Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex | Autograph letter signed, on his influence over Queen Elizabeth, [1594?]

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

Autograph letter signed, to 'A son Exc[cellence]' [Maurice of Nassau]

concerning his influence over Elizabeth I, stressing his desire to maintain himself in his correspondent's graces, and not only emphasising the honour he feels accrues him from the friendship of so great a person, but also the good which will derive from their correspondence; having stated that the affection of his people and the authority which [Maurice] has over his troops make it possible for him to do whatever she wishes, Essex adds that he would be sad were he to be blamed for any problems between them, but promises to give satisfaction in anything he undertakes, he also mentions that Vere, the bearer and one of his dearest friends, will tell him of recent events, 2 pages, folio, integral address leaf, substantial portions of seals, the Court 24 April "vieux stile" [1594 added in another hand], some very light spotting

"...d'autre part pourceque i'ay L'oroeil de la Royne autant com[m]e un autre on pense que ie puis faire beaucoup. Mais L'experience monstre que les souveraigns veulent estre absolus, et le peaple bizar..." [...Because I have the ear of the Queen as much as any man, people think that I can do much. But experience shows that Sovereigns wish to be absolute and the people capricious...]

The addressee of the letter is undoubtedly Maurice of Nassau from the mention of "your provinces", his troops and the affection of his people. Maurice was created prince in 1586 and Admiral-General of the Union of the Provinces in 1588. His brother Philip was still technically Prince of Orange in 1594. The Vere mentioned by Essex is Sir Francis Vere (1560-1609), the distinguished soldier and chief of the English forces in the Low Countries from about 1590. A little later Vere and Maurice were to join in the defeat of Spanish troops in several crucial battles, and this letter underlines the common cause of the English and the Dutch against Spain.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 14 December 1989, lot 203