[LOUIS XIV] DUKE OF MAINE: Louis XIV (1638-1715) Also known as Louis the Great or The Sun King. King of France 1643-1715. Son of Louis XIII. His reign of more than 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history; Louis Auguste, Duke of Maine (1670-1736) Louis Auguste was an illegitimate-born son of Louis XIV and his mistress Madame de Montespan. Louis Auguste was often regarded as the King´s favourite son. Louis Auguste was legitimised in 1673 after the death of Queen Maria Therese. L.S., `L.A. de Bourbon´, one page, 4to, Marby, 30<sup>th</sup> July 1713, in French. The King´s son states in part `Monsieur, je vous envoi la lettre du Roy par laquelle vous verrez que Sa Majesté a fixé la tenue des Etats de la province de Bretagne au premier Octobre de la presente année dans la ville de Dinan, et qu´elle souhaite que vous vous y rendiez, je ne doute pas…´ (“Sir, I send you the King's letter by which you will see that His Majesty has fixed the revue of the States of the province of Bretagne on the first of October of the present year in the city of Dinan, and that he wishes you to go there. I have not doubt…”) With blank integral leaf. Small repair to the verso of blank leaf, otherwise G to VG

 

Madame de Montespan (1640-1707) was the most celebrated mistress of King Louis XIV, by whom she had seven children. Her real name was Françoise-Athénais de Rochechouart, Marquise of Montespan.