CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56.

CHARLES V: (1500-1558) Holy Roman Emperor 1519-56, and King Charles I of Spain 1516-56. Grandson of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand & Isabella. He brought together such extensive territories in western, central and southern Europe, and the Spanish colonies in America and Asia. So large were his domains that they were described as 'The Empire on which the sun never sets'. A fine L.S., `Yo el Rey´, a bold and large good signature example, one page, folio, Valladolid, 22nd February 1523, to Rodrigo Celdran, in old Castilian. Writing in his capacity as King Charles I of Spain, the King orders to give this letter to his General Lieutenant in the principality of Catalogne and counties of Roussillon and Sardinia, ordering to send to `..father Pedro de Cardona, Archbishop of Tarragona, fifty halberdiers who we send to him so he keeps them as guards of his person, in order that he can in a better way and more freely administrate justice..´, further referring to the payment and amounts of their salaries, their ranks, their Captain in charge of the weapons, the horses, etc…. Countersigned by Raphael de Soannes. Overall minor age wear, with three extremely small holes not affecting the signature and slightly trimmed edges with few stains. G Pedro de Cardona (1445-1530) Appointed Bishop of Urgel in 1472, and further of Tarragona in 1515. General Lieutenant of the principality of Catalogne.