SIGISMUND BATHORY : (1573-1613) Also known as SIGISMOND PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA. As a child he ...

SIGISMUND BATHORY : (1573-1613) Also known as SIGISMOND PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA. As a child he succeeded his father as Voivode or ruler of Transylvania. Sigismond abdicated in favour of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, and although he returned to his pillaged territories in 1601 with a Polish army, he could not strengthen his position and settled in Poland. In 1605, Holy Roman Emperor and Spanish King Philip III tried to persuade him to return and claim Transylvania, but he refused. He would later be accused of conspiracy and imprisoned by Rudolf II. Rare L.S., `Sigismundus Princeps´, a bold large and attractive signature with flourish, one page, folio, Timisoara, 10th June 1596, to an Italian Bishop Visconti, in Latin. Sigismund refers to his previous two letters and states in part `..what we have insistently requested and once again request… When we did establish our head-quarters at Tomor, and I tried to hinder the struggle, I managed to do so rushing the move, and I managed to do so in a way that they could not expect the move…´ To the heading ''Sigismundus by the Grace of God, Prince of Transylvania, Moldavia, Wallachia, and of the Holy Roman Empire, Lord of part of the Kingdom of Hungary…'' With address leaf, bearing paper seal affixed in good condition, and remnants of a former red wax seal. Edges very slightly trimmed with very few minor small holes, only one affecting partially the large signature, otherwise G