Beschreibung:

RUPERT, Prince, Count Palatinate of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria (1619-1682). Letter signed with autograph subscription to Charles I, Belvoir, 31 October 1645, one page, folio , autograph address leaf ('For the Kings Ma[jes]tie, these'), contemporary endorsement, seal (outer edge slightly frayed, repaired, small seal tear, traces of guard); together with retained copies of this letter, and of letters to Charles I, n.d. [September 1645] (autographed endorsement on verso 'Copie of my Lettr to King') and to the Duke of Richmond, 28 July 1645. A record of the disastrous disagreement between Prince Rupert and the King in the summer of 1645. Their relationship was exceptionally good until the King reportedly resolved to go to Scotland which Rupert considers 'a strange resolution; considering not onelye in what condition he will leave all behynd him, but what probabilitye there is for him to gett thither. I beleeve it a more prudent way to reteyne something, then to loose all ... One comfort wilbe left; wee shall all fall together' (28.7.1645, to Richmond). Rupert finally surrendered to Fairfax at Bristol, on 12 September when the King impetuously signed an order banishing him from the kingdom, provoking an injured response recalling his former services (undated letter of September 1645). The third letter protests at the King's ban on the Princes Rupert and Maurice residing in any garrison, ordering them to leave the country. 'Sir give me leave to tell you I have not disserved soe unkinde a salute from you at my departure, the meanest subject you have could not be soe unkinde and unnaturally treated with' (31.10.1645). In spite of this a reconciliation was effected late in the same year. After Charles left Oxford in April 1646 Rupert and his brother remained there until its capture by Fairfax when they left the country. (4)