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HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. A good signed 6.5 x 4 clipped piece by Hitler, beneath the typed text “Fuhrer headquarters, 1st of April 1944”, in German. Signed in bold black ink by Hitler alongside a large blind embossed seal of the Nazi eagle, swastika and oak leaves. Matted in black beneath a 5 x 6.5 photograph showing Hitler in a head and shoulders pose, to an overall size of 8 x 12. VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. A good vintage signed postcard photograph, the image depicting Hitler in a head and shoulders profile pose. Photograph by M. Lochner, Berchtesgaden. Signed by Hitler in bold dark ink with his name alone to the lower white border. Small overall minor age wear, mostly to the edges, otherwise G £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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[GUILLOTINE & DEATH SENTENCE]: A rare and good selection of printed original documents, including decrees, referring to guillotine and death sentences, two to four pages, 4to, dated 1791 to 1794, in French, including law decree, two pages, 28th September 1791, abolishing the death sentence under tortures; Law approval by Louis XVI, 25th March 1792, related to ‘Death sentence and ways of executions to be adopted in future’, it is not yet named Guillotine as will be later approved, further saying that the death sentence convicted will have his head cut ‘but Humanity demands that death sentence has to be the less painful when executing..the way that will be adopted will be decided by…in order to be the same all over the Kingdom..’ Together with Antoine Louis (1723-1792) French Surgeon. An interesting lengthy report on ways of decapitation and type of knifes, four pages, recommending the English system; Decree by Lebrun & Garat, 4th December 1792 stating ‘..Anyone suggesting or attempting to restore Royalty in France…will be sentenced to death..’; Decree, three pages, dated 13th June 1793, establishing the cost of the guillotine transport according to distance, etc.. A set of interesting content contemporary decrees. G to VG, 9 £500 - 800 €560 - 900
The first name given to the decapitation artefact was La Louison or Louisette, and after Antoine Louis’ death in 1792, the definitive adoption of system was entrusted to Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738-1814) French Physician.
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[LOUIS XVI]: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. An excellent printed original law decree related to “Measures to be taken when the Homeland is in danger”, four pages, 4to, dated 8th July 1792, in French. The contemporary printed decree states to the heading “Louis, by the grace of God, and according to the State constitutional Law, King of the French..” and reports on the decrees approved by the National Assembly on 4th and 5th July. The present decree was issued only a month before the King was officially arrested and sent to prison, and two months before the National Assembly abolished the Monarchy. VG £120 - 200 €140 - 230
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COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good L.S., by four relevant members of the Committee of Public Safety, one page, folio, Paris, 10th August 1794, in French. Signed at the base by Jean Marie Collot d’Herbois (1749-1796) French Actor, Dramatist and Revolutionary. President of the National Convention in June 1793. Although he saved Madame Tussaud from the guillotine, d’Herbois administered the execution of more than 2.000 people in the city of Lyon during the Reign of Terror; Lazare Carnot (1753-1823); Pierre-Louis Prieur (1756-1827), known as Prieur de la Marne, and Jean-Baptiste Treilhard (1742-1810). The four members of the Committee of Public Safety sign at the base of the document approving the proposal received from the Commission of Arms and Powder, recommending to send rifles to the Navy troops in Brest and Rochefort. Small overall age wear, with upper and right edges slightly trimmed, and a very small tear to the upper border, none affecting the signatures. G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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ROUGET DE LISLE CLAUDE: (1760-1836) French Officer of the French Revolutionary wars. Best known for being the creator of the words and music of the Chant de Guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin which would become later the French National anthem La Marseilleise. A.L.S., ‘Rouget de Lis’, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Mr. Teytier, in French. Rouget states ‘I beg you, Monsieur Teytier, let me know if you have been able to negotiate the sale of the belongings that I left with you, or if at least you expect to achieve it.’ further saying ‘If not, I kindly request you to send them back to me because the persons who gave them to me have told me that they have a way to get rid of them promptly.’ Blank address leaf with very small area of paper loss to the corners as a result of the letter opening. Very small overall minor age wear. G £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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FRERON LOUIS-MARIE STANISLAS: (1754-1802) French Politician, member of the National Convention. Freron is remembered as the infamous appointed to quell the Toulon rebellion. Failing as suitor for the hand of Pauline Bonaparte in 1801, he was sent by Napoleon to Saint Domingue where he died from yellow fever. An interesting and unusual A.L.S., ‘Freron’, one page, 4to, n.p., 4th August 1781, in French. Freron forwards important information to his correspondent in order to help a family, stating ‘..a family which did not deserve at all the cruel fate others expect..’, further stating ‘The only way to get a benefit from my own situation and the crisis in which I am involved, would be consolidating my journal with the guarantee of being protected. Two words from the most eminent person of the Kingdom would be enough to disconcert the infamous intentions of my persecutors.’ Two additional lines written to the verso. Small overall age wear, and a very small hole to the centre fold and tear to the edge not affecting the text or signature. G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
14th September 1789 ‘I have right now received news from Versailles…for the Bastille affair’.
