QUEEN MARIA TERESA (FRANCE) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/21/1657 CO-SIGNED BY: COUNTESS OF SALVATIERRA (ANTONIA MARCELA DE ACUÑA Y GUZMAN) - HFSID 53330

QUEEN MARIA TERESA (MARIE THÉRESE) OF FRANCE and the CONDESA DE SALVATIERRA
The Infanta, heir to the Spanish throne, corresponds with the Countess of Salvatierra about her health and good spirits
Autograph letter signed: "Maria Teresa" in brown ink. 2 pages front and verso, 8¼x12. Two letters written on same paper. From the Condesa de Salvatierra to Princess Maria Teresa. Written at the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain. January 20, 1657. Roughly translated: Expression of pleasure to hear news from the King of the Infanta's good health, with mention of her sister's health and activities and the worse weather. Response from Maria Teresa to the Condesa de Salvatierra. Written at Royal Palace of El Pardo, Madrid, Spain. January 21, 1657. Roughly translated: Expression of pleasure to hear of sister's good health, looking forward to seeing her the following day. Mention of the bad weather. MARIA TERESA (1638-1683) was the daughter of King Philip IV of Spain and his wife, Elisabeth of France. Because Spain had no "Salic Law" preventing the accession of a female monarch, Maria Teresa was heir presumptive to the Spanish throne from 1646 to 1657, an interval during which Philip had no living sons. In 1660, she was married to her first cousin, King Louis XIV of France, as part of the settlement of a war between France and Spain. She thus became Queen Marie Thérese, the French version of her name. Although Louis would have several mistresses during the marriage, he treated his queen respectfully. Though she took little interest in politics, she was obliged to act as regent three times while Louis was away on military campaigns. One of her grandsons became King of Spain, and the last four Bourbon monarchs of France were her descendants. The CONDESA DE SALVATIERRA was Maria Teresa and her siblings' caretaker and frequent correspondent. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Edges and corners worn and soiled. Light surface creases. Small tears along edges. Ink shows through verso. Otherwise, fine condition.