585. JEANNE BECU, COMTESSE DU BARRY (1743-1793) The last of the mistresses of the French King Louis XV, reigned 1715-74. Although she exercised little political influence at the French court, her unpopularity contributed to the decline of the prestige of the crown in the early 1770s. Scarce D.S., 1p, 6 1/2" x 3 1/2", France, 1779, requesting the cashier to pay the sum of 144 livres. Written in French, possibly in the Countess' hand. Light stain, else very good. $1,200 - 1,500