| Administrative History | Wilhelm IV. von Hessen-Kassel (Wilhelm der Weise) 1532 - 1592, first Landgraf of Hessen-Kassel from 1567 |
| Description | Letter in Latin, in clerk's hand, with autograph signature Wilhelm Hessen, dated 'from our fortress of Ziegenhain, 13 July 1581, introducing Count Franz von Waldeck; cf. the letter of the same date to Queen Elizabeth, MS 1009/1/1; with separate two-page postscript, also signed, dated 'ut in literis' discussing the reports the Landgraf has received of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and asking Beale for further information.
Abstract by James D. George:
Introduction for Count Waldeck. The postscript says they have learnt with pleasure of the Scottish Confession. They heard a few days ago of the execution of the Earl of Morton, which was unexpected. 'A certain king has given the Pope high hopes of reducing England to the Papal allegiance'. The Landgrave had said before that he had decided to decorate his citadel at Cassel with presentations of the Christian princes of the last 80 years. [These are] portraits (“ad vivum depictae”) of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth and also of the captive Queen of Scots and her young son still living. [He asks Beale to obtain such portraits for him, but] excepts Edward VI and Mary, Queen of Scots as he has obtained them from elsewhere; in place of them he would like to include the last King James of Scotland. Suggests the portraits are sent through Waldeck.
Endorsed [on postscript]:
1. By Beale '13 Junii [sic] 1581
2. Later hand (as in MS 1009/2/2) 'A recommendatory letter of Count Waldeck to Mr. Beale from the Lantgrave: and also an Untimation of the King of Spain's design upon England &c'.
[End of abstract by James D. George]
Cf. MS 1009/1/1, from Wilhelm to Elizabeth recommendingWaldeck |