Description:

de Bourbon Louis 1709 - 1771
Prince of the Blood Louis de Bourbon writes a letter regarding the governance of northeastern France.

Cream 4pp bifold letter accompanied by envelope, signed by Louis de Bourbon as "Your very affectionate friend, Louis de Bourbon" on bottom of first and only inscribed page. The first page and subsequent three blank pages are in very good to fine condition, with expected fold marks. Some isolated insect damage is found near bottom of all four pages but does not impact the text. A note in the left margin confirms that this letter was registered following its receipt. Each page measures 7.25" x 9". The envelope is in very good condition, bearing various philatelic markings as well as a mostly intact red wax seal impressed by three Bourbon fleurs de lis. Envelope flap is partly torn, and there is also minor insect damage.

Louis de Bourbon, Count of Clermont addressed this missive to "Sirs the Mayor and Aldermen of Rozoy". Located in northeastern France near the regions of Champagne and Brie mentioned in this letter, Rozoy is located halfway between Reims and the modern day Belgian border. Louis de Bourbon conveyed Louis XV's instructions regarding the governance of Rozoy. The town was to be overseen by Louis de Bourbon until his nephew "M. le Duc de Bourbon" reached majority age. Louis de Bourbon also requested that all letters patent be registered at the courts administration office of the town hall. He concludes politely: "I am very comforted to again have the occasion to give you proof of my affection and my confidence".

Louis de Bourbon (1709-1771) was a prince of the blood from the House of Bourbon, and a grandson of Louis XIV (1638-1715) and Madame de Montespan (1640-1707). His family exercised a degree of political authority vouchsafed by their royal heritage. Louis de Bourbon's older brother, for example, served as Louis XV's prime minister during the early 1720s. During the Seven Years' War, Louis de Bourbon rallied French armies against German forces. He was also actively involved in the Masons. From 1741, he raised his orphaned older brother's son, Louis Joseph, Prince de Conde (1736-1818). As this nephew would have been twenty-eight years old in 1769 and well past his majority, it is possible that the nephew mentioned in this letter is actually Louis de Bourbon's grand-nephew, Louis-Henri, Prince de Conde (1756-1830). Louis de Bourbon's grand-nephew would have been three years' shy of his majority age when this letter was written, and this could explain Louis de Bourbon's proxy status.

A letter illuminating government policy during the last years of Louis XV's reign, before "the deluge" that he predicted would sweep through France following his death!

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