at Bucarest, by H.M. the Emperor of the French, in French. The letter bears an attractive coat of arms to the heading, and the printed text "General Brune, State Councilor, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Sublime Porte", Turkey, Brune stating in part `I have forwarded to you, Monsieur, a copy of the letter received from the Foreign Affairs Minister, who allows me to choose between yourself and Monsieur Drovetti to take in charge the Commissariat of Cairo during the absence of Monsieur Lesseps..´ Brune further expresses his understanding of the situation and that his correspondent do not wishes a provisional post, although wanted to forward to him all the duties and financial advantages of such post, saying `Although my opinion, as explained to you, matches with the one you expressed in your recent letter to me, and although I could predict your decision, I do not want to decide and wish to give you the option of deciding. You judge and decide, and I expect a definitive response on this matter, with your letter to be sent via the Tartar who accompanies courier Bourdel.´ With blank integral leaf. Very small overall minor age wear. VG     Brune refers to the absence at Cairo of Lesseps, most probably referring to Mathieu de Lesseps (1771-1832), father of Ferdinand de Lesseps (1805-1894) French Diplomat and developer of the Suez Canal. Mathieu de Lesseps was posted in 1800 as liaison to the Egyptian Army and as superintendent of trade relations. He was made a Count by Napoleon I.

THOUVENOT PIERRE: (1757-1817) French General during the American Revolutionary War, and later served in the Napoleonic Wars. Thouvenot is well remembered for his defence of Bayonne in 1814. A very interesting and lengthy A.L.S., Thouvenot, four pages, 4to, Vitoria, 26th April 1813, to General Foy, in French. The present letter is written only two months before the Battle of Vitoria, which eventually lead the Duke of Wellington to victory in the Peninsular War against French. Thouvenot urges General Foy to start the siege of Castro, listing the regiments and battalions he has ordered to march from Vitoria to Bilbao, refers to multiple French Generals such as Palombini, Rouges, etc.. and reports extensively on bandits, Spanish guerrilla and on General Mina, stating in part `..the convoy of prisoners leaving Miranda on 24th and going to Vitoria joined 3500 to 4000 men who were ambushed on each side of the road, near the bridge.. the convoy was shortly escorted, our troops fought with incredible courage and not a single prisoner was released…we have lost several officers and a large number of injured..´ Further saying `..Guipuzcoa and Alava supply the means to Mina and help to pay a large part of the troops salaries and the ammunitions and weapons to the English..´ A letter of very interesting content and good association. Small overall age wear, otherwise G Maximilien Sebastien Foy (1775-1825) French General, Statesman and Writer. Francisco Espoz y Mina (1781-1836) Spanish General and guerrilla leader. In the campaign of 1813 and 1814 he served with distinction under the Duke of Wellington. Espoz y Mina was a very successful strategist and displayed great organizing capacity. The French authorities were compelled to allow him to levy customs dues on all goods imported into Spain, except contraband of war, which he would not allow to pass without fighting. The money thus obtained was used to pay his bands a regular salary. He was able to maintain discipline among his men, whom he had brought to a respectable state of efficiency.  Although a monument was raised in Bayonne and an annual celebration of Thouvenot's brave defense still takes place, his actions during the siege of the city were condemned by both sides as a needless waste of lives. The Duke of Wellington referred to him as a `blackguard´.

BEAUHARNAIS EUGENE DE: (1781-1824) French Prince, son of Josephine de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy 1805-14 and Grand Duke of Frankfurt. L.S., P[rin]ce Eugene, with flourish, one page, 4to, Munich, 22nd June 1819, to Baron Devau, in French. Beauharnais acknowledges receipt of two small paintings `...showing views of Malmaison, but I have never known who was the author and who sent them to me..´, further saying that if they are not too expensive `I will decide if I keep them, although they do not seem to me of a desirable perfection.. and regarding the diamond, I cannot take the decision of selling it for a price lower than the one I fixed. I would rather keep it and wait..´ With two contemporary responses annotations at the base. VG

