PHILIP IV: (1605-1665) King of Spain 1621-65 and King Philip III of Portugal 1621-40. A fine L.S., `Yo el Rey´, one page, 4to, Madrid, 20th February 1657, addressed to Esteban de Gamarra, in Spanish. The King addresses the present letter to `Esteban de Gamarra, my Castilian from Ghent and my Ambassador to the united provinces of the Netherlands´, and confirms an order given previously by which the King appointed his correspondent his Ambassador at La Haye, but which he understands that according to the letters and documents received in January, have not been accomplished yet, and states in part `…cumplimiento a la orden que se le envió para que os hicieran el tratamiento de mi Embajador, le escribo de nuevo, encargandole la ejecucion de ella, que no es dudable, lo hara así por ser lo que conviene a mi servicio…´ (`In compliance with the order that was sent to you to treat you as my Ambassador, I write to you again, entrusting you with the execution of it, which is not in doubt, you will do so because it is what is convenient for my service…´) Countersigned at the base by Geronimo de la Torre. With address leaf, bearing a fine Royal paper seal affixed. VG

 

Esteban de Gamarra Contreras (1593-1671) Spanish military Officer and Diplomat. In 1657, year of the present letter, Gamarra was appointed war Counselor to the Council of Flanders. A reputed Diplomat who worked for the seeking and understanding with the General States with the aim of reversing alliances and promoting an agreement with former enemies in the face of the threat that the growing French hegemony represented for both nations. Gamarra also worked for a maritime power, as the collaboration of the Netherlands was essential to ensure Spain's trade with America, and the construction and repair of Spanish ships in Dutch ports.