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HULIN PIERRE AUGUSTIN: (1758-1841) French General who decided to take over the Bastille with 75 men and 5 cannons. Hulin was also Commandant of the Headquarters in Paris at the time of the Malet coup attempt. When Hulin refused to accept Malet’s orders, the last shot breaking Hulin’s jaw. An interesting A.L.S., ‘Hulin, Commandant of the Bastille castle’, two pages, 4to, Bastille, 14th September 1789, to his tailor, in French. The present letter was written two months after the Storming of the Bastille. Hulin states in part ‘.. I have right now received news from Versailles ordering me to attend with the delegation a meeting for the Bastille affair.’ Further saying ‘I am right now appointed at the Bastille, as ordered by the Commune and the Headquarters, in my new capacity as Chief Commandant of the Bastille volunteers.’ Hulin concludes kindly asking his correspondent to have his new uniform ready and in time. Overall creasing with few foxing stains, otherwise G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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CAMBON PIERRE JOSEPH: (1756-1820) French Statesman, member of the National Convention, and a talented financial advisor. Cambon drew up the first petition to proclaim a Republic in France in 1791. A good L.S., ‘Cambon l’ainé’, (‘Cambon the elder’), one page, 4to, Paris, 22nd March 1792, to Monsieur Avenard, in French. Cambon thanks his correspondent for his remarks referring to ‘..the gold and silver derived from the suppressed churches. I will mention it when the National assembly will consider this.’ With blank address leaf, addressed to ‘Monsieur Avenard artiste au Bon Pasteur’. Bearing a red ink countersignature of the National Assembly, a paper seal affixed and remnants of a red wax seal to the address leaf. The letter bears an attractive watermark. Small overall age wear with area of paper loss to the address leaf. G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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LUCKNER NICOLAS: (1722-1794) German Officer and Danish Count. Luckner joined the French army, supported the French Revolution and became Marshal in 1791. In 1792 Rouget de Lisle dedicated to him the Chant de Guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin (“War Song of the Army of the Rhine”), which was to become better known as the Marseillaise, the French anthem. Aged 70, Luckner asked for dismissal which the National convention accepted, but when he returned to Paris he was arrested and sentenced to death, dying by guillotine. D.S., ‘Luckner’, one page, 4to, Freskati, Sweden, 16th August 1792, in French. The partially printed document, bearing a rare vignette to the heading stating “La Nation, la Loi, le Roi”, is a pass given to Stanislas Daiguillon allowing him to reach Paris. Signed by Luckner in his capacity as General Commander of the army of the North. With a red wax seal to the front and an attractive ProPatria watermark. Overall age wear, mostly to the edges. Folded, with small tear and very small holes to the fold, not affecting the text or signature. G £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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DANTON GEORGES: (1759-1794) Leading figure of the French Revolution and first President of the Committee of Public Safety. Danton voted for the death of Louis XVI in 1793. Guillotined by the advocates of revolutionary terror. An excellent and rare L.S., Danton, one page, large folio, Paris, 13th August 1792, in French. The hand written letter being a decree of the National Assembly related to the 10th August Storming of the Tuileries Palace and the Swiss Guards behaviour, stating ‘By decree, the National Assembly establishes that the Minister of war will send an urgent report to this Assembly explaining the reasons which have forced Captains Buxdorf, Bourcand and Salis Scevis to resignate and about Lieutenant Colonel Bachman’s behaviour..’ Bearing at the base a red ink stamp. Accompanied by a contemporary 9 x 14 engraving showing Danton’s portrait and biography. Folded. VG, 2 £1200 - 1500 €1400 - 1700
Niklaus Franz von Bachmann (1740-1831) Swiss General of the Napoleonic wars. Brother of Karl Joseph von Bachmann, Commander of the Swiss Guards. Bachman is at the origin of the today’s date flag, being the first during the Second Coalition to re-introduce to his troops the old Swiss symbol of the white cross on a red field which had not been used anymore since the Middle Ages.
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LASOURCE: (1763-1793) Marc David Alba, known as Lasource, being the “nom de guerre” he adopted as a Protestant priest prosecuted by official authorities. French Politician, President of the National Convention from April to May 1793 for a period of only fourteen days. A month later Lasource was arrested because he did not support the prosecution of Marat, and was guillotined at the very early age of 30. A good multiple signed document by four members of the National Convention, one page, 4to, Paris, 30th March 1793, to the Minister of war, in French. The letter signed bears the heading “Convention Nationale - Comité de Sureté Générale et de Surveillance de la Convention Nationale”. Countersigned by J.M. Alquier (1752-1826), Jacques Garnier (1755-1818) and François-Pierre Ingrand (1756-1821). The members of the committee warn the war Minister about the Austrian military threat over the city of Maubeuge, stating in part ‘..You will realise how much this town is in danger and how urgent are the rescue measures claimed. The Committee believes that you will take the necessary steps and without delay to sort this important situation out..’ Folded to the lower border, otherwise VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
The town of Maubeuge was besieged by the Austrian troops on September 23rd 1793. Carnot and Jourdan troops rescued the town.
Lasource is most remembered for his last words before being guillotined ‘I die the day people have lost their reason; You will die the day they will regain it’.
