Autographs and Manuscripts
CONGREVE, William (1670-1729). Poet. ()
Document Signed ("Wm Congreve"), acknowleging receipt of £125 from Thomas Snow & John Paltock, "wch they rec[eive]d of Paunceford Miller ye 14 Aug last for my Use."4 lines written on a narrow slip of paper, apparently cut from a larger page, 14 October 1723.
Congreve's last major work, The Way of the World, had been first performed in 1700. As well as earning income from his writings, Congreve held various government posts, culminating in the lucrative position of Secretary of Jamaica, which brought him about £700 a year. The £125 of this document may well have been for part of his salary or expenses. 1723 was a significant year for Congreve personally, as in November his only child Mary was born, the offspring of his liaison with Henrietta Godolphin, Duchess of Marlborough.On the verso there is a clear 'Bishop Mark' - 14 Oc[tober] - presumably indicating that the receipt was part of a letter from Snow & Paltock. Bishop Marks were the first postmarks, introduced by the Postmaster General Henry Bishop in 1661. The mark showed only the day and month of posting, and its purpose was to ensure that the letter carriers did not delay the mail.Traces of mounting on verso. Autograph material of Congreve in any form is very rare.
Stock Code: AU5469
