KING CHARLES I, AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, TO SIR EDWARD NICHOLAS, 2 JUNE 1646

ADVISING HIM ON THE TERMS OF THE SURRENDER OF OXFORD AT THE END OF THE FIRST CIVIL WAR ("...let those of Exeter be your guyde ... having particular care that my Sone & two Nepheus have permission to com to me whersoever I sallbe; as lykewais that the freedome of the University be preserved..."), a postscript asking him to "forget not all the Bookes wch I left in my Bedchamber" when sending his property to him in captivity, some portions of the letter in cipher with interlinear deciphered text, including his admission that "I can send Oxon noe relief", both the cipher and decrypts mostly cancelled, 1 page, 4to, Newcastle, 2 June 1646, mounted, framed together with a transcript, and glazed (frame size 640 x 430mm), letter trimmed with loss of margins and to postscript

Rev. Dr Roderick Terry, of Newport, RI (1849-1933); sale of his library, Part 2, Anderson Galleries, New York, 7 November 1934, lot 60

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."

A LETTER BY THE KING TO HIS SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE COLLAPSE OF THE ROYAL CAUSE. Charles had escaped Oxford on 27 April and surrendered to the Scottish Army on 5 May. His loyal forces in the city were soon besieged by Fairfax's Parliamentarian army, and this letter was written during the tortuous negotiations for the city's surrender, which finally took effect on 24 June. Nicholas was one of the signatories of the surrender after which he went into exile, not returning to England until 1660. "I find these people very firm in their way, still careful not to displease the London rebells, never going about to oblige me, unless it be by making all men far the worse that I take notice of, and doing the contrary in whatsoever I advise; so that I cannot but expect the worst of events, unless the gathering of a storm from abroad makes them alter their minds." (Charles to Henrietta Maria, 3 June 1646)