Lot 43
George I (1660-1727) King of England (1714-1727), the first from the House of Hanover, eldest son of Sophia of Hanover (who was the granddaughter of James I and niece of Charles I); by the Act of Settlement of 1701, which bypassed all Catholic pretenders to the English throne, Sophia was made next in line of succession after Queen Anne; however, Sophia died shortly before Anne in 1714 and George became King of England. George had little interest in England and the English people and spent most of his reign in Hanover; he communicated with his ministers in French.
ALS ("George R") as King, 4pp, in French, 9" x 7¼", 1726 Oct. 16. To his only daughter, Sophia Dorothea (1686-1757), Queen of Prussia, whom he refers to as "My dear daughter." Fine; a couple of old fold repairs; written on laid, watermarked paper; boldly penned and signed. The King thanks her for her expressions of concern upon the death of his brother Maximilian and for giving him news of the good state of health of her "little family" (she had eight children at this time).
He writes, in part: "…I admit that my concern has not been so great for the Princesses as for the Prince Royal [the future Frederick II, the Great], who is made to do exercises inappropriate for his age, which can have ill effects if one doesn't pay attention, I admit that I was upset for him and that I would be even more so if I did not feel sure that you would take care to remedy the situation…." He notes that there is little news because he is in the country, that the town is practically deserted, and that a company of Italian comedians has recently arrived and will add to the pleasure of the dinner entertainment. He intends to stay in the country until Parliament begins. He ends by hoping that she is enjoying her stay at Housherhausen (?) and assures her of his affection. George's concern for Frederick is understandable, since George had already lost two grandsons prematurely and Frederick's father, called the "Soldier King," was a tough taskmaster.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.
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| Realized $1,553 |
