Description

King of England, Scotland & Ireland, 1630-85) Autograph Letter signed to Sir Henry Sidney, 1p., 8vo, Whitehall, 10th January 1684 [1685], "Harry Sidney, I would have you assure Temple that I am very kinde to him, and if he can compasse the match he designes at Paris, I will use my best offices with the king of france to make it in all points as easy to him as I can Charles R", with contemporary ink docket: "King Charles's letter to Mr Savil at Paris", red wax seal, folds, repaired, slightly browned; and another contemporary manuscript item, loosely inserted in a folder to be sold at auction on behalf of The Duke of Gloucester's Red Cross and St. John Fund, 17 Oct 1944. This letter is rather characteristic of Charles II's personality. Written in an open and friendly manner, its purpose is veiled and its meaning unclear. Sidney had strong links with the Temple family, he courted Anne Temple as a youth, and it is possible that he is using Sidney as a messenger between himself and Sir William Temple. Ostensibly in retirement, Temple, a long standing politician and diplomat had been removed from the privy council and as ambassador to Spain in 1681 and this letter may perhaps be an assurance from the king of future favour if the clandestime nature of the "designes in Paris" are successful. Mr Savil is Henry Savile, a friend of Sidney.

***Written less than a month before he died: this must be one of Charles II's last wholly autograph letters..