Sold For $7,871
*Includes Buyers Premium
King of France (born 1638) from 1643 until his death in 1715, known as the 'Sun King' for the glittering splendor of his court at Versailles and the unparalleled glory of France during his 72-year reign. LS in French, signed “Louis,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 9.5 x 14.75, June 17, 1709. Letter largely in cipher, with the translation added at the time between the lines, addressed to "Amelot," with content pertaining to the War of the Spanish Succession. The war broke out upon the death of Charles II, the last of the Spanish Habsburgs. It primarily pitted Louis XIV, who imposed his grandson Philip V on the Spanish throne, against Leopold I, who supported the candidacy of his son, Archduke Charles. Philip V was designated king in 1700, then driven out of Madrid by Charles in 1706, and finally restored thanks to the victory of Villaviciosa in 1710. He was confirmed in his rights by the Peace of Utrecht in 1713.
In part (translated): "You inform me of what you said to the King of Spain to make him understand that it would be prudent for him to yield to the circumstances and content himself with some part of his territories to avoid losing the entire Spanish Monarchy…Since it appeared to you that these reasons made no impression on him, I have reason to believe that he will be even more resolute in his initial decision when he learns that our enemies do not even want to leave him the slightest share, and that they refuse all peace terms unless the Archduke is put in possession of all the territories belonging to the Crown of Spain. It is difficult to advise the King, my grandson, to consent to such proposals. However, I see few means of supporting him, and I doubt that he will find in the Spanish nation the resources necessary to maintain himself on the throne…
However much I desired to continue assisting the Catholic King in this pressing situation, and to provide him with the same support I have given him until now, it is nevertheless impossible for me to make any changes to the resolutions I have taken… The forces my enemies have assembled in Flanders are greater than they have ever been, and as they intend to make their final efforts this year, they have spared no effort to ensure the success of their plans…
I will give orders to immediately send back to Catalonia the ten Spanish prisoners that the King of Spain is requesting in exchange for an equal number of his loyal subjects whom the Archduke has sent back to Lerida.” Prominently signed at the conclusion in ink by King Louis XIV. In fine condition.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
