French politician (1717–1787) who served as foreign minister during the American Revolution, and whose advocacy for French assistance to the Continental Army resulted in the Franco-American alliance of 1778. ALS in French, signed “de Vergennes,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 8.5, November 15, 1783. Letter to Antoine-Jean Amelot de Chaillou, concerning Chaillou’s resignation from his position as Secretary of State of the Maison du Roi because of ill health, and the King’s reaction to the news. In full (translated): “M. de Calonne sent me, Sir, the letter with which you honored me yesterday and the one which you addressed to me for the King. You had desired, Sir, that I should postpone delivering it to His Majesty until tomorrow, but informed that your resolution had passed, I decided that my duty was to give it to the King today. His Majesty instructs me to assure you that he is quite touched by the departure which your health causes you to take, he has not refused at all the recommendation which I have taken the liberty of making to him concerning your interests and those of your family, and he intends to give me his orders tomorrow. It is what you would desire, Sir, and I am quite pleased to be able to announce it to you. I shall take full advantage of it when I can announce to you the favors of His Majesty. The satisfaction which I shall experience will compensate for and soften the pain which this sad business of your leaving causes me. Accept my wishes, Sir, that your rest will contribute to the re-establishment of your health; you cannot doubt the concern which prompts this if you give justice to the sincerity of the most perfect attachment with which I have the honor of being, Sir, your very humble and very obedient servant.” In fine to very fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds. RR Auction COA.
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