Royal navy officer (1704–1757) whose loss of Minorca at the beginning of the Seven Years’ War led to his execution. Incredibly rare manuscript DS, signed “J Byng,” one page, 6.75 x 9.75, April 1, 1756. Document sent from his flagship at Spithead, shortly before setting sail on his fateful mission to Minorca, issuing orders to Capt. Barry aboard the Kingston. In full: “You are hereby required and directed to receive onboard His Majesty's ship under your command Lieutenant Hugh Batterson and two recruits belonging to the Rt. Honorable Lord Panmure's regiment, bearing them on a supernumerary list for victuals only during their continuance onboard; and to make a demand for bedding for them." Cloth-matted and framed with an engraving of Byng’s execution to an overall size of 22.25 x 17. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and some light show-through from docketing on reverse along left edge.
As tensions reached their peak in the spring of 1756, with an official declaration of war becoming evident, the French opened an attack on England’s Mediterranean island of Minorca. When ordered to relieve the British garrison of Fort St. Philip, which guarded the entrance to Port Mahon on the eastern tip of Minorca, Admiral John Byng strongly protested. His delay, along with his small fleet of inadequate ships, gave the French time to successfully land; when he finally arrived, he ineptly and half-heartedly engaged the fully prepared French fleet, who easily avoided damage and sailed away unscathed following the battle on May 20. Intending to return to Fort St. Philip after repairing his ships and building extra forces, Byng sailed to the nearest port at Gibraltar and quickly regrouped. But before his fleet could return to Minorca, he was relieved of his command and taken back to England. There he was court-martialed, found guilty, and executed by a firing squad for ‘failing to do his utmost’ in battling the French. Fewer than a half dozen Byng documents have come to auction in the last 35 years, and this is the only we have found relating to the decisive Minorca campaign—a truly remarkable piece! RR Auction COA.
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