JOHN III SOBIESKI: (1629-1696)

JOHN III SOBIESKI: (1629-1696) King of Poland & Grand Duke of Lithuania 1674-96. A popular King among his subjects and a respected military leader whose 22-year reign marked a period of stabilization. Very rare L.S., `Jan Krol´, signed by the King of Poland, one page, oblong folio, 25th October 1686, to Jan Benedykt Sapieha, in Polish. The letter states to the heading, ''John Sobieski Third, King of Poland by the Grace of God, Grand Duke of Lithuania, Ruthenia, Prussia, Mazovia, …'' The letter states in part `…With the present letter we inform that ... according to the privilege of Sigismund Augustus II in 1569, at the General Assembly of Lublin of the Grand Duke of Lithuania,… in which such a law related to fiefs, farms ... lands, forests, ... lakes, ponds, meadows and other all goods ... We can rule these subjects/natives ... we can add to our treasury the duty of the service, both with the fief of Samogitia duchy..´ Bearing at the base of the front page a large blind embossed seal of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. With registration annotations to the verso. Overall age wear, with two small tears to the lower edge, and two small holes, not affecting the signature or seal. G Jan Benedykt Sapieha, Polish-Lithuanian nobleman and politician. He was appointed Treasurer of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Sapieha was a member of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Parliament and took part in the expedition to Khotyn in 1673. He contributed to and supported the victory of Jan III Sobieski as King.