Richard G. Joynt's collection of British manuscripts, from the 15th to the 20th century, of 88 letters and documents, 41 cut signatures, and many book engravings.  The authors and signatures include kings, queens, prime ministers, nobles, military officers, authors, and other dignitaries. Personal matters, military orders and letters, religion, treaties, politics, intrique, and much more are covered in these letters, often interwoven with current events.

George III Appointment of Donald McDonald as “Lieutenant in Captain William Pemble’s Independent Company of Invalids doing Duty in North Britain” given at St. James’s Court on October 29, 1783. Signed by George III and Lord North.

Henry Trenwith, before leaving for the East-indies, appoints Elizabeth Trenwith to receive “two months’ pay of my Wages Yearly…during the whole time of my being forth.” Dated November 3, 1753 with notation on reverse, “Months paid the 10 January 1755…” Document is glued to a paper backing.

William IV warrant which releases Richard Kettle, the younger from the Devon County Gaol where he is confined under a game law conviction with a 20 pound fine. The reason given is Kettle’s lawyer’s neglect and the length of time Kettle has been in prison. March 19, 1834. Signed by William IV and others.

Documents signed by Prince Regent George and King George IV.  An engraving of “George IV, King of England” by Charles Picart from an original drawing, is included.

First Duke of Marlborough John Churchill appoints John Danvers as a Captain in Brigadier Thomas Farrington’s regiment to replace Captain Richard Nanfan. Signed “Marlborough” with other signatures. June 24, 1706. The appointment is written one month after the victory at Ramillies in which Thomas Farrington’s regiment participated. An engraving “John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough” by H.T. Ryall is included.

A Safe Conduct Warrant for Colonel Roger Whitley to travel into France and other foreign countries, “having served us with great dilligence during all these troubles.” Signed by Charles I. January 14, 1646. A colored engraving of “Charles 1st. King of England, Scotland, France & Ireland” engraved for “Harrison’s Edition of Rapin’s History of England” is included.

Indenture from Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley, Principal Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, to John [Aloxdo] , signed by Lord Burghley. November 23, 1753. Written in English and Latin. An engraving of “William Cecil, Lord Burghley” by S. Freeman from the original of Mark Gerard is included.

Second Duke of Grafton Charles appoints Richard St. George as Lieutenant Colonel in His Majesty’s First Regiment of Carabiniers under the Command of Richard Lord Viscount Shannon in His Majesty’s Army in Ireland and also to be Captain of a Troop in the said Regiment in the room of John Petry Esqr. Deceased.” July 6, 1723. Signed by Edward Hopkins and “Grafton” by the Duke. Lord Shannon’s regiment was a Regiment of Horse. Written on vellum with the “Great Seal of Great Britain” attached.

George VI appoints Peter Murray, Esquire as an “Officer of the Seventh Grade of Our Foreign Service at any of Our Diplomatic or Consular Establishments…” Dated October 20, 1948 but effective beginning July 1, 1947. Signed by “George R.” and Clement R. Atlee. Embossed seal.

Queen Anne gives her representatives “Full Power for the Treaty of Peace with Spain” during the negotiations of the Treaty of Ultrecht. 1713. Written in Latin and signed “Anna R.” A descriptive note, later added in pencil, says “Re: treaty of Utrecht Instructions to Commissioners to sign treaty ending War of Spanish Succession ceding Gibraltar.” Engraving of “Queen Anne” by J. Cochran from the original by Kneller is included.

George V appoints Frederick Samuel Beaumont as a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, given at Buckingham Palace on July 1, 1916. Signed by George V. Red embossed seal on the certificate.

Letter from Samuel Pepys to “My Lord” about his arrangements made with Captain Salmon on behalf of the King “for transporting the Muscovite envoy to Licoorne.” December 5, 1687. A typed transcript of the letter and an engraving of Samuel Pepys is included. These items are glued on pages in a red leather bound book made especially for the collection.

Patent from Georg Prinz Regent Georg to Von Dreehsell, signed at Carlton House on January 29, 1814. Written in German. Attached paper seal.

George IV appoints Major General Sir Edward Barnes K.C.B. to the local rank of Lieutenant General in the Islands of Ceylon. Court held at Carlton House, May 20, 1823. A red wax on paper seal and blue seal are attached to the appointment.