2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
PHILIP II (1527-1598) King of Spain from 1556 to 1598, who put down the revolt of the Moors, instituted the Inquisition and launched the Armada against England. Manuscript Letter Signed, “Yo El Rey” 1p. folio, Madrid, December 8, 1569, addrssed to Don Juan de Acuna, Count of Buendia, talking of the need for the Catholic forces of Spain to take action against the Moriscos or Moors, the Moslems of Spain, especially in Andalusia. It reads in most part: “...Don Juan de Acuna...Commander of the Territory to the east of the ford of Santiago....punish the rebels...I was selling [?] crown for to order from there and provide what was appropriate...to serve in the defense in the fidelity of the Holy Catholic invasion of the enemies which causes us more than others great [?] to leave and assist in raiding and punishing...” VG. Philip ruled as King Consort of ‘Bloody’ Mary of England, from 1554 to 1558, supporting her persecution of Protestants, and carried his rabidly pro-Catholic stance back home when he became King of Spain in 1556 after Mary’s death. He was determined to crush all opposition to Catholicism. The Moslems and the Jews might have been permitted to remain in Spain, but when the Moslems population of Spain, commonly called Moriscos or Moors, rose up in rebellion with the aid of Turkey, Philip crushed them and drove them out of the country from 1569-70. After this he concentrated on driving out the Jews, even the so-called ‘Conversos’ Jews who had been forced to convert to Christianity. When all non-Catholics were driven out of Spain, he concentrated on destroying the Protestant Queen of England, Elizabeth I. He sent a large fleet, against England, but lost his naval power when it was defeated, and England remains Protestant.
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