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Louis XI Letter Signed with Handwritten Postscript....
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$5,750.00
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Description
Louis XI Letter Signed with Handwritten Postscript. One page, 8 x 7 inches; Orléans, [France]; April 18, 1466. Written in French to Glaude Cot, treasurer of Dauphiné, in part [English translation]: "We have received your letters by which you wrote to us making mention of the four thousand écus...for the passage of the men of our fair cousin the Duke of Milan...and we make known to you that with the sum provided by you this could not be done...the seneschal of Poitou has made known to us that the said men could not depart the country unless it were for six thousand écus...Nevertheless, we have caused speech to be had with Francequin Norry who is present here, to make the said sum of six thousand écus, which you shall charge yourself to return to him within the shortest term that you will be able, which he promises you to do as he ought." Signed, "Louis," with postscript in the King's hand: "Treasurer I pray you again that in this you do not fail written of my hand." Countersigned by Jean Bourrè. Docketed on verso.What appears to be a routine financial exchange quickly reveals far higher stakes. Milanese troops were attempting to cross France at a time when shifting alliances made the movement of foreign armies a delicate and potentially dangerous affair. Without immediate payment, soldiers could not be moved, discipline could collapse, and local unrest could ignite a diplomatic crisis. Louis XI's insistence on securing the additional funds reveals a ruler who understood the importance of money to maintain control of his army, and that hesitation in such moments could have dangerous outcomes.
Condition: Toned, flattened folds, and minor creasing. Scattered soiling throughout. Minor edge wear with a few small chips or tears. Small puncture hole at center left, affecting text. Red wax remnants along left margin of recto and right margin of verso, with some additional scattered spots. Filing slits along top and right margins. Ink stain below docket.
Provenance: Piasa Auction House.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2026
26th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 220
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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