CHARLES I -- Royalty & Aristocracy
A rare and historically important autograph letter to prince Rupert on one page, dated 14th July 1645. Written shortly before the fall of Bristol, informing Prince Rupert that he has commanded (George) Digby to send in cipher details of his resolution "wh(ic)h is differying from what I was most inclyned to when I saw you last... albeit I cannot say that the affermative is so absolutely concluded on as the negative; the particulars being of some lenth and greatest secrecie", and expressing his confidence in and affection for Rupert. The King also thanks him for arms and powder., and repeats his promise to send two regiments. Charles's last years of reign were marked by the English Civil War, in which he was opposed by the forces of Parliament, which challenged his attempts to augment his own power, and by Puritans, who were hostile to his religious policies and supposed Catholic sympathies. Charles was defeated in the first Civil War (1642 - 1645), after which Parliament expected him to accept demands for a constitutional monarchy. He instead remained defiant by attempting to forge an alliance with Scotland and escaping to the Isle of Wight. This provoked a second Civil War (1648 - 1649) and a second defeat for Charles, who was subsequently captured, tried, convicted, and executed for high treason. The monarchy was then abolished and a republic called the Commonwealth of England, also referred to as the Cromwellian Interregnum, was declared. Charles's son, Charles II, became King after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. King Charles I and Prince Rupert met at Crick two days before this letter. Rupert returned to Bristol to consolidate his position there before the King was to arrive to make it his headquarters. The surrender of Bridgwater on 23 July had, however, made this plan impossible, and in the confusion Charles gave Rupert no clear indication of his revised plans. The siege of Bristol by Fairfax began on 21 August, and the city fell on 10 September when Rupert called for a treaty. The surrender of Bristol enraged Charles, who was encouraged by Digby to believe that Rupert had betrayed him. He dismissed his nephew from his service. Charles I was beheaded on Tuesday 30 January 1649.
£15,000.00