Frederick William I, also called ‘Soldatenkönig’, wrote to the privy council von Massow
Berlin, 27.08.1718
Frederick William I (1688-1740) - also known as ‘Soldatenkönig’, King in Prussia and father of Frederick the Great
Letter (from an unknown hand) signed
With handwritten note of Frederick William I
1 written page
Sheet size: 25,3 x 19,0 cm
In fine condition

This letter by the ‘Soldatenkönig’ Frederick William I. is addressed to the privy council von Massow:



‘… Mir ist Ew: Schreiben … wohl behändiget worden, und da Ihr nun mehro balde hier seyn werdet, so werde das plaisir haben Euch mündl. zu versicheren, da? Ich bin / Ew: wohl affectionnirter König‘.



The letter is still in fine condition. The paper shows slight foxing and few small tears. The left edge has been reinforced on the back. The sheet size is 25,3 x 19,0 cm.



Frederick William I (1688-1740)

Frederick William I was born 1688 in Berlin. He comes from the House of Hohenzollern and was King in Prussia and Margrave of Brandenburg and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. He was known as ‘Soldatenkönig’ and ruled Prussia from 1713 to 1740. During his tenure, he pushed for the establishment of Prussia as an independent military power and created a comprehensive state finance. Because of his reforms people called him ‘Preußens größter innerer König’.