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LIGUORI ALPHONSUS: (1696-1787) Italian Catholic Bishop, Canonized a Saint by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839. Liguori, one of the most widely read Catholic authors, was also a composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher and theologian, and is the patron saint of confessors. An extremely rare Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, four pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., in Italian. The manuscript is in the form of a religious prayer in the hand of Liguori, in part, 'My God, You who are so full of love and mercy, please save us from evil'. The manuscript would appear to have been created for use in a mass, with certain sections missing which Liguori would seemingly have been able to recite from memory. To the left column of the final page appears an autograph declaration signed by Giuseppe Murrone, a priest in charge of the congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, confirming that the prayer is entirely in the hand of Liguori. Signed at Monterone and dated 22nd August 1836 (by which time Liguori had been beatified by Pope Pius VII, in 1816). A blind embossed paper seal is neatly affixed beneath Murrone's declaration. Some light overall damp staining, only very slightly affecting the text, which remains completely legible. G

BOSCO JOHN: (1815-1888) Don Bosco. Italian Roman Catholic Priest, Educator and Writer. He developed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method known as the Salesian Preventive System. Founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Canonized as a saint in 1934. Rare A.L.S., Sac. G. Bosco - Figliastro, one page, 8vo, Torino, 26th June 1877, to [Countess Callori], in Italian. On the printed stationery of the "Oratorio di s. Franc. di Sales", Bosco writes to his correspondent, addressing her `Mia Buona Mamma´ and confirms he will visit her that evening `With good appetite´. Further referring to his joy at having learned she is feeling better, `I pray God that He keeps you healthy for many long years and under his protection´. Some very light overall age wear, otherwise VG

FOUCAULD CHARLES DE: (1858-1916) Foucauld was a former cavalry Officer in the French army, he would later become an Explorer, and finally a Catholic Priest. Foucauld lived as a hermit, among the Tuareg in the Algerian Sahara. In 1916 Foucauld was assassinated and is considered by the Catholic Church a martyr. The Little Brothers of Jesus were found after him. An excellent and rare A.L.S., `Fr[ere] Charles de Jésus´, one page, 8vo, `Beni-Abbes (extreme Sud Oranais) Algerie´, Algeria, 10th March 1905, to his congregation superior, in French. To the upper left corner, Foucauld annotates “IESUS CARITAS´, adding a sketch of a cross above a heart. To a cleanly written letter, Foucauld states in part `I dare writing to you again to beg you to send me by post-mail the complete series of your ten volumes, Attente de Jésus, Jesus enfant, etc.. I also take the liberty of asking you to be kind and send to me “Marie d´apres l´Evangile” when the book will be printed.´ Foucauld further explains that he will pay for the books over two payments, and before concluding states `Thanking you for all the good you bring to my soul with your books, I kneel at your feet, supplicating your blessing and to implore Jesus for my conversion.´ Extremely small age wear, otherwise G to VG In 2020, Pope Francis authorized the process for his canonization.

PIO OF PIETRELCINA: (1887-1968) Italian Priest & Mystic, famous for bearing the stigmata for most of his life, causing much controversy. Padre Pio was canonized in 2002. A very rare D.S., `P. Pio Cappuccino´, by Pio of Pietrelcina to the verso of a cheque. The colour partially printed attractive document being a signed cheque, drawn on the La Banca Toscana bank, 22nd August 1951, and is made payable to Padre Pio for the sum of 500 lire. Signed by Pio of Pietrelcina to the verso in bold blue ink, acknowledging receipt of the sum. Very small minor creasing. Accompanied by a 5 x 7 photograph of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, unsigned, showing him outdoors in a three quarters length pose wearing his Order of friars Capucin habits. VG

RENDU ROSALIE: (1786-1856) Born Jeanne-Marie Rendu. French Daughter of Charity. Rendu was a worker and organizer of care for the poor during the course of the Industrial Revolution. Rendu was beatified by the Catholic Church for the holiness of her life. Rare A.L.S., `Rosalie´, one page, 8vo, Paris, 7th December 1844, to Monsieur Durand, in French. Rendu wishes to receive promptly some books she asked for at Dupond´s library in Paris, stating `Have you been able to get the books I asked you some time ago? I have an opportunity to send them tomorrow, you would very much please me if you could give them to the bearer of this letter..´ With address leaf in the hand of Rendu. Very small area of paper loss to the address leaf as a result of the letter opening. G 

GRIMOD DE LA REYNIERE ALEXANDRE BALTHAZAR LAURENT: (1758-1837) French Gourmand and Gastronome who acquired fame during the reign of Napoleon for his lifestyle. The first public critic of cooking, Grimod is considered to be 'one of the founders of the modern French culture'. A fine, rare A.L.S., with his initials G D L R, three pages, 4to, Beziers, 7th March 1791, to his mistress [Adele] Feuchere, in French. Closely written in his small hand, Grimod sends his mistress an affectionate letter, and also makes several gastronomic references, 'I don't know if in your city there are many lovers who are separated….but I think that the feelings are no less strong. There are here many quite beautiful young ladies, many handsome men, and I don't hear about any gossip, so that we could deliver certificates of chastity to everybody', remarking that he sees old devout ladies who have very good tables, especially in the Bishopric, where he is treated the best, 'My rest here is good to gain weight and I will return to you round as a ball and as fat as a barrel. All this weight will be good for you'. Grimod also tells his lover that he will send some partridge, commenting that they are currently drier than in the Autumn, 'but still extremely good when they are not overcooked. I think you should make a very good cold pate with them', and explaining that they are rare at present as they have been hunted a lot, further writing 'When Lent starts I will choose beautiful ones for you in the market. I am also sending you some dry fruits and chestnuts'. The gourmand declares that his appetite is excellent and he has not suffered any stomach problems despite postponing his medicine 'so that I am not obliged to diet….and miss some very good banquets'. In concluding Grimod states that he thinks of the pleasures of seeing Feuchere soon when he 'will press you in my arms and will get so ecstatic with you in the sweetest flavours of love', declaring 'I kiss all parts of your pretty little body with my most ardent kisses'. The final page bears an address panel in Grimod's hand and with a small area of paper loss, slightly affecting a few words of text, caused by the original breaking of the seal (parts of which are still present). Some light staining and minor age wear, about VG

CARNARVON EARL OF: (1866-1923) English Aristocrat, best known as the financial backer of the search for and excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. An extremely rare A.L.S., Carnarvon, one page, 8vo, Seamore Place, London, 26th April 1919, to a gentleman. Carnarvon informs his correspondent that he has sold his house in Berkeley Square and is trying to move into Seamore Place, explaining that if he can find the tailpiece he will let his correspondent know, 'but everything is in a state of extreme chaos here'. In concluding Carnarvon further remarks 'I have also got a drawing of Mrs. Pinchwife'. A few spots of light foxing, some minor creasing and a few small, neat tears to the edges and with a minor area of paper loss to the upper edge, G Mrs. Margery Pinchwife is a character in the Restoration comedy The Country Wife written in 1675 by William Wycherley. The play reflects an aristocratic anti-Puritan ideology, and was controversial for its sexual explicitness.

DION JULES FELIX DE: (1856-1946) Marquis de Dion de Wandonne. A Pioneer of the automobile industry in France. Dion invented a steam-powered car. He was co-founder of one of the world´s largest automobile factory of its time as well as the French sports newspaper L´Équipe. Rare bold dark ink signature `M[arqu]is de Dion´, to a 4to page, signed beneath a 1.5 x 2 sepia photograph, the image depicting Dion standing outdoors in a full length pose. The collector´s page has been affixed to a larger page with few tears to the edges. Accompanied by the letter and postmarked envelope sent together with the autograph, bearing the Chambre des Députés printed heading, affixed to the verso. Overall creasing. About G

DU GAST CAMILLE: (1868-1942) French celebrity of the Belle Epoque, and one of the richest French widows of her time, known for her important and extensive charity work. Du Gast was a Pianist, Singer, and a pioneer sportswoman, Balloonist and motor Racer, the second woman to ever compete in an international motor race. Du Gast was also a pioneer Feminist, and President of the Society for the protection of the animals. Rare bold dark ink signature with inscription `J´aurais mauvaise grace, Monsieur, a refuser un autographe si aimablement demandé. Camille du Gard´, dated below in her hand in Paris, 19th October 1913, to a 4to page, signed beneath a 1.5 x 2 sepia photograph, the image depicting Du Gard in a half full length pose, to Monsieur Tournant. The collector´s page has been affixed to a larger page. Accompanied by the original letter and postmarked envelope sent together with the autograph, addressed in her hand, affixed to the verso. Overall creasing. G Du Gast was the main figure in the Parisian scandal known as La Femme au Masque (“The Woman with Mask”), when she was intentionally and maliciously named as the nude model in the notorious painting by Henri Gervex.

LAFARGE MARIE-FORTUNÉE: (1816-1852) Also known as Marie Capelle. French woman convicted of murdering her husband by arsenic poisoning. First person convicted on forensic toxicological evidence. Rare A.L.S., `Marie Cappelle´, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 30th May 1829, to a young friend, in French. A youth letter by Lafarge referring to her recent illness, and commenting on common friends and about a near future meeting, states in part `..Therefore, I wait for your visit in fifteen days, and I hope that this time you will not miss the meeting, as it will be quite unpleasant, considering that we will have fun all together, I am rejoicing like a mad..´ On a post-scriptum beneath her signature, Marie Cappelle says `I have received today a letter from Jenny. Do not worry, I will not show it to my uncle..´ With address leaf bearing two postmarks. Small professional repair to the verso. Small overall minor age wear. G Lafarge´s trial became notable in 1840, being the first court case followed daily by the public through newspapers. Her guilt divided French society to such an extent that it is often compared to the Dreyfus affair. Very famous scientists of that time participated as experts in this trial. Mathieu Orfila (1787-1853) known today as the Father of Toxicology, called by the prosecutor, declared having found arsenic in the body of Lafarge. The defence, in order to refute Orfila´s testimony, called François-Vincent Raspail (1794-1878) French chemist and physician. But although Raspail had agreed, he arrived four hours late to court, when the jury had decided that Marie was guilty. She was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour. King Louis-Philippe commuted the hard labour. While in prison Marie wrote her memoirs. In 1852, stricken by tuberculosis, she was released by Napoleon III. She died that same year, protesting her innocence to the last.  

