Description:

Peter I of Russia
Astrachan, Russia, October 7, 1722
Peter the Great Congratulates Brother Frederick Wilhelm I On Birth of Son, Future King Frederick William II of Prussia
LS

Excessively rare, fine content manuscript letter signed "Pyotr", Astrachan, October 7, 1772. In Russian to his brother, Frederick William I of Prussia sending congratulations to him on the birth of his son, Augustus William, who was born on August 2, 1722. 1p. 8.5" x 13.5". Most attractively penned in a fine secretarial hand and presented in a floating mount with a regal portrait in a fine gilt frame measuring 21" x 21". Folds and a bit of marginal wear, more so to top edge, otherwise very good.

Peter addresses his brother as "The Illustrious, Sovereign King / Dearest Brother, Cousin and Friend," and continues, in part: "…From the letter of Your Royal Majesty, which you sent Us so kindly and in a brotherly way from Berlin [this past] August, we saw with special satisfaction in what way Our illustrious brother was blessed by God and his dear consort [Her Royal Majesty] was delivered of a child, Our Royal Highness. And We bless your Royal House on the birth of this prince. We take pleasure in participating in everything that gives you, Your Royal Majesty, great pleasure and the addition to your Royal House. Therefore We, Royal Majesty, take this happy occasion as an opportunity to address you and congratulate you and to wish with all Our heart that the all-powerful woman of the Kingdom be blessed. With the wish that you may be graced with further well-being to Our greatest satisfaction and the prospering of your Royal House…".

Frederick William I, King of Prussia (1688-1740) nicknamed "the Soldier King," was the third King of Prussia and the father of Frederick II ("the Great"). He is also remembered for his many domestic initiatives such as modernizing and expanding Germany's military power into a formidably force, freeing the serfs, increasing industry and manufacture, and introducing compulsory primary education.

In February 1722, the year of our letter, Frederick penned "The Political Testament of
Frederick William I." It was meant to be read to the future Frederick the Great upon Frederick William's death and thus give him a primer on ruling, although this did not occur for some 14 years. Replete with Calvinist preoccupations and the evident obsession with maintaining Germany's might, Frederick urges his son to continue funding the military and also spells out specific instructions on how to rule every aspect of Prussia, from expelling Jesuits ("the devils") to not engage in other countries' petty squabbles to listen well to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

Frederick's newborn son, Prince Augustus William of Prussia (1722-1758), was brother of and heir to Frederick II. He served as general in the War of Austrian Succession. He would win the ire of Frederick II, however, for his choice to retreat at the disastrous Battle of Kolin -- his brother's first and humiliating defeat which resulted in the loss over 13,700 troops and forced him to halt plans to invade Prague. Although Augustus never ruled in his own right, his son came to the throne as Frederick William II of Prussia.

Peter I (1672-1725), known as Peter the Great, ruled as Russian tsar between 1682 until his death. He is most known for being an instrumental force in the Westernization and expansion of Russia into a major European power.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 21" x 21"
  • Medium: LS

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