Manuscript DS, signed “App., Victoria R,” one page folded to 4 x 8, July 24, 1874. A sentencing warrant for John Downs, a private in the Royal Marines, “having been tried by a General Court Martial for insubordination accompanied with personal violence to his superior officer, & for conduct to the prejudice of good order & military discipline in having resisted his escort and been riotous on two occasions….” At the conclusion, Victoria signs her approval of a “punishment of Penal Servitude for a term of five years.” Two red wax seals with an anchor logo remain mostly intact on the reverse. Light soiling and handling wear, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