MCCUDDEN JAMES: (1895-1918) English Fighter Ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his flying services over France, August 1917 - March 1918. Extremely rare D.S., `J. B. McCudden´, one page, 4to, France, 29th December 1917. The partially printed typed document is a typed letter report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by McCudden following his action in a S.E.5. Aircraft at Havrincourt, in the Pas-de Calais area, France, stating `Left aerodrome at 9a.m. and crossed the lines E of Gouzeaucourt at 9.45 at 14,000. Saw 3 E.A. two-seaters coming W. I dived on these followed by my patrol and drove an L.V.G. down from 13,500 to the ground, then E.A. made a pretence of landing in our lines, but put his engine on again and made N.E. at about 10 feet. I headed him W again, but he again turned E, so I fired another burst into him and then he got into a flat spin and crashed at sheet 57c. K 28. D. near Havrincourt at 9.55 a.m. Climbed and only found two embers of my patrol. I then approached 4 Albatros Scouts over Bois de Vancelles, who went down E. Several E.A. two-seaters patrolling E of the Canal at Vendhuille at  about 3000 feet, too low to engage. Returned 10.50.´ An excellent signed document relating directly to McCudden's 36th Aerial Victory (from a total of 57 confirmed Victories). Few file holes to the upper left corner and border not affecting the text or signature. VG

TEUFEL ERASMUS VON: (c.1480-1552) Baron de Gundersdorf. Austrian General in the service of Emperor Ferdinand I of Habsburg who was present at the first siege of Vienna by the Turks and the Battle of Plastovcu in 1552. At the latter he was captured by Suleiman the Magnificent's forces and executed, apparently by being thrown to sea. An extremely rare D.S., Eras Teufel, one page, folio, n.p., 6th April 1546. The boldly penned manuscript document, in an unidentified hand and untranslated language, is signed by Teufel at the foot and apparently originated from the collection of the 19th century German philographer Carl Kunzel (1808-1877). Some light overall age wear and a few small, minor tears, creases and areas of paper loss to the edges, otherwise VG

ZUMBACH JAN: (1915-1986) Polish WWII flying Ace, a squadron Commander during WWII 1942-43. After the war, Zumbach became a mercenary in Africa. Rare D.S., `J.Zumbach´, one page, 4to, France, 2nd of July 1941. The typed document, classified to the heading "SECRET", and bearing the typed title "Personal Combat Report - F/O Zumbach (Polish)", is a report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by Zumbach following his action with the 303 Polish Squadron, at Lille - Mid Channel, France, stating `Attacks by Me. 109´s began just before we reached Lille and were kept up until we were over the Channel on the way back. The E/A attacked in small formations of up to four aircraft from above, and seeing two diving towards the bombers I got on to their tails and from 150 yds. with cannons and m/ g´s sent one down with flames coming from it. I gave a very short burst at three further Me. 109´s which flashed across but saw no results, and then from 150 yds. made a quarter attack on another, with my machine guns only, which cork-screwed down a long way until it was out of sight. A parachute was seen floating down near the downward course of the E/A. I fired 24 rounds from each of two cannons and 160 rounds from each of m/g´s.´ One file hole to the upper corner not affecting the text or signature. G to VG Zumbach did not fly during the German invasion of Poland due to a broken leg from a flying accident during the summer of 1939. On June 1940, he travelled to England by boat and was posted as one of the founding members of the newly formed 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. During the Battle of Britain, Zumbach scored eight victories. Zumbach became one of the first Allied pilots to engage in combat with a German Focke-Wulf. Zumbach was shot down twice but was able on both occasions to bail out unharmed. He spent the last month of the war as a prisoner of war.

[JAPANESE SURRENDER]: An unusual commemorative envelope featuring a neatly affixed 6.5 x 4 magazine photograph taken on the occasion of the Surrender of Japan on board the USS Missouri at Tokyo Bay on 2nd September 1945, individually signed by Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964, American General of the Army who officially accepted the Surrender of Japan in his capacity as Supreme Allied Commander; signed 'D. MacA'), Chester W. Nimitz (1885-1966, American Fleet Admiral, signatory to the instrument of surrender) and Jonathan Wainwright (1883-1953, American General, Commander of Allied Forces in the Philippines at the time of the Japanese Surrender) and further signed to a clear area of the envelope by Arthur Percival (1887-1966, British Lieutenant General, present at the Japanese Surrender, and known for his own surrender to the Imperial Japanese Army following the Battle of Singapore in 1942, representing the largest surrender in British military history). Post marked at Washington DC, 28th September 1945. A rare grouping of signatures. Some light overall age wear and minor scuffing to the lower left corner of the image, about VG 

MOUNTBATTEN LOUIS: (1900-1979) British Admiral of World War II. A typed souvenir copy of the Instrument of Surrender of Japanese Forces under the Command or Control of the Supreme Commander, Japanese Expeditionary Forces, Southern Regions, within the Operational Theatre of the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia, two pages, 4to, originally signed at Singapore, 12th September 1945, this copy signed ('Louis Mountbatten, Admiral') by Mountbatten at the conclusion in black fountain pen ink and most likely dating from the 1970s. The document states, in part, that Field Marshal Count Terauchi 'does hereby surrender unconditionally to the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia (Admiral The Lord Louis Mountbatten) himself and all Japanese sea, ground, air and auxiliary forces under his command or control' and that Terauchi 'undertakes to ensure that all orders and instructions that may be issued from time to time by the Supreme Allied Commander…..are scrupulously and promptly obeyed by all Japanese sea, ground, air and auxiliary forces', further declaring that 'Any disobedience of, or delay or failure to comply with, orders or instructions issued by the Supreme Allied Commander….and any action which the Supreme Allied Commander…..may determine to be detrimental to the Allied Powers, will be dealt with as the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia may decide'. Rare in this form. VG 

VON NEUMANN JOHN: (1903-1957) Hungarian-American Mathematician, Physicist & Computer Scientist, a member of the Manhattan Project during World War II. A rare typed D.S., John von Neumann, one page, 4to, n.p., April 1953. Von Neumann responds to a researcher's questionnaire in homage to Albert Einstein, with their questions at the head of the page, 1. What kind of a place do you assign to Einstein in modern science? 2. What sort of an influence has he exerted upon your work? Or, what do you owe to him? 3. What kind of a place does he occupy in the history of world science? Von Neumann's answers appear immediately beneath, '1. and 3. are hard to answer in objective terms, but I would certainly place Einstein with Newton and Maxwell. As to 2., the methodological significance of each one of Einstein's main discoveries - light quantum theory, special relativity and general relativity - has been very great for everybody who has worked in theoretical physics or in the border area between mathematics and the physical sciences during the last forty years…….'. A few very light, minor creases, VG 

EISENHOWER & TEDDER: EISENHOWER DWIGHT D.: (1890-1969) American General of World War II. American President 1953-61 & TEDDER ARTHUR: (1890-1967) British Air Force Commander of World War II, Marshal of the RAF. An attractive 8vo menu card for a celebration dinner of the SHAEF Headquarters staff at Reims, 10th May 1945, in celebration of the surrender of Germany, individually signed by both Eisenhower and Tedder with their names alone in fountain pen inks to clear areas of the cover. The cover features a good original pen and ink illustration by Castaing depicting a corpulent waiter lighting the cigarette of an attractive young lady seated at a table upon which appears a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. To the inside appears the typed menu, in French, including dishes associated with the Allied victory ('Les Hor D'Oeuvres des Alliees', 'Turbot de la Grande Bretagne', 'Gateau de la Victoire', 'Glace de la R.A.F.' etc). Some extremely light, minor age wear, otherwise VGA rare menu signed just one day after the German Instrument of Surrender had been signed in the presence of Tedder in his capacity as Deputy Supreme Commander at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) under Eisenhower.

EICHMANN ADOLF: (1906-1962) Nazi SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer, known as the 'architect of the Holocaust.' An extremely small oblong 12mo (1.75 x 0.5) piece neatly clipped from an official document and bearing the ink number 6.375 in Eichmann's hand, representing his SS Zivilabzeichen (Civil Badge) number. Lightly mounted to the base of an A4 sheet of paper featuring a reproduction image of Eichmann in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform. Autograph material of Eichmann in any form is rare. VG The SS Zivilbzeichen was a badge of the SS issued to its members between 1933-38. The small lapel pin was worn on civilian clothing to denote membership of the SS. Adolf Hitler was given the honorary SS number 1 and was awarded an SS Zivilbzeichen.

WACHTER OTTO: (1901-1949) Austrian Lawyer, Nazi Politician and a high-ranking member of the SS who served as Governor of the Krakow District 1939-42 and Governor of the District of Galicia 1942-44. An extremely rare T.L.S., Wachter, one page, 4to, Vienna, 5th April 1938, to the SS leader Christian Opdenhoff at the office of the Reich Commissioner for Austria, Josef Burckel, on printed stationery featuring a blind embossed Nazi Eagle and Swastika, in German. Wachter writes on the subject of party comrades who have arrived in Vienna from Germany and asks that the employees within his office be issued with residency permits, remarking 'I would like to point out that the Party comrades mentioned have specialist knowledge from their work at the NSDAP refugee agency, which I consider to be indispensable for establishing and managing my office'. Initialled in red indelible pencil, presumably by Opdenhoff. With four file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature. VGChristian Opdenhoff (1902-1975) German NSDAP politician and an SS Oberfuhrer who, when Austria was 'annexed' to the German Reich, served on the staff of Josef Burckel (1895-1944), the Reich Commissioner for the reunification of Austria with the German Reich, in charge of building up the NSDAP in Austria.As a result of decrees issued by Otto Wachter, 68,000 Jews were expelled from Krakow in 1940 and in the following year the Krakow Ghetto was created for the remaining 15,000 Jews. Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal claimed that Wachter personally oversaw the transportation of four thousand Jews to extermination camps and was responsible for killing at least 800,000 Jews. In 1946 the Polish government requested that Wachter be delivered to Poland for trial for mass murder, shooting and executions, however Wachter managed to evade the Allied authorities for four years and in 1949 he was given refuge by the pro-Nazi Austrian bishop Alois Hudal in the Vatican, where he died the same year, aged 48, reportedly from kidney disease. Although Wachter was undeniably a primary perpetrator of the Holocaust and a leader of the Jewish extermination campaign, his son, Horst, claims his father was 'a good Nazi'.

EICHMANN ADOLF: (1906-1962) Nazi SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer, known as the 'architect of the Holocaust.' An extremely rare, lengthy and significant Autograph Manuscript Signed, with his initial E, four pages, folio, n.p. (Jerusalem), n.d. (c. June 1961), in German. The manuscript represents Eichmann's instructions, in seven numbered sections, to his Defence Attorney, Robert Servatius, ahead of the day's proceedings at the Jerusalem District Court during Eichmann's trial and state, in part, '1.) ….concerning the documents of the 24.6.61, pages 12 to 25, a) Factual inaccuracies b) Important things aren't mentioned at all, [in fact] important documents are ignored c) Namely the Lidice-issue is inside, but my compilation “special treatment” was not given to me by Dr. Wechtenbruch, because he believed “Lidice” didn't come in today yet. 2.) To save what can still be saved a) Please don't ask me about what I said about document 912 (testimony Sievers)…..it complicates the whole matter and resolves nothing…..Therefore today I am compelled to answer mostly by my own way. 3.) Please do not discuss the document 396….because it is hung in limbo without coherence; while the documents 1254 + 1255 (“According to the order RFSS the Jews are hanged”) are recorded as dropped. Why that???? It should be brought!!! 4.) Namely the “Lidice” instance is on turn, but instead and for nothing else I would need my special elaboration about the special treatment; Poles….Jews. Today I gave the file to Dr. Wechtenbruch, so he can incorporate it, but unfortunately it wasn't done; I shall get it back tomorrow. I couldn't have guessed, that “Lidice” wasn't [scheduled] for today because Dr. W. [withheld] my special treatment note, nevertheless for today no “program” remains and “Lidice” is scheduled for tomorrow…….6.) After these “preparations” I have the biggest concerns, because we didn't discuss this matter yet. Therefore I beg you, to ask me as few as possible…..I wish to skip “Lidice” (doc. 557 to 914) to skip “Ganzenmuller” (doc. 1253 + 1537) to skip “Execution” (doc. 1254 to 396) the only solution would be to schedule it for tomorrow. Because then the matter would be cohesive and [could be] discussed and submitted in more detail…..therefore to avoid giving the impression as if I want to hide something, when nothing is to hide. 7.) Doc. 1531….does not respond to that, what the indictment accused me in this regard. Namely if SS Leaders Burger and Linka (?) are my subordinates, as the indictment claims…..' Signed by Eichmann at the conclusion of the third page. The fourth page bears a further brief note (later crossed through) concerning documents numbered 1129 to 1140 which are in brown folder number 2. An exceptional document relating to one of history's most important war crimes trials which resulted in Israel's only judicial execution to date. Accompanied by a complete English translation. VG Robert Servatius (1894-1983) German Lawyer known for his defence of Nazi war criminals including Adolf Eichmann. Servatius was assisted at Eichmann's trial by the legal assistant Dieter Wechtenbruch. The Lidice Massacre took place in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now the Czech Republic) in June 1942 and saw the whole village destroyed on the orders of Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. The massacre was an act of reprisal for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich and the genocide totalled 340 deaths including 82 children who were later exterminated after having been transferred to the Chelmno concentration camp on the orders of Adolf Eichmann. During his trial Eichmann faced four counts of crimes against humanity against non-Jews, including his participation in the Lidice Massacre. He was found guilty for deportation of part of the population of Lidice, but not for the massacre itself.

