Archduke of Austria (1863–1914) whose assassination precipitated the start of World War I. ALS in pencil in German, signed “Franz,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Monte Carlo, May 4, 1896. Letter to Velicogna, in full (translated): “I shall call you here by telegram on about the 16th or 17th of the month and I shall in fact, merely say in the telegram 'Come 16th St James Hotel Monte Carlo.' You can then just tell Count Wurmbrand that you have received a telegram from me and that you are leaving for the Riviera. Apart from that, nothing. You must not say anything at all about the reason why you are coming here. I want, in fact, to gain a completely clear picture of my expenditure in the years 1894 and 1895. So bring both statements of account, covering the two years, together with all documents and audits relating to them.
The expenditures of Count Wurmbrand, according to the latest reports which you sent me, are not adequately identified, so there will be no documents relating to them; but do not ask for any. Bring with you to me, however, everything which is in your hands. Count Wurmbrand is to know nothing of the reasons for your journey and of what you will be discussing with me. This instruction supersedes the one in my last letter, and you need not send the statements, but bring everything with the documents. I am sorry that I have to make you undertake this long journey, but I cannot return to the home country before 1st May. Should you, however, chance to feel indisposed at the time, do not come and telegraph to me; I am absolutely determined not to overtax you, and I can have you come later. This letter counts as ‘official secret.’” In fine condition, with small chip to bottom edge.
Never intended for the throne of the Hapsburgs, Franz Ferdinand was groomed for the military, carrying with him unparalleled fame as the wildest young man in the archducal circle at Vienna. When the suicide of the emperor’s only son, Crown Prince Rudolph, left Ferdinand as heir presumptive to the empire in 1889, he was forced to change his behaviors, leaving behind the alcohol-fueled debaucheries of his past. While he successfully climbed the ranks of the Austrian military—becoming a General in 1896—and prepared for his possible future ascendancy, this letter indicates that he may have still indulged in the occasional gambling adventure. Written in deep secrecy to his accountant, he explicitly demands that General Count Leo Graf Wurmbrand-Stuppach, whose sole responsibility was the care of the Archduke, “know nothing of the reasons for your journey and of what you will be discussing with me.” An intriguing letter, seemingly revealing the young Ferdinand’s attraction to the popular German-style casino at Monte Carlo, despite his newly laid out straight-and-narrow path. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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