Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XII. Reign of Charles XI, 1660–1697 - B. Personal Rule of Charles XI, 1672–1697
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Reign of Charles XI 207
archipelago nearly all winds were needed, thus causing
much delay. In the meantime an enemy might do much
damage along the country’s coasts. Hence, there was
founded under the able supervision of Hans Wacht-
meister a new naval base with docks and yards, which
received the name of Karlskrona. Under his super-
vision, too, there was built a strong fleet at this place.
But Charles was not one to abuse his country’s powers.
He had seen too much of the miseries of war to plunge
his country into that evil.
The Peasantry. Like a father Charles cared for the
interests of the peasantry. He had freed the peasants
from the oppression of the nobles. They need no more
fear imprisonment and torture in the castles of the
lords. By watchful care that justice was evenly ad-
ministered he contributed not a little to the general
welfare. Thus he wrote to all the governors of the
kingdom, "It is our gracious will and order that ye at
all times diligently and without fail listen to the com-
plaints of the people and render assistance, so that no
one may complain that he has failed to get a hearing
and to receive help in what is right and possible."
Charles felt most at home with the peasantry, hence,
the nobles gave him the same name as Charles IX had
received from them. On his many journeys through
the country he inquired into the conditions of the peo-
ple. He would then usually come riding, wearing a
gray cloak. Many songs are extant of the journeys of
"Gray Cloak."
Church and Education. Since the days of Charles IX
no king had done so much for the Church as Charles
XL It received order and stability through his Church
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