LOUIS XIV Autograph letter signed ('Louis') to an unknown recipient, in French, returning two letters and confirming there is nothing to add, he has not forgotten what the Dukes of Vendôme and La Feuillade intend to do, hoping that they will take measures to ensure the success of this great enterprise, and will keep his letter, docketed 'Du Roy' at head in another hand, 2 pages on a bifolium, watermark, dust-staining, marks, creased at folds, lower edge frayed, 8vo (194 x 132mm.), [n.p., 'a une heure', possibly 1703] Footnotes: 'LE SUCCÈS DE CETTE GRANDE ENTREPRISE': AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED WITH LOUIS XIV'S CONFIDENT SIGNATURE. Whilst undated, the contents of our hastily written letter from the French King reveal that it could well relate to his campaigns in Italy in the early 1700's during the War of the Spanish Succession. It is not clear exactly what the King means by 'cette grande entreprise' but it does mention co-operation between Louis Joseph, Duke of Vendôme (1654-1712), one of Louis XVI's most successful commanders, and Louis d'Aubusson de la Feuillade (1673-1725), the unpopular son-in-law of the Minster of War, Michel Chamillart. This would imply a potential date for our letter of 1703, when La Feuillade was appointed deputy to Vendôme, then French commander in Italy, with responsibility for occupying Villefranche and the County of Savoy. The primary objective was to capture Victor Amadeus' capital of Turin. With an army of 48,000, La Feuillade initiated the siege on 12 May, which finally ended in heavy defeat for the French in September, an action which ended his military career. When Vendôme was sent to Northern France in July, La Feuillade was joined by Philippe, Duke of Orléans, Vendôme's successor. Provenance: De Baecque et Associes, 11 May 2011. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing