CHARLES II: (1630-1685) King of England, Scotland & Ireland 1660-85. A.L.S., Charles R, two pages, 8vo, Brussels, 18^th March 1660, to an unidentified correspondent. The King writes, in full, 'This bearer hath informed me of the greate affection and zeale you have for my Service, and of the opportunity and interest you have to advance it; which I doute not you will use with all the dexterity you can: It is not possible for me in these greate changes and variety of accidents which every day fall out, to give you any instructions for the carrying on my Service; nor can I dislike the methode the bearer tells me you intend to observe, but you will best judge with the advice of my friendes who are upon the place with you, what is most proper and reasonable to be done, towards the attayning the good end you ayme at: and I hope God will blesse your joynte endeavours for the peace and happynesse of the Nation: You will easily beleeve I have the sence I ought to have of your care and kindnesse, of which, if God blesse me, you shall find the effects….' With blank integral leaf (lacking a thin portion of the outer edge and with the remnants of a red wax seal). Some overall discoloration and staining and the text a little faded in places. Some tears at the folds and small areas of paper loss to two corners, the whole professionally restored to a good standard. G

 

The present letter was written shortly before the Stuart Restoration of 1660. King Charles II issued the Declaration of Breda on 4^th April 1660, making several promises in relation to the reclamation of the crown of England. On 8^th May the Convention Parliament proclaimed that King Charles II had been the lawful monarch since the execution of King Charles I on 30^th January 1649. King Charles II returned from exile and entered London on 29^th May 1660, the day of his 30^th birthday.