[AZTEC EMPIRE]: TERUEL DON MARSILIO DE (d.1836) Count of Montezuma, the last direct descendant of Moctezuma II (c.1466-1520) Emperor of the Aztec Empire 1502-20. Rare A.L.S., Montezuma, one page (with a brief postscript of three lines at the head of the verso), 8vo, n.p., n.d., to a gentleman, in French. The Count writes, in part, 'Je crois, si je ne me trompe, Monsieur, que je vous ai seulement demande une livre, car, n'etant pas trop preneur de the, il me sera impossible de le finir avant qu'il ne devienne mauvais, ou moisi, selon notre usage de dire. Je me rapelle encore vous avoir fait cette observation, et je crois, qu'on est convenu de partager la boite; cependant vous me direz ce que doit etre; car l'affaire n'ira point a Rome pour obtenir la decision du Prince de l'Eglise. Je n'ai maintenant que vous faire bien de remerciements, ainsi que presenter mes respects tres empresses a ella dame Cabanes a qui vous me fevez l'honneur de dire bien de chores flatteuses, et agreables de la part de Madame de Montezuma' (Translation: 'I believe, if I am not mistaken, Sir, that I only asked you for a pound, because, not being too much of a tea-taker, it will be impossible for me to finish it before it becomes bad, or mouldy, according to our use of saying. I still remember having made this observation to you, and I believe that we agreed to share the box; however you will tell me what must be; for the affair will not go to Rome to obtain the decision of the Prince of the Church. I have now only to express my gratitude to you, as well as to present my very earnest respects to Lady Cabanes, to whom you do me the honour of saying many flattering and agreeable choruses on the part of Madame de Montezuma'). In a brief postscript Montezuma adds that he is returning the box in case his correspondent wishes to share in it. One very small hole to the upper left corner, otherwise VG