King of France (1550–1574) from 1560 until his death, whose reign was fraught with religious conflict including the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. Important LS in French, signed “Charles,” one page both sides, 8.75 x 14, June 13, 1568. Letter to Raymond de Beccaria de Pavie de Rouer, Baron de Fourquevaux, the ambassador to Spain. In part (translated): “Distressing letters from His Catholic Majesty [King Philip II of Spain], my brother-in-law about the illness of the Queen [Elisabeth of Valois], my sister…this news will much perturb my mother [Catherine de Medicis] and cause her much distress…Send me news as often as possible about her pregnancy and health…Sr. de Grenques informed you about the state of my affairs and how since the Edict made to calm the troubles…I have always worked hard for the tranquility which I want to see flourish among my subjects and for that purpose I have taken in hand all the cities…the recent troubles…Protestants in La Rochelle have shown themselves refractory, refusing to accept the Governor’s full retinue…I am informed that in my Kingdom, many people stay in the countryside, unwilling to return to cities under the conditions specified in the Edict of Pacification which requires that all who belong to the so-called reformed religion shall lay down their arms…they continue to assemble in a few places…although ordered to disperse…if they won’t obey and wish to continue to ruin and consume my poor people, they must be made to feel the penalties of their disobedience. I want the authority due to me to be respected as in the case of my predecessors.” Signed at the conclusion by King Charles IX and countersigned by Secretary of State and Chief Minister Nicolas de Neufville. Professionally silked on both sides and in very good condition, with areas of staining and paper loss.
The king’s commentary on his family at the beginning of the letter clearly shows the interconnectedness of 16th century Europe; unfortunately his sister, Elisabeth of Valois, would die during childbirth in October. He goes on to discuss the Edict of Longjumeau, a peace treaty which officially ended the second phase of the French Wars of Religion and granted significant religious privileges and freedoms to the Huguenots. The peace lasted only six months before war broke out again, and the conflict would continue for much of the rest of the century. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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