ADMIRAL BYNG: AN AUTOGRAPH RECEIPT FOR PRIZE MONEY
dated 10th July 1749 for the amount of £138.0.0, printed standard form on laid paper completed in a secretarial hand and signed 'JByng' lower right -- 13 x 8in. (33 x 20cm.)

Admiral John Byng (1704-1757) was judged by of "not doing his utmost" in pursuing a superior French force at the Battle of Minorca. Sentenced to death in what has been described as "the worst legalistic crime in the nation's annals", he signalled his own firing squad to fire by dropping a handkerchief whilst kneeling on a cushion. Voltaire famously satirized this episode in Candide, quipping Dans ce pays-ci, il est bon de tuer de temps en temps un Amiral pour encourager les autres ("In this country, it is good to kill an Admiral from time to time, in order to encourage the others").

Provenance: Bonham's Book Sale, 4/12/96, lot 557

Condition Report
Ragged top edge, time staining, spotting, browning.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.