155 - ARIÈGE. LA CHAIZE, François d’Aix de (1624–1709), French priest, confessor to Louis XIV. He gave his name to the famous Parisian cemetery. Autograph letter signed “De La Chaize,” addressed to “D’Ercé, Abbess of Salenques,” that is, to Gabrielle Ire de Sirgan d’Ercé. Paris, February 21, 1695. 1 p. 17 x 11 cm. Framed. Unframed.

ARIÈGE. LA CHAIZE, François d’Aix de (1624–1709), French priest, confessor to Louis XIV. He gave his name to the famous Parisian cemetery. Autograph letter signed “De La Chaize,” addressed to “D’Ercé, Abbess of Salenques,” that is, to Gabrielle Ire de Sirgan d’Ercé. Paris, February 21, 1695. 1 p. 17 x 11 cm. Framed. Unframed. Interesting letter: “Madam. The King [Louis XIV], well aware of the lack of virtue and regularity at the Abbey of Salanques, believed—based on the favorable report he received regarding your virtue and the merit of your life—that you would restore the spiritual life of this abbey, and subsequently its temporal affairs, which usually decline due to a lack of good order and regularity in religious houses. This is what led him to appoint you to that abbey. I hope that God will bless your leadership and your dedication there, and I will gladly assist you whenever the opportunity arises in whatever way I can. I remain, Madam, your most humble and most obedient servant […].” Gabrielle Ire de Sirgan d’Ercé, of the Cistercian Order, had just been appointed Abbess of Salenques (in 1694) and would remain so until 1719.