BONCOMPAGNI (Ignace). - Lot 45

BONCOMPAGNI (Ignace). Rome, 1743–1790. Cardinal, Secretary of State to Pope Pius VI. Letter signed “Cardinal Boncompagni,” with a signed handwritten postscript, addressed to the Bailiff of Suffren. Rome, July 22, 1787. 1½ pages, in-4. An important diplomatic letter in which Cardinal Boncompagni expresses regret at not having been able to meet with his correspondent in Rome and refers to a matter brought before the Holy Father. He emphasizes that the papal provisions remain in accordance with justice and that no changes can be made while the case is pending before the courts. In a handwritten postscript, however, he is keen to reaffirm his personal sentiments, stating that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to express his esteem. A fine example of papal chancery correspondence, combining legal matters with diplomatic relations involving a prominent figure, the Bailiff de Suffren.