196 - COLIGNY (Henriette de), Countess of LA SUZE, 1617–1673.

COLIGNY (Henriette de), Countess of LA SUZE, 1617–1673. Letter from the sender: “H. de Champaigne / Lasuze,” Paris, September 21, 1666, 2 pp., in-4, to Monsieur de la Faïsse in Geneva, with remnants of a black wax seal bearing the coat of arms. An interesting letter concerning the death of Charlotte Caumont de la Force, attesting to the ties the Countess of La Suze maintained with Protestant circles after her conversion to Catholicism. A descendant of one of the most illustrious Huguenot families (she was the great-granddaughter of Admiral de Coligny), Henriette de Coligny had solemnly renounced the Reformed faith in 1653. Here, however, she engages in a confidential conversation with her correspondent in Geneva, thanking him for his “zeal” and asking him for information that would allow her to “take decisive action” in a delicate matter. Above all, she is responding to the words of consolation he had sent her following the death of Charlotte de Caumont La Force, wife of Marshal de Turenne, who had passed away on the previous April 13. Having remained faithful to the Reformed faith, Madame de Turenne was a prominent figure in court Protestantism. La Suze refers to “the distressing news of the death of the blessed Madame de Turenne” and thanks her correspondent for expressing sympathy for this loss, “one felt by the public as well as in her private life.” The signature is particularly interesting: “H. de Champaigne / Lasuze.” Henriette thus continued to use the name of her second husband, “Gaspard de Champagne, Count of La Suze,” even though their marriage had been annulled in 1661 following a long and sensational separation proceeding. A beautiful letter from the famous poetess, whose “Poésies” were published precisely that year, revealing the persistence of her ties to the Reformed world thirteen years after her conversion. Enclosed are an engraved portrait of the author and the former certificate of export for cultural property issued by the Ministry of Culture.