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Auction: 26066 - Historical Documents, Autographs and Ephemera
Lot: 1032

King Charles I to his Nephew, Prince Rupert - The Road to Marston Moor
1644 (22 April) autograph letter signed from Oxford to Prince Rupert.

Letter reads "Nephwe, I cannot but recomend thease Gentlemens Propositions to you, knowing how ill a Case my L[ord] of Newcastell in in, for I believe, that without you assistance, he will not be able to withstand the Scots; yet I will not give you any positive Ordr in it , but leave it [deleted text] to you knowing you will doe what shall be best for my service, trusting to still [inserted] to your judgement: I here for certaine, the Manchester is marching the way, for which I am sory, meerly becasue I cannot [deleted text] spare you those 2000; Foote & Regiment of Horse wich I have sent for to you [inserted] by my Lo:[rd] Biron, but must now againe desyre you to haste them to [illegible]"

Signed "Your loving Oncle and most faithfull frend Charles R"

With postscript reading "Charles Garret is only angrie because my L:[ord] Wentworth (as he cals it) is put over his head, to be Major Generall of the Horse, being satisfied concerning his Brigade, so that indeed, but for your sake I could be hardly angry at him.".

Some peripheral reinforcement and very minor paper loss. Sound, and full ALS of Charles I are very rare.

Provenance: Christie's, 27 November, 2012

Notes: This document precedes the events of Marston Moor on 2 July, 1644. The combined forces of the Parliamentarians and the Scottish Covenanters had besieged York, which was under the protection of the Marquis of Newcastle. Charles was clearly concerned for the perilous state of York and for Newcastle and sent for his Nephew in April. On the 1st July Rupert succeeded in relieving York, but disaster befell him and the Royalists the next day in the battle of Marston Moor. The Royalists lost 3,000 - 4,000 men, Prince Rupert escaped, but his dog, Boye was killed. Cromwell and his men took York on the 16 July.

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Estimate
£3,000 to £6,000

Starting price
£2400