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Artists Folio Case

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. Rare D.S., Louis, a good signature example, twelve pages, large folio, Versailles, 27th December 1788, in French. The hand written document being a detailed report of the tax receipt incomes and expenses related to 1785. Carefully and cleanly written and presented, divided by area locations, such as Armagnac, Lomagne, etc… and giving exact detail of the Royal Treasury funds. Bearing four countersignatures at the base by Charles de Paule de Barentin (1738-1819) seals Keeper of the Kingdom, Henri Lefèvre d´Ormesson (1751-1808) French Statesman, Antoine Jean-Baptiste Auget de Montyon (1733-1820) French Economist and Philanthropist and Claude Guillaume Lambert (1726-1794) French Magistrate and Minister. Guillotined. The present document is signed only six months before the French Revolution started. VG £800-1200

HENRY III OF FRANCE: (1551-1589) King of France 1574-89. Last French king of the House of Valois. Assassinated. A good D.S., `Henry´, one page, parchment, oblong folio, Paris, 26th February 1578, to Robert de la Vieuville, in old French. The King grants salaries and confirms payments agreed to Robert de la Vieuville from the Comté of Rethélois, as Lieutenant General. Countersigned by the Secretary of State Pierre Brulart. Folded. Small overall creasing, and a tear to the left edge not affecting the text or signature. G £600-900

MCCUDDEN JAMES: (1895-1918) English Fighter Ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his flying services over France, August 1917 - March 1918. Extremely rare D.S., `J. B. McCudden´, one page, folio, France, 25th January 1918. The partially printed typed document is a typed letter report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by McCudden following his action in a S.E.5. Aircraft in the Cambrai area, over Urvillers, stating, in part, `..All of my patrol got in some shooting, and after Lt Durrent had fired a final burst E.A. went down out of control just S of Cambrai..´ further saying `At 2.45 attacked a Rumpler at 17,000 W of St. Quentin and fired about 200 Rounds at him at varying ranges from 30 to 100 yards. Left E.A. diving almost vertically over Urvillers at about 6000 feet at 2.50 absolutely out of control. Went N climbing and at 3.25 attacked an Albatross fighter who was escorting an L.V.G…´ An excellent signed document relating directly to McCudden's 44th Aerial Victory (from a total of 57 confirmed Victories). Countersigned by Major commanding Squadron 56 of the Royal Flying Corps. One file hole to the upper left corner not affecting the text or signature. VG £600-900

ANNA OF RUSSIA: (1693-1740) Anna Ivanovna, Empress of Russia 1730-40. D.S., `Anna´, one page, folio, Moscow, 15th May 1731, in Cyrillic. The handwritten document is a decree, ordering Treasurer Kaysarov to attend payments due to merchants who have supplied wallpaper and other decoration supplies for the new palace hall, for a total of two thousand rubles plus ten thousand one hundred and six rubles and eighty-four kopecks and one fourth. To the verso the letter bears a list of seventeen merchants with names and amounts to pay, Vasiky Ivanov 1808 rubles and 63 kopecks, Petr Nikitin 60 rubles and 12 kopecks, Avdotya Artamonova 8 rubles and 55 kopecks, etc… Paper bearing watermark. Small overall age wear and few small stains, otherwise G £800-1200

NICHOLAS II: (1868-1918) Emperor of Russia 1894-1917. Assassinated. A good D.S., Nicholas, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Tsarkoe Selo, 22nd November 1904, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document is a decree addressed to the Chapter of Russian Imperial and Royal Orders bestowing three imperial orders, including the Imperial Order of Saint Anna, second class, with swords, in favour of Lieutenant-Colonel, General of Staff and Pacific Ocean Fleet Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Aycard, for his dedicated service in Port Arthur. Two further Orders of Saint Anna and Saint Vladimir are granted to officers Voskresensky and Klado for their tactical plans achievements and war time efforts. Nicholas II orders the Chapter to issue in favour of the awarded officers the knights insignias and credentials. Countersigned by Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich `Aleksei´, in Cyrillic, Commander-in-Chief and General Admiral of the Navy. Extremelly small areas of paper loss to the right edge, as a result of detaching, but not affecting the text or signatures. About VG £1200-2000Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia (1850-1908) son of Tsar Alexander II of Russia and Marie of Hesse. General-Admiral of the Russian Navy from 1883 until 1905. Well-remembered for his visit to U.S and for his buffalo hunts, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich was the favourite uncle of Nicholas II. He was relieved of his command in 1905, six months after signing the present decree, after the Russian defeat in the Battle of Tsushima. He retired and lived in Paris until his death three years later.

