Valiant nobleman (1550–1588) who became known as Le Balafre (Scarface) after being wounded at the Battle of Dormans in 1575. With a charismatic and brilliant public reputation, he rose to heroic stature among the Catholic population as an opponent of the Huguenots, founding the Catholic League in 1576 to prevent Henry of Navarre from taking the throne. A powerful opponent of Catherine de Medici, he was assassinated by the bodyguards of her son, King Henry III. Untranslated vellum manuscript DS in French, signed “Henry,” one page, 13.5 x 8, June 22, 1561. The document retains its original paper seal inserted through a cut in the center, though most of the red wax seal has cracked and worn away. Intersecting folds, a few small stains, light creases, and unobtrusive paper loss to the bottom, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by an engraved portrait. RR Auction COA.