SAUERBRUCH FERDINAND: (1875-1951) German Surgeon who, in 1937, became a member of the Reich Research Council ('Reichsforschungsrat') which supported the 'research projects' of the SS, including experiments on prisoners in concentration camps. As head of the General Medicine Branch of the RRC, Sauerbruch personally approved the funds which financed August Hirt's experiments with mustard gas on prisoners at Natzweiler concentration camp from 1941-44. A brief T.L.S., Sauerbruch, one page, oblong 8vo, Munich, 12th March 1927, to Birkelbach, in German. Sauerbruch simply states that he fully agrees with his correspondent's suggestion. Rare. Two file holes to the left edge, causing some slight paper loss, and a few minor creases, about VG

ROHM ERNST: (1887-1934) Nazi Leader, a co-founder of the Sturmabteilung (Storm Battalion, SA). In 1934, as part of the Night of the Long Knives, Rohm was executed on Hitler's orders as a potential rival. A rare A.L.S., Ernst, to one side of a plain German postcard, n.p. (Munich), 22nd September n.y. (1926), to Franz Kugler ('Loyal Franz!'), in German. Rohm writes to inform his friend that from the 27th September 'I will work 8 hours every day starting at 8 am as an apprentice in a factory', further remarking 'Unfortunately this does not give me time to enjoy the Oktoberfest. If you come we shall have to meet in the evening after work'. Hand addressed by Rohm to the verso and again signed ('Rohm') with his surname only in the return address panel. One small area of paper loss to one corner, only very slightly affecting the date, and with a light crease to the lower left corner, about VG In the aftermath of the failed Munich Beer Hall Putsch of November 1923 Adolf Hitler became distrustful of Rohm and his ambitious plans. When, in April 1925, Hitler disapproved of the proposals under which Rohm was prepared to integrate the 30,000-strong Frontbann into the SA, Rohm reacted by resigning from all political groups and military brigades on 1st May 1925. For the first time in his adult life Rohm was faced with the prospect of having to earn a living as an ordinary civilian. Rohm's financial circumstances were not good and he began by working as a door-to-door salesman selling books for a right wing publishing house. He struggled in this job, and often found it painful and humiliating. As referred to in the present letter, in the autumn of 1926 Rohm was employed for two months in the Robel track building factory, a position found for him by Princess Luise of Sachsen-Altenburg. Despite Rohm's claims that he did well and was considered for a leading position by the firm's founder, he did not remain there, and details of his employment in 1927 are not known.

[HIMMLER HEINRICH]: (1900-1945) Nazi German Politician, Reichsfuhrer of the Schutzstaffel (SS) 1929-45. An exceptional D.S. by fifteen high ranking members of the Schutzstaffel (SS) individually, one page, large folio (12 x 15), n.p. (Berlin?), 7th October 1937. The document, in German, takes the form of a letter presented to Himmler on the occasion of his birthday and states, in full, 'All the department chiefs and inspectors at the S.S. Head Office remember you today with the warmest best wishes for the following year. All of us know no finer duty than to be allowed to work in the SS organisation, under your command, for the Fuhrer and for Germany. We have only the single wish - that you may always, in dark hours, feel how firmly your closest colleagues stand behind you, as a sworn company, prepared for any action'. The fifteen signatories comprise August Heissmeyer (1897-1979; German SS functionary, commanded the SS Main Office 1935-39), Friedrich-Wilhelm Kruger (1894-1945; German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, Higher SS and Police Leader 1939-43), Theodor Eicke (1892-1943; German SS functionary, one of the key figures in the development of Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust serving as the second commandant of Dachau concentration camp 1933-34. Eicke was also one of the executioners of SA Chief Ernst Rohm during the Night of the Long Knives purge), Walter Schmitt (1879-1945; German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer, Chief of Personnel at the SS Main Office 1934-42), Oswald Pohl (1892-1951; German SS functionary, head of the SS Main Economic and Administrative Office and the head administrator of the Nazi concentration camps), Paul Hausser (1880-1972; German General, a high-ranking Commander in the Waffen-SS), Richard Herrmann (1895-1941; German Brigade Leader and Major General of the Waffen-SS), Ernst Sachs (1880-1956; German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer and General of the Waffen-SS, Chief of SS Communications and German Police 1940-44), Leo Petri (1876-1961; German SS-Gruppenfuhrer, Head of the Office for Security Tasks at the SS Main Office), Friedrich Hauser (1898-1943; German SS-Brigadefuhrer, Commander of SS Sector Koblenz 1940-43), Heinrich Gartner (1897-1963; German SS Major General, Chief of Supply at the SS Main Office 1937-40), Friedrich Dermietzel (1899-1981; German SS Major General, Chief Medical officer at the SS Main Office 1936-40), Hermann Haertel (1893-1970; German SS Major General, Chief of Welfare at the SS Main Office 1939-44), Rudolf Creutz (1896-1980; Austrian Nazi SS Major General, involved in the implementation of racial resettlement programmes in the Occupied Territories) and Paul Scharfe (1876-1942; German SS General, Chief of the SS Legal Department 1936-42). Professionally matted in black above a printed English translation and brief biographical details of the signatories and framed and glazed to an overall size of 17.5 x 28. Rare. Some very minor, light staining, otherwise VG

HAMMITZSCH MARTIN: (1878-1945) German Architect, the second husband of Adolf Hitler's half-sister, Angela Hitler, from 1936-45. Hammitzsch committed suicide shortly after Germany's defeat in World War II. An extremely rare D.S., Dr. Ing. Hammitzsch, being his official Government Pass, Dresden, 7th September 1943. The partially printed folding 12mo document is completed in typescript, numbered 179, was issued by the Reich Governor of Saxony for the Federal State Government and states that police officers are requested to allow the holder, an employee of the Federal State Government, to 'pass through any barrier unhindered for purposes of official business, and if necessary, to grant him protection and assistance'. The pass features an original passport size photograph of Hammitzsch in a head and shoulders pose, beneath which appears his bold ink signature. With various official circular stamps featuring the Nazi eagle and swastika and also countersigned by an official for the Reich Governor of Saxony. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG Hammitzsch had been dismissed from the Wehrmacht in 1943, with the rank of Colonel. At the time he would have been issued with the present document he was employed as the leader of the Department of Technology in the Federal State Government of Saxony.  

[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. [LLOYD GEORGE DAVID]: (1863-1945) British Prime Minister 1916-22. An historic, small group of interesting Ds.S. relating to David Lloyd-George's personal audience with Adolf Hitler in September 1936, comprising a typed memorandum signed by Walther Hinrichs (1882-1964), one page, 4to, Berlin, 26th August 1936, to the Secretary of State, on the printed stationery of the Presidential Chancellery, in German. The document states, in part, 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs us that, according to a report from the German embassy in London, Lloyd George will supposedly be coming to Germany in about 14 days, and would like to have an audience with the Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor. The embassy considers it possible that an approach has already been made to the Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor from the British side. Lloyd George apparently did not wish anything to get for the moment into the press about his prospective visit to Germany'. At the foot of the page appears an autograph note signed by Otto Meissner (1880-1953, German civil servant, Chief of the Presidential Chancellery 1920-45) with his initial ('M') acknowledging that 'Lloyd George was received today by the Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor for a lengthy conversation' To the verso appears a further autograph statement signed by Otto Meissner, again with his initial ('M'), dated at Berchtesgaden, 5th August 1936, and stating, in part, 'During the afternoon of today, the Fuhrer again received Lloyd George to tea, together with his daughter, son and suite consisting of three men. The undersigned, Ambassador v. Ribbentrop and Herr Schmitt, legation counsellor in the [Ministry of] F[oreign] A[ffairs], as interpreter, took part in the conversation over tea, which lasted for 1 ½ hours and ranged over questions of current politics as well as of the war period. At the end of the reception, the Fuhrer gave Lloyd George his photograph, with an inscription, in a silver frame, and also, at the request of those accompanying him, wrote his signature on photographs which they put before him. The conversation proceeded on both sides with the greatest candour and sincerity'. As well as being initialled by Meissner the statement also bears the initials of Hinrichs, Doehle and Kiewitz; a second brief typed memorandum signed by Otto Meissner, with his initial ('M'), one page, 4to, Berlin, 14th February 1937, on the printed stationery of the Presidential Chancellery, in German, giving instructions to 'take the attached number of the “Nineteenth Century” to the library' and to 'put on file the attached note relating to Lloyd George's visit to the Fuhrer in Berchtesgaden in August 1936'; a third brief typed memorandum signed by Otto Meissner, with his initial ('M'), one page, 4to, Berlin, 14th February 1937, in German, headed Note for the file, and stating, in full, 'Mr. Conwell-Evans, who accompanied Lloyd George on his visit to Germany, has written an article in the October number of the “Nineteenth Century” about his and Lloyd George's tour in Germany. This issue of the magazine is in the library'; and a small newspaper clipping, in German, neatly laid down to a plain 4to sheet, relating to the meeting between Hitler and Lloyd George at Berchtesgaden on 4th September 1936. Each with two file holes to the left edges, only very slightly affecting a few words of text to the verso of the first document. Whilst Lloyd George's audience with Hitler has been well documented, it is extremely rare to find any contemporary documents, such as the present ones, relating to the meeting. Generally VG, 4 In September 1936 David Lloyd George visited Germany to hold talks with Adolf Hitler, which he did on two occasions, initially alone and the following day with members of his party including T. P. Conwell-Evans, a Welsh professor at Konigsberg University who knew both Hitler and von Ribbentrop, and who had acted as an intermediary in organising the audience. Lloyd George also conducted a busy tour of German factories and labour camps before returning to England on 16th September 1936. The following day a remarkable article by him appeared in the Daily Express and of Hitler himself Lloyd George wrote 'He is a born leader of men. A magnetic, dynamic personality with a single-minded purpose. He is not merely in name, but in fact the natural leader. He has made them safe against potential enemies by whom they are surrounded. The old trust him. The young idolise him', further remarking in the same article of his experience in Germany 'Everywhere I found a fierce, uncompromising hostility to Russian Bolshevism, coupled with a genuine admiration for the British people, with a profound desire for a better understanding with them. The Germans have definitely made up their minds never to quarrel with us again'. 

