Queen Consort of France (born Florence, 1519) from 1547 to 1559 and mother of three French kings: Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. Manuscript DS, in Old French, signed “Catherine,” one page, 8.75 x 13.25, September 26, 1560. Crisply-penned letter to the bishop of Limoges commenting on the visit of the Spanish envoy Antonio de Toledo, sent by King Philip II, whom Catherine found “an honest and wise gentleman.” Signed at the conclusion by Catherine, and also countersigned by a secretary Fisse. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a vertical crease through another letter of signature, scattered toning and creasing, and mild edge wear. Philip II had married Catherine’s daughter Elisabeth, and he sent Toledo to France to urge Catherine and her newly-crowned son Charles IX to be harsher on the “heretic” protestants. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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