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MAXIMILIAN I, Elector and Duke of Bavaria (1573-1651, 'the Great', head of the Catholic League). Letter signed ('Maximilian') to the 'Prelaten, Herrn, Ritterschafft und Stätten' of the Archduchy of Austria, Freystatt, 26 August 1620, responding to their request that he withdraw his garrisons from Upper Austria with a reminder that this has been so arranged at the express command of the Emperor [Ferdinand II] ('also wir es ... nicht ennders khonnen'), reminding them strictly that the Emperor has forbidden any further such resolutions, but trusting that the garrisons can be withdrawn before too long, one page, folio, integral address leaf, papered seal, a number of later endorsements to lower margin; with an engraved portrait.
In return for significant concessions, Maximilian had placed the army of the Catholic League at the Emperor's disposal in response to the threat from the newly-elected Frederick V of Bohemia ('the Winter King'); he was permitted to occupy Upper Austria as a security against the expenses of the campaign. Only a few months later, on 8 November, Maximilian's army, under Tilly, defeated Frederick's forces at the Battle of White Mountain: it was the first major battle of the Thirty Years War.
In return for significant concessions, Maximilian had placed the army of the Catholic League at the Emperor's disposal in response to the threat from the newly-elected Frederick V of Bohemia ('the Winter King'); he was permitted to occupy Upper Austria as a security against the expenses of the campaign. Only a few months later, on 8 November, Maximilian's army, under Tilly, defeated Frederick's forces at the Battle of White Mountain: it was the first major battle of the Thirty Years War.
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