VICTOR-PERRIN CLAUDE: (1764-1841) Marshal of France. Duc de Belluno. An interesting L.S., de Bellune, one page, folio, Paris, 6th April 1822, to General Lacroix, in French. A very interesting document referring to the Belfort Complot. Marshal Victor, in his capacity as Minister of war, requests from his correspondent `Monsieur Baron, you have been forwarding to me the informations you have been able to get about the Belfort conspiracy… Now that the Royal Court of Colmar is about to start knowing about this affair, and before the opening of the public debates, I wish that you forward to me a list with the names of all the military officers involved..´ Together with Baron Rambourgt, French Commander, two L.S., `B.on de Rambourgt´, one page each, and both dated in Colmaron 13th and 19th of April 1822, to General Lacroix, in French. Baron Rambourgt reports about the arrested insurgents involved in the conspiracy. G to VG, 3    François-Joseph-Pamphile Lacroix (1774-1841) French GeneralThe Belfort conspiracy was a coup attempt planned for 31st December 1821, intending to re-establish a Republic. The insurgent military officers intended, from the Belfort garrison, to take the city and wait for General Lafayette arrival who had promised he would lead the insurrection. General Pamphile Lacroix arrested the day before the military officers involved in Belfort and was warmly congratulated and awarded by King Louis XVIII. Although many important political and military figures were involved, the government renounced to further investigations and to long court cases against popular figures such as Lafayette. 

SUCHET LOUIS GABRIEL: (1770-1826) Marshal of France. Duc D´Albufera. One of the most brilliant of Napoleon´s Generals. L.S., `Le M.al Duc D´Albufera´, one page, folio, n.p., n.d., in French. The letter bears a list of Officers recommended to be awarded with the Cross of the Legion d´Honneur, including their names, surnames, ranks and some comments for those who were nominated in the past to receive the award, and the written text to the heading `Additional requests for the Legion D´Honneur grant presented to the King´s benevolence by his Excellence Marshal Duc D´Albufera in favour of the officers who have deserved it with their good service.´ The letter bears an attractive watermark stating "God and the King save France". VG

MARIE LOUISE DUCHESS OF PARMA: (1791-1847) Austrian Archduchess, the second wife of Napoleon. Empress of the French 1810-14. A good, large D.S., Marie Louise, as Regent Empress on behalf of Napoleon, one page (vellum), large oblong folio, Imperial Palace, St. Cloud, 3rd July 1813, in French. The partially printed document relates to Louis Pierre de Sainson, Lieutenant Colonel serving the King of Westphalia in his engineer topographic cabine, who is authorized to remain under the service of the King, having consulted a report given by the Minister of Justice, he `..Swears the oath to H.M. the King of Westphalia..´ under the rules given according to Imperial decree of the 6th April 1809 and 26th August 1811. Signed by the Empress at the foot, also bearing several countersignatures. A document in very fine condition. With the reputed Crawford collection ink stamp provenance to the bottom right corner. VG Jerome Bonaparte (1784-1860) King of Westphalia 1807-13 as Jerome I. Youngest brother of Napoleon I. 

