French Items Incl. Chateaubriand ALS, French Revolution & Napoleon Bonaparte Related DSs, 4 Pcs from 1725-1827

A group of four French autograph letters signed, letters signed, and documents signed spanning from 1725 to 1827. Signers include celebrated Romantic poet François-René de Chateaubriand; Napoleonic War era General Laurent de Gouvion, later Saint-Cyr; and government functionaries from pre-Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary France. Archival content ranges from poetry and military service, to currency printing and real estate. In generally very good to near fine condition. The largest item measures 8.875" x 13.625" overall. Please see catalog photos for additional information relating to content and condition.

The items include, in chronological order:

1. A 3pp manuscript document in French signed by Royal Notary Gilbert Vidal on the bottom of the third page. issued from Montluçon, approximately 331 km directly south of Paris in the Allier department in central France, between February 19 - February 26, 1725. Secretarially inscribed on bifold laid paper, and bearing two clear and distinct duty marks on the first page. Docketed on the last page. Expected wear including flattened folds, as well as isolated pencil or colored pencil inscriptions, else very legible and near fine. 7.375" x 9.625."

The document outlines the terms of a real estate contract made between one François Brugière, "a merchant residing in this city of Montluçon, [in] St. Peter's parish" and a city squire named Gilbert à la Margot de Fontbouilhaut. Brugière agreed to pay twenty "deniers tournois" to Fontbouilhaut in exchange for the use of "a house…situated in St. Peter's parish, consisting of two shops, an oven, a storeroom, two high rooms, and three attics above the said shops and rooms," the building being located on "the Big Street going from St. Peter's gate to the Cher River bridge."

2. A 1p manuscript document in French signed by Pierre Charles Louis Baudin (1748-1799), then a Revolutionary era legislator, as "Baudin" at lower right. Issued from Paris, France on May 8, 1793. Secretarially inscribed on watermarked laid bifold paper, the inner and outermost pages blank. Expected wear including flattened folds and isolated foxing, else near fine. 6.5" x 8.375." Accompanied by French language catalog descriptions of the item, and a previous collector's research relating to the August 24, 1792 law outlining the Courtalin paper mill's production goals. Ex-Spink & Sons Auction, October 2016; ex-Archives International, March 2014.

The Courtalin paper mill was tasked with printing 300 million assignats--the paper currency used in Revolutionary France between 1789-1796--in 10, 15, 25, and 50 sous denominations. This quota was fulfilled on May 6, 1793. The document informed "Citizen Guérin, inspector of the paper mill at Courtalin" that his duties were now at an end. This was an ideal point for Guérin to get out of the paper currency industry, as chaos-fueled devaluation made its use untenable and unpopular. Simon-François Lamarche, who had overseen the roll-out of the assignat, was arrested and executed in November 1793, and Étienne Clavière, the Swiss financier who advocated for paper currency, committed suicide to evade arrest in December 1793.

The Courtalin paper mill was established in 1767 in Pommeuse, France, approximately 50 km east of Paris, and was owned by the Delagarde and Odent families during most of its early history. The Courtalin paper mill was the first French manufacturer of vellum paper, and was thus granted royal privileges. In 1792, the Courtalin paper mill was granted the aforementioned lucrative contract of printing assignats. Part of the Courtalin printing run would be earmarked for use in the national treasury, and the remainder reserved for circulation in the respective departments.

3. A 2pp autograph letter in French signed by Laurent de Gouvion later Saint-Cyr (1764-1830), the Napoleonic War era general, boldly signed as "Gouvion" on the bottom of the second page. Written in Montpellier, France on 21 pluviôse l'an 9 (February 10, 1801) on either side of paper partly printed with Gouvion's letterhead. Expected wear including flattened folds and adhered marginal strips, else near fine. 8.875" x 13.625." Also accompanied by a printed book plate showing the Gouvion coat of arms, and an image of Gouvion in military uniform.

In this letter addressed to Finance Minister Martin-Michel-Charles Gaudin (1756-1841), General Gouvion lobbies on behalf of his brother-in-law, Jean-Baptiste Voisius, the latter whom wanted to be considered for the position of inspector in the forestry administration in Henay (Meuse). General Gouvion argued that Voisius deserved the promotion because of his past military service.

Translated in part:

"From this time [when Voisius's first request for promotion was made], my brother-in-law Voisius, wanting to respond to the call of the first consul [Napoleon Bonaparte] to former soldiers [to reenlist], asked for a leave of absence to go to war; in praising his zeal, you granted it to him; he reported as soon as possible to Dijon, where he was incorporated into the Cavalry Battalion of Bonaparte; from there he was, with his corps, in Italy…"

4. A 1p autograph letter in French signed by poet François-René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), as "Chateaubriand" at lower right. Written in Paris, France on June 22, 1827 on bifold paper. The inner and outermost pages are blank. Expected wear including flattened folds and scattered holes affecting the last page, else near fine. 6" x 7.75."

Chateaubriand addressed these words to an unknown correspondent and aspiring poet. Translated in part:

"I have read your verses, Sir; they are full of soul and of life; their only default is to be addressed to me, who has only helped the Greeks by vain words…I thank you sincerely, Sir, and pray you to accept the assurance of my distinguished consideration…"

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!