Manuscript Document Signed ("Cumberland"), on vellum, October 8, 1604, in English, also signed by Clifford's brother Francis Clifford and by Sir William Ingleby of Ripley, docketed and signed by witnesses on the verso. Old folds, some soiling on the verso, seals lacking.

RARE SIGNATURE OF THE MAN DESCRIBED AS "QUEEN ELIZABETH'S FAVORITE PIRATE." The present document concerns Clifford's attempts to raise money from land sales. Life at court meant that he was expected to support a lavish and very expensive life-style. Clifford's raids on Spanish shipping and settlements in the Caribbean were, in part, another way in which Clifford attempted to repair his fortune. He is noted as having taken part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and also traveled with Sir Humphrey Gilbert in an attempt to find a Northwest Passage. He subsequently made nine voyages of his own as a Privateer: most famously, in 1598, he captured the fort and town of Puerto Rico. He died aged 48 the year after the present document was signed.