JOHN II CASIMIR VASA: (1609-1672) King of Poland 1648-68. Known as Jan Kazimierz. Third and last Monarch from the House of Vasa, he succeeded his brother Wladyslaw IV Vasa to the Polish throne and married his widow. His reign was one of the most disastrous in the history of Poland. In 1668 John II Casimir resigned and went to France, hospitably treated by King Louis XIV, where he resided until his death and without issue. A good L.S., `Bonus frater et aff.nis Joannes Casimirus Rex´, one page, folio, Warsaw, 25th August 1666, to Prince Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, in Latin. The King expresses his happiness having been informed about the increasing support Frederick William is getting for his election and declares his full support and affection for him, also referring to the birth his new son, Prince Louis. With blank address leaf. Remnants of former seal to the address leaf, and small overall age wear, otherwise G £2000-3000

MOVILA IEREMIA: (1555-1606) Voivode of Moldavia 1595-1600 & 1600-06. Rare L.S., `Hyeremia Mogila´, one page, folio, Zuchaviae, 27th September 1596, to Alphonso, Apostolic Nuncio in Transylvania, in Latin. Movila announces that he is sending his messenger the noble Theodore Philipouzki with his letter, further sending his best wishes and blessing to his correspondent. With blank address leaf, bearing a royal paper seal affixed. Small overall age wear. G £800-1200Ieremia Movila was a boyar who was placed on the throne as Prince of Moldavia by Polish Chancellor Jan Zamoyski, after the acceptance of Imperial tutelage over Moldavia by Stefan Razvan, having received backing from Transylvanian Prince Sigismund Bathory and Emperor Rudolf II. Movila was also accepted by the Porte, and Moldavia became a vassal of both countries, owing tributes to the Holy Roman Empire and to the Ottomans. When Stefan Razvan tried to return on the throne he was faced by Movila and Zamoyski, was captured and impaled.

NICHOLAS I OF RUSSIA: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicolas, in Cyrillic, four pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 24th January 1832, to several awarded officers and judge, in Cyrillic. The manuscript letter, bearing a blind embossed seal to the upper right corner, is a Decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial and Royal Orders, bestowing the Order of Saint Anna to Commander Major General Martynov, Judge Councillor of Olonetsky Ivan Bek, Superintendent of Sevastopol Ilya Morozov.. Further listing several dismissals and ordering the Chapter to issue insignias and credentials to the Knights. Countersigned at the base by Duke Alexander of Wurttemberg, 26th January 1832. The two sheets are partially semi-detached. VG £800-1200

ABDELKADER IBN MUHIEDDINE: (1808-1883) Algerian Religious and Military Leader "Sharif". Abdelkader led the struggle against the French colonial invasion. L.S., `Abd el kader bin Mohi eddine´, above his personal ink seal, one page, folio, Paris, 12th Rabii II of year 1282 of the Hegira, (4th September 1865), to Monsieur Lapaine, in Arabic and alongside the translation into French. Abdelkader sends his best wishes to his correspondent, blessing him, and stating in part `..we specially recommend you the bearer of the present friendly letter Kaddour bin Mohi ed din who we consider as our son and the dearest person.. Give him your support and influence according to your generosity.. God bless you and increase your dignity.´ With blank integral leaf. Folded, otherwise VG £800-1200

CLEMENT X: (1590-1676) Pope of the Roman catholic church 1670-76. L.S., `Devot[issi]mo et oblig[atissi]mo E[milio] Vesc[o]vo di Cam[er]ino´, one page, folio, Naples, 24th August 1646, to Monsignore Bentivogli, Nuntio of Florence, in Italian. Clement X, born Emilio Bonaventura Altieri, in his capacity as Bishop of Camerino 1627-66, states in part `..in the safeguard desired by him to dwell surely in this city, being assured of the advantage of my assistance to his service..´, signed at the base, to the bottom right corner. With blank address leaf. Folded, with small overall minor age wear and foxing stains. G £400-600

LEO XIII: (1810-1903) Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1878-1903. A good and attractive D.S., `Card Epis Perusinus´, 15 x 10.5 oblong folio, one page, Perugia, 26th May 1866, in Latin. The partially printed document being a certificate, bearing a large heading "Cardinalis Joachimus Pecci", given to Anselmus Anselmi. Signed by Leo XIII in his capacity as Archbishop of Perugia. Folded to the centre. With a blind embossed seal to the front left lower corner and two watermarks, one showing a bird. Showing to the verso a contemporary annotation alongside a Curia Citta di Castello ink stamp. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG £150-200