[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. [LANSBURY GEORGE]: (1859-1940) British Politician who led the Labour Party from 1932-35. A social reformer and pacifist, Lansbury campaigned for social justice, women's rights and world disarmament and was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in 1940. An interesting series of T.Ls.S. and documents relating to Lansbury's private audience with Hitler in April 1937, comprising a T.L.S., Augst, by Martin Augst, an employee of the Chancellery, one page, oblong 8vo, Berlin, 15th April 1937, to Kiewitz, a ministerial counsellor, on the printed stationery of Adolf Hitler's private chancellery, in German, sending two letters (no longer present) from England relating to Lansbury's visit; a second T.L.S., Augst, by Martin Augst, one page, oblong 8vo, Berlin, 23rd April 1937, also to Kiewitz, on the printed stationery of Adolf Hitler's private chancellery, in German, forwarding four letters and eighteen cards (none present) dated April 1937 from England and relating to Lansbury, so that they may be given any further attention necessary; five carbon typed unsigned copies of letters and memorandums from Kiewitz, each one page, 4to, Berlin, 5th - 24th April 1937, each relating to Lansbury's meeting with Hitler; and a typed memorandum, unsigned, eight pages, 4to, n.p. (Berlin), n.d. (April 1937), in German, prepared for the conversation between Lansbury and Hitler on Monday, 19th April 1937. A rare and historic group of documents issued by Hitler's private office relating to the meeting of the Fuhrer and Lansbury, of which no official report was ever released. Most of the letters with additional pencil annotations, all with two file holes to the left edges, a few neatly clipped corners and light age wear, generally VG, 8 After resigning as leader of the Labour Party in 1935 Lansbury devoted himself entirely to the cause of world peace, touring the United States in 1936 and meeting President Roosevelt. In the following year he toured Europe, meeting leaders in Belgium, France and Scandinavia, and in April 1937 he secured a private meeting with Adolf Hitler, as reflected in the present documents. No official report of the meeting exists and some British pacifists were dismayed at Lansbury's meeting with the Fuhrer.

[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. [YOUNG EGYPT PARTY]: A rare series of T.Ls.S. and documents relating to Ahmed Hussein, Chairman of the far-right fascist political organisation known as the Young Egypt Party, and his efforts to be granted an audience with Adolf Hitler, including a T.L.S. Dornberg, by Alexander von Dornberg (1901-1983, German jurist, diplomat and SS officer, head of the Protocol Department of the Foreign Office 1938-45), one page, oblong 8vo, Berlin, 29th July 1938, to Otto Meissner, in German, stating that the Ministry cannot recommend that Hitler should meet Ahmed Hussein and commenting 'We would, however, suggest that his request should be declined in a particularly friendly fashion, so that any ill-will may be avoided'; a T.L.S. by Walther Hinrichs (1882-1964), one page, 4to, Berlin, 9th August 1938, to Ahmed Hussein at the Regina Palace hotel in Munich, in German, stating, in full, 'The Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor has instructed me to thank you warmly for the kind attention which you have shown him in your letter. He regrets that it will not be possible for him personally to receive you', together with a retained typed carbon copy of the same letter; several typed carbon copies of documents providing details of telegrams sent by Hussein to Hitler and a T.L.S. by Dr. Forster of the National Socialist German Workers Party, Head Office of the Organisation in Foreign Countries, one page, small 4to, Berlin, 14th October 1938, returning a letter to Hussein from the Presidential Chancellery as 'the current address of Mr. Hussein is unknown to our area group in Italy' and with a typed note signed by Werner Kiewitz (1891-1965; German diplomat who worked as a ministerial adviser under Otto Meissner) to the verso indicating that the letter had been correctly filed along with an earlier communication 'in which the German embassy in Cairo gave a warning about Ahmed Hussein, and letters from the above-named are no longer answered'. Each of the letters with file holes to the left edges and most with the upper right corners neatly clipped and with various pencil annotations and markings, generally about VG, 10 The Young Egypt Party was founded in October 1933 as an Egyptian nationalist political party, also known as the 'Green Shirts'. Under the leadership of Ahmed Hussein, the party openly admired the achievements of Nazi Germany, the enemy of Egypt's occupier, the British Empire. As German power grew, the Young Egypt Party's anti-British tone increased. The Party was dissolved in 1953. 

[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1933-45. An interesting series of leaves removed from an official ledger originally held in the Presidential Chancellery of the Fuhrer, twenty-eight pages, 4to, n.p. (Berlin), 1936-38. The partially printed pages, completed in manuscript in unidentified hands, provide details of individuals seeking audiences with Adolf Hitler including names, dates and filing numbers for the correspondence relating to the requests. Included amongst the entries are David Lloyd George (4th September 1936), Hermann Esser (12th October 1936), Lord Londonderry (30th October 1936), Lord Castlereagh and Lady Maureen Stanley (17th November 1936), Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld (16th November 1936), Hjalmar Schacht (6th February 1937), Tullio Cianetti (20th February 1937), Konstantin von Neurath (25th February 1937), George Lansbury (5th April 1937), Pierre de Coubertin (10th April 1937), Leila Sokhey (23rd April 1937), R. B. Bennet (30th April 1937), Rudolf Carraciola & Manfred von Brauchitsch (27th July 1937), Aga Khan (27th July 1937), John Groth (11th August 1937), Albert Speer (12th August 1937), Rudolf Hess, Joseph Goebbels, Werner von Blomberg & Konstantin von Neurath (16th August 1937), Charles Bedaux (27th August 1937), Ichiro Hatoyama (10th October 1937), Edward, Duke of Windsor (22nd October 1937), Adolf Keller (21st March 1938), G. Ward Price of the Daily Mail (25th July 1938), Ahmed Hussein (9th August 1938), Italo Balbo (13th August 1938) and many, many others. The entries in red and black inks and with a few blank pages. File holes to the left edges of each page and with some light overall age wear, about VG An extremely rare contemporary record of the historic and controversial meeting between Edward, Duke of Windsor and Adolf Hitler on 22nd October 1937 at the Berghof. The minutes of the meeting appear to have been lost, presumed destroyed, during World War II.

MARAT JEAN-PAUL: (1743-1793) French Political Theorist, Scientist and radical Journalist during the French Revolution, advocating for basic human rights for the poorest, and publishing on his periodical L´Ami du Peuple (“The People´s Friend”). Marat was assassinated in 1793 and became a revolutionary martyr to the Jacobins. Extremely rare Autograph Manuscript in the hand of Marat, one page, clipped 6.5 x 1.5 piece, n.p.[Paris], n.d.[1792], in French. The document being part of the text for a pamphlet article by Marat, entitled “Tres humble suppliques aux Pères bonscrits qui n´ont rien contre ceux qui ont tout”, (“Very humble pleas addressed to the Peers who have nothing against those who have everything”), with one word crossed by Marat. The autograph manuscript states in part `On voit que nous regardons la constitution comme l´ouvrage des représentans(sic) vendus.. d´autre role a l´assemblée nationale que de lutter contre leur destruction et d´appuyer sottement les vues du cabinet.´, (“We can see that we look at the constitution as the work of corrupt representatives ... which is the exact truth; because the plan of the court to which they are sold to .. no other role in the national assembly than to fight against their destruction and to support foolishly the views of the cabinet.´ The clipped piece has been neatly and carefully affixed to a an oblong 4to page, and the document bears a small ink stamp, being the prestigious collection Crawford stamp provenance. G

DANTON GEORGES: (1759-1794) Leading figure of the French Revolution and first President of the Committee of Public Safety. Danton voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793. Guillotined by the advocates of revolutionary terror. An exceptional and rare multiple D.S., Danton, three pages, large folio, Paris, 15th September 1792, in French. The hand written decree states to the heading "Au Nom de la Nation - Le Comité Exécutif Provisoire" ("In the name of the Nation - the Provisional Executive Committee") and is signed by Danton in his capacity as President of the recently created committee, stating in part `Considering that some locations have been given after treason to the enemies of the homeland, who distress and devastate our boundary and with numerous armies threaten the inside of the Kingdom. Considering that in a time when the danger to our Homeland is imminent, no extraordinary decision has to be avoided..´ Danton further appoints citizen François Joseph Westermann as commissar and assistant to the head-quarters of the Ardennes army under Commandant Dumouriez, expecting a daily report and the execution of the decrees issued by the Executive Committee.Also signed by several members of the Provisional Executive Committee, including GASPARD MONGE (1746-1818) Count de Péluse. French Mathematician, credited as the inventor of the descriptive geometry. Monge served as Minister of the Marine from August 1792 to April 1793. The present letter is signed during this short period of eight months; ETIENNE CLAVIERE (1735-1793) Genevan-French Financier and Politician. Minister of Finance in 1792. In August 1792 he was given charge of the finances in the provisional Executive Committee. Arrested in June 1793 for unknown reasons, he remained in Prison until December, when he committed suicide the day before appearing before the Revolutionary Tribunal; PIERRE-HENRI LEBRUN-TONDU (1754-1793) French Foreign Minister in 1792, and same year and temporarily of the Minister of war. A strong advocate of the immediate peace with Prussia and of the annexation of Belgium and the Netherlands. Lebrun-Tondu signed the execution of King Louis XVI. Arrested and executed in 1793; JOSEPH MARIE SERVAN DE GERBEY (1741-1808) French General. He served twice as Minister of War. The letter bears an attractive Pro Patria watermark. Folded. Small repair to the verso to the union of the two pages, otherwise G On 10th August 1792, only a month before the present letter was signed, the popular forces marched on the Tuileries ending with the French monarchy the day after. With the fall of the King, the six existing ministers created the 12th August 1792 the Provisional Executive Committee in charge of converting into law the decrees approved by the citizens representatives.Danton was also appointed Minister of Justice on 10th August 1792, holding the post only until 9th October same year. The present document was signed by Danton during that very short period of two months.

FOUQUIER-TINVILLE ANTOINE QUENTIN: (1746-1795) French Revolutionary and Prosecutor during the Revolution and Reign of Terror periods. Sentenced to death and guillotined. Rare A.N.S., `Fouquier de Tinville´, four pages, 4to, Paris, 4th March 1778, in French. A rare pre-revolutionary signature in this form, with the noble form `de Tinville´. The document being a report on several minutes referring to the purchase of a house in Paris, "rue Traversiere, bought by Monsieur Melchior Adam, haberdasher, living at rue des Bouchers St-Honoré, paroisse St. Roch, assisted by maitre Antoine-Quentin Fouquier de Tinville, his attorney at the Chatelet, living in Paris, rue Pavée, paroisse St. Sauveur..´ At the base of the document and in order to certify that the original minutes were all kept by `Monsieur Laudelle, Commissaire´ Fouquier-Tinville annotates `I, the undersigned, prosecutor at the Chatelet and on behalf of M. Adam, certify that the above referred minutes and others, exist and are with commissar Laudelle. Paris, fourth March…´ Overall age wear and creasing, with trimmed edges, not affecting Fouquier´s annotation and signature. G

WIRION LOUIS: (1764-1810) French General of the Gendarmerie. Rare A.L.S., Wirion, one page, folio, Verdun, 23rd January 1804, to the Minister of war, in French. The document bears at the heading an attractive and rare French Revolution vignette "In Legibus Salus". Wirion, in his capacity as Commandant of the Verdun position, supports a request received from `Edouard de Ste-Croix, English from Jersey, prisoner in Verdun, demanding an authorization allowing him to return to Laval, in the Mayenne department…It has been attested that this prisoner suffers an illness that is called Epilepsy..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. Very small, minor overall age wear. VG   Wirion shot himself in the head at the Bois de Boulogne after having been accused of prevarication and exploitation of English prisoners in Verdun.

