Autograph Letter Signed ("Orry"), 2 ½ pp, octavo (conjoined leaves), [Paris?], January 25, 1742, in French, to "M[onsieur] le L[ieutenant] G[eneral]," possibly the duc de Belle-Isle, offering advice on what information should be withheld from the Spanish. Old central fold folds with some small insignificant holes, some light staining and bleed-through.

"I BELIEVE IT WOULD NOT BE WISE TO TELL THE SPANIARDS ... ANYTHING THAT CONCERNS LOUISIANA ... THE SPANISH HAVE NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER TO FAVOR US IN AMERICA" (in part, in translation). A fascinating piece of secret correspondence from one of the most powerful men in France to an individual intimately involved in the negotiations set to re-shape both Europe and North America. The above letter was written at a time when the Spanish were trying to negotiate a treaty with England. The War of the Austrian Succession did not spread to the New World until 1745 with the capture of Louisbourg, but, as this letter makes clear, relevant matters were already under consideration. It is also fascinating to read that France, even though she was Spain's ally at the time, was prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect her interests in America.