Lot 114: CHARLES II, KING OF ENGLAND. Autograph Letter Signed ("Charles R"), to the Bashaw and the People of the City and Kingdom of Tripoli, expressing the wish that the recently signed treaty between England and Tripoli will allow a normalization of

CHARLES II, KING OF ENGLAND.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Charles R"), to the Bashaw and the People of the City and Kingdom of Tripoli, expressing the wish that the recently signed treaty between England and Tripoli will allow a normalization of friendly relations, 2 pp recto and verso, folio, 2 pp recto and verso, folio, with address page on conjoined leaf, Whitehall, May 23, 1677. remnants of original paper and wax seal, fold creases, minor spotting. Under Ottoman Turkish rule from 1551, but locally commanded by the Dey of Tripoli, the city of Tripoli became a haven for Barbary Pirates in the late 17th century, disrupting European shipping. In 1675, Charles II ordered an English Naval force under the command of John Narborough to intervene. Narborough's ships entered the harbor at midnight and burned the Tripolitan privateer's ships, forcing the Dey of Tripoli (referred to in the letter as the "Bashaw" or Pasha), to seek a peace treaty. This letter is in response to Narborough's letter informing the King of the treaty: "We were sorry that any occasions should be given which should necessitate a break between us, but since the same is happily terminated by your renewing of the Peace, we are no lesse ready to returne to our former amity with you."