JAMES II & VII (1633-1701, King of England, Scotland and Ireland)

Fine Letter Signed 'Jacques R' to Cardinal COLLOREDO, (Leandro, 1639-1709, Cardinal from 2nd September 1686), in French with translation, saying that he has received "the letter You wrote to me on the death of my Sister and Mother-in-law the Duchess of Modena", (Laura, 1639-1687, née Martinozzi, wife, 1655, of Alfonso IV d'Este, 1634-1662, and a niece of Cardinal Mazarin), and that he is "obliged to You for the concern You show towards me, and beg You to believe that I will interest myself in an equal degree in what may concern You ... Your devoted Cousin", address on conjugate leaf, bearing two good impressions of James's seal with the Stuart Royal Arms, Garter and I R, holding the ends of the ribbon neatly severed on opening, 1 side 7¼" x 6" and conjugate address leaf, Windsor, 20th September small blank area, of conjugate leaf only, inconspicuously wormed near fold, otherwise in fine condition
(Translation)
My Cousin, I have received the letter You wrote to me on the death of my Sister and Mother-in-law the Duchess of Modena, I am obliged to You for the concern you show towards me, and beg you to believe that I will interest myself in an equal degree in what may concern You, as one who is, My Cousin, [Signed] Your devoted Cousin, James R
Windsor, this 20th September 1687
To Cardinal Colloredo
[Address leaf]
To my Cousin Cardinal Colloredo

The Dowager Duchess, who had been regent for Mary's infant brother, had visited England once, in 1682, during one of Mary's unsuccessful pregnancies. She died at Rome on 19th July [new style] 1687. One of her last acts had been to visit Loreto to pray that her daughter might have a son, and in fact the future James (III) was born on 10th June 1688.
Cardinal Colloredo was an Oratorian, of simple habits. Even after becoming Cardinal he continued to take his meals at the Oratory, often serving at table. He was a valued confessor, assisting at the death beds of many, who included other cardinals and Pope Innocent XI who had elevated him.

Item Date:  1687

Stock No:  56194