[HITCHCOCK MOVIES]: JUNE (1901-1985) June Howard-Tripp. British Actress, starred in Alfred Hitchcock's silent thriller The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927). A remarkable archive of correspondence between June and her solicitor, a Mr. Wilson, regarding her acrimonious divorce following a short-lived marriage to Baron Inverclyde. The archive consists of seventeen A.Ls.S. and six T.Ls.S., June Inverclyde, fifty-two pages, 8vo & 4to, various places (London, Paris, Beverly Hills), April 1930 - March 1932, to Mr. Wilson, some on the printed stationery of various hotels including The May Fair Hotel, The Beverly-Wilshire Apartment Hotel and the Hotel Meurice. The actress discusses, sometimes in quite intimate detail, the circumstances of her ill-fated marriage and her desire for a divorce from her husband. Extracts from the letters (in chronological order) include - 'I would like to say that after thinking things over carefully I have decided that I will not make any gesture whatsoever which would give my husband a chance to divorce me. There is no reason, under the circumstances, why I should do so…..I have absolutely made up my mind, so will you very kindly let me hear, as soon as possible, the position in Scottish Law? (25th June 1930)'can I ask for an overdraft of say £3,000 from my bank. I have of course no securities…..If they will not allow the overdraft I shall have to raise the money on jewellery. I believe I am right in thinking that a wife must not dispose of jewellery given by her husband - but I have some pearls of my own which I did not sell with the rest and on which I could get a substantial loan - not from an ordinary pawn-broker, but from the person who gave them to me' (22nd July 1930)'I think you would like to see the enclosed letters….My husbands letter was…..written before seeing Mr. Hyland, and certainly before promising that he would pay my expenses to California. I think you will agree that it is an unnecessarily detailed explanation…..and already reveals the course of action he contemplates…..I am glad the 'statement' was satisfactory. It was a little difficult to write because I wish not to exaggerate nor minimize the true facts of my case' (27th July [1930]; accompanied by part of an A.L. by Lord Inverclyde, lacking the opening and conclusion and stating, in part, 'Heaven knows, more than anything else, I want you to be happy, and as I have failed pretty miserably so far in this direction I suppose I had better shut up')'I am sure my husband does not realise what debts I wish him to pay……He thinks so slowly and then in such an odd, confused way that unless he is told clearly what the debts are he will merely think I am trying to "gold-dig"' (31st July 1930)'Your father told me that should I not be satisfied with Lord Inverclyde's idea of a "maintenance" allowance I was to instruct you to take the matter to court and it looks as though…..this will have to be done. I have been forced to sell my pearls in order to pay pressing bills…..Since last seeing your father some further evidence has come along which may prove invaluable' (6th August 1930)'I got into a panic over the money situation and as there was a chance of my being signed up for a picture almost at once I felt I ought to take the opportunity of easing my position for myself since Lord Inverclyde is doing all he can to the contrary…..It really is wicked of my husband - he cannot have any affection for me at all or he would not behave in such a heartless manner. I can only hope that the court will force him to support me properly……The fear that I shall never be fit enough to work again is always with me…..now that the newspapers are getting hold of stories about divorce etc. I can not even safely pretend that my husband will not allow me to work. It is a beastly position to be in…..I have good reason to believe all my movements are watched by detectives in this hotel…..I can only hope it costs my husband a lot of money!!!' (13th September 1930)'I heard a few days ago from Doctor Rogers to whom I had cabled for the diagnoses of the ointment I had found…..Personally, in view of other evidence, I consider it is important to find out for what it was used, but of course I realise how carefully it has got to be done. But as I said to Doctor Rogers if the position were reversed the other side would not hesitate to investigate the matter…..Your news about my allowance being so greatly reduced is a blow - and, I must admit, a surprise. I did not think he was quite such a cad.' (24th September 1930)'In order to carry on I have had to pawn my engagement ring….I am not being any more extravagant than I can possibly help, but must, for appearances sake, live well. If anyone guessed the straits I am in it would greatly damage my reputation as a highly paid artiste and would drag my salary and prestige down…..If it is possible to make a film in New York on arrival I shall do so, though against doctors orders, because this money business is driving me mad. A friend of mine tells me he saw and talked to my husband about five weeks ago in a very low night-club and my husband said "June is having a holiday in America - I am having one in London and I am looking for a woman to sleep with tonight"…..Mrs. Pierce [sic; Pearce - Olive Sylvia Sainsbury, daughter of Arthur Sainsbury, the millionaire owner of the J. Sainsbury chain of grocery shops, and Lord Inverclyde's first wife who later married the race horse trainer Captain James Townsend Pearce] asked me not to bring her into all this - that her Father has threatened to cut off the allowance he makes her if she implicates herself. Therefore there is no possibility of making her a witness to my husband's impotence in a public case…..Lord Inverclyde should not be allowed to get with this - if the more tangible proof can be secured somehow. Doctor Rogers examined me the other day…..The symptoms which I experienced after intercourse with my husband are the same as those of Mrs. Pierce…..I really must beg you to follow this up…..She told me she was a virgin when she married but added that as she had ridden astride all her life she was not perhaps a virgin in the actual technical meaning of the word - at any rate there was never any difficulty in Lord Inverclyde approaching her. I do hope we can get the necessary proof of what I feel so sure in my mind is the cause of my husband's impotence - and even perhaps his drinking' (21st November 1930)'Have you any idea what he [Lord Inverclyde] intends doing - whether he will divorce me for desertion…..If he does nothing it is an awful situation for me' (3rd December 1930)'I do not discuss the case with anyone as the whole matter is too delicate and painful…..I hope it will not be necessary for my financial position to be exposed, as that would materially effect my stage salaries in the immediate future. May I suggest, however, that the other side are not told this as perhaps my husband would make a point of hurting me in this way? I have almost settled an excellent London contract for April next year…..I am sure you will do your best to make Lord Inverclyde see reason. I have made no extortionate demands at all so I do not see why he is being so impossible' (6th December 1930)DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CAN NOT BE DISPLAYED HERE.FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT IAA EUROPE DIRECTLY

