Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Grand Tour Letters Diplomatic...

Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Grand Tour Letters Diplomatic papers, Parisian scandal and Latin verse: seven manuscripts from Steavens's Continental papers, 1748–1752. Seven manuscript items in French, Italian and Latin, in brown ink on laid paper, 1748–1752, comprising eight bifolia and one single sheet, together nineteen pages written; several with contemporary dockets or inscriptions. Retaining original folds, with occasional spotting, staining, show-through, marginal wear and fold tears; generally good to very good. Bertel, unidentified, to Thomas Steavens, Eaubonne, 3 July 1748; autograph letter signed, in French, three pages written on one bifolium, docketed "Monsr Bertel". Regretting that he missed Steavens before his departure from Leipzig, wishing him improved health and discussing "la Barbarini"—(most likley) the celebrated Italian dancer Barbara Campanini—and her possible departure from Berlin. He also welcomes the extension of the armistice to Italy and hopes for an end to the War of the Austrian Succession. Original folds, occasional spotting and staining; generally very good. Harangue de Monsieur le Comte de Noailles, Ambassadeur extraordinaire de S.M.T.C. le Roi de France auprès de S.M. le Roi de Sardaigne; contemporary manuscript copy in French, mid-eighteenth century, one page written on a bifolium, the conjugate blank now detached. A formal diplomatic address delivered on behalf of the King of France concerning an offence committed on Sardinian territory, the punishment of those responsible and the strengthening of friendship and dynastic ties between the two crowns. Original folds, show-through and a substantial tear along the central fold, with minor marginal wear. The Republic of Venice and the Patriarchate of Aquileia; contemporary manuscript memorandum in Italian, c.1750, three pages written on one bifolium. A formal statement of the Republic's objections to Pope Benedict XIV's appointment of an Apostolic Vicar over the Austrian territories of the Patriarchate of Aquileia. Referring to a memorial presented on 22 July 1750 and representations made by the Venetian ambassador Andrea Cappello, the document declares the papal innovations prejudicial to Venetian jurisdiction, sovereignty and ecclesiastical privileges. Inscribed "A Monsieur Steavens de la part de son ami W.H.", almost certainly Walter Harte. Original folds, light spotting and minor marginal wear; generally very good. Anonymous topographical poem celebrating the landscapes and artistic heritage of Italy; manuscript in Latin, mid-eighteenth century, five pages written on two bifolia. Opening "Vos nemora, ilicibus crebris frondentia…", the poem invokes Faunus, Bacchus, Zephyrus, Minerva and the Muses while describing Pistoia, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como, villas, gardens, baths and ancient monuments. Raphael, Leonardo and Petrarch are praised among Italy's cultural glories, while the sick poet asks the landscape to provide comfort: "aegro lenimen ferte poetae". Unsigned and undated. Original folds, scattered spotting and minor marginal wear; generally good. Henry VIII (1491–1547), later manuscript copy of a royal letter recommending Cuthbert Tunstall for the bishopric of London; original dated Greenwich, 27 January 1522 [1521 Old Style], the present copy probably eighteenth century. One page in Latin on a single sheet, with copied subscriptions "Henricus R" and "Petrus Vannes". Addressed to Cardinal Giulio de' Medici, papal vice-chancellor and future Pope Clement VII, following the death of Richard FitzJames. Henry praises Tunstall's learning, prudence, modesty and integrity and requests papal provision to the vacant see of London. Original folds, light staining and minor wear; generally good. Paris—court, medical and religious news; unidentified correspondent, manuscript report dated Paris, 9 June 1752, four pages in French on two bifolia. A detailed account of current news, including two Capuchin friars discovered in bed with two women in the Rue Beaubourg; disturbances involving other friars; the reported appointment of M. Fizes, the celebrated Montpellier physician, as first physician to the Duke of Orléans; the death of Madame de Rupelmonde; and negotiations surrounding the Infanta Isabella and a possible marriage to the Prince of Condé. A substantial section concerns the death of Monsieur Dubosc, treasurer to the Prince of Conti, following the alleged refusal of the sacraments by a priest of Saint-André-des-Arts, and the subsequent involvement of the Bishop of Meaux, the King's procureur général and the Parlement of Paris during the Jansenist refusal-of-sacraments controversy. Original folds, light staining and occasional minor wear; generally very good. Pièce de la sentence prononcée le 25 janvier 1752; contemporary manuscript copy in French, [France], 1752, two pages written on one bifolium. Extract from a judicial sentence concerning an allegedly false and malicious accusation made against the Sieurs Montaigu and Taffe by Abraham Taïbo, a Jew, acting in the name of Jacques Roberts. Roberts is ordered to make a public retraction acknowledging that the charges were fabricated and that Montaigu and Taffe were men of honour and integrity. He is condemned to pay each man 10,000 livres in damages, with the sentence to be printed, published and posted at his expense; further complaints are referred to the King's prosecutor. Original folds, slight staining and marginal wear. (7)

Estimate:£300

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