75 - Anne de Souvré LOUVOIS [, 1646 –, 1715], Marquise de Louvois, married to Louis XIV’s Minister of War.

Anne de Souvré LOUVOIS [, 1646 –, 1715], Marquise de Louvois, married to Louis XIV’s Minister of War. A collection of 7 autograph letters addressed to her “Dear Berniolle” (Madame de Bernière) while she was accompanying her husband on campaign during the Dutch War in 1673: - Brisach, August 31 [1673]; 5 pages, in-4°. She writes from the banks of the Rhine, explaining that “the troops entered Colmar and Sélestat without firing a single shot, as the townspeople opened the gates to them; they were disarmed and their cannons were seized,” she provides some news of the war and then asks her friend to go buy her some high-quality clothing, fabric, and lace. - Nancy, September 9, 1673, 3 pages, 1/8 in-4°. In this letter, she reassures her friend, who thought he had been forgotten. She provides updates on the war, particularly regarding the wounded: “The entire court arrived here yesterday; as for me, I’ve been here since the day before because of Madame de Rochefort, whose husband was wounded by a musket shot to the arm and collarbone.” - Nancy, September 13, 1673; 3 pages, in-4°. In it, she asks for news of her friend and shares her own news: “Mr. and Mme. Rochefort have been here since the evening before last. He is extremely dejected by his wound, which causes him great pain, but he has no fever. It’s a miracle he wasn’t killed.” She then explains that rumor has it they are about to set out on another journey. She hopes it will be to Paris so they can rest. They are eagerly awaiting news from Mr. de Turenne: “The courier who arrived yesterday reports that there are no longer any rivers or significant forests between the two armies, which suggests that if the Imperial forces wish to fight, the battle will take place the very next day. His Highness the Prince of Orange has laid siege to Voerden, a town we captured last year near Utrecht. It is Mr. de Luxembourg who commands on that front. It is hoped that he will not take it so soon, for there are 2,800 men inside, and on one side, Mr. de Luxembourg will come down hard on them. ” - Nancy, September 20 [1673]; 3 pages, in-4°. “It is not yet known when the King will return to Paris; he is preparing for a journey the nature of which is unknown. […] The two armies are within cannon range of each other, and there have been a few skirmishes; the Imperial forces are cornered in the mountains, where they have little provisions, while Mr. de Turenne’s army is on the plain. […] As for the siege of Voeden, it is proceeding as usual; it is hoped that it will last a long time in order to cause trouble for the Prince of Orange.” - Paris, November 2 [1673]; 3½ pages, in-4°. She provides brief news from Paris and the army. “Cardinal de Bonze has left for Narbonne and the Estates General. The Princess of Modena has arrived; the King came here on Sunday to see her, and she is being accorded every conceivable honor. […] Marshal de Bellefond is leaving for Flanders to command the army because His Highness the Prince will not be spending the winter there, Marshal d’Humières being in Utrecht and Monsieur de Luxembourg expected to arrive with Monsieur de Turenne” - Paris, November 29 [1673]; 2 pages 3/4 in-4°. Regarding the Queen’s Maids, who were the queen’s young, unmarried ladies-in-waiting and who, due to moral issues, were replaced by the ladies of the Parliament on the orders of Louis XIV. “Gaulard has written to you on my behalf regarding the disaster that has befallen the Queen’s Maids; almost all of them have taken sides: Coetlogon remains with Madame de Richelieu by order of the king and the queen. La Motte will marry the Marshal, to whom the king has promised 50,000 écus when she marries. Lannoy is leaving for Abbaye-aux-Bois with the hope of being married before the end of the year. It is believed that she is betrothed to Monsieur de Pompadour; Du Ludres and Dampierre are returning to Monsieur’s residence—it is unclear whether this is in their capacity as Madame’s daughters or because he is taking them into his home. Théobon is going to live with Madame de Guise, and the king is maintaining her pension. […] That is all that is being said about these poor girls. It is claimed that ladies of the court will be brought in to take their place. ” - Paris, “10 p.m.” [1674?], 3 pages, in-4°. In it, she explains that she feels lonely in Paris after the departure of many friends. However, she prefers this life in the city to that at court.