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ERNAULT DES BRULYS NICOLAS: (1757-1809) Also known as Ernault de Rignac. French General of artillery during Revolution and Empire, and Commandant of French Reunion island. Ernault des Brulys committed suicide before surrendering before England at La Reunion. D.S., DesBrusly, one page, 4to, Valencienne, 25th April 1793, to Jean Becays Ferrand, in French. Ernault des Brulys in his capacity as chief of the Ardennes army sends an order to the cavalry corps commandants, only a month before the Valenciennes besiege, stating ‘It is forbidden to recruit, until further notice, any volunteers, whether to send them to the different departments or to regular troops, according to the decree approved by the National Convention.’ Countersigned by Jean Becays Ferrand adding an holograph annotation in his hand. With blank address leaf bearing remnants of a red wax seal and a small hole due to the opening of the letter. VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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ROMME GILBERT: (1750-1795) President of the Convention 1793. French Politician and Mathematician who developed the French Republican Calendar. He voted in favour of the death sentence for King Louis XVI. On 17th June 1795 Romme and five others were sentenced to the guillotine. With a knife hidden, he stabbed himself repeatedly and died on the staircase to the courtroom. His last words are reported to have been “I die for the Republic”. L.S., ‘G. Romme’, one page, folio, Paris, 6th April 1793, in French. The partially printed document bears at the heading a 1792 National Convention vignette and reports on the minutes and decrees issued by the committee, referring to some errors on the 28th March decrees. Signed by Joseph Becker (1743-1812) a Moselle convention member, and countersigned together with Romme by Jean-Baptiste Boyer-Fonfrede (1765-1793) Deputy to the National Convention. He voted for the death sentence of Louis XVI. Guillotined at the very early age of 33, only six months after signing the present letter. The document bears an attractive paper seal affixed to the bottom left corner. With blank integral leaf. Very small professional repair to the fold, otherwise VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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[CUSTINE & FOUQUIER TINVILLE]: Rare contemporary large printed indictment, four pages, large folio, Paris, 14th August 1793, in French. The indictment being issued by Revolutionary Prosecutor Antoine Quentin Fouquier Tinville (1746-1795) French Revolutionary and Prosecutor during the Revolution and Reign of Terror periods, accusing of high treason General Adam Philippe de Custine (1742-1793) French General. The Committee of Public Safety investigated Custine in 1792, but a vigorous defence by Robespierre resulted in his acquittal. A year after he was prosecuted in trial by Fouquier-Tinville, found guilty of high treason and guillotined. The present document being the original indictment. Two years after, Fouquier Tinville himself was sentenced to death and guillotined too. Printed by the printers of the criminal-revolutionary tribunal, rue Saint-Honoré. Folded, with small overall creasing to the edges, the right one being irregularly trimmed, otherwise VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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TALLIEN JEAN-LAMBERT: (1767-1820) French Journalist and Revolutionary. A radical opposed to Robespierre, who voted in favour of the execution of King Louis XVI. Tallien died of leprosy. L.S., ‘Tallien’, a bold and good signature example with flourish, two pages, folio, Agen, 26th September 1793, in French. The partially printed document bears an attractive vignette to the heading. Tallien, in his capacity as Deputy of the National Convention, reports having approved seven articles related to the National Gendarmerie. Bearing a red wax seal in very fine condition alongside Tallien’s signature. VG £120 - 200 €140 - 230
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SANTERRE ANTOINE JOSEPH: (1752-1809) French Brewer who participated in the Storm of the Bastille and became General and Commander of the National Guard during the French Revolution. Very popular for his generosity as owner of the Brasserie de la Magdeleine. A good L.S., ‘Santerre’, one page, 4to, Paris, 6th September 1793, in French. The document bears the printed heading of the Parisian National Guard Head-Quarters, and Santerre states in all citizens, under the safeguard of the law, and if necessary I will travel myself to the location you will indicate to me…’ VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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[CONVENTION DEPUTIES & DOCTORS]: D.S., by multiple National Convention Deputies, one page, folio, Marseille, 16th November 1794, in French. The document is a health commission report, appointing surgeon Antoine Saury, and signed by Jean-Jacques-Régis de Cambacérès, Lazare Carnot, Antoine-François Fourcroy, Prieur de la Marne, Jean Pelet, Richard, Merlin de Douai, etc.. and by the doctors and scientists Bertrand Pelletier, Pierre Bayen, Etienne-Louis Geoffroy, Marie-François Vergez, Théry, Hego, Chabrol, etc.. Hand written heading of the third battalion at Marseille, Army of Italy. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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GOHIER LOUIS-JEROME: (1746-1830) French Politician and Minister of Justice 1793-94 during the French Revolution. In 1799, on his return from Egypt, Napoleon Bonaparte tried to win Gohier, at that time President of the Directory, to his political projects. Gohier’s wife was a close friend to Josephine de Beauharnais. Rare D.S., ‘Gohier’, two pages, folio, Paris, 18th March 1794, in French. The partially printed document being a decree issued by the National Convention on 20th February 1794, and bears a rare and attractive vignette of the executive council. The decree refers to the request received from the Villefranche sur Saone citizens, related to citizen Prouvereau, which has been forwarded to the Sureté Generale Committee. Bearing an ink stamp of the French Republic alongside Gohier’s signature. Folded. Very small minor overall age wear and light staining, with a small tear to the upper edge fold, otherwise G £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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CHAUMETTE PIERRE GASPARD: (1763-1794) French Politician, an ultra-radical during the revolution period. Guillotined at the age of 30. He acted as prosecutor on the Girondists trial in 1793, and made a leading contribution to establishing the Reign of Terror. A good L.S., ‘Chaumette’, one page, 4to, Paris, 2nd Mars 1794, on the Commune of Paris printed stationery, bearing an attractive vignette, in French. Chaumette refers to the affair Aury, to the process and to the Tribunal decision about appointing an architect expert who will declare. Bearing remnants of a former seal beneath Chaumette’s signature. Small professional repair to the verso to the bottom left border, otherwise G £100 - 120 €110 - 140
