HENRY III: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89 and King of Poland & Grand Duke of Lithuania 1573-75. Last French King of the House of Valois. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, one page, oblong folio, vellum, Paris, 19^th April 1576, in old French. The manuscript letter states, in part, `Aujourd'hui XVe jour d'avril mil cinq cent soixante-seize, le Roi étant à Paris, ayant égard aux recommandables services que le sieur de La Roche, Chevalier de son ordre et gentilhomme ordinaire de sa chambre, a fait à cette couronne, et désirant pour lui donner moyen de l'y affectionner et continuer de bien en mieux avec meilleure volonté l'approcher près de sa personne, et l'honorer d'état digne à ses mérites. Pour cette cause sa Majesté l'a retenu et retient en l'état de conseiller en son conseil privé pour y avoir séance et voix délibératrice et jouir des mêmes honneurs et autorités que les autres conseillersi. En témoig de quoi, sa Majesté a voulu signer ce présent brevet de sa propre main, et fait contresigner par moi´ (“Translation: “This day, the fifteenth day of April, one thousand five hundred and seventy-six, the King being in Paris, having regard to the commendable services which the Sieur de La Roche, Chevalier of his order and ordinary gentleman of his chamber, has rendered to this crown, and desiring to give him the means of affection and continuing better and better will to approach him close to his person, and to honour him with a state worthy of his merits. For this cause his Majesty has retained him and retains him in the capacity of Councillor in his Privy Council to have a seat and deliberative vote there and to enjoy the same honours and authorities as the other Councillors. In witness whereof, His Majesty has wished to sign this present patent with his own hand, and has been countersigned by me”) Countersigned by Brulart. Overall age wear and creasing with slightly uneven edges. About G

 

The King refers to the Knight´s order of Saint Michel, founded in 1469 by Louis XI, called “Ordre et aimable Compagnie de Monsieur Saint Michel”.