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Letter from Sir Francis Drake to William Cecil, Lord High treasurer, 26th July 1586. Artist: Sir Francis Drake
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Letter from Sir Francis Drake to William Cecil, Lord High treasurer, 26th July 1586. Artist: Sir Francis Drake
Letter from Sir Francis Drake to William Cecil, Lord High treasurer, 26th July 1586. Letter informing Cecil that the whole Spanish treasure from the Indies for the last year only, escaped Drake by twelve hours, but that there is a very great gap opened, very little to the liking of the King of Spain, referring him to the bearers for all that has passed, and asking for £ 6000 in order to pay off the poorer sort of his men, in return for which bullion shall be sent (Plymouth) on board the Elizabeth Bonaventure. The letter was written on Drakes return from an expedition to the West Indies. He set out, in command of twenty-five vessels, on 14th September 1585, captured and put to ransom the Spanish towns of San Domingo and Cartagena, and reached Portsmouth on his return on 28th July 1586, bringing back with him the colonists of Virginia. From the fourth series of Facsimiles of royal, historical, literary and other autographs in the Department of Manuscripts, British Museum: Series I - V, (London, 1899)
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Media ID 14910386
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1st Baron Burghley Burghley Cecil Correspondence Drake Elizabethan Facsimile Francis Francis Drake Letter Lord Burghley Piracy Pirate Signature Sir Francis Sir Francis Drake Sir William Sir William Cecil Treasure William Cecil William Cecil Burghley Naval Warfare Print Collector3
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant historical artifact - a letter from Sir Francis Drake to William Cecil, Lord High treasurer, dated 26th July 1586. The artist of this remarkable piece is none other than Sir Francis Drake himself. In the letter, Drake informs Cecil that he narrowly missed capturing the entire Spanish treasure from the Indies by only twelve hours. However, he reveals that his expedition has opened up a substantial gap in Spain's wealth, much to the displeasure of the King. Drake directs Cecil to seek further details from those who delivered this message and requests £6000 to pay off his less fortunate men. In exchange for this sum, he promises to send bullion aboard the Elizabeth Bonaventure at Plymouth. This correspondence was written upon Drake's return from an eventful journey to the West Indies. Embarking with twenty-five vessels on 14th September 1585, Drake successfully captured and ransomed Spanish towns such as San Domingo and Cartagena before arriving back in Portsmouth on 28th July 1586. Notably, he also brought back with him colonists from Virginia. This extraordinary photograph showcases not just a historic letter but also provides us with insight into one of Sir Francis Drake's daring exploits during an era defined by exploration and conquest. It serves as a testament to his audacity and strategic prowess in challenging Spain's dominance over global trade routes during that time period.
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