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ROBERT JOSEPH LOUIS: (1767-1796) General during the French Revolution. Inspirer of the ‘Colonnes Infernales’ of Turreau. Robert committed suicide at the very early age of 29. Rare D.S., Robert, one page, folio, Nantes, 25th March 1794, to Adjutant-General Savary, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading of the Headquarters of the West Army with the printed bonnet, and refers to the enemy deserters forbidding to accept them in any Republican troop. He further requests a full detail of the people serving in the corps under his orders. Extremely small hole at the base of the document not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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FOUQUIER-TINVILLE ANTOINE QUENTIN: (1746-1795) French Revolutionary and Prosecutor during the Revolution and Reign of Terror periods. Sentenced to death and guillotined. Rare L.S., ‘A.Q. Fouquier’, one page, 4to., Paris, 19th March 1794, to the President of the Gers department, in French. Fouquier in his capacity as Public Prosecutor of the Revolutionary Tribunal states ‘..I have received together with your letter of the 15th February 1794 the indictments against the so-called Carris, nicknamed Barbelay and Negré..’ further saying ‘I will make sure that they will be judged as soon as I can.’ Professionally repaired to the left edge. VG £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
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ROBESPIERRE FRANÇOIS DE: (1732-1777) French Lawyer. Father of Maximilian Robespierre (1758-1794) French Lawyer and Politician, and one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution who was guillotined. François de Robespierre is a mysterious character, with hazardous life, disappearing for years and reappearing, enigmatic, very intelligent, and probably suffering some kind of nervous imbalance. Rare A.N.S., ‘Derobespierre’, one page, oblong 8vo, Aix-la-Chapelle, 1st of November 1773, in French. The document being a receipt in Robespierre’s hand, stating ‘..I hereby acknowledge owing to Mr. Baron de Geyer, Grand-Mayeur at Aix-la-Chapelle, the amount of seventeen louis which he has lend to me today..’ Lightly affixed to the upper edge to a slightly larger card. Very small age wear and few very small foxing stains, otherwise G £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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ROBESPIERRE MAXIMILIEN DE: (1758-1794) French Lawyer & Politician, one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution. Executed by guillotine at the age of 36. Rare D.S., Robespierre, at the foot, in his capacity as a member of the Committee of Public Safety, one page, small 4to (slightly trimmed to the edges), Paris, 11 floreal an 2 (30th April 1794), in French. The partially printed document was issued by the Committee of Public Safety and features their vignette at the head (the design featuring an all-seeing eye at the top, a cannon and other military equipment, and incorporating the legends Republique Française, une et indivisible and Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, ou la Mort) and relates to Citizen Guerin, an artist and chasseur serving with the Armee du Nord. The document states that Guerin is ‘requisitioned in order to utilize his talents to transmit to posterity the glorious events of our revolution, in accordance with the call made to artists in the decrees of the Committee’. Countersigned at the foot by Bertrand Barere (1755-1841), French Politician, Freemason & Journalist, one of the most prominent members of the National Convention during the French Revolution; Jean-Marie Collot d’Herbois (1749-1796), French Actor, Dramatist and Revolutionary, a member of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror. Although saving Madame Tussaud from being guillotined, Collot d’Herbois administered the execution of more than 2000 people in Lyon; and Lazare Carnot (1753-1823), French Politician, Engineer, Freemason and Mathematician, known as the Organiser of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. Very slightly neatly trimmed to the edges, only very slightly affecting the annotations to the left margin, and not affecting the main body of text or signatures. About VG £2500 - 3500 €2800 - 4000
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CARRIER JEAN BAPTISTE: (1756-1794) French Revolutionary and member of the Convention. Well-remembered for his infamous Drownings at Nantes (‘Noyades de Nantes’). He was guillotined on 16th December. Rare D.S., Carrier, one page, folio, Paris, 27th May 1794, to J.F. Gantois, in French. Also signed by five members of the Convention comprising Marie Pierre Francastel (1761-1831) accused by Carrier, Jean Jacques Bréard (1751-1840), Gaspard Joseph Lesage-Senault (1739-1823), Michel-Martial Cordier (1749-1824). The partially printed document bearing the heading of the French Republic, National Convention, reports the approval of a passport approved for a Covention Deputy. With a paper seal affixed to the front in fine condition. Together with a rare bulletin including a very interesting report on the accusation against the Representative of the People Carrier, eight pages, 8vo, stating ‘..having given to Phelipe, President of the criminal Tribunal of La Loire, the order to execute, without trial, here and now, 24 brigands who were just recently arrested…one of them aged thirteen and two aged fourteen..’ further listing the different accusations, one of them stating ‘..having ordered the drownings or shooting of a very large number of brigands who went to Nantes expecting a promised amnesty..’ , the sixth and seventh indictment stating ‘..having ordered or tolerated several drownings, including children and women, few of them pregnant, having given unlimited power to Lambert who has taken profit and ordered the drownings of priests…and for the Republican weddings as he called them, obliging a young couple to undress, then they tied them together and drown them…’ A document of exceptional content. VG, 2 £400 - 600 €450 - 680
In a twenty-page letter to his fellow republicans, Carrier promised not to leave a single counter-revolutionary or monopolist at large in Nantes. His vigorous action was endorsed by the Committee of Public Safety, and in the following days Carrier put large numbers of prisoners aboard vessels with trap doors for bottoms, and sunk them in the Loire river. These executions, especially of priests and nuns, as well as women and children, known as the Drownings at Nantes (Noyades), along with his increasing demeanour, gained Carrier a reputation for wanton cruelty. He was described by Thiers as being “...one of those inferior and violent spirits, who in the excitement of civil wars become monsters of cruelty and extravagance.”
