An original hand-written document by Earl Chatham regarding the admission of the Rev. Francis Fawkes into the "number" of Domestic Chaplains and the rights bestowed upon Rev. Francis Fawkes thereafter.

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

A unique historical item hand-written by Earl Chatham on folded emblemmed parchment paper. Signed 'Chatham' with his personal hard wax seal. F'scap folio. Some skilful repairs at folds and preserved in specially made folder. In excellent condition. NOTE: Francis Fawkes was an Anglican clergyman classical scholar and poet who lived from 1720 to 1777. 1777 the year of Fawkes' death was also the year Earl Chatham admitted Fawkes into the number of his Domestic Chaplains. William Pitt (1708-1778) later awarded the peerage Earl of Chatham led an illustrious often controversial political career and was preeminently the most striking figure on the English political stage during the eighteenth century. He was disliked by King Geroge II after speaking out against the King and Government's policy of the day but enjoyed public support as he often voiced public sentiment. Despite King George II's dislike of Pitt The King and his supporters soon realised that a popularly supported leader such as Pitt was needed if England was to effectively prosecute the war against France in America. Pitt became Prime Minister Commander of the Navy and all Offices in 1766. His term was cut short due to poor health in 1768. His leadership and successful prosecution of the 'Seven Years War' was to bring France to her knees and brought Canada under the English flag. The relationship between Chatham and Fawkes was non-political. Chatham was an enthusiastic yet modest poet who enjoyed reading and studying classical literature. Fawkes was a highly adept translator and scholar of the classics. His contemporaries considered him the best translator since the days of Pope (one assumes that their relationship was born from their common interest especially so as Fawkes' appointment was made a few months before Fawkes' death). (D.N.B.).