Clive of India. 1773 (May 22) Entire letter transcribing Burgoynes motion, as voted for the previous day in the House of Commons, accusing Clive of abusing his power as Commander in Chief in India, in obtaining donations totalling £234,000 from Myr Jaffir in exchange for installing him as Nawab of Bengal, and an account of the ensuing debate, the house finally rejecting Burgoynes motion and instead thanking Clive for his “essential & meritorious service to the East India Company & to this country”. The letter written in a secretarial hand, but then signed “yours sincerely, R. Clive”, a further six line postscript then added in Clive’s own hand. Posted as a free frank to Derby, the address panel signed by John Carnac (an abuse of his free frank, Clive presumably sending more free letters on this day than he could personally sign), with red “FREE” and “22/MA” Bishop Mark. An interesting and scarce letter signed by Clive, who committed suicide the following year. Photo on Page 44. £400-500 Dealer Argyll Etkin Auction Starting Price: 400.00 GBP (via Philasearch.com: 32nd Argyll Etkin Worldwide Stamps and Postal History - item 9350-A32-234)
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