^Lot 264 Samuel Pepys

British civil servant (1633–1703) who was promoted to Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673. Pepys is best remembered as the author of a nine-year, multi-volume diary, one of the essential documents of 17th century British history and literature. Manuscript DS, in Old English, signed “S. Pepys,” one page, 7.5 x 11.25, April 3, 1666. Pay order reads, in part: “Thoso are to certifie that there is due unto Mr. Potor Blackboron the sume of Sixty six pounds nineteen shillings…for 16 loads of 12 foot 6 1/4 of Oakon planck…and to be paid out of the monyos arising upon ye said Act.” Signed at the conclusion by Pepys. Document is affixed by its top edge to a 9.25 x 11.75 off-white page, which is in turn housed in a custom made hardcover presentation folder. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, chipping to edges, and scattered toning and soiling.