Charles II

In which Charles expresses some impatience with ongoing negotiations with Rome, saying this is his final attempt to find out if the Cardinal's views accord with his suspicions, that all this delay amounts to a refusal, and pointing out that the Cardinal will have been aware, from the Sieur Belin, of his own position on this matter, despite the efforts of his cousin D'Aubigny, two pages, 4to (216 x 164mm), integral autograph address leaf ("A mon Cousin le Cardinal de Retz") London, 25 October 1662, remains of seals and silk ties; some creasing at folds, some light browning. Modern cloth folder and slipcase by Macdonald of New York.

Sotheby's

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.
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"...Le peu de temps que le S^r Belin demeurerà a Rome viderà ce different, parce que je suis  resolu de prendre tout pour refus quelqu’apparent delais que l’on puisse former a ce qu j’ay demandé avec tant d’instance pour MonS^r d’Aubigny mon cousin. Vous sçaviez par le S^r Belin l’estat present ou je me trouve par ce sujet, et je n’ay pas besoin de vous prier d’y avoir confiance de connoissant a moy autant que vous fetez..."

Jean de Gondi, Cardinal de Retz, (1613-1679), had helped Charles's mother Henrietta Maria in Paris in 1648, and the two men had long held good relations, not least during the negotiations over the sale of Dunkirk to the French in October 1662 for five million livres.  That year Louis XIV had asked de Retz to serve as envoy to Rome.