QUEEN MARIA TERESA (FRANCE) - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/16/1658 CO-SIGNED BY: COUNTESS OF SALVATIERRA (ANTONIA MARCELA DE ACUÑA Y GUZMAN) - HFSID 53319

QUEEN MARIA TERESA (MARIE THÉRESE) OF FRANCE and the CONDESA DE SALVATIERRA
The future Queen of France corresponds with the Countess about returning to the Royal Palace in a few days
Autograph letter signed: "Maria Teresa" in brown ink. 2 pages front and verso, 8x11½. Two letters written on same paper. From the Condesa de Salvatierra to Princess Maria Teresa. Written at the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain. May 15, 1658. Roughly translated: Looking forward to the Princess's return on Sunday, with hopes that she enjoys her last few days in Aranjuez. Mention of the Prince's good health. Response from Maria Teresa to the Condesa de Salvatierra. Written at the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, Madrid, Spain. May 16, 1658. Roughly translated: Expression of pleasure to hear of brother's good health, with mention of their departure the following day and the 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. Faded stains throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.