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CONVENTION REPRESENTATIVES: A good multiple signed letter by various French Revolution Convention representatives, one page, 4to, Paris, 30th July 1794, to the President of the Paris department, in French. Boldly signed by Jean Jacques Regis de Cambaceres (1753-1824) French Noble, Lawyer and Statesman during the French Revolution and French Empire. Co-Author of the Napoleonic code, which still is at the base of the French and many other countries civil law; Philippe Antoine Merlin de Douai (1754-1838). French Politician and Lawyer. President of the National Convention and member of the committee of Public Safety; François Simeon Bezard (1760-1849) French Politician. Both Merlin de Douai and Bezard voted in favour of the execution of King Louis XVI and Philippe Laurent Pons de Verdun (1759-1844) French politician and Writer. The four people representatives, members of the Legislation Committee, send a request regarding notarial appointments, and convey will issue a report for the National Convention. Professionally repaired to the edges creating a paper frame border. VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
‘..all goods… belonging to citizens known as… both sentenced to death, must be seized...’
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FOUQUIER-TINVILLE ANTOINE QUENTIN: (1746-1795) French Revolutionary and Prosecutor during the Revolution and Reign of Terror periods. Sentenced to death and guillotined. An excellent D.S., A.Q. Fouquier, a good signature example, two pages, 4to, Paris, 16th July 1794, to the citizens administrators of the Yonne Directory, in French. The partially printed document being the report of two sentences to death and order to seize the belongings of the condemned. Fouquier-Tinville, in his capacity as Public Prosecutor of the Revolutionary Tribunal, states that ‘..all goods in the department of Yonne belonging to citizens known as Poirier, shoemaker, and Jean Leroy, also called Sans-Gene, both sentenced to death, must be seized...’ The document bears to the front heading a large red wax seal. A very interesting document. Very slightly trimmed edges, otherwise VG £1200 - 1500 €1400 - 1700
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COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good L.S., by four relevant members of the Committee of Public Safety, one page, folio, Paris, 10th August 1794, in French. Signed at the base by Jean Marie Collot d’Herbois (1749-1796) French Actor, Dramatist and Revolutionary. President of the National Convention in June 1793. Although he saved Madame Tussaud from the guillotine, d’Herbois administered the execution of more than 2.000 people in the city of Lyon during the Reign of Terror; Lazare Carnot (1753-1823); Pierre-Louis Prieur (1756-1827), known as Prieur de la Marne, and Jean-Baptiste Treilhard (1742-1810). The four members of the Committee of Public Safety sign at the base of the document approving the proposal received from the Commission of Arms and Powder, recommending to send rifles to the Navy troops in Brest and Rochefort. Small overall age wear, with upper and right edges slightly trimmed, and a very small tear to the upper border, none affecting the signatures. G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good multiple A.L.S., two pages, 8vo, Paris, 27th September 1794, in French. The document bears to the heading a large and attractive vignette of the French Republic & Committee of public safety. The autograph letter is in the hand of Philippe-Antoine Merlin de Douai (1754-1838) French Politician and Lawyer. President of the National Convention. He voted for the execution of King Louis XVI. The letter is individually signed by Merlin de Douai and by two more leading members of the committee, Lazare Carnot (1753-1823) French Physicist and politician, known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars, and Jean-Baptiste Treilhard (1742-1810) French Statesman. Treilhard was President of the National Constituent Assembly, Chairman of the Council of Five Hundred, and President of the National Convention during the trial of Louis XVI. The document states ‘We believe we have to warn you that we have entrusted to citizen Oudart, President of the criminal court of the Paris department, an important mission to deal with in a foreign country and for the good result and success of the mission it would be convenient that..’ Clipped piece of paper affixed to the verso. Overall staining, mostly to the left edge, only partially affecting two letters of one of the signatures. F to G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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TAPONIER ALEXANDRE CAMILLE: (1749-1831) French General. At the Storming of the Bastille, Taponier was Sergeant and he leaded the assault to the prison. A good A.L.S., ‘Taponier’, two pages, 4to, Platzberg, 7th September 1794, in French. The document being military orders given to the 34th Regiment of Infantry stating in part ‘It will be ordered that a patrol will be created for each of the 4 regiments, from the bridge to Cosel; these patrols, each one commanded by an officer, will browse the river shore and will arrest the soldiers trying to cross it..’ Overall age wear and foxing stains. G £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY: A good multiple L.S., by various members of the Committee of Public Safety, three pages, folio, Paris, 7th December 1794, in French. The partially printed document being an appointment proposal as adjutant to Brigade General in favour of Jean Laurent Courselles, eleven signatures in total, including Antoine François Fourcroy (1755-1809) Count of Fourcroy. French reputed Chemist. His 1787 publication Méthode de Nomenclature Chimique is considered a pillar of the modern chemistry; Philippe Merlin de Douai (1754-1838) President of the French Convention and Minister of Justice under the French Directory ; Edmond Louis Dubois-Crancé (1747-1814) French Politician and Soldier. President of the Convention 1793 and Minister of war in 1799. He voted in favour of death penalty in the trial of King Louis XVI; Emmanuel Sieyes (1748-1836) also known as Abbé Sieyes. French Clergyman and political writer. His 1789 pamphlet What is the Third Estate ? became the manifesto of the Revolution. President of the National convention in 1795. Sieyes coined the term ‘Sociology’, and supported Napoleon’s coup d’etat who brought him to power; Jean François Reubell (1747-1807) French Lawyer and politician. President of the Directory 1795. Very small overall minor age wear and light creasing otherwise VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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CAMBACERES JEAN JACQUES DE: (1753-1824) French Noble, Lawyer and Statesman during the French Revolution and French Empire. Co-Author of the Napoleonic code, which still is at the base of the French and many other countries civil law. D.S., Cambaceres, two pages, folio, Paris, 12th April 1795, in French. The partially printed document being an extract from the records of deliberations of the Committee of Public Safety, referring to Lemarie, Director of supplies, and to the delivery requested for 400 me in Versailles. The document bears a large and attractive vignette of the French Republic and Committee of Public Safety. Also signed at the base by Lesage, member of the National Convention. Very small overall age wear. