King Charles II

advising him on the repayment of royal debts ("...Mrs Buckly ... is satisfied that she shall be payd at Michalmas ... yet there is an other person to be satisfied which is Mr Duncome..."), 1 page, 4to, integral autograph address leaf ("For my Lord Hide"), complete red wax seal impression, Windsor, 2 May 1681, gilt edges, window mounted, seal tear, strengthened at fold 

Christie's, South Kensington, 30 November 2010, lot 150

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Laurence Hyde (1641-1711), the second son of Edward, Earl of Clarendon, was a trusted political ally of King Charles II in the last decade of his reign. At the time this letter was written he had recently been raised to the peerage in his own right and was endeavouring to stabilise the royal finances as a Lord of the Treasury, where, in the words of Dryden, his "frugal care supply'd the wanting throne" (Absalom and Achitophel).