Details
CHARLES EDWARD STUART, 'the Young Pretender' (1720-1788). Letter signed ('Your sincere Friend Charles R') to the Count of Serrant, Rome, 18 February 1766, one page, 4to, integral address leaf, traces of seal, seal tear.
Acknowledging Serrant's condolences 'on the death of the King my father' ['The Old Pretender']. The prince has sent him a large package, under 'M. Joyes's cover', and looks forward to hearing of his successful negotiations in Madrid, 'You know of what importance it is to me to be supported, especially in my present situation, by the court of Spain'
Charles Edward was on his way to Rome when 'The Old Pretender', James Francis Edward Stuart, only son of James II by Mary of Modena and known to his followers as 'James III', died there on 1 January 1766. The death of James Stuart appeared to offer his best hope of gaining recognition from the Pope for his own claim to the throne occupied by George II, and the support of Spain was much needed for this purpose. But the papal counsellors, fearful of alienating England in favour of a claimant already known as a reprobate, warned against him, and to his bitter mortification Benedict XIV rejected his appeal.
Acknowledging Serrant's condolences 'on the death of the King my father' ['The Old Pretender']. The prince has sent him a large package, under 'M. Joyes's cover', and looks forward to hearing of his successful negotiations in Madrid, 'You know of what importance it is to me to be supported, especially in my present situation, by the court of Spain'
Charles Edward was on his way to Rome when 'The Old Pretender', James Francis Edward Stuart, only son of James II by Mary of Modena and known to his followers as 'James III', died there on 1 January 1766. The death of James Stuart appeared to offer his best hope of gaining recognition from the Pope for his own claim to the throne occupied by George II, and the support of Spain was much needed for this purpose. But the papal counsellors, fearful of alienating England in favour of a claimant already known as a reprobate, warned against him, and to his bitter mortification Benedict XIV rejected his appeal.
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