Friedrich II of Prussia (1712 - 1786) – a handwritten,signed letter addressed „An den General Major v. Bosse“ from the War of the Bavarian Succession, 1779 Handmade paper (measuring 22.7 x 18.8 cm) with handwritten dictation in ink, dated “Breslau den 29ten January 1779”. Frederick the Great cautions the commander of the Dragoon Regiment no. 11 that it is (tr.) “very good and necessary that you take all possible precautions on your side, also seeing to it that the officers there are unfailingly on high alert, and on their guard, to ensure that they are not taken by surprise, and if the enemy is too strong it is probably safest to retreat a little, and afterwards see how you can overpower him. Therefore, you are to take your measures with all caution and as they are due, and report to me immediately whatever is going on there. I am your affectionate King”, bearing his original signature in ink “Frch”. The address on the lower edge. Lightly stained, two small staple holes. After the death of Bavarian Prince Elector Maximilian III Joseph 1777, and the subsequent decline of the Bavarian House of Wittelsbach, the Electorate of Bavaria was to fall to the Palatinate-Sulzbach line of the House of Wittelsbach. However, Kaiser Joseph II of Austria laid claim on Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate and invaded in January 1778. Therefore, Frederick the Great had his troops invade Bohemia in July 1778. This War of Succession, commonly dubbed the “Kartoffelkrieg” (Potato War) or “Zwetschgenrummel” (Plum Fuss), was marked by major supply problems, forcing troops on both sides to requisition food on the ground, which meant that military conflicts were largely avoided. Fascinating letter, which perfectly attests to the cautious and reserved tactics of the Prussian King. 328539 II - € 600 3521 | 321
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