ROHAN, Louis, Prince de (1734-1803). Cardinal and Grand Aumonier of France.
Document Signed ('Le Card de Rohan'), in French, 2 pages folio (somewhat soiled), 6 December 1787, with an engraved portrait laid down on the second leaf. Appointing Nicolas Denis Minard to be the registrar for Coupvray, with remains of a red wax seal.
Rohan was by this time virtually ruined by the infamous 'Affair of the Diamond Necklace', in which he was duped by the Countess de la Motte into believing that if he took an active part in securing the necklace for Marie Antoinette, he would secure her favours, both political and sexual. The complicated confidence game involved a large cast impersonating the Queen, her servants and the Cardinal himself. In the end, the Countess and her husband were found guilty and given harsh sentences. The Cardinal was found innocent, but his obvious gullibility spelt the end of his career.
[No: 19908]