PARDO DE TAVERA JUAN: (1472-1545) Grand inquisitor of Spain 1539-45, Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela (“Saint Jacques of Compostela”) since 1524, later appointed Archbishop of Toledo and Primate of Spain in 1534. Pardo de Tavera was also appointed by Charles V in 1539 Regent of Castile in his absence until 1541. Rare L.S., as Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo, one page, folio, Astorga, 12^th September [1541-1544], to Cardinal Farnesio in Rome, in old Spanish. The present letter is written during the last years of Pardo´s life, when he was Grand Inquisitor, stating in part `Alonso de Villacorta y el licenciado Miguel Hortiz informaran a Vuestra Excelencia de algunas cosas que les escrivo; le den quenta como principal Protector de todas las que a mi me toca y tan inclinado a favorecer las que son justas y honestas… y quiera interponer en ello su oficio y autoridad según lo espero de Vuestra Reverencia. Y del gran zelo y rectitud de su ilustrisima persona la cual guarde Nuestro Señor muchos años…´ (Translation: “Alonso de Villacorta and Miguel Hortiz will inform Your Excellency of some things that I am writing to you; will give you an account as the main Protector you are of all those matters related to me and so inclined to favour those that are fair and honest... and want to intervene with his knowledge and authority in it as I expect from Your Reverend. And of the great zeal and rectitude of Your most Illustrious person, whom Our Lord will protect for many years...”) Signed at the base `Humilis Servitor´ (“Humble Server”) With address leaf. Overall age wear and toning with some water staining. Left edge with few binding holes and creasing to the left border. F to G