Letter Of Pardon, Granted By Louis XV — Parchment Signed By Louis — 1738

Parchment with signs of handling—some traces of moisture—worn wax seal.
This is a letter of pardon granted by King Louis XV to François Dislet de Nivelle, Sieur de Lamothe.  ...In connection with the homicide he committed against François de Mirambeau, Sieur de La Forest... Parchment sealed with a large black wax seal on colored cords. Signed “Louis” and by Henri François d’Aguesseau (1668–1751), Chancellor of France. Dated April 1738. This is not an acquittal, but rather the king’s suspension of legal proceedings for the crime.
---- The account states that François Dislet, traveling with several companions, was returning from a fair (in Montpaon?)... he mounted his horse to return home... stopped at an inn... there he encountered Mirambeau, who repeatedly provoked and insulted him, forcing Dislet to follow him out of the inn for an impromptu duel—Mirambeau drew his saber and wounded Dislet. Dislet retaliated, mortally wounding Mirambeau in the face.
----The petitioner seeks to demonstrate that he neither premeditated the murder nor acted treacherously, but that he was compelled to act in self-defense.
----Regarding the signature “Louis” appearing beneath the fold of the document: it is likely that of a secretary. The wax seal is a “Seal of France”; it corresponds to the “Audience of the Seal,” a session presided over by the king during which edicts, ordinances, and declarations are verified and sealed so they can be sent throughout the kingdom.
We have not been able to find the names of Dislet de Nivelle, Lord of Lamothe, or Mirambeau, Lord of La Forest