Do you see the speech bubble in this letter? Due to the use of speech bubbles, this document is regarded as the oldest comic strip in The Netherlands. The drawings in this letter are an important source for the clothes of this time. But this, for us interesting historical information, was not the reason to write the two letters. Both were sent in 1493 by Bernhard Count of Meurs to his uncle, Duke Karel of Gelre. The uppermost text is a reminder. Bernhard has been a hostage in Peronne, France for two years, and the Duke had promised to pay the ransom within two months. Bernhard issues an ultimatum in this letter. This letter was written two months later. Bernhard complains that the Duke has done little about the ransom letter. He urgently requests, in his letter of complaint, that the powers that be should make the Duke fulfil his promise to free him. Bernhard of Meurs was taken hostage in France in exchange for the release of Duke Karel of Egmond. He was made a prisoner of war by the French and could not pay 8000 gold guilders in one payment. As compensation, Bernhard of Meurs was taken hostage. An agreement was made to pay the rest of the money and the hostage was then released. Such kidnapping was normal in these times. Bernhard of Meurs was eventually freed in 1500 after his brother-in-law had paid. Press A to get further information on the drawing.

A