LANNES JEAN: (1769-1809) Marshal of France. Duc de Montebello. One of Napoleon's most daring and talented generals and personal friend of the Emperor. A rare letter of historical content, L.S., `Lannes´, two pages, 4to, Tudela, 25th November 1808, to his wife Louise Guéhenneuc, in French. Lannes is exultant and lengthy reports on his victory at the Battle of Tudela in Spain two days earlier, stating in part `I had written to you from Burgos that I intended to remain close to the Emperor, but I received the order on that same day to take the command of the army corps under Marshal Moncey and the division under General Lagrange. I marched to Logrono in order to attack the enemy who was here, fifty thousand men commanded by Catagnos. He was in a dreadful position, and has been tumbled from all flancs by six thousand men. Judge the valor of that scoundrel. I hope all will be under control before four days. We have chased them everywhere. He has not a single cannon now, we have taken all his artillery and made till now six thousand prisoners. There you have his formidable armies fully destroyed.´,  Lannes further refers to his wife´s brother who is his aide-de-camp, stating `Louis had a horse killed under him and got his teeth hit, nothing important.. I am a bit tired, and intend to leave in two days to return alongside His Majesty. General Lagrange had his arm shot through, he is here with me, but nothing broken, it will be fine in a month time. Please tell Madame Lagrange to be calm, she will meet her husband in a month, he is departing to France. And you too, be secure, we will not have troubles, there is no more enemy, no army.´, and Lannes concludes with an unusual remark saying `The Battle of Tudela is the finest one we have ever had´. Further again referring to his wife´s health, to the difficulties of sending letters when he is far from the Emperor head-quarters, and asking for detailed information on his children. Lannes also asks his wife to forward his best regards to Corvisart `..tell him that I won´t forget his advice about the English..´ A letter of excellent content. With address leaf, postmarked. Small area of paper loss to the address leaf as a result of the letter opening, not affecting the text. Overall minor age wear, creasing and small tear to the bottom edge, only affecting partially the flourish of the signature. Together with an A.L.S. by Joseph-César Saint-Mars, aide-de-camp to Marshal Lannes, one page, 4to, [Head Quarters at Aranda del Duero], 26th November [1808], to Lannes´ wife, Louise Guéhenneuc, in French. Saint-Mars reports on similar topics, the Battle of Tudela, about his correspondent´s brother Louis, and states in part `Marshal Lannes is keeping well and should not take long to return to the Emperor Head-Quarters where I have been ordered to return to announce this victory..´ G, 2 The Battle of Tudela, near Navarre, in Spain, took place on 23rd November 1808. French army led by Marshal Lannes attacked a Spanish army leaded by General Castanos. It resulted in a full victory of Napoleon´s forces.Louise Antoinette de Guéhéneuc (1782-1856) Duchess of Montebello. Second wife of Marshal Lannes. Louise was a French "dame d´honneur", being the Mistrss of the Robes to Empress Marie Louise of France. Bon Adrien Jeannot de Moncey (1754-1842) Marshal of France, Duc de Conegliano. A prominent soldier in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Joseph Lagrange (1763-1836) French General and Count. A distinguished officer who fought at the Peninsula wars, Battle of Dresden, Leipzig, among many others.Charles-Louis Guéhéneuc (1783-1849) Frenc. Lannes´ brother-in law and his aide de camp since 1805. In 1809, and after Lannes´ death, he became aide-de-camp to the Emperor Napoleon I. Francisco Javier Castaños (1758-1852) Spanish General and Politician. One of the most important Spanish military officers during the Napoleonic Wars. He also served as the first President of the Senate of Spain in 1834. Appointed by the Spanish Queen Duke of Bailen for his heroic actions in the Battle of Bailen, the first defeat of the Napoleonic armies at open field which caused the flight of Spain of King Joseph Bonaparte. Jean Nicolas Corvisart-Desmarets (1755-1821) French Physician. In 1804 Corvisart became the primary physician of Napoleon Bonaparte, attending him until Bonaparte´s exile to St. Helena in 1815.

EBLÉ JEAN BAPTISTE: (1758-1812) French general in charge of bridge equipment in the Grande Armée. Credited with saving Napoleon´s Grande Armée from destruction in 1812. Eblé leaded the building of two of the three bridges built over the Berezina river in November 1812. He waited as long as he could before burning them, allowing the maximum number of troops crossing. Appointed General for his behaviour and achievements, he died of exhaustion thirteen days after. An excellent and attractive L.S., Eblé, one page, folio, Cassel, 8th January 1809, in French. The document bears to the heading a rare and attractive vignette of the Westphalia Kingdom, Ministry of war. Eblé, in his capacity as Minister of war of the Kingdom of Westphalia, under King Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, orders `Monsieur Gerard, aide de camp, must reach Amsterdam to deliver dispatches, one to H.E. the Minister of war of H.M. the King of Holland, the other one to H.E. Baron of Munchausen, Plenipotentiary Minister and Envoy Extraordinary of H.M. the Kink of Westphalia. Military and civil authorities will give assistance..´ At the base of the document, Baron of Munchausen has annotated three lengthy lines in his hand, acknowledging receipt and returning response. Bearing to the front two red wax seals in fine condition. Small overall minor age wear, mostly to upper edge, slightly trimmed. G Louis Bonaparte (1778-1846) King of Holland 1806-10. Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.

SCHWARZENBERG KARL PHILIPP:(1771-1820) Prince of Schwarzenberg. Austrian field Marshal. He took part in the Battle of Wagram and was in charge of the negotiation in 1810 of the marriage between Napoleon and Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria. Very rare A.L.S., `Schwarzenberg´, one page, oblong 8vo, near Berezino, Minsk, Belarus, 9th August 1812, to General Jean Louis Reyner, in French. Schwarzenberg states in part `I have received the letter brought to me by the Hussards patrol. I will be tomorrow at 8h in the morning near Pruzanne to push the enemy, if possible, out of this location and therefore allow our junction. I invite you Monsieur le Comte, to help my military move, pushing with vigor any trops you may find before you.´ The present letter sheds light on these events, when the 30.000 men of the Austrian corps leaded by Schwarzenberg and the 7th corps leaded by Reynier joined and together obtained the victory at the Battle of Gorodetchna. Overall age wear, with uneven left edge and a very small area of paper loss to the bottom left corner. About G Jean Louis Ebénézer Reynier (1771-1814) French army General during the French Revolutionary Wars.Schwarzenberg gave a ball in honour of the bride Marie Louise of Austria, on the occasion of her marriage to Napoleon in July 1810, which ended in a fire that killed many of the guests, including his own sister-in-law.Napoleon held Schwarzenberg in great esteem, and gave him the command of Austrian corps in the Russian campaign of 1812.

RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN 1812: An excellent selection of three documents signed by three French Generals, all of them killed during the Russian Campaign of 1812, comprising Jean Louis Romeuf (1766-1812) Brigade-General, Governor of the Duchy of Warsaw and friend of Lafayette. Romeuf died after a cannon ball hit him at the Battle of Borodino (Bataille de la Moskova). Napoleon´s surgeon, Dominique Larrey, tried in vain to save his life on the battle field. Rare A.L.S., Romeuf, one page, 4to, Hamburg, n.d., to a military inspector, in French. Romeuf reports on `..the new organization of the 1st, 3rd & 5th divisions of Cuirassiers..´; Jean-Claude Roussel (1771-1812) French General killed at Ostrovno, by a French outpost sentinel who thought by mistake that Roussel was an enemy. Attractive multiple D.S., `Roussel´, one page, folio, Reggio, 19th July 1800, to Benjamin Battu, in French. The document, showing the printed heading of the infantry army of Italy, being a certificate indicating that Battu cannot continue serving `..because of his woundsas a result of the Khoel affair, on 2nd Frimaire, year five..´ Countersigned by several members of the administration Council. Bearing an attractive red wax seal to the left border in fine condition; and Jean-Victor Tharreau (1767-1812) French General killed at the Battle of Borodino (Bataille de Moskova). L.S., J.V. Tharaud, one page, 8vo, n.p., 9th March 1800, in French. The document, bearing the heading of the Army of the Rhine, is an order given by Tharreau to evacuate Plobsheim which has been by mistake occupied by the 3rd battalion, instead of Plaishem, stating in part `…I order to evacuate it as well as the location of Eschau..´ Small repair to the verso, due to clipped small area where correspondent´s name was.  Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG, 3

BERTHIER LOUIS-ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. Rare L.S., `Alexandre´, one page, 4to, Dresden, 5th July 1813, to Monsieur the General Count of Monthion, in French. An interesting letter by Berthier, referring to the reorganization of the Grande Armée only three weeks before the Battle of Dresden, forwarding the Emperor´s orders `Order of the Army, instructing that all the sappers, gunners, artillery or navy soldiers, who have been withdrawn from their ranks to be employed…, will return to their corps… and 60 prisoners, chosen among those who have wounded hands and are not able to serve in the infantry corps, will be destined to each sapper regiment..´ Berthier orders his correspondent to contact Generals Rogniat, Daru and Durosnel to forward the orders and execute the Emperor´s orders. Left edge very slightly irregular, otherwise G to VG     

BLUCHER GEBHARD VON: (1742-1819) Prince von Wahlstatt. Prussian Field Marshal. Von Blucher leaded the Prussian army against Napoleon At the battles of Leipzig and Waterloo playing a decisive role in the allied victory. He is the highest-decorated Prussian soldier in history. An excellent and rare A.L.S., `Blucher´, two pages, 4to, Namur, 16th June 1815, to his brother-in-law, in German. Blucher writes the present letter on the morning of the Battle of Ligny, and only two days before the Battle of Waterloo. Blucher reports on the course of the present campaign, and states in part `I have been called again to the battle field, I hope and wish that the war will not be of long duration..´, further mentioning that he is recommending his brother to retain a "Gaull" as long as the war lasts, and that he has also commented this with his daughter-in-law in Berlin. A historical date letter. With blank integral leaf with upper right corner clipped. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G The Battle of Ligny, 16th June 1815, on the day of the present letter. The Battle of Ligny was the last victory in Napoleon's military career.The French troops leaded by Napoleon I defeated part of the Prussian army under Field Marshal Blucher. The battle resulted in a tactical victory for Napoleon, but the bulk of the Prussian army survived the battle, and played a pivotal role two days later at the Battle of Waterloo.The Battle of Waterloo, two days later, ensured as Blucher´s wished that the war was not going to be of long duration. Ligny is in the Wallonian region, in Belgium. 

