CHARLES VI: (1368-1422)

CHARLES VI: (1368-1422) King of France 1380-1422. Called ''The Beloved'' (`Le Bien-Aimé´), and also ''The Mad'' (`Le Fou´). Charles was son of the King of France Charles V, known as ''The Wise'', of the House of Valois, and of Joan of Bourbon. He was Heir to the French throne after the death of his three elder brothers before he was born, and held the title of Dauphin of France. He inherited the throne of France when he was only 11 years old. Charles VI was known for his mental illness and psychotic episodes that plagued him throughout his life, including glass delusion. An extremely rare D.S., Charles, one page, oblong 4to, velum, Paris, 15th March 1403, to Jehan de l´Esperonnière, Lord of La Roche-Badoul, in medieval French. A letter of good content and association as the King of France instructs his correspondent to come to the aid of the Governor of La Rochelle, which was under English attacks, stating in part `De par le Roi, D´autant que nos affaires de Guyenne sont en état d´avoir besoin de secours, nous vous avons bien voulu avertir de notre intention. Si nous mandons, en tant que vous désirez faire plaisir, que, incontinent la présente reçue, vous ne faillez d´aller joindre notre aimé chambellan le sieur de Bonnivel, notre gouverneur de La Rochelle, avec le plus d´hommes d´armes que faire se pourra, de la fidélité et vaillance desquels vous soyez bien acertené, agissant en ce rencontre comme avez ci-devant fait, dont nous vous savons très grand gré, et en avons en vous singulière fiance. Et n´oubliez d´user de la diligence requise à notre service en semblable fait.´ (Translation: "By order of the King, since our affairs in Guyenne are in a state of need of assistance, we have been pleased to inform you of our intention. We command you, as you wish to do us your favor, that upon receiving this letter, you should immediately go and join our beloved chamberlain, Monsieur de Bonnivel, our governor of La Rochelle, with as many men-at-arms as possible, whose loyalty and valor you are well assured of, acting in this matter as you have done previously, for which we are most grateful and have singular confidence in you. And do not forget to exercise the diligence required in our service in such matters.") Addressed to the verso. Very small minor age wear despite the fact that this document has more than 600 years of age.Few extremely small pinholes, not affecting the text or signature. G

In 1403 La Rochelle was the target of English attacks, and that same year the English privateer William de Wilford captured 40 ships coming from La Rochelle.