PHILIP II: (1527-1598) King of Spain 1556-98. During his marriage to Queen Mary I of England, he was King of England and Ireland 1554-58. Rare L.S., `Philippe´, one page, folio, Madrid, 17th November 1588, to the `Duke of Parma, Governor and captain General´, in old Spanish. The King sends a friendly letter to his nephew, unusually signing it with his surname, and not in the official way “Yo el Rey” (“I the King”), and instructs him also asking for his correspondent´s advice, stating ` Mon bon neveu, je suis averti par lettres du Conte de Champlitte qu'il vous a envoyé ce qu'il a besogné avec le Président et Baron de la Villeneuve, touchant le civilège de Besançon, et d'autant que ce fait est de grand poids, je vous ordonne que (ouïs ceux que vous trouverez convenir) me réservez de votre avis, et ce au plus tôt que faire pourrez pour l'importance, et hâte qu'il y a A tant mon bon neveu notre Seigneur vous ait en sa sainte garde…´ (Translation: “My good nephew, I am informed by letters from the Count of Champlitte that he sent you what he worked and agreed with the President and Baron de la Villeneuve, concerning the civilege of Besançon, and all the more so as this fact is of great importance, I command you to (listen to those you find convenient) reserve your opinion to me, and this as soon as possible to do for the importance, and haste that there is so much my good nephew, our Lord has in you his holy guard…”) Showing a large and attractive countersignature at the base. With address leaf, saying “A mon bon neveu le duc de Parme et de Plaisance chevalier de mon ordre, lieutenant gouverneur et capitaine général  de nos pays d'Ambaize et de Bourgogne”, also bearing a paper seal affixed, showing the text “En ce du civilège à Besançon”. Small overall age wear, and small creasing to borders. G to VG