HENRY IV OF FRANCE: (1553-1610)

HENRY IV OF FRANCE: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610 and King of Navarre 1572-1610. First French Monarch of the House of Bourbon. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, with holograph `Your affectionate friend and cousin´ in his hand, one page, folio, 5th May 1589, short before ascending the throne, in old French. Henry IV sends a request to his correspondent referring to his special envoy counsellor and chamberlain Sieur De Reau who has to cross his correspondent´s territories, stating `I kindly request your protection and your assistance to protect and secure his passage and crossing as well as the one of those who travel with him. He is on his way to deal with a matter of the greatest importance which he will inform you about, and which is first of all for the service to the King and also for the restoration and maintenance in favour of the good people and state..´ Professionally matted in dark green, framed in dark brown wood and glazed to an overall of 10 x 14. Small overall, minor age wear, mostly to the edges, otherwise G £400-600