Lot 715

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MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
MARY STUART (1542 -1587) Daughter of James V, King of Scotland, whose death six days after Mary's birth made her Queen. Raised in France, in 1558 she was married to the Dauphin, who succeeded to the French throne as Francis II in 1559 but died the next year. Mary returned to Scotland in 1561. Although Roman Catholic, at first she accepted the Protestant-led government then in place. In 1565 Mary married the Catholic Scottish nobleman Henry Stewart, which outraged the Protestants. Insurrection followed, and the queen, taking the field in person, at once quelled the revolt. Her triumph was scarcely over when her husband demanded to be named king, and sided with the Protestant opposition. His murder led to Mary's marriage to a Protestant, which provoked war with the Scottish nobles. Her loss at Carberry Hill forced her abdication and resulted in her jailing. She escaped in 1568 and was able within a few days to assemble an army of 6,000 men which also met defeat. Mary sought refuge at the court of Elizabeth I, Queen of England, only to find herself a prisoner and eventually beheaded for treason. Extremely rare and important A.L.S. "Marie", 1p. 12" x 8", written from captivity in Sheffield Castle, Dec. 2 [1581], to her brother-in-law, Henri III, King of France. In full: "Monsieur, I write only this word to thank you for the good wishes sent me by my ambassador, and I shall write tomorrow at greater length, and, holding you in great devotion, most humbly kiss your hands, praying to God that He may keep you, Monsieur, in the best of health through a long life. Your most affectionate, Marie". Mary's reference in her letter of a more lengthy reply on the following day points to Henri III as recipient, as he did indeed receive a lengthy letter from Mary on December 3rd. Much more corroborative evidence is included with the letter. In the letter of December 3rd, Mary begs Henri III to remember her rights and titles in France, which had been confirmed by his predecessor, Charles IX. At the time of the writing of this letter, with Catholic priests being executed on suspicion of having plotted against Elizabeth, one can easily imagine the imprisoned queen foreseeing a similar end for herself. Indeed, Mary's last letter was sent to Henri III, written just six hours before her beheading. Boldly and neatly penned, original folds, light soiling, overall very good. A great rarity!

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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