DS, signed “Victoria R,” one page both sides, 8 x 13, December 12, 1873. Her majesty agrees to allow John Joseph Powell, a Queen’s Counsel, to legally represent 22-year-old Edward Butt in an upcoming murder trial. In part: “Whereas Edward Butt hath by his Petition humbly represented unto Us that he has been Indicted for Murder upon which he is to be Tried at the Assizes holden at Gloucester on the Nineteenth Instant, that having in all the Proceedings relating to the said Charge been desirous of advising with John Joseph Powell…who may be very useful to the Petitioner in Defending him on such Trial.” Countersigned “R. Lowe” by Home Secretary Robert Lowe. An official seal is intact. Intersecting folds, a small separation along a horizontal fold, and scattered toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an 1891 letter of transmittal and envelope in which the sender makes a gift of this document. The defendant had been accused of shooting Amelia Phipps to death in August, 1873 because she refused to accompany him to the Gloucester Cheese Fair. Mr. Powell’s efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, as Butt was hanged in 1874. Fantastic document with a fabulous historic tale behind it. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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