British monarch who ushered in the Restoration in 1660 and ruled until his death in 1685. Unlike his father, Charles I, whose mismanagement of British affairs led to his own execution and the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, Charles II proved to be a powerful, capable leader. DS, signed “Charles R” at the head, one page, 8.5 x 13, July 30, 1667. A document addressed to “Our Right Trusty and well beloved Counsellor Anthony Lord Ashley Our Treasurer for Prizes.” The text reads, in part: “Our Will and Pleasure is that out of the money arising by sale of Prizes, you pay or cause to be paid into Our Trusty Sir Paul Neile Hon[orable] Gentleman Usher of Our Privy Chamber or his Assigns the Sume of Five hundred pounds ster[ling] To be by him received without accompt as of Our Free guift and Bounty And for so doing this shall be your Warrant Given at Our Court at Whitehall … By his Ma[jesty’s] command [signed] Will Morice.“ The recipient, Paul Neile, was a prominent scientist and mathematician who was a member of the Royal Society; he became “gentleman usher” of the Privy Chamber in 1662. In very good condition, with light overall soiling and toning (more prominent at edges), light edge wear with a few small tears, paper hinge affixed to verso, and seal remnant. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
