RICHARDSON SAMUEL: (1689-1761) English writer and printer, author of Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady (1748). D.S., S. Richardson, one page, folio, n.p., 2^nd January 1743. The partially printed document (completed in an unidentified hand) is headed Tonnage, 1694, &c. and numbered 472, Richardson acknowledging a payment of £6.5.0, in part, 'Received by me Saml. Richardson assignee of George Churchill and Hugh Chudleigh Esqrs. Of the Right Honourable Horatio Walpole, one of the Four Tellers of His Majesty's Receipt of Exchequer, the sum of six pounds five shills. in full of all former Directions of the said Order, and for Three Months Annuity, due at Christmas last past of Twenty five Pounds per annum, by Virtue of an Act of Parliament, (Entitled, An Act for granting to their Majesties certain Rates and Duties upon Tonnage of Ships and Vessels, and upon Beer, Ale, and other Liquors, for securing certain Recompences and Adavantages…..to such Persons as shall voluntarily advance the sum of Fifteen hundred thousand Pounds towards carrying on a vigorous War against France'. Signed by Richardson at the foot and also bearing the countersignature of a witness. Neatly trimmed and with some light overall damp staining and a few tears to the edges, G

 

Horatio Walpole (1678-1757) English diplomat and politician who served as British Ambassador to France 1724-30 and Ambassador to the United Provinces 1734-39 before holding several posts in the Treasury including Teller of the Exchequer 1741-57. Younger brother of Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister.