Especiall notes concerninge her Maties Nauie and sea-seruice [manuscript], ca. 1597-1598.

Especiall notes concerninge her Maties Nauie and sea-seruice [manuscript], ca. 1597-1598.

Excellent observations and notes concerning the Royall Navy and sea-service

7 leaves ; 20 x 16 cm

A unique Elizabethan version, written in late 1597 or early 1598 after Ralegh's return to court following the Islands voyage. This version is somewhat more abbreviated than the Jacobean version, but the chief differences are the the inclusion of a preface addressed to the Queen and a conclusion that requests action to remedy the problems of the Navy (the conclusion in the Jacobean version justifies the importance of maintaining a strong navy in peacetime).

Bound with 16 other manuscript works in the 18th century; repaired and separated into 15 booklets, some with multiple works, in 1993 (J.a.1 (1-15)). Modern pencil foliation added before separation: 161-167.

The Jacobean version was published posthumously in 1650 (Wing R161 and Wing R170).

Alternate title in a different hand: A tract concerninge the shipping of England.

Sold in sale of Marquess of Cholmondeley Library (Sotheby Sale, 17-20 March, 1925, no. 450)

Purchased from Maggs, 1932 (cat. 569, no. 204)

J.a.1 (12)

cs2203