Beschreibung:

MARIE ANTOINETTE (Queen of France, 1774-1793). Letter signed ('Marie Antoinette') addressed to the King of the Two Sicilies, Versailles, 19 May 1782 , expressing her pleasure at the news of the birth of a daughter to her sister the Queen, on the 26th of the previous month, and subscribing herself with renewed assurances of her affection 'De V . . Maj . . Bonne Soeur, Cousine et Belle-Soeur', one page, 4to (224 x 184mm) , integral address leaf, two red wax seals with silk cords, endorsed 'La Regina di Francia'. Marie Antoinette's sister, Maria Carolina (1752-1814) had married Ferdinand IV, King of Naples and Sicily, in 1768. Seven of their numerous children survived infancy. By her marriage treaty Maria Carolina was granted a voice in the Neapolitan Councils of State and her influence was very great. Lady Hamilton was in her confidence and the Hamiltons and Nelson accompanied her on her flight from Naples to Palermo on the arrival of the French at Naples.