King Louis XV | Three letters signed, seeking the support of Cologne in war against Britain and Hungary, 1744

King Louis XV

Three letters signed ("Louis"), to the Elector of Cologne

announcing his intention to declare war against the King of England and the Queen of Hungary, and seeking the support of the German Prince, "...j'ai beaucoup plus considere les interests de l'Empereur votre frere et ceux de votre maison que ceux de ma Couronne. J'ai compte pour cette raison que plusieurs des membres du Corps Germanique connoissant la droiture de mes intentions se reuniroient enfin pour concourir avec moi a soutenir le chef de l'Empire...", informing his correspondent that he is sending Mr Blondel, his minister in Mainz, to seek reassurance in person from the Elector that he will not be giving any material support to the enemies of France; in another letter apologising for any offence caused by his minister the comte de Sade, who has failed to take proper leave of the Elector when moving to another city, and promising to replace him; also thanking the Elector for good wishes during his illness; 4 pages, 4to, one letter with address leaf with two red armorial seals and remains of blue silk ties, from Menin, Strasbourg and Versailles, 29 May 1744 to 12 February 1745, corner of one letter slightly browned

Writing to gain the support of German princes in the War of the Austrian Succession. The death of Emperor Charles VI in 1740 led Frances and its allies to take the opportunity of seizing parts of the Habsburg Empire, leading to a bloody war that lasted almost 8 years.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 3 December 1998, lot 356