Document concerning payments to a garrison at Metz, in French, dated at Metz, 17 April 1586

single sheet, 402x357mm, vellum, 37 lines in brown ink in a fine documentary hand, signed at the bottom edge by Roger de Comminges, Lord of Saubole, Regnault de Rene, and Richard Landon, docket with 16th-century inscription, creases, light soiling to edges, a few small stains

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

“Roolle de la montre et Reveue faicte en la ville de Metz le dix septiesme jour d’apuril mil cinq cents quatre vingts six d’une compagnie de cinquante hommes de guerre, harquebusiers a cheval estant pour le service du Roy en garnison en la y ville de Metz soubs la charge du cappitaine Saubolle, leur cappitaine par nous Regnault de Rene, commissaire extraordinaire des guerres …”, granted by Germain Le Charron, treasurer of the King.

The Imperial Free City of Metz was one of three bishoprics in Lorraine long claimed by the kings of France. In January 1552, Henry II of Valois demanded it as the price of his alliance with the German princes against the Emperor Charles V. Metz was occupied by the French in April 1552 and the Duke of Guise, François I de Lorraine, appointed governor. By the summer, Charles V raised an army to keep German princes revolt down and recapture Metz. The siege began in earnest on 31 October and the Emperor himself arrived on 20 November. However, the city was strongly held, so that by the end of the year, it was clear that the siege had failed. It was lifted on January 1553. Charles V makes another attempt to retake the bishopric one year later, but this also ended in failure. As a result the bishopric remained in French hands and officially ceded to France at the end of the Thirty Years War.

Metz was one of the most important fortified towns of the sixteenth century, being the main stronghold on the French eastern borders. In 1583, the King, Henry the third, gave its Government in chief (of Metz) to the Duke of Epernon, who placed therein as Lieutenant and governor of the strong citadel, built in 1561, his cousin Roger de Comminges Saubole. En 1586, the latter was also appointed captain, leading an army of fifty men-at-arms.