QUEEN MARIA TERESA (FRANCE) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/09/1659 - HFSID 53374

QUEEN MARIA TERESA (MARIE THÉRESE) OF FRANCE and the CONDESA DE SALVATIERRA
The future Queen of France corresponds with the Countess about the health of her brothers, Prince Philip Prospero and Ferdinand Thomas
Autograph letter signed: "Maria Teresa" in brown ink. 2 pages front and verso, 8¼x12¼. Two letters written on same paper. From the Condesa de Salvatierra to Princess Maria Teresa. Written at the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain. May 8, 1659. Roughly translated: Report on the Infanta's brothers' good health and activities, as reported by the Duke of Medina. Reference to Friar Antonio and regards to and from various individuals. Response from Maria Teresa to the Condesa de Salvatierra. Written at thePalacio Real de Aranjuez, Madrid, Spain. May 9, 1659. Roughly translated: Expression of pleasure to hear of brothers' good health, looking forward to seeing them on Tuesday at El Retiro. 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. Faded stains throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.