Chateaubriand LS As French Minister of Foreign Affairs Re: U.S. Navigation & Commerce Treaty

A partial 2pp diplomatic letter in French signed by François-René Chateaubriand (1768-1848) in his role as French Minister of Foreign Affairs, as "Chateaubriand" at lower left recto. The date and place are attributed to be June 21, 1823, [Paris, France], according to an English language catalog description affixed to the side opposite Chateaubriand's signature. On cream-laid paper trimmed to 6.625" x 3." Expected wear including scattered traces of adhesive and mounting material recto. Else very good. The dark and bold signature measures 2.5" x .75" alone. From a recently discovered collection that has not seen the light of day for over 70 years!

Chateaubriand is best known as being one of the most influential writers of the French Romantic Movement, yet he was also considerably involved in French Restoration politics. During the period 1814-1829, Chateaubriand served as French Ambassador to Sweden, Prussia, the United Kingdom, and the Papal States. His term as French Minister of Foreign Affairs lasted from December 1822 to August 1824.

This diplomatic letter, though it has been trimmed and thus truncated, apparently relates to the 9-article Convention of Navigation and Commerce concluded between the United States and France (and Navarre) on June 24, 1822. The treaty negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and French Minister Plenipotentiary Baron Hyde de Neuville signed on June 24, 1822 concerned duties on imported goods such as cotton, silk, tobacco, ashes, wine, liqueur, and rice; as well as the extradition of deserting sailors. The compact was ratified by 5th U.S. President James Monroe on February 12, 1823. It is more than likely, then, that in June 1823, Chateaubriand was revisiting the matter of the transatlantic treaty.

Translated in part:

[recto]

"Monsieur, the agreement that wa[s]--
concluded June 24, 1822 between the [United] St[ates]--
and France, must have for effect--
more [concealed] and more activity--
commercial relations of the two nations--"

[verso]

"--of the two nations.

Please accept, Monsieur, the assurances of my distinguished consideration.

[signed] Chateaubriand."

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.

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