French Royalty.

Francis I (1494-1547). Letter signed ("Francoys"), to Monseiur Mesnaige, ("...ambassadeur aupres de l'empereur"), about the wars against England and Italy, responding to news about a treaty between the Emperor Charles V and Henry VIII, complaining that it is contrary to the treaty [of Crépy] that he himself has recently signed with the Emperor, thereby contradicting the assurances given to him by their ambassador; Francis asks for a full account of how things stand either from his brother the Emperor or the envoy le Sieur Grantvelle, until which time he will discount this new alliance, and enquires about the envoy the Emperor has sent to Scotland on his behalf, 1 page, folio (27.5 x 19cms), pot watermark, countersigned by Francis's secretary Claude De l'Aubespine, address-panel on verso, 2 later annotations, Herbécourt (Picardy), 15 February 1545, dispatch slits, small tears repaired, stain from seal--Catherine de Medici. Letter signed ("Caterine"), as Queen of France & mother of Henry III (1551-1589), to her treasurer Nicolas Molé, authorizing a gift of 2500 crowns to Claude De l'Aubespine, and to Raoul Féron, 1 page, oblong (23 x 33cms), on vellum, countersigned, Paris, 18 March 1583, lower right-hand corner cut away--Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661).  Letter signed ("A Card^{e Mazarini"), to Anibale Tomasi in Pesaro, in Italian, sympathizing with his predicament, but explaining that he cannot find him a position in Paris, as they are all filled by Frenchmen,  1 page, folio, Paris, 18 February 1647, splitting at folds repaired}

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

An important letter by Francis I, a prelude to an attack on England and the sea battles of 1545 over his attempt to regain Boulogne. Francis I was fighting against both the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V ("his brother") and Henry VIII during his Italian Wars of 1542-1546.  He signed the Treaty of Crépy with Charles in September 1544, whereby they would give up their conflicting claims in Italy and Burgundy and Charles would help mediate between Francis and Henry. Soon afterwards, Francis resorted to attacking England, landing an expeditionary force in Scotland in May 1545.  In June there were important sea battles, both at the mouth of the Seine and near Portsmouth, during which Henry's flagship the great Mary Rose sank, and Brighton was also attacked.