George Monck, [1st Duke of Albemarle]
single-page letter [31x20cm], trimmed and mounted onto acid free paper.
the letter was sent to Sir Philip Howard instructing him to send a Corporal and eight horsemen to convey a sum of money from New Cross, near Deptford, to Portsmouth, and return with goods to London.
the letter is signed 'Albemarle' and also bears the signature of Sir Philip Howard, with his instruction to appoint Lt.Beale to see that the order is executed.
At this time Monck had charge of The Admiralty, whilst James, Duke of York, commanded the fleet.
London in November 1665 was still in the grip of the Great Plague, and Monck gained popularity by remaining in London, when most of the Government had fled to Oxford.
Sir Philip Howard was Justice of the Peace for Westminster.
