Queen consort of King James II of England and VII of Scotland. When James died on September 6, 1701, Mary succeeded in inducing Louis to recognize her son as king of England and Scotland, an act that accelerated English participation in the War of the Spanish Succession. ALS in French, signed “Maria R,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 9, September 15, 1703. Letter addressed to her cousin, most probably to the Duke de Vendome, who fought against the English and Austrians in the War of Spanish Succession. At the time of this letter, he was locked in a stalemate with Marshal Eugene of Savoy, leader of the Austrian Forces. In part, “I cannot refrain from writing you a few words on behalf of the dear country where I was born, and where you are now as head of the King’s armies. The Governor of Modena, and those who govern with him…have appointed a man here to explain to the King’s ministers the sad condition of this poor town and all its surroundings. So far I have not even been able to get them to listen to him, but have been told…that the King has delegated responsibility to his generals…I beg you most earnestly to…help these unfortunate people in any way you can without doing the least harm to the affairs and interests of the King.” In fine condition, with an even shade of toning, expected folds and a couple vertical creases to both pages. R&R COA.