GROUCHY EMMANUEL DE: (1766-1847) Marshal of France. Marquis de Grouchy. An unusual and interesting A.L.S., `Le M[arech]al M[arqu]is de Grouchy´, a bold and good example signature, signed twice, one page, 4to, Paris, 20th May 1833, to Georges Cuvier, in French. De Grouchy explains to his naturalist correspondent that four months earlier he injured a bird of preyin his property in Normandy, and although he took good care of it and managed to recover the bird, `..on my vehicle, carefully protected, and carried in a sort of cage of birth similar to the ones used for parrots, the bird died during the trip. Even so I have instructed to send it to you, because if this bird which I have never seen is a rare specimen, you might kindly cover with stuff it for me…´ With blank address leaf, `To Monsieur Cuvier - at the King´s garden´, signed beneath by Grouchy, and bearing a red wax seal. Very small overall age wear, folded, otherwise VG   Georges Cuvier (1769-1832) French Naturalist and Zoologist. Widely considered a founding father of paleontology. 

LARREY DOMINIQUE JEAN: (1766-1842) French Surgeon of Napoleon´s Grande Armée. Larrey was the Emperor´s favourite surgeon, an innovator in the battlefield medicine and widely considered one of the first modern military surgeons. Rare and extremely interesting lengthy A.L.S., `D.J. Larrey´, four pages, 8vo, Dresden, 7th July 1813, to his wife, in French. Larrey first reports on his recent conversation with the Emperor stating in part `I was waiting for the right moment to talk to H[is] M[ajesty] about this friend and for this reason I was keeping all the time the paper in my pocket. That morning at dawn…the Emperor asked me few graceful questions regarding my wounded soldiers with mutilated fingers, and I responded to all of them. Then he told me "Seems like you have had a great success as I have been told that they were all recovering", Yes Sir, we have only lost a very small number. "That is good, I am satisfied". Because Your Majesty is satisfied with my behaviour, would you allow me to ask for a favour? "Yes, What do you want?"..´ Larrey reports the full sentences exchanged with the Emperor, who finally had to refuse to Larrey´s request, further saying `..everybody was astonished, and were commenting the great influence I was having on the Emperor, because he gave to me many details and explanations regarding my request and the reasons for denying it..´ Larrey refers to the difficulty in finding the right moment and having the opportunity to talk to the Emperor, also saying `..in case the Emperor doesn´t change his mind, your sister and family should be happy as they have fortune, while we do not have a sol. I will not complain. I will have so many good souvenirs of my medical career, that as long as you have enough to live when I will die, that my soul will leave satisfied.´ Further on Larrey says `..Everything makes me fear a new war… I hope I will be able to see you before the 19th of November, because if I had to do another winter campaign I would for sure die. I hardly can warm up now.´ Before concluding Larrey refers to the news received from his friend Pelletan who is still at Wilna. A letter of very interesting content. Provenance, Crawford collection. Very small overall, minor age wear. VG   Marie Elisabeth Laville-Leroux (1770-1842) French Painter and wife of Larrey. She was pupil of David, and used to sign her paintings "Larrey" when accompanying her husband during Napoleon´s campaigns.         Larrey was right when he writes "Everything makes me fear a new war". Only a month later, 11th August, Austria would put an end to the armistice, and few weeks later took place the last major victory of Napoleon at the battle of Dresden. Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829) French Surgeon. One of Napoleon´s consultant-surgeon from 1804. Pelletan was present at the crime scene of Marat and signed the minutes on the death certificate and was also responsible of the controversial autopsy of the 10 years older Louis XVII, younger son of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both executed. It has been reported that during the autopsy, Pelletan was shocked to see the countless scars which covered the body of Louis XVII as a result of the physical abuse the child suffered while imprisoned in the Temple.   Napoleon would say about Larrey `If the army ever erects a monument to express its gratitude, it should do so in honour of Larrey.´At Waterloo in 1815 his bravery under fire was noticed by the Duke of Wellington who saluted his courage and ordered not to fire in his direction so as to "give the brave man time to gather up the wounded". When the battle was lost, Larrey was taken prisoner by the Prussians when he was trying to escape. They were about to execute him on the spot but was recognized by one of the German surgeons because he had saved the life of Blucher´s son when he was wounded and taken prisoner by the French. He was pardoned, invited as a guest to Blucher's dinner table and authorized to go back to France with money and proper clothes.

JOSEPHINE DE BEAUHARNAIS: (1763-1814) Empress of the French 1804-14, as first wife of Napoleon I. Unusual A.L.S., `C[itoy]enne Beauharnais´, to the heading, very rare in this form, in the third person, signed twice, one page, 12mo, n.p., n.d., to Citizen Pelet, in French. Josephine, in the third person states `The Citizen Beauharnais kindly asks Citizen Pelet to give to the bearer of the present letter the “dejeuner en vermeil”  that he was kind enough to keep for her.´, further, and again referring to her in the third person, says `The Citizen Beauharnais complains about not seeing any more Citizen Pelai, and invites him to come and have lunch with her one of these mornings to come.´ With address leaf, in Josephine´s hand `Citizen Pelée, at the Palace, opposite to..´. Joséphine writes her correspondent´s name on three occasions, each of them in a different spelling way. To the inside back page bearing a small ink collection stamp of Dr. Max Thorek, Chicago. Overall age wear and creasing, otherwise about G

[NAPOLEON BONAPARTE – THE LITTLE KNOWN FIRST WILL OF THE EMPEROR]: BERTRAND HENRI GATIEN (1773-1844) French General. Count Bertrand and Grand Marshal of the Palace. Bertrand was aide-de-camp to Napoleon I and the closest officer to the Emperor, who had full confidence in him. He served during the expedition to Egypt and the Battles of Austerlitz, Wagram, Leipzig and Waterloo and accompanied Napoleon I to Elba in 1814 and to St. Helena in 1815. Bertrand was condemned to death in 1816 but did not return to France until Napoleon´s death when King Louis XVIII granted his amnesty. In 1840 Bertrand went to St. Helena to bring Napoleon´s remains to France. An extremely rare and interesting Autograph Manuscript signed `C[om]te Bertrand´, two pages, 4to, Longwood, St. Helena, 2nd August 1819 and 12th December 1820, in French. Bertrand, the closest General to Napoleon in his last years, copies in full the letter he received from Napoleon I in 1819 with the Emperor´s first draft of his Last Will and Testament (predating his ultimate Will of 1821) and his instructions regarding his belongings. The autograph manuscript states, in part, loyally copying Napoleon´s letter, `My dear B[ertran]d, I send to you my codicil written in my hand in order that after my death you could claim everything that belongs to me here at St. Helene. You will dispose of it as follows. You will give half of my diamonds to Madame Bertrand and the other half to Madame de Montholon…´ Napoleon further asks Bertrand to give differing amounts of money to various individuals including Montholon, Marchand, St. Denis, Bertrand (receiving the greatest amount) and a few others, all of them the closest allies to Napoleon in his final years. The Emperor further states `You will keep my silverware, my weapons, my porcelain, my books…..for my son…´ further instructing `I will give you a letter this evening…with my instructions for the fund investment of a sum of 6.000.000, keep all this in order to be able to return them to me if it is convenient to me.´ Bertrand adds `2nd August Signed Nap. Written to the envelope To Count Bertrand, my grand Marshal…. Attached to a parcel stamped with 2 seals with coat of arms of the Emperor with the written text This is my will, written in my hand signed Napoleon…´ Marshal Bertrand adds `The Emperor gave me in the evening a parcel…. on which was written.. Bertrand will keep at my disposal or will open after my death.´ To the second page Bertrand adds an annotation, dated 12th December 1820, giving some more details about the instructions received from the Emperor. An extremely interesting historical document in the hand of Napoleon´s closest General in his last years at St Helena. Very small overall minor age wear with one crease to bottom left corner, otherwise VG The original copy of this first draft of Napoleon’s Last Will and Testament was burned, together with other documents, by Bertrand and Marchand in the afternoon of 19th April 1821 following Napoleon´s orders as his final, and more commonly quoted, Last Will and Testament had been completed.                                   Charles Tristan, Marquis de Montholon (1783-1853) French General during the Napoleonic Wars. He chose to go into exile on St. Helena with Napoleon I after the Emperor´s second abdication. Louis Joseph Narcisse Marchand (1791-1876) Count of the first Empire. Marchand was “Valet de chambre”of the Emperor, also during his captivity in St. Helena. Alongside Bertrand and Montholon, he was one of the three executors of Napoleon’s Last Will and Testament. Louis Etienne Saint-Denis (1788-1856) called by Napoleon Mameluke Ali his “French-born servant”. Napoleon required him to dress in the style of the Mamelukes. Saint-Denis went to Russia with Napoleon, joined Napoleon on Elba, returned to France for the “Hundred Days,” and accompanied Napoleon into exile on St. Helena, where he served as second valet and as Napoleon’s librarian. Saint-Denis was born at Versailles, where his father served King Louis XVI as an overseer of the royal stables. The Mamelukes were the slave horsemen of the Ottoman Empire. They became the rulers of Egypt. Napoleon was impressed by the Mamelukes’ courage and fighting skills. He formed a special Mameluke corps in the French army.

MAXIMILIAN II & MARIA OF AUSTRIA: Holy Roman Emperors. Maximilian II (1527-1576) Holy Roman Emperor 1564-76. King of Bohemia, Germany, Hungary and Croatia. He succeeded his father Ferdinand I, younger brother of Emperor Charles V, as Holy Roman Emperor; & Maria of Austria (1528-1603) Archduchess of Austria and Holy Roman Empress. Maria of Austria was the eldest daughter of Emperor Charles V. She served as Regent of Spain from 1548 to 1551 in absence of her father. An excellent L.S., `Maximiliano´, & `Yo la Reyna´, individually signed by Maximilian and Maria, rare in this form, one page, 4to, Valladolid, 13th June 1549, to the Duke of Maqueda, in old Spanish. The Holy Roman Emperor and Empress are still residing in Valladolid where they married nine months earlier. Maximilian addresses the letter to the Duke of Maqueda, Viceroy of Navarre, and refers to a wheat harvest which needs to be sent to the Kingdom of Aragon, and therefore requests his help for the safe transport through Navarre and provisional storage, and stating in part `..we also want to know if in your Kingdom there is abundance of wheat from last year´s harvest, and what is expected from this present year one, in order to…´ Countersigned at the base. Small overall minor age wear and staining, otherwise G to VG On 13th September 1548 Emperor Charles V married his nephew Maximilian II to his daughter, and Maximilian's cousin, Maria of Spain in the Castile residence of Valladolid. By the marriage his uncle intended to strengthen the ties with the Spanish branch of the Habsburgs, but also to consolidate his nephew's Catholic faith. Maximilian temporarily acted as the Emperor´s representative in Spain.