GEORGE IV: (1762-1830) King of the United Kingdom 1820-30. Unusual L.S., `George P.R´, at the heading, a good and large signature example, one page, large folio, n.p., n.d., [April 1816], in French. George IV, in his capacity as Prince Regent, `In the name and on the behalf of His Majesty´, signs to the upper left corner of a document entitled `The Word for May 1816´, listing below 31 passwords, each one being the name of a city, given for each day of the month. Stating in part `1-Woolwich.. 7-Harlow.. 11-Coventry, 12-Peterborough.. 26-Canterbury..´ Folded. VG £300-400

CELINE LOUIS FERDINAND: (1894-1961) French Novelist. Known as Celine, being his real name Destouches, a controversial writer because of his antisemitism. A good A.L.S., with his initials `LFC´, two pages, folio, Copenhagen, 12th September 1947, to Charles Deshayes, in French. Celine states in part `As far as I am concerned, in the current conditions, nothing to say - nothing to do.. My enemies are identified. They hold the power and that is all. They do not care at all about arguments… but the main point is not at all there. Shaking my own story I aggravate my case. I have served enough as Punchinello.. ("Polichinelle")´. Further saying `The Silence - The military matters dominate everything on this planet.. these persons are preparing a new war… crowds must be amused between wars.´ Accompanied by the original envelope postmarked and post-stamped. Folded, with very small tear to the fold and small corner creases. G £1200-2000Charles Deshayes, French Journalist in Lyon, friend and correspondent of Celine.

VICTOR-PERRIN CLAUDE: (1764-1841) Marshal of France. Minister of war. Duc de Belluno. L.S., `De Bellune´, with a three lines holograph post-scriptum, two pages, folio, Paris, 8th July 1822, to General Pamphile de la Croix, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner three printed heading of the Minister of war. Victor reports on `..the rewards that the King has granted to the officers who proved their valour during Caron´s arrest´, further saying `His Majesty is satisfied with the honourable feelings shown by the 46th regiment… and has kindly authorized me to distribute some drinks among officers..´ One of the four officers awarded is Adolphe Thiers´ brother, and each of them is granted 1.500 francs, total amount which Marshal Victor reports. At the base of the document, Victor adds a post-scriptum in his hand saying `Please let me know the names of the officers who were present with Nicol when Caron was arrested.´ Folded. VG £80-100 Augustin-Joseph Caron (1774-1822) French Colonel. Caron was one of the leaders of the 19th August 1820 complot, remembered as "The French Bazar". Caron would be released after trial, but only two years after Caron planned the evasion from jail of his accomplices and intended a pronunciamiento. The 2nd of July 1822 Caron is arrested after taking the lead of conspirator troops, sentenced to death and executed.

MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II & VITTORIO EMANUELE III (1869-1947) King of Italy 1900-46. D.S., Mussolini, and Vittorio Emanuele, one page, folio, Rome, 18th March 1937, in Italian. The partially printed document being a decree according to which the King of Italy grants the rights of Captain of Infantry Pasquale Martirano as war invalid. Signed in bold black ink at the base of the document, two large good examples signatures. With one official contemporary red ink stamp of the war minister to the verso. The document bears a watermark. Folded, with extremely small pinholes from former staples to the left border, otherwise VG £100-150

ELIZABETH I OF RUSSIA: (1709-1762) Empress of Russia 1741-62. L.S., Elizabeth, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 24th January 1737, in Cyrillic. The manuscript document is a Decree to the Patrimonial Chancery, instructing that attention to Piotr Novikov´s horses has to be maintained and that the same money he was receiving when he was working for the chancery as salary has to be paid in future. Further also instructing that the sum of 150 roubles has to be paid annually to the notary Bogdanov, as well as 800 kilos of flour and oat every four months, first the flour at the beginning of each period and after, at the end of each period, the money. Very small minor age wear, otherwise VG £1000-1500

BERTHIER LOUIS ALEXANDRE: (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Wagram and Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. L.S., Ml. Berthier, one page, folio, Paris, 7th May 1803, on the printed stationery of the War Minister, to the Prefect of La Lys, in French. Berthier states `Citizen Prefect, I have informed the General Commandant of the 16th military division that the order I have given to replace Captain Mazure was not subject to any revocation. This officer will not be ever again employed in the recruitment department whichever will be the decision of the martial court he will have to face...´ With blank address leaf. Two small staple holes not affecting the text or signature, otherwise about VG £100-150

COMITÉ DE SURETÉ GÉNÉRALE: A good multiple signed D.S., one page, folio, Paris, 3rd February 1795, in French. Signed at the base by PAUL BARRAS (1755-1829) French Politician during French Revolution. Main executive leader of the Directory regime 1795-99; François Louis Bourdon (1758-1798), known as Bourdon de l´Oise, French Procureur at the Parlment of Paris, arrested and deported to French Guiana; Jacques-Antoine Boudin (1756-1797); Louis-Alexandre Vardon (1751-1809); Stanislas Joseph Rovere