FRANCIS DE SALES: (1567-1622) Saint of the Catholic Church. Bishop of Geneva. Known for his writings such as the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. St. Francis de Sales has been styled ''the Gentleman Saint'' because of his patience and gentleness. Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists, because he made extensive use of broadsheets and books. Very rare Autograph Letter, one page, 4to, Annecy, 17^th February 1616, to Madame de La Fléchere, in French. Francis of Sales sends a letter reporting on different matters, adding a cross to the heading and commencing with his correspondent´s personal family situation, stating in part `Ma tres chere fille, Hier au soir seulement je reçois votre lettre et je réponds ce matin, jour des Cendres. Il m´est avis que ces formalités de tuteur de vos enfants sont superflues, puisque tout est votre et qu´aussi bien votre époux Nouveau ne vous demandera point de dote. Néanmoins, vous savez quel homme je suis pour les affaires du monde, certes je n´y entends rien du tout! C´est pourquoi je vous conseille….´ (“My very dear daughter, only yesterday evening I received your letter and I answer this morning. It is my opinion that these formalities of tutoring your children are superfluous, since everything is yours and your new husband will not ask you for a dowry. Nevertheless, you know what a man I am for the affairs of the world, certainly I understand nothing at all! That is why I advise you to…“ Francis de Sales further refers to Mr. Guidebois´ complaints, stating `En verité, il faut aider M. Guidebois afin qu´il ait sa pension tant que nous pourrons, car le pauvre homme serait miserable sans cela… je l´assisterai en ce que je pourrai, afin qu´il ne soit pas frustré de sa juste pretention. Et M. le Comte n´en saura rien, ou s´il le sait, il n´aura point d´occasion de vous en savoir mauvais gré´ (“The truth is that we must help as much as we can Mr. Guidebois so that he has his pension, because the poor man would be miserable without it... I will help him as much as I can, so that he is not frustrated with his pension and fair claim. And the Count won't know anything about it, or if he does, he won't have the opportunity to find out about you unwillingly” Francis de Sales further adds few more advices to Madame de la Fléchere regarding her new marriage and also explains that they have a brave new preacher and refers to Madame la Comtesse stating `Madame la Comtesse a laquelle j´ai envie de donner de la moderation en ses affections, selon le besoin que je vois par la démusérée ardeur qu´elle a en la solicitation de faire M. Nacot, vicaire...´ (“Madame the Countess to whom I want to give moderation in her affections, according to the need that I see by the unmistakable eagerness that she has in the solicitation to make M. Nacot, vicar…”) With paper seal affixed to the verso and the addressee´s name. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG  

 

Jean François Melchior Guidebois, born in 1586, is the son of a notary, of a noble family provenance. Guidebois was appointed prior at Notre-Dame de Vion but further resigned of his rights in favour of Claude-François de la Fléchere, husband of the correspondent of Francis de Sales.

The Count Saint Francis refers to is Charles de la Forest, brother of Madame de la Fléchere.

Madame la Comtesse is Philiberte de Beaufort, Countess of Tournon.