British civil servant (1633-1703) who was promoted to Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673. He 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, one page, 7.5 x 9, June 27, 1667. Document authorizing the payment of 504 pounds for cordage shipped to the Navy at Portsmouth, in part: "These are to certifie that there is due unto Thomas Pitt the sum of five hundred and four pounds seven shillings four pence for…cordage by him delivered into his Ma'ts stores at Portsmouth." Signed in the lower border in ink by Samuel Pepys, and countersigned by Sir William Penn and Sir William Batten. In very good condition, with scattered light foxing and staining, minor paper loss, and splitting to the ends of the somewhat fragile folds.
Penn was an English admiral and politician (1621-1670) who was the father of the founder of Pennsylvania; Batten (c. 1600-1667) was an English naval officer and politician. Both are frequently mentioned throughout Pepys' famous diaries.
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