Autograph letter signed from Baron Herbert of Castle Island to Charles I [manuscript], 1626 May 8.
Items
Details
Title
Autograph letter signed from Baron Herbert of Castle Island to Charles I [manuscript], 1626 May 8.
Description
1 letter
Associated name
Herbert of Cherbury, Edward Herbert, Baron, 1583-1648, correspondent.
Pirie, Robert S., former owner.
Pirie, Robert S., former owner.
Note
This is a PRELIMINARY RECORD. It may contain incorrect information. Please email catalog@folger.edu for assistance.
Folger-specific note
Curatorial file available.
Place of creation/publication
Great Britain
Item Details
Call number
V.b.389
Folger-specific note
Sotheby's catalog description: Herbert, Edward, Baron of Cherbury Autoghraph letter signed ("Herbert"), as baron Herbert of Castle Island, to Charles I. Complaining of his treatment by the crown since the end of his diplomatic career and petitioning for compensation, two pages, folio (290 x 195mm), 8 May 1626, integral blank; staining, nicks and tears professionally conserved. Green morocco-backed box and slipcase. Sotheby's catalog note: I am not a saver, yet, by about 3000li your good Majestie, some way, or other, would recompense mee..." A rare autograph letter signed by the great philosopher and historian. Edward Herbert's diplomatic career had culminated in his appointment as Ambassador to France from 1619 to 1624, but his incautious advice when negotiating for the marriage of Prince Charles to the French Princess Henrietta Maria had led to his abrupt recall (see lot 774). This letter is a carefully worded but bitter complaint about his treatment by James I. Herbert points out that his allowance as Ambassador was insufficient, and he "spent not only all the means I have from his Majesties, together will my owne annuall rents, but somethinge above," which has never been repaid, but he has also been denied the customary honors granted to prominent diplomats. He had been granted an Irish title on his return, but he here asks to be made a Baron in the nobility of England, and additionally requests to be made a member of the Privy Council and for a payment of £3,000. Such direct demands were unlikely to find favour with a King who was highly concerned with the niceties of etiquette, and although Herbert was granted the English barony of Cherbury in 1629, his other two requests were never met. Sotheby's literature note: V. Klinkenborg and H. Cahoon, British Literary Manuscripts: Series I From 800 to 1800 (New York, 1981), no. 30. Acquired at the Robert S. Pirie sale, Sotheby's, New York, 2-4 December 2015, lot 430. Sotheby's catalog provenance: James Gilvarry 1914–1984; (Christie's, New York, 16 May 1986, lot 104). acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch. Pirie copy accompanied by a typescript and 3 photocopies of printed material relating to the letter, with manuscript notes date 1986 on one descriptive page.
Folger accession
269372