Lot 220
Stuart, Charles Edward - "Bonnie Prince Charlie" (1720-1788)
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photography
Auction: 31 August 2016 at 12:00 BST
Description
Autograph Letter Signed, to the Comte d'Argenson, 1/2p., 4to, Paris, 13th January 1747, requesting that an enclosed letter (the following item) be forwarded to the king, endorsed by d'Argenson: "Rép. le 15"; Autograph Letter Signed to Louis XV: "Monsieur mon Frere et Cousin", 3pp. Paris, 14th January 1747. Having received no reply to his Mémoire [sold in these rooms, 7 May 2014, lot 98, £25,000], Charles expands on his invasion proposals: "Occupé uniquement des malheurs de mes fidèles amis, je me suis transporté à la Cour de Votre Majesté afin de lui proposer moi-même les moyens de faire une expedition beaucoup plus avantageuse pour votre Majesté et pour moi que celle de l'année dernière" and complains of a general belief in France that his plans are not feasible: "l'Opinion que l'on avoit ice de me vrai situation en la regardant comme une chose infaisable, quoique tout le monde est convaincu à present comme je l'etais alors qu'avec un secours médiocre il aurait réussi" and resolves to leave Paris in the light of the current political climate: "de me retirer en quelque lieu où ma condition ne tirera pas à conséquence, et où je serai toujours pret a concourir avec Votre Majesté dans toutes les démarches qui tendront à Sa Gloire et au rétablissement de ma maison dans leurs justes droits", and offering to appoint a representative to negotiate with the king and his ministers during his absence (2)
Footnote
Note: The letter to King Louis XV and his secretary are from the papers of Marc-Pierre de Voyer de Paulmy, Comte d'Argenson (1696-1764), Secretary of State for War 1743-57), by descent with the family until sold in 2002. The letters remained in the possession of successive Comtes d'Argenson at the chateau des Ormes until deposited on loan with the University of Poitiers in 1976 when they acquired a small library stamp. They were returned to the family after the death of the last Count in 1999.
The letter to the King expands on Charles's proposals to mount a further invasion and complains of a general belief in France that his plans are not feasible. He resolves to leave Paris in the light of the current political climate and offers to appoint a representative to negotiate with the King.