CÔTE-D'OR. MUSIC. Autograph letter signed Jacques Philippe d - Lot 119

CÔTE-D'OR. MUSIC. Autograph letter signed Jacques Philippe de FYOT DE LA MARCHE, Marquis de la Marche, Comte de Dracy-le-Fort, Seigneur de NEUILLY (Dijon 1702 - 1774) Councillor to the Parliament of Burgundy, Keeper of the Seals of Burgundy, First President of the Parliament of Franche-Comté, Minister Plenipotentiary of the King to the Republic of Genoa - The letter is written from DIJON on May 20, 1739, and addressed to Mr. Richard de RUFFEY, President of the Chambre des Comptes, and elected by the King to the States of Burgundy, in MONTBARD. 3 pages in-4°: "Mr de MONGEY has bequeathed, Sir, to Madame D'ENNEVAL all his music, ancient and modern: Lutes, Guitars, Thuerbes, garnished with all their strings or little else: Vièles, Flutes, à bec, Trompettes marines, et c. Perhaps even Lyres, or at least Harps. It would not have been fair to separate the Harpsichords from them, and leave the good Lady to this rabble of antique instruments. There are three harpsichords. Madame D'ENNEVAL told me today that she would keep the best one. The second cost 100 écus, and the third, which has only one keyboard, one hundred francs. We'll give them cheaper, but I imagine that neither will suit you, and that you'll want something better. You'll be the judge when you get back. I was told that it was soon, and that you would be here in a few days, with Madame de RUFFEY. I'm very sorry I can't be there. I would have begged you to introduce me to my new cousin, and ask her to share some of her good graces on my behalf. The friendship you honour me with seems to give me some right to aspire to hers. Relatives give the same hope to Madame de NEUILLY.... As for me, I am leaving tomorrow to immerse myself in the quagmires of Bresse, where I have indispensable business. My wife remains in Dijon, obliged to guard her room, and perhaps her bed, by a suspicion that will perhaps soon fade away... The cordiality and ease you find in the house where you are, are the praise of those who live there... You deserve well, Monsieur, to be happy; and no one is more sincerely interested in your happiness than I am. It will always be a real pleasure for me to keep your friendship...". 3 pages (22 x 17 cm)