Auction Date:2014 Jan 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Mistress and second wife of Louis XIV (1635–1719). ALS in French, signed “Maintenon,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 9, August 6, 1712. Letter to Madame de Vertrieux, Mother Superior of the Dames de la Maison royale Saint-Louis at Saint Cyr, the famous school founded by Maintenon. In part (translated): “I am delighted, my dear Mother (Superior), at your readiness to render thanks and gratitude. Keep this spirit well in mind among us for it seems to me that most people after asking devoutly for favors, soon forget them once they've received them. The lifting of the siege of Landrecy is a greater favor than one can believe.
I ask you for a 1/4 of an hour of extraordinary prayers for the capture of Douay. Wouldn't it be a good idea to have the prayers replace the catechism, which could be omitted…I am not at all opposed to the distancing between recreation periods and I believe as you do that they will thus be more appreciated.
Mademoiselle d'Aumale replied to you concerning Mad. De Penchrech who will see by what I have done how much friendship I have for her because I don’t like to bother the King.
I implore you to make Sister de Glapion obey. I've heard reports from many sources that she's been coughing and that she wants to abstain from eating meat. She must follow the doctor's orders…
I can't intervene in the matter of the latest Catholic news from Lyons and I must be extremely circumspect about making solicitations because it has sometimes happened that complaints have been made to the King, but if it's really important to you and you make a request through Mr. Mauduyt asking one of the judges to protect the good Catholic, I don't think there is any problem with that. I'm quite vexed at not being able to celebrate with you and for bringing only my sorrows to you. I embrace our dear girls and you my dear Mother with all the distinction you deserve.”
In fine condition, with edge toning and a stray ink mark across one paragraph.
Over a decade into the War of the Spanish Succession, in which France and Spain faced the Grand Alliance led by the Holy Roman Empire and Great Britain, Louis XIV’s armies were rapidly recapturing previously lost grounds. While his marriage to Madame de Maintenon was never officially recognized, Louis did entertain her suggestions throughout the war, giving her great political influence at this crucial time. Despite her declaration of reluctance to pester the King regarding “the latest Catholic news from Lyons,” she was known to draw his attention towards less pressing matters, hence the “complaints…made to the King.” Addressing not only the business of the Maison royale de Saint-Louis—which she had founded and closely monitored throughout her life—but also the siege at Douai, a prominent educational hub for English Catholics and a contentious area in the current war, this is an outstanding letter concerning politics, religion, and education.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
A buyer's premium of 20% will be added to all winning bids. RR Auction prefers cash, check, or wire payments. For winning bids of $5,000 or less, clients may choose to pay via credit card or PayPal for an additional 2.5% convenience fee. You are obligated to honor any bid(s) you make, and you authorize us to charge your credit card for any unpaid winnings. Your bid is a contract. Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 421 is due by Monday, January 27, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.