Lord North Signs 1770 Exchequer Doc Addressed to Sir Henry Clinton's Cousin - Interesting Ties to American Revolution!

A 1p manuscript document boldly signed by Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford (1732-1792), more commonly known by his title Lord North, as "North" at lower right. N.d., but ca. 1770. [London, England]. Beautifully secretarially inscribed on watermarked laid paper. Countersigned by the creditor and a witness verso. Expected wear including light, even toning and some ink bleed-through. A clerical cancellation slash extends at a diagonal from top to bottom. The document is hinged verso and tipped into a larger stock mount measuring 8.625" x 10.875" overall. The sight size of the document is 7.375" x 9.625."

Lord North served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1767-1782, and as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770-1782. He directed the Auditor of the Receipt of the Exchequer, Henry Pelham-Clinton, 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne (1720-1794), to pay this bill submitted by Edward Harland, a messenger of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The invoice was for six round trips that Harland undertook on official business between July 30 and October 22, 1770. The messenger's destinations were "Dillington," referring to Dillington House in Whitelackington, Somerset, Lord North's country home in southwestern England; Richmond and Kingston, two locations in southwestern London; "Ealon," probably Ealing, in western London; and "Ember Court," alluding to Imber Court in Surrey.

The document has two interesting ties to the American Revolution. Lord North, the document signer, was Prime Minister during the Revolutionary War and was subsequently blamed for the British defeat and the loss of the 13 colonies. "His Grace Henry Duke of Newcastle," the Auditor, was the cousin of Sir Henry Clinton (1730-1795), the commander-in-chief of British forces in America from 1778-1782.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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