Charles I Letter Signed in 1637, a High Point in his Rule

KING CHARLES I. Letter Signed, “Carolus R.”, in Latin, 1p, 7.75” x 11.25”, March 25, 1637. Integral address leaf with remnants of orange-red wax seal is detached but present. Includes translation to English. Multiple intersecting folds, minor paper loss at top left, neat slits at bottom, else Fine.

The King’s letter to Prince Ferdinand II, Grand Duke of Etruria (1610-1670), comes at a high point of Charles's personal rule. Translated in part, "O most serene Prince, O dearest kinsman, gladly indeed we have learned from our reunited kinsman, the Count of Arundella and Suria, and from Count Morescallus of Anglia and recently from our ambassador extraordinary to Caesar, how eagerly your Serva Celsa has tried to promote the task of the restitution of the Palatine Elector of my nephew through your wise prolegate, Ugolinus Prissonius. Whence although for him your efforts and likewise mine have been wholly in vain, yet we have not been able to refrain from bearing witness to your most exalted servant in what gratitude we hold the proofs of your benevolence towards us and ours, and to you in his name and from expressing our most hearty thanks and from repaying whatever obligations are pleasing to friendship. May God bless and prosper your servant Celsa!"

Charles I (1600-1649) was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his execution in the wake of the English Civil War in 1649. Charles I was reserved and had a high concept of royal authority, believing in the divine right of kings. He was also deeply religious and favored the high Anglican form of worship, with much ritual. When Charles I attempted to impose his religious policies in Scotland he faced numerous difficulties. In 1637, he introduced a new prayer book into Scotland and the results were explosive. Many Scots resisted it, seeing it as a vehicle to introduce Anglicanism to Scotland. Riots erupted in Edinburgh upon the first Sunday of the prayer book's usage, and unrest spread throughout the Kirk. Convinced that they were determined not merely to abolish bishops, but the monarchy itself, Charles I vowed, "I will rather die than yield to their impertinent and damnable demands."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!