JAMES II & VII: (1633-1701)

JAMES II & VII: (1633-1701)

JAMES II & VII: (1633-1701) King of England & Ireland and King of Scotland (as James VII) 1685-88. A.L.S., with his initial J, two pages, small 4to, Newmarket, 22nd March (1682?), to the Countess of Lichfield, his favourite niece. The Duke of York asks to be pardoned for his delay in replying to her letter ´but realy what with wayting on His Ma:[jesty], the Scots affairs, and so much company is come to see me, I have not any tyme to myself, but now that I have it, I would not faile to lett you know how much I am obliged to you for what you have sayd to me in your letter´ and continues to add that he hopes he shall have the satisfaction of seeing his niece in London at the beginning of next month, after which he will go to Scotland, before concluding by writing ´We have the worst weather now I ever saw at this tyme of yeare which makes this place not so pleasant.....but for me I like it very well since I have the happynesse of being with His Ma:´ With integral address leaf in the Duke´s hand, and again signed with his initial J. Also bearing a small red wax seal and with a vertical strip of brown paper reinforcement to the edge. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and discoloration, otherwise VG

Charlotte Lee (1664-1718) Countess of Lichfield, formerly Lady Charlotte Fitzroy. Illegitimate daughter of King Charles II of England by one of his best known mistresses, Barbara Villiers, 1st Duchess of Cleveland.