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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CARNOT LAZARE: (1753-1823) French Physicist and politician. Known as the Organizer of Victory in the French Revolutionary Wars. An excellent and rare A.L.S., ‘Carnot’, one page, 4to, n.p.[Paris], 2nd September 1795, to patriot Palloy, in French. Carnot as ‘representative of the people’ explains to his correspondent that he has received his circular and states in part ‘I have received Citizen...the seals and engravings enclosed and the forged medal with the tyranny iron which has weighed over France....’ further saying ‘I also had my own part of prosecutions suffered by the patriots of 89..’ Carnot refers to seals and engravings issued for the commemoration of the Revolution. Two extremely small holes not affecting the text or signature. One crease and very small area of paper loss to the left edge, otherwise G £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
Pierre Francois Palloy (1755-1835) Known as Palloy the Patriot. Building contractor who started demolishing the Bastille the same 14th July 1789 and secured the contract two days later. A thousand workers participated in these works and large stones were reused for the construction of the Pont de la Concorde. Palloy wrote speeches, arranged celebratory festivals and issued paintings reconstructing the Storm of the Bastille.
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GREGOIRE HENRI: (1750-1831) Also known as Abbé Grégoire (“Abbot Gregoire”). French Catholic Priest, Abolitionist and revolutionary Leader, appointed President of the Convention. Rare D.S., ‘Gregoire’, two pages, 4to, 3rd December 1795, to Citoyen Guillotin responsible of the National Bureau du Domaine, in French. Gregoire plead in favour of Doctor Pierre Broussonet who is about to go into exile because of his support to Girondists and states in part ‘..he is in Montpelier now, and is dealing with his legal situation, to be withdrawn from an emigrants list. Don’t you think citizen that Justice should claim the suspension of the sale of his belongings, being a reputed erudite, until the court will decide about him? This law respects the rights of everyone and of the Nation and in accordance with the principles of equity…’ With blank autograph address leaf. VG £250 - 350 €280 - 400
Gregoire is well remembered for his memorable speech in the first session of the National Convention, 21st September 1792, stating ‘Kings are in morality what monsters are in the world of nature’. Two months after Gregoire delivered a speech demanding that King Louis XVI be brought to trial and immediately after was elected President of the Convention, over which he presided in his episcopal dress. Abbé Gregoire attempted to save the life of the monarch by proposing that the death penalty should be suspended.
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EBLÉ JEAN BAPTISTE: (1758-1812) French general in charge of bridge equipment in the Grande Armée. Eblé leaded the building of two of the three bridges built over the Berezina river in November 1812. He waited as long as he could before burning them, allowing the maximum number of troops crossing. Appointed General for his behaviour and achievements, he died of exhaustion thirteen days after. A.L.S., Eblé, one page, folio, Dunkerque, 23rd January 1796, in French. The document bears the printed heading of the “North Army - French Republic - Liberté - egalité - Fraternité - Eblé Division General and Artillery Commandant”. Eblé orders citizen Lefaivre, engineer serving the North army to supervise the installation of the furnace in the arsenal of the city. Countersigned by Major Commandant Despriez. Bearing to the front a red wax seal in fine condition. Folded, with overall minor age wear and edges slightly trimmed. G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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DUBOIS PAUL-ALEXIS: (1754-1796) French General who leaded the cavalry at Lambusart and Fleurus. Killed at the Roveredo battle. A good A.L.S., Alexis Dubois, one page, folio, Mons, 4th March 1796, in French. The document bears an attractive printed vignette to the heading and Dubois states in part ‘Citizen Henry Duroché, Captain of the 9th artillery regiment has forwarded to me a letter from the Minister of war authorizing him to solicit the post of Commandant mobile in the nine departments, situating him before General Tilly..’ Folded. Small overall minor age wear with small professional repair to the verso. G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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DUGUA CHARLES FRANÇOIS: (1744-1802) French General of the West army, further General Head of Staff under Lecrec at Saint Domingue. Killed during the attack to Fort Pierrot. An interesting L.S., C.F.J. Dugua, two pages, large folio, Caen, 13th May 1796, in French. Dugua, in his capacity as General of Division, responds to the letter received by citizen Canisy who has been arrested by Dugua’s order, stating ‘I write to you requesting your authorization to remain arrested at home, supervised by a guard, or in the way you decide. I am in a very bad health situation, and can’t make any kind of service, I can’t even dress myself..’ Dugua orders to appoint two health officers. To the verso two doctors report on Canisy’s health, explaining his very bad situation. Folded. Small overall, minor age wear, with edges slightly trimmed. G £150 - 200 €170 - 230
‘..ordering without delays the formation of a Martial Court.. The Conseil General needs to fulfil the commitment with the people, creating such Tribunal before midnight.’