FERDINAND II: (1578-1637) Holy Roman Emperor 1619-37. As a zealous Catholic, Ferdinand wanted to restore the Catholic Church as the only religion in the Empire and to wipe out any form of religious dissent. His acts against Protestantism caused the Thirty Years´ War which left the Holy Roman Empire devastated, its cities in ruins, and its population took a century to recover. Rare L.S., `Ferdinandus´, two pages, folio, Graz, 29th July 1606, to Cardinal Visconti, in Italian. Ferdinand II reports on the excellent work achieved by Pater Marco Antonio Gabiano with the children of the San Francisco order `..in the provinces of my states of Styria and Carinthia, with a good governing, religious behaviour and monastic observance…considering his zeal of his and to my full satisfaction, I pray from deep in my heart your S[ignoria] I[llustrisima] to make me a favour so that the said father is confirmed for another three years…´ Bearing to the adress leaf a five lines annotation in the hand and signed by the Emperor´s correspondent, Archbishop Visconti, and a small red wax seal. Small repair to the Edge, otherwise G

CATHOLIC MONARCHS: ISABELLA I OF CASTILE (1451-1504) Queen of Castile 1474-1504 & FERDINAND II OF ARAGON (1452-1516) King of Aragon 1479-1516 & as Ferdinand V King of Castile 1475-1504. Known as the Catholic Monarchs, they ruled jointly over the Kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Aragon and Sicily 1475-1504. They are recognized for laying the foundations for the political unification of Spain, and also for completing the Reconquista as well as their support and financing of Christopher Columbus´ voyage of 1492 which led to the opening of the New World. Very rare set of thirty manuscript pages of historical interest for the city of Madrid, including two Ls.S., the first signed by the Queen `Yo la Reyna´, one page, oblong small 4to, Valladolid, 29th December 1476, to Juan de Lujan; and the second individually signed by the Queen and the King `Yo la Reyna´ and `Yo el Rey´, one page, oblong 4to, Madrid, 9th April 1477, in old Castilian. In the first letter, signed by Isabella I of Castile, the Queen orders Juan de Lujan to meet Diego de Villa Nuño who will inform him about the good services he will be requested to achieve. In the second letter, the Catholic Monarchs appoint Juan de Lujan Knight of their Royal order with a very important anual allowance of 40.000 maravedis, and a reward of 15.000 maravedis of perpetual income, and in both cases for the important services to the Crown. The letters refer to the very important historical events occured in Madrid, when Joanna la Beltraneja, claimant to the throne of Castile, disputed Madrid to Isabella of Castile. The Catholic Monarchs paid Juan de Lujan and appointed him Knight when he betrayed Joanna la Beltraneja, leaving her military forces and joining the Duke of the Infantado who was commanding the Catholic Monarchs troops. After such betrayal, Madrid falled and was taken by Isabella and Fernando. The set includes documents related to the genealogical tree of the Lujan family of Madrid. Also including an autograph letter by Diego de Villa Nuño addressed to Juan de Lujan, requesting him on behalf of His Majesties to put himself at the orders of the Duke of the Infantado, who will explain to him what Good services he is expected to achieve. Also including copies of the wills of Juan de Lujan dated 1495, Rodrigo de Lujan 1546, Catalina de Lujan 1568, Maria de Lujan 1563 and Catalina de Lujan 1593. A set of exceptionally interesting historical content. The two main documents neatly stitched to the page and the entire contents stitched together at the left edge and the whole bound in vellum (largely detached at the spine). Some overall age wear, a few neat splits to the edges of some pages, and old water staining affecting the majority of the pages to varying degrees, the text however remaining completely legible. The vellum covers a little warped and the front with heavy staining, largely obscuring the original manuscript title, and with remnants of the original burgundy ribbons. GDiego Hurtado de Mendoza y Figueroa (1417-1479) Spanish Noble. 1st Duke of the Infantado. The title  was awarded to him by the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando II de Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, on 22 July 1475. This was one of the most important duchies in Spain Joanna la Beltraneja (1462.1530) Queen of Portugal 1475-81 as spouse of King Alfonso V, who was her uncle. Claimant to the throne of Castile. When her father Henry IV of Castile, although disputed, died, began the four-year War of the Castilian Succession. Joanna was supported by the King of Portugal and by the high Castilian nobility, and by descendants of Portugueses, including Archbishops and Dukes. On the other side Isabella was supported by Derdinand of Aragon, whom she married, and by mosto f Castilian nobility and clergy. In 1478 the marriage of Joanna and Afonso V was annulled by Pope Sixtus IV on grounds of consanguinity, ending her tenure as Queen of Portugal. She was also forced to renounce the title of Queen of Castile.In 1479, Alfonso renounced his pretension to the Castilian Crown and signed a treaty with Isabella and Ferdinand. Joanna was given a choice, either enter a convent, or marry Isabella's one-year-old son Juan when he came of age and if he then consented. Joanna chose to enter the Convent of Santa Clara in Coimbra, and the ceremony was witnessed by Isabella, who praised her decision. The present historical events are referred to in the work “La conquista de Madrid por el Duque del Infantado en 1476” by Carlos Saez and Salvador Cortes, volume II, pages 339 to 342, published by Al-Hayara editors.The Palace of Lujan still exists in the old Madrid and is a historical location that can be visited.

JOANNA OF AUSTRIA: (1535-1573) Princess of Portugal. Daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and mother of King Sebastian of Portugal. She served as Regent of Spain to her brother King Philip II, during his trip to England to marry Mary I of England. Rare L.S., `Yo la Princessa´, one page, folio, Valladolid, 7th February 1559, in old Spanish. On behalf of her brother the King of Spain, Princess Joanne authorizes Don Rodrigo de Narvaez y Rojas, Mayor of Antequera, to bind his belongings for the purchase of a land property. A lengthy and carefully written text. Countersigned. Bearing to the verso a large royal paper seal affixed. A large water stain to the upper and lower borders, although not affecting the signature. Overall creasing and age wear, with few tears to the centre fold. F to G  At the age of sixteen Joanna married the fourteen years old Prince John Manuel of Portugal, her double first cousin. Less than two years later, aged sixteen, Prince John Manuel died of tuberculosis, however Joanna was pregnant. Four months after giving birth to future King Sebastian, Princess Joanna aged nineteen, returned to Spain, leaving her new-born son with her mother-in-law and aunt Catherine of Austria, Queen of Portugal and younger sister of Charles V. Joanne died at the early age of 38, and few years later her son Sebastian, King of Portugal, aged 24, died at the Battle of the Three Kings in Morocco. As a result of his death, Philip II of Spain became King of Portugal.

RENE II: (1451-1508) Duke of Lorraine. Rene II claimed the crown of the Kingdom of Naples and the County of Provence as the Duke of Calabria 1480-93 and as King of Naples and Jerusalem 1493-1508. A famous warrior, Rene II defeated and killed Charles the Bold of Burgundy at the Battle of Nancy in January 1477, thereby ending the Burgundian Wars. L.S., Rene, one page, 4to, n.p., 24th January 1473, to 'My Loyal and Good Friends'. Written in a 15th century hand, the letter nominates the Lord of Chaptal to accompany the affairs of the state. Rare. Some very light, extremely minor staining, largely to the right, only very slightly affecting the text (which remains perfectly legible) but not the signature. The upper left corner is very slightly, neatly clipped. About VG

FRANÇOIS I: (1494-1547) King of France 1515-1547. First King of France from the Angouleme branch. He succeeded his cousin and father-in-law Louis XII. A Patron of the arts who initiated the French Renaissance and attracted Italian artists to France, including Leonardo da Vinci, whose Mona Lisa was bought by King Francis. A rare L.S. 'Francoys', a clean signature, one page, vellum, 4to, in French. The letter is clipped to the right edge, not affecting the signatures. Stating to the heading `Francois par la grace de Dieu, Roi de France, A nos amis et féaux..´, further referring to a payment order and to a quittance, stating in part `A tous mandons..a notre conseiller et receveur general de son office, du quartier d´octobre, novembre et décembre.. payer la somme de 6000 livres et de longtemps fait avant et depuis..´  Countersigned at the base by Robertet `Par le Roy - Robertet´. Accompanied by an engraving of François I.Overall age wear due to age, with few former traces of affixing to edges. Clipped right edge. F to G Florimond Robertet (1460-1527) the King´s secretary. A important and powerful figure and diplomat of his time, very well considered by the King

LEOPOLD I: (1790-1865) First King of the Belgians 1831-65. Former German Prince. An intriguing A.L.S., `Leopold´, two pages, 8vo, Claremont, 24th July 1820, to Monsieur Favon, Councillor of the Legation of His Highness the Duke of Saxe Coburg, in Paris, in French. The King responds promptly to his correspondent´s letter stating `..Your information is fully new for me, and because I do not have time today to talk to you in person and in detail, I only tell you for now that I authorize you to take on my account at Lafitte & Co 30.000 francs which I put at your disposal in order to help Madame Alexandra and the difficulties she is experiencing…´, Prince Leopold further says `..not going through her claims now, which seem to me a little exaggerated, I put the condition that her memoirs are given to you, and if this is done so and her behaviour becomes wiser, I will then try to sort out this in a more permanent way for her…´ With blank integral leaf. Paper with a C. Wilmott 1816 watermark. Accompanied by the original opened paper envelope, bearing a black wax seal in very fine condition to the verso. A rare and carefully worded letter by the future sovereign on a delicate, but crucial, matter to preserve the good name of his dynasty, that would provide not only a King for Belgium, but also a Prince Consort, his nephew Albert, for England. VG‘Madame Alexandra’ was in fact the lover of Leopold’s brother and was menacing to make their liaison public by publishing her Memoirs, which Leopold seeks to prevent at all costs to avoid a royal scandal

GEORGE I OF GREECE: (1845-1913) King of Greece 1863-1913. Assassinated. Rare L.S., `George´, two pages, mourning paper, 4to, Athens, 31st May 1906, to His Royal Highness the Prince of Montenegro, in French. The King announces to his Royal correspondent the birth of his grand-daughter, stating in part `..my very dear and beloved daughter-in-law Her Highness the Princess Victoria-Alice-Elisabeth-Julie-Marie, wife of my very dear and beloved son, His Royal Highness Prince André, has given birth to a Princess on the 17th of this month, and has received the name of Theodora..´ With countersignature at the base. With blank integral leaf. VG Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark (1906-1969) was the second child of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg, and sister of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

MOVILA IEREMIA: (1555-1606) Voivode of Moldavia 1595-1600 & 1600-06. Very rare L.S., `Hyeremia Boebo´ (“Ieremia Voivod”), two pages, folio, Zuchovica, 20th September 1596, to Reverend Bishop Alphonso, Apostolic Nuncio in Transylvania, in Latin. Movila, in his capacity as Voivode of Moldavia presented to the heading as `Ieremia Movila, By the Grace of God, Prince and life heir of Moldavia….´, refers to the letters received from his correspondent, to the Secretary Simon who has reported a number of messages, and states in part `..Finally, and regarding the Christian Princes, we hope that your Holiness will intercede on our behalf and with insistence, and for this and similar matters dealt we thank to your Illustrious Holiness…´, further saying `..Your Holiness has supported us, and we could value your blinding and abundant affection, which as we expect between Christian Princes will bring and maintain good friendship and peace, and that God with his grace will reward us and our Kingdom…´, and before concluding says `We received the letters from Joanis de Marini, from Prague, and we learned the news and also that our old friendship was well remembered. We deeply rejoice learning that the Christian army… and will become powerful. And we pray God so that he will always concede everything because of the Christian offerings..´ With address leaf, bearing remnants of a former wax seal. Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise G     

MARIA CHRISTINA PRINCESS OF TRANSYLVANIA: (1574-1621) Princess Consort of Transylvania 1586-98, as spouse of Sigismund Bathory. Maria Christina was elected in 1598, for a period of four months, Sovereign Princess regnant of Transylvania. Rare L.S., `Maria Christierna´, one page, folio, Vynar?, 2nd of December 1596, to Reverend Alphonso, Bishop of Cervia, Italy, in Latin. To the heading, Constance is referred to as Princess of Transylvania, Voivode of Valaquia and `Born Grand Duchess of Austria´. The Princess refers to news received from Poland and to the letters taken in return by her sister to Poland. Marie Christine most probably refers to her elder sister Anne of Austria, Queen of Poland as spouse of King Sigismund III. Anne of Austria would pass away a year later at the very early age of 24.  With address leaf. Slightly irregular edges and overall age wear, with small professional repair to the left edge, otherwise G  In August 1595 Maria Christina married Sigismund Bathory, Prince of Transylvania. The marriage was regarded as a major political gain, as Sigismund, formerly a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, formed close ties with the Holy Roman Emperor. Emperor Rudolf II appointed Sigismund Prince of the Holy Roman Empire and also secured the possession of Transylvania, if the couple remain without offspring. However, this union proved to be completely unhappy. Sigismund, after a disastrous wedding night, refused to consummate the marriage and sent his wife to a fortress in Kovar Vara, where Maria Christina was kept as prisoner. 