SHINING THE: Danny Lloyd (1972-     ) American Child Actor who portrayed Danny Torrance in the horror film The Shining (1980). A rare signed colour 10 x 8 photograph of the young Lloyd in a half length pose wearing a jumper promoting The Shining. Signed in a juvenile hand to a clear area of the background and with an inscription in the hand of one of his parents. Together with an A.L.S., Mr & Mrs. James Lloyd, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 24th March 1979, to Mr. Collington, stating, in part, 'As Danny is only six years old he cannot write himself to thank you. We had no photographs suitable since this is Danny's first acting venture. This picture is a snapshot blown up. The sweater he's wearing is a gift from Jack Nicholson to the crew. Your letter will be included in Danny's memory book as you are the first to ask for a photograph. Danny started the movie “The Shining” when he was 5 years old. He was selected from thousands of boys his age in Illinois…..the shooting is almost finished'. EX, 2

GEORGE DENHOLM ARMOUR (1864-1949).Cartoon depicting a hackney cab driver and member of the public.Pen and ink.29.5cm x 24cm.Signed, inscribed in pencil "Chaff. Would be knowing one" (who has been chaffing cabman about his horse) "won the Derby didn't 'e?". Cabman " 'E did - twice -".

Military and yachting badges and buttons etc., comprising cap badge of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, a pair of collar badges, three buttons, four white metal menu stands, an EPNS vesta stand engraved for 'Ceylon Mounted Rifles/Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps' lacking blade for cigar cutter, a bronze medal for those who volunteered from Ceylon 1914-1919, a Royal Engineers sweet heart brooch, an RAF cap badge, four cloth yacht club badges and a selection of related buttons. (qty)

A novelty pin cushion 'There was an old woman who lived in her shoe', the old woman in shawl and cloak with four children in a velvet shoe, 5.5cm. From a connoisseur's collection

A Charles II silver tobacco box, maker's mark BB, a crescent and two pellets below, London 1673, oval form, the cover engraved with an armorial and crest, the underside engraved 'R.C and an earlier date 1663, length 8.9cm, approx. weight 3.4oz. The arms are those of Cann of Compton Greenfield, Gloucestershire, baronets, for Sir John Cann, 1st Bt. He was a leading merchant of Bristol, who also owned property in Jamaica. He was twice mayor of Bristol, 1662-3 and 1675-76. He went on to be an MP for the city. Provenance: The Lion Collection, entry number 10. Illustrated and written up in Culme, J., British Silver Boxes,1640-1840, The Lion Collection, The Antique Collectors' Club, 2015, page 39. Sotheby's, New York, 11 April 2000, lot 233.