Devereux, Robert (1566-1601), 2nd Earl of Essex A

Autograph Letter Signed ("Essex"), one page, 4to, London, 26th June, n.y. (c.1591), to 'My very assured friend Richard Bagott', stating 'I am commanded into France for the establishing of the French K[ing] in quiet possession of Normandy. I do having a company of horse and do try my friends yet ye know any or can stirr up any that will send other [..] men well horsed or good horses or geldings - they shall be very welcome to me...', with integral address leaf
Note: Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, courtier and soldier whose celebrated relationship with Elizabeth I led eventually to his downfall. Essex fought with distinction in the Netherlands and in 1593 was appointed to the Privy Council. Following the death of Leicester, Essex became and remained Elizabeth's favourite despite his marriage in 1590 to Sir Philip Sidney's widow, Frances. In 1596 he attacked and captured Cádiz but the failure of an expedition to the Azores, together with his increasing arrogance and the opposition of the Cecil faction, led to a decline in his position at court. In 1587 he was appointed Master of the Horse and in 1591 he was given command of a force sent to the assistance of the briefly protestant King Henry IV of France. Appointed in 1599 to put down O'Neill's revolt in Ireland, he conducted a dilatory campaign and, after concluding a truce, returned to England in defiance of Elizabeth's instructions. After a brief imprisonment, he attempted without success to raise a rebellion in London in government and was condemned and executed for high treason.