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JOHN CHURCHILL, DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Political Memorabilia Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 900.00 USD
JOHN CHURCHILL, DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH
(1650 - 1722) English soldier and statesman whose career spanned the reigns of five monarchs. Churchill's role in defeating the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 helped secure James on the throne, yet just three years later he abandoned his Catholic patron for the Protestant Dutchman, William of Orange. Throughout ten consecutive campaigns during the Spanish Succession war Marlborough held together a discordant coalition and raised the standing of British arms to a level not known since the Middle Ages. Scarce manuscript D.S. "Marlborough", 1p. folio vellum, "Office of Ordnance" [n.p.],May 24, 1703. One year after the creation of his dukedom by Queen Anne, Malborough see fit to promote Lucas Boitout to the rank of "Sub Engineer" specializing in defense fortifications and ordnance and entitling him to pay at the rate of fifty pounds per year. Co-signed by Master General of the Ordnance JAMES CRAGGS (1657-1721), who used his influence over the Duchess of Marlborough to obtain a seat in Parliament and many political appointments. His positions and involvement in the South Seas "bubble" allowed him to leave a vast fortune. Moderate soiling, heavy folds, still good condition.