GEORGE II: (1683-1760) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1727-60. D.S., George R, as King, at the head, two pages, folio, Court at St. James's, 18th February 1746/7. The manuscript document is addressed to William Benn, Lord Mayor of London, and states that, as the King has been informed 'that the poorer sort of Our Subjects in and about Our City of London do suffer great Hardships at this time and being graciously disposed to do all that lyes in Us for their Relief and Support', the Lord Bishop of London has been instructed that publications be distributed to all of the Parish churches in London 'to collect the Benevolance of Charitable and well disposed People, at their respective Dwellings, within each Parish for and towards the Support and Relief of Our said Poor Subjects' and that the money be distributed as the Lord Mayor and Lord Bishop see fit. The document concludes by stating '…to the end Our Intention may be the more effectual, We have thought fit to recommend the same to you, that by your Encouragement and Endeavour, Our Good Subjects….may be induced to a more than ordinary Demonstration of their Compassion, and Liberality on this Occasion….' Countersigned at the foot by Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) British Statesman, Northern Secretary 1746-48. With blank integral leaf and the remnants of a blind embossed paper seal, causing two neat splits at the head of the document, one very slightly affecting the King's signature. About VG €250-375

William Benn (1702-1755) Lord Mayor of London 1746 Edmund Gibson (1669-1748) British Divine & Antiquary, Bishop of London 1723-48.