[MANUSCRIPT LETTER, SIGNED, FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH I TO KING CHARLES IX OF FRANCE REGARDING THE PEACE BETWEEN CATHERINE DE MEDICI AND THE HUGUENOTS, MAY 29, 1568]

Greenwich, May 29, 1568.. [1]p. manuscript on an 11 3/4 x 16 1/4-inch sheet. Verso with embossed paper seal and address panel. Oblong folio. Previously framed, old folds, old expert repairs to two tears along center vertical fold (no text affected). Light tanning. Very good. An important letter from Elizabeth's court, written to Charles IX of France, with a wonderful example of her distinctive signature with flourishes and the words, "Vostre bon[n]e soeur & cousine..." (your good sister and cousin).

The letter discusses the tenuous Peace of Longjumeau between the French Crown (engineered by Catherine de Medici) and the Huguenots:

"...And we pray to God, the Giver of Peace, that this pacification may be ratified in such a way that no future malice may be able to affect it. All this we have more amply stated to the said Sieur de Beaumont, who after having declared his mission has with our permission and passport, gone towards Scotland....As well as this he has also heard from our own mouth the present state of our good sister the Queen of Scotland, and of our good intention of proceeding with her..." (translated from the French).

As Queen Regnant, Catherine initially compromised with the Huguenots; however, continued attacks by Huguenot forces (and tacit support of the Huguenots by England and other foreign Protestant rulers) drove her to take increasingly hardline positions against them. The Peace ended the Second War of Religion in France, although resources and cash were already running low on both sides. The Peace of Longjumeau ended up serving simply as a truce, while each side rebuilt its forces; fighting resumed a few months later.

A fascinating glimpse into two vital issues during Elizabeth's reign.