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BILLAUD-VARENNE JACQUES NICOLAS: (1756-1819) French Revolutionary, often considered a key architect of the period known as The Reign of Terror. Nicknamed “Le Tigre” (“The Tiger”). Billaud-Varenne was a member of the Committee of Public Safety, later sentenced to deportation to French Guiana after his involvement in the 12th Germinal insurrection (1st April 1795). A good L.S., ‘Billaud Varenne’, one page, 4to, Paris, 14th August 1796, to the President of the Temple Parisian section, in French. The document bears the printed heading of the “Municipality of Paris” above a Parisian revolutionary vignette, Billaud Varenne stating ‘The National Assembly has issued Monsieur le President a decree ordering without delays the formation of a Martial Court, the people are waiting for such institution, and they want it promptly..’ further saying ‘.. Therefore I kindly ask you to make the necessary to proceed during the day of today with the election of the members who will compose the tribunal.’ Billaud Varenne concludes stating ‘The Conseil General needs to fulfil the commitment with the people creating such Tribunal before midnight.’ With blank address leaf bearing a red wax seal in two parts due to the opening of the letter. Very small remnants of former affixing, otherwise VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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DESAIX LOUIS CHARLES: (1768-1800) French General, often considered the real winner of the Marengo battle where he died after a shot in his heart at the very early age of 31, & MOREAU JEAN VICTOR (1763-1813) French General who helped Napoleon to power, but later became a rival and was banished. Moreau was mortally wounded in the battle of Dresden. Well remembered for his last words ‘Be calm, gentlemen; this is my fate’. Two A.Ns.S.,’Desaix’ and ‘Moreau’, at the base of a D.S. by Adjutant General Edme-Joseph Boulland, one page, folio, Roberfon, 8th November 1796, in French. Both officers recommending the officer chief in charge of the ambulance at Couville for his excellent behaviour and courageous attitude ‘..in different situations happened since their crossing of the Rhin..’ Small area of paper loss to the left upper edge, not affecting the text or signature. Folded G £250 - 350 €280 - 400
‘Patriots are threatened and often slain by Royalists. Everything makes us fear a
rekindle of the war in the Vendée if we do not hasten to stop the evil.’
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HOCHE LAZARE: (1768-1797) French General of the Revolutionary army. Best known for his victory over Royalist forces in Brittany. Minister of war. Lazare died of tuberculosis at the early age of 29. An excellent L.S., with three autograph lines in is hand, ‘L. Hoche’, one page, 4to, n.p., [Vendée], 21st November 1796, to General Dugua, in French. The document states in part ‘Patriots are threatened and often slain by Royalists. Everything makes us fear a rekindle of the war in the Vendée if we do not hasten to stop the evil.’, further requesting troops to join them and the appointment of a commissar who would grant order and ‘..avoid contagious overflows..’. The document being the copy of a letter sent by the inhabitants of Lisieux to the Directory which Hoche forwards to General Dugua annotating alongside his signature ‘..to G[ener]al Dugua, who will be the General requested.’ Bearing a red ink Directory stamp to the upper left corner. A very good content and association letter. With edges slightly trimmed and overall small creasing. G £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
Charles François Dugua (1744-1802) French General. Present during Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, commender of Cairo, further General of the West army and furthermore General Head of Staff under Lecrec at Saint Domingue. Killed during the attack to Fort Pierrot.
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BARRAS PAUL: (1755-1829) French Politician during French Revolution. Main executive leader of the Directory regime 1795-99. Large D.S., P. Barras, one page, large folio, Paris, 13th January 1797, to Jean-Baptiste Gault, in French. The partially printed document is the appointment of Jean-Baptiste Gault as infantry Captain, including his personal details, services rendered, war campaigns, wounds, etc.. Also signed by Claude Louis Petiet (1749-1806) in his capacity as Minister of war. The document bears to the bottom left corner an attractive paper seal affixed. Folded. About VG £250 - 350 €280 - 400
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CHAMPIONNET JEAN-ETIENNE: (1762-1800) French General of the Revolutionary Wars. Commander in Chief of the Army of Italy. Championnet died of typhus at the early age of 37. A good A.L.S., ‘Championnet’, two pages, folio, Vetzland, 23rd October 1797, to General Lefevre, in French. A lengthy and carefully written autograph letter by Championnet, referring to the letters received from Lefevre from Strasbourg, referring also to General Augereau, and sending a detailed list of concerns and comments related to the North Army and his own troops, stating in part ‘These troops wear perfect uniforms, fully equipped, are well paid, while our own ones are almost naked, and they have not been paid for the last four months..’ further adding a long list of needs, and forwarding his own thoughts about forming troops. Blank address leaf, with small area of paper loss and a red wax seal in fine condition. A letter of very good content. G £120 - 200 €140 - 230
François Joseph Lefebvre (1755-1820) Marshal of France, Duc de Dantzig and Prince d’Essling.
