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![]() BUCKINGHAM, George Villiers, Second Duke of (1628-1687). Politician and wit. Autograph Letter Signed to Sir Thomas Osborne, 1 page folio with integral address-leaf and red wax seal, written from the Court at Oxford, 'Sunday' no date [probably ca 1670]. Enclosing a letter from Lord Tretwell to be read and returned by the bearer, expressing sorrow that 'Collonell Jenkins was of the Councell in this last transaction', confirming his foretelling the apprehension of Captain Drake. Jenkins acted as one of the seconds to Buckingham in his duel with the Earl of Shrewsbury, who had discovered Buckingham's liaison with his wife and was mortally wounded in the fight he provoked. Osborne was made Lord High Treasurer of England and chief minister of Charles II in 1673 at the suggestion of Buckingham. According to Reresby, he had made a bargain with Buckingham to pay his predecessor, Clifford, half his salary. Pepys claimed that he had less than £1,200 a year and that his debts exceeded £10,000, and he was known for his ambition, greed and less than straightforward methods. [No: 6278]
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