Charles II, the British monarch who ushered in the Restoration following the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, reigned from 1660 until his death in 1685. Samuel Pepys, a civil servant who was promoted to Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673, is best remembered as the author of a nine-year, multi-volume diary, one of the essential documents of seventeenth-century British history and literature. Manuscript DS, signed “Charles R” at the top and “S. Pepys” at the conclusion, one page, 7.25 x 11.5, Windsor Castle, July 3, 1674. An interesting document appointing one John Pike to be cook on the ship Armes of Rotterdam and providing “such allowance of wages and Victualls for himself & servant, as is proper & usuall for the Cooke of our said ship.” Matted and framed with an antique engraving of Pepys to an overall size of 21 x 20. From the Glenn Ford collection. In fine condition, with folds (one slightly touching both names), some edge wear, and light scattered soiling. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