Charles Pierre Augereau (1757-1816) Marshal of France, Duc de Castiglione.
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GRENIER PAUL: (1768-1927) French General during revolution and under the Empire, an excellent tactician credited with many battle victories. A.L.S., Grenier, one page, folio, Mülheim, 10th February 1798, to the Ministry of war. Grenier reports on the use of the funds received to pay spies and secret missions, stating ‘..1200 francs which I received from General Hoche to attend the secret and extraordinary expenses..’ With watermark. Together with the report list of such expenses, one page, folio, also signed by Grenier. Folded. G, 2 £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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FOUCHÉ JOSEPH: (1759-1820) Convention Deputy and Minister of Police. L.S., Fouché, one page, 4to, 8th September 1800, to the director of the tax department of the Seine, on his printed stationery as Police Minister, in French. The partially printed document bears a vignette of the republican police to the heading. Fouché reports on his ministry employees as requested by the tax department. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
| THE NAPOLEONIC WARS |
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ROCHAMBEAU COUNT OF: (1725-1807) Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. Count of Rochambeau. French Marshal and Nobleman. Rochambeau played a major role as Commander in Chief of the French Expeditionary Forces, helping the American Continental Army to win independence against British forces during the American Revolution. A good and clean L.S., ‘le Cte de Rochambeau’, two pages, folio, also dated in his hand ‘Brest, 25th June 1775’, in French. The carefully written document being a lengthy and detailed report entitled ‘Regiment de Beaujoloies’, and relates to the regiment situation stating ‘The Officers are all perfectly trained, wearing impeccable uniforms.. 213 men having been at war remain in this regiment.., further listing the number of soldiers, the new ones arrived, dead ones, deserters, etc.. Left edge very slightly irregularly trimmed, otherwise about VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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LA FAYETTE GILBERT DU MOTIER: (1757-1834) Marquis de La Fayette. French Aristocrat and Military Officer. Close to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, La Fayette fought in the American Revolutionary War. He later became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. A good A.L.S., ‘Lafayette’, one page, 4to, n.p., 1st of January, n.y., to a Countess, in French. La Fayette thanks his correspondent for her kindness and states in part ‘..and although I am recovering, I am still retained on my bed. This small illness has harmed my search of a nurse.. he will get along with the person who will take care of the small family, and in this way attend the mother first..’ With blank address leaf in La Fayette’s hand with area of paper loss as a result of the opening. Folded. VG £1000 - 1500 €1100 - 1700
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MALET CLAUDE FRANÇOIS DE: (1754-1812) French General. Executed by firing squad after a failed coup d’état when Napoleon I returned from the Russian campaign in 1812. L.S., Malet, one page, folio, Besançon, 9th February 1797, in French. The document bears the written heading of the Rhin and Moselle Army, and is signed by Malet in his capacity as General Adjutant and Chief of Staff of the 6th military division headquarters. Malet grants a leave permit in favour of Pierre Patares, rifleman of the light infantry regiment. Countersigned by several additional officers. Overall age wear with few repairs to the edges and verso. G £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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ESPAGNE JEAN LOUIS BRIGITTE : (1769-1809) French cavalry General, killed in the Essling battle at the early age of 30. Rare L.S., ‘Jean Espagne’, one page, 4to, Meuse, 14th January 1798, to the Minister of war, in French. The partially printed letter bears the Cavalry army of Mayence printed heading and states in part ‘..report on the wounds suffered by Brigadier Helmann, 4th Cavalry regiment, in different combats, which precludes him..’ VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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GREZIEU PIERRE BERARDIER: (1755-1799) French General of the French Revolution. Appointed vice-Chief of Staff under General Bonaparte, he was present at the Battle of the Pyramides and Commander during de besiege of Jaffa where he died of plague few weeks after victory. A rare D.S., ‘Grezieu’, being a printed military day order, two pages, folio, Cairo, 30th August 1798, in French. The printed document is issued by Alexandre Berthier, in his capacity as General and Chief of Staff, and was printed at Cairo. Signed in bold black ink at the base of the document. Left edge very slightly trimmed, otherwise VG £120 - 200 €140 - 230
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CISALPINE REPUBLIC: A good A.L.S., by Captain Malavasi, ‘Salut Rispetto - Malavasi’, one page, folio, Bolonia, 2nd December 1798, to the war Minister, in Italian. The letter bears an attractive vignette to the heading, above the printed title “Liberta - Amor Della Patria - Equaglianza”. The Cisalpine Republic had been created by Napoleon a year earlier. Malavasi refers to his orders related to volunteer Mariano Merli. With blank address leaf, bearing to the last page contemporary annotations and receipt dates. Folded. About VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
The Cisalpine Republic was a sister republic of France in Northern Italy which lasted from May 1797 to January 1802 when the Extraordinary Cisalpine Consulta decided to change the name of the State to the Italian Republic.
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