The son of Mary, Queen of Scots, who succeeded to the Scottish throne as James VI in 1567 and ruled England and Ireland as James I from 1603 until his death in 1625. Scarce manuscript DS, signed “James R,” one page, 9.25 x 13.25, July 24, 1605. In part: “Our expences having been by many urgent occasions since our entry into this Realm greater than the ordinary means or revenues of our Crown can supply, it is not unknown to you that by advice of our Privy Counsel we resorted to such means for the furnishing of our present necessities as our progenitors have been accustomed to do that is, by borrowing some reasonable sums of money of persons of ability to lend. Whereupon those of our Privy Counsel as well out of their earnest desire to express their affections to us, as to show a good example to others, offered to lend any of them a competent sum to us and thereby have made a list and presented it unto us each one having rated himself at such a sum as he is conveniently able to spare: in which list you have rated yourself at the sum of Three hundred pounds, for which as we can do no less than signify unto you by this testimony of our hand in how thankful part we take your readiness therein to do us service…we have already directed our Warrants under our privy seal to the Treasurer and chamberlains of our exchequer, giving them authority to pay the same at that time whereof we assure you, you shall not fail.” Affixed at the top edge of the second integral page to a slightly larger mount. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, trivial foxing, and light overall wrinkling. James ascended to the English throne in 1603, and despite a smooth transition he faced massive financial debts from the high cost of war in Ireland, widespread taxation issues, and harmful monopolies. He also faced several challenges and conspiracies from Catholic factions—the most famous plot coming a few months after this document on November 5, when Guy Fawkes planned to blow up the House of Lords. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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