"Pontchartrain," one page on watermarked stock, 4to (13" x 8"), Versailles, January, 1696, to unknown recipient. The body translates in part as follows: "I have received your letter of the 5th of this month: the reports of the distribution of supplies to those condemned to the galleys...I should like to recommend to diminish constantly this expense, as much as will be possible. The wages of jailkeeper appear to me to be hardly necessary..." Likely secretarial text with the signature only being in Ponchartrain's hand. Louis Phelypeaux (1643 - 1727), Comte de Pontchartrain, managed French naval matters and finances. While Secretary of State during the1690s, his duties broadened to include colonial management and exploration. Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana was named in honor of this influential statesman. His signature rarely enters the manuscript marketplace.

Small areas of dried residual glue and collector's penciled ID on verso, minor loss along lower edge. Overall nicely toned and quite sound with ink remaining bold.

$400 - 800