BORROMEO CHARLES: (1538-1584) Italian Cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as Archbishop ...

BORROMEO CHARLES: (1538-1584) Italian Cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Milan 1564-84 and was a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation. Borromeo was canonized as a saint by Pope Paul V in 1610. A rare L.S., `Il Car[dina]le Borromeo´, one page, 4to, Rome, 19th August 1564, to Count Cesare Gonzaga at Mantova, his brother-in-law, in Italian. Borromeo was formally appointed Archbishop of Milan only three months before the present letter was written. The Cardinal responds to his correspondent´s request, stating in part 'Vostra Eccellenza sà con quanto ristritto, et riservationi convenga procedero nei casi di religioni, et di fidi tuttania per il mio continuo desiderio che tengo di servirla…´ (Translation: “Your Excellency knows how strictly and with what reservations it is appropriate to proceed in cases of religions and trusts, however, due to my continuous desire to serve you...”) Further, Borromeo grants the way this matter will be handled saying `…ma vostra Eccellenza, si può assicurare che no gli si farà torto alcuno... altra mira che del servitio di Dio et della giustizia...´ (Translation: “...but I can assure Your Excellency that no harm will be done to him... no other aim that the service of God and justice…”) With blank address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed in fine condition. Small overall minor age wear and toning, mostly to bottom and right edges, otherwise G

Cesare I Gonzaga (1530-1575) Count of Gustalla and Count of Amalfi. Son of the Imperial condottiero Ferrante Gonzaga, Cesare was a member of the House of Gonzaga. In 1558 he was appointed Commander-in-chief of the troops of the King Philip II in Lombardy. He married in 1560 Camilla Borromeo (1536-1583), sister of Charles Borromeo and niece of Giovanni Angelo de´ Medici, elected Pope with the name of Pius IV.