SIGISMUND BATHORY : (1573-1613) Also known as SIGISMOND PRINCE OF TRANSYLVANIA. As a child he succeeded his father as Voivode or ruler of Transylvania. Sigismond abdicated in favour of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, and although he returned to his pillaged territories in 1601 with a Polish army, he could not strengthen his position and settled in Poland. In 1605, Holy Roman Emperor and Spanish King Philip III tried to persuade him to return and claim Transylvania, but he refused. He would later be accused of conspiracy and imprisoned by Rudolf II. Rare L.S., `Sigismundus Princeps´, a bold large and attractive signature with flourish, one page, folio, Timisoara, 10th June 1596, to an Italian Bishop Visconti, in Latin. Sigismund refers to his previous two letters and states in part `..what we have insistently requested and once again request… When we did establish our head-quarters at Tomor, and I tried to hinder the struggle, I managed to do so rushing the move, and I managed to do so in a way that they could not expect the move…´ To the heading “Sigismundus by the Grace of God, Prince of Transylvania, Moldavia, Wallachia, and of the Holy Roman Empire, Lord of part of the Kingdom of Hungary…” With address leaf, bearing paper seal affixed in good condition, and remnants of a former red wax seal. Edges very slightly trimmed with very few minor small holes, only one affecting partially the large signature, otherwise G

CONSTANCE OF AUSTRIA: (1588-1631) Queen of Poland 1605-31. Second spouse of King Sigismund III Vasa and mother of King John II Casimir. Very rare L.S., `Constantia´, a bold black ink signature, one page, folio, Tykocin (small town north-east of Poland), 28th October 1630, to Archbishop Larissano, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, in Latin. To the heading, Constance is referred to as Queen of Poland, Sweden, Grand Duchess of Lusatia, Rusia, Prusia, Masovia, Samogitia and Livonia, `Born Grand Duchess of Austria´. The Queen welcomes the new appointed nuncio to Warsaw, stating in part `..To what an extent your very clean origin and the excellent fame of your qualities precedes you.. We welcome you and your philosophy in this our Royal House.´ Queen Constance died of a stroke few months after the present letter was signed, at the early age of 42. With address leaf, letter from the `Regina´, bearing a royal paper seal affixed. Overall foxing, the text remaining fully legible, otherwise G

VASA ANNA CATHERINE CONSTANCE: (1619-1651) Polish Princess. Rare L.S., `Anna Catharina Constantia´, one page, 4to, Warsaw, 10th July 1637, to Apostolic Nuntio and Archbishop of Larissa Visconti, in Latin. Constance, in her capacity as Crown Princess of Poland and Sweden thanks her correspondent for his letter and Good wishes and referring to the recent wedding of her brother the King of Poland Wladyslaw IV, states in part `The wedding of the Serene and Illustrious Queen and our very dear brother, a so wise marriage with the august Austrian Royal House…´ Further referring to the meaning of this wedding for the Polish and saying `It is reasonable what makes the Kingdom happy, to worry about minions, and for this reason this holy wedding was necessary at this time..´, further again stating `Universal Christianity desires so much peace and tranquility, putting together the dissenting spirits of the presentiment in pristine friendship and mutual society, and uniting in growing in justice.´ Constance died childless at the early age of 32. With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed. Small overall age wear, otherwise G Wladyslaw IV Vasa (1595-1648) King of Poland 1632-48, married Cecilia Renata of Austria (1611-1644) daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II. Cecilia Renata died at the very early age of 32 after the childbirth of her stillborn daughter. Cecilia Renata was chosen as bride by the Polish nobility. She married Władysław on 9th August 1637 in Vienna by proxy, and then in Warsaw in person on 12th September 1637, and the same day was crowned at St. John´s Cathedral. This was the first royal coronation outside of Krakow, the historic, former capital of Poland. This greatly angered the Polish nobility. A law was instigated the year after to reserve coronations to Krakow.

VASA JOHN ALBERT: (1612-1634) Polish Cardinal. Son of Sigismund III Vasa and Constance of Austria. Prince Bishop of Warmia and Krakow. Very rare L.S., `Joan Albertus Cardinalis´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 18th August 1633, to Apostolic Nuntio and Archbishop of Larissa Visconti, in Latin. A year before the present letter was written the King of Poland Sigismund III passed away and his elder son Wladyslaw IV, and brother of John Albert, was crowned King of Poland. John Albert thanks his correspondent `Most Illustrious and Reverend and appreciated friend, your singular letters so benevolent towards us..´ and refers to sad news about some individual in Lithuania, to their work to finish and to Lithuanians. With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed. Overall age wear and staining. Professionally repaired. F to G John Albert Vasa died at the very early age of 22 in Padua Italy. He was sent by his brother and King of Poland Wladyslaw IV on a diplomatic mission. The cause of his death remains uncertain.

CECILIA QUEEN OF POLAND: (1611-1644) Cecilia Renata of Austria. Queen consort of Poland 1637-44 as spouse of King Wladyslaw IV Vasa. An extremely rare L.S., `Cecilia Regina´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 8th February 1641, to Reverend Monsignor Visconti, Bishop of Larissa, in Italian. The letter states to the heading `Cecilia Renata, by the Grace of God, Queen of Poland and Sweden, Princes of Hungary and Bohemia and Archduchess of Austria´, the Queen thanks her correspondent for the letter received and for the new year´s greetings and sends her best wishes. With address leaf bearing a Royal paper seal affixed. Very small overall creasing. G

WLADYSLAW IV VASA: (1595-1648) King of Poland 1632-48. A renowned Patron of the Arts. Wladyslaw gained fame when he defeated the Ottoman Empire and was elected Tsar of Russia by the Seven Boyars in 1610, although he did not accept the Russian throne. Rare L.S., `Vladislaus Rex´, one page, 4to, Vilnius, 10th October 1633, to Monsignor Archbishop of Larissa, in Italian. The King of Poland sends a friendly letter, referring to his correspondent´s letter and sending his best wishes. Bearing the Wladyslaw attractive Royal paper seal affixed to the verso of the address leaf, in very fine condition. The letter has been professionally reinforced to the verso. Overall age wear and staining, with edges trimmed. FR to G

[PETER II OF RUSSIA]: (1715-1730) Emperor of Russia 1727-30. Grandson of Emperor Peter the Great. Orphaned at the age of two, his mother died ten days after giving birth and his father, imprisoned by his own father Peter the Great, died in prison in 1718. When Peter the Great died in 1725 he was succeeded on the throne by his second wife, Catherine I who also died two years after, leaving the eleven years old Peter, although ignored and kept till then in seclusion, as the only male-line grandson of Peter the Great. Peter II reigned as Emperor of all Russias only for two years and half and died at the very early age of 14. Extremely rare D.S., signed on behalf of the Emperor, one page, vellum, oblong 4to, Saint Petersburg, 23rd August 1728, to Ivan Maslov, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document being a decree according to which Officer Ivan Maslov is promoted to the rank of General. The order states `By God-s Will We, Peter II, Imperator of the whole Russia,….Everyone to acknowledge the fact and to demonstrate to Ivan Maslov the proper respect. We expect and anticipate that in his new rank as General he will continue to act as appropriate to his new position. As a proof of this Decree, this document is signed and notarized with our Country´s Seal.´ Signed on behalf of Peter II in his capacity as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias by Duke Grigoriev and Stepan Ignatiev, the Emperor being only twelve years old. With remnants of a former seal at the base. G 

HENRIETTA ANNE OF ENGLAND: (1644-1670) Duchess of Orleans, the youngest daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland and Henrietta Maria of France. An exceptionally rare A.L.S., with her monogram, two pages, small 4to, Paris, 23rd June [1670], to Thomas Clifford. The Duchess writes her first letter in English, just seven days before her death, informing Clifford about her brother, King Charles II's, promise regarding Clifford and Lord Arlington, 'When i have write to the King from calais i praid him to tel milord Arlington an you what hi had promisd mi for bothe, his ansers was that hi gave mi againe his word that hee youl performe the thing bot that hi did not thing it fit to exequ[te] it nou, i tel you this souner then to Milord Arlington becase y know you ar not so hard to satisfie as hee, i should be so my self if y was not sure that the King would not promis my a thing to faille in the performance of it, this is the ferste letter y have ever write in inglis, you wil eselay see it……prai see in the same time…..hou much y am your frind'. With integral address leaf ('for Sr Thomas Clifort') bearing two black wax seals. A letter of excellent historical content and association. VG Thomas Clifford (1630-1673) 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh. English Statesman, Comptroller of the Household 1666-68, Treasurer of the Household 1668-72 and Lord High Treasurer 1672-73. Henry Bennet (1618-1685) 1st Earl of Arlington. English Statesman, Keeper of the Privy Purse 1661-62. Clifford and Arlington were the only two ministers to whom the first Secret Treaty of Dover, one clause of which provided for King Charles II's declaration of his conversion to Catholicism, was confided. Henrietta Anne was instrumental in diplomatic negotiations between her native England and adopted France which culminated in the Secret Treaty of Dover of June 1670 (the same month in which the present letter was written). King Charles II, who had always been close to his sister, nicknaming her Minette, had been trying to establish a closer relationship with France since 1663, but it was not until 1669 that he set the wheels in motion by openly admitting that he would become a Catholic and vowing to bring England back to Catholicism. Henrietta Anne was eager to visit her homeland and King Louis XIV encouraged her in order for the treaty to take place and she arrived in Dover on 26th May 1670, remaining there until 1st June, the day the treaty was signed. In 1667 Henrietta Anne began complaining of an intermittent, intense pain in her side and several years later, beginning in April 1670, she began having digestive problems so severe that she could only consume milk. On 29th June 1670, just a matter of days after writing the present letter, Henrietta Anne drank a glass of iced chicory water and immediately felt a pain in her side, leaving her to believe that she had been poisoned. Extreme Unction was administered, however Henrietta Anne died at 2 o'clock in the morning on the following day, 30th June 1670, aged just 26. The only letter of Henrietta Anne recorded as having been previously sold at auction. The present letter is listed by American Book Prices Current as having originally been sold by Sotheby's as part of the Clifford of Chudleigh Collection on 24th July 1987 (Lot 249, £2400).