[Louis XIV of France.] Autograph Signature ('Louis') to manuscript document to 'Monsr de Bezmaux gouvr. de mon chau de la Bastille', i.e. Bastille Governor François de Monlezun, Sieur de Besmaux, regarding Marquis de Jonzac. Contersigned by Louvois.
Author: Louis XIV of France [Louis Dieudonné] (1638-1715), known as 'le Roi Soleil' (the Sun King) and 'Louis le Grand' [Louvois [François Michel Le Tellier, Marquis of Louvois] (1641-1691), War Secretary]
'Escrit a Paris le x6me Avril' 16 April 1662. Paris
2pp, folio. In fair condition, aged and worn, with two closed tears for the seal (not present) and repair to slight damage along one edge, and stub from mount adhering. Folded twice. From the celebrated manuscript collection of Richard Monckton Milnes (Lord Houghton). The document is addressed to the Governor of the Bastille, 'Monsr. de Bezmaux', i.e. François de Monlezun, Sieur de Besmaux (d.1697). The only part in the king's hand is his firm and disciplined signature 'Louis', beneath the ten lines of text. The document is countersigned at the foot by the much larger and more ebullient signature of his new secretary of state for war Louvois. The text is either in Louvois' hand or in that of a secretary. The document is difficult to decipher, being in the French equivalent of chancery hand, but would appear to be a 'lettre de cachet' for Alexis de Saint Maure, Comte de Jonzac (d.1677), directing that he be conveyed to the prison 'souz [sic] bonne et sure gard'. Addressed on reverse 'A Monsr de Bezmaux gouvr. de mon chau de la Bastille [.]'. Also endorsed on reverse, in a later hand.