French cardinal and statesman (1585–1642) who served as chief minister from 1624 until his death, widely considered the world’s first prime minister. Very rare manuscript DS in French, eight pages both sides, 8.25 x 13.5, 1625. Lengthy untranslated council minutes signed on the 13th page by Richelieu, as the Bishop of Lucon, and countersigned by seven other council members including Nicolas Potier (Chancellor of France), Claude Bouthillier (Councillor), Florent D’Argouges (Treasurer), Nicolas Le Coute (Councillor), and Jacqueline de la Grange, (daughter of Étienne la Grange, president of the French Parliament), whose bold and large signature appears at the bottom of seven pages, and additionally signed by four others on the final page. In fine condition, with light intersecting folds, weak binding, and some mild toning along edges. Scarce in any form, this is an especially intriguing document as Richelieu had recently replaced Charles, duc de La Vieuville, as the king’s principal minister, beginning a five-year power struggle with Marie de Medici, resulting in her eventual exile. RR Auction COA.
