LS in Latin, signed “Yo el Ra [I the King],” one page, 11.25 x 7.75, July 30, 1491. Untranslated letter to Ludovico Sforza acknowledging receipt of a letter from Sforza which contained “perspicacious” observations relating to “our holdings” in Italy and his “valuable” comments on the Marquis of Palavicino. Letter has been professionally inlaid to a slightly larger sheet Docketing in another hand along top, scattered toning, partly from partial seal on reverse, and bisecting folds, otherwise fine condition. In July 1491, King Ferdinand’s treasurer, Luis de Santangel, was accused of being a Marrano, a Sephardic Jew who was forced to adopt Christianity under threat of expulsion but who continued to practice Judaism secretly. The King intervened on his behalf and managed to stop the Inquisition’s proceedings. On July 17, 1491, just 13 days before Ferdinand signed this letter, Santangel was penanced. In December, it was Santangel who made it possible for Christopher Columbus to gain another hearing before Ferdinand and Isabella after they had turned him down at least twice in the previous five years. In Santa Fe, outside the besieged Granada, they considered his project once more, and once more it was rejected. Columbus returned to the convent at La Rábida, near Huelva, where he had stayed with Franciscan friar Juan Perez in the summer of 1491. He planned to travel north to make an appeal to the King of France. Father Perez, former confessor to Isabella, wrote the Queen to reconsider. Royal Treasurer Luis de Santangel also interceded on Columbus’s behalf. Arguing that the investment was small considering the potential reward, Santangel convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to reverse their decision. They sent a messenger to La Rábida who brought Columbus back to Granada. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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