[Joseph Fesch, Prince of France, French cardinal, diplomat, art collector, and uncle of Napoleon Bonaparte.] Autograph Letter in the third person, welcoming 'Monsieur Payne', i.e. bookseller John Payne of Payne and Foss, and his wife, back to Rome.

Author: 
Joseph Fesch, Prince of France (1763-1839), French cardinal, diplomat and art collector, uncle of Napoleon Bonaparte [John Payne, bookseller of London firm Payne and Foss; his wife, born Sarah Burney]
Publication details: 
[Rome.] 7 August 1833.
£200.00
SKU: 23577

1p, 12mo. On bifolium, addressed on the reverse of the second leaf, with the cardinal's seal in red wax to one corner, 'A Monsieur Payne'. In good condition, lightly aged, with stub from mount adhering to inner edge. Folded twice. In a close, neat hand, the letter reads: 'Le Cardinal Fesch fait ces compliments à Monsieur et à Madame Payne et les Félicites de leurs heureux Retour a Rome. | Le Cardinal est toujours visible vers midi mais il tachera de visiter les aimables voyageurs, à leurs auberge avant leur depart. | Ce 7 aoust [sic] 1833.' The Oxford DNB entry of the bookseller Thomas Payne (1752-1831) of the London firm Payne and Foss states that he 'retired in 1825 and was succeeded by his nephew John Payne, but Payne and Foss continued until 1850. John Payne and his wife, Sarah Burney, then retired to Rome, where they spent their remaining years in the company of such distinguished figures as Cardinal Antonelli'.