RICHELIEU, Armand Jean du Plessis (1585-1642). Letter signed to Marshal de Brézé, Bolense, 1 March 1642.

In French. One page, 301 x 210mm (light to moderate foxing, mounting remnants on verso). Red wax seals affixed beside the address panel on verso.

Cardinal Richelieu approves the request of the Viceroy of Catalonia to visit Barcelona. Threatened with a loss of its historical rights and privileges by Philip IV of Spain, Catalonia placed itself under the protection of Louis XIII in 1640 and the region remained under French rule until 1659. Here Richelieu assures the Viceroy that he will not lack assistance and informs him that the matter of the Marquis de Zezé's land has been settled, and orders him to ensure that M. de la Motte looks after himself until the expected aid for him arrives. Provenance: Christie's, 8 March 1978, lot 144.

[With:] ANTOINETTE, Marie (1755-1793). Document signed on her behalf by a secretary, Versailles, 4 April 1777. 1 page in French, 320 x 497mm. An order to Treasurer General of her Household, Sieur Randon de la Tour, that Ignace François Carpenter de Beaumanoir be appointed to the post of gentleman-in-waiting and that he should enjoy all the rights, privileges and profits of his predecessor. Provenance: Christie's, 8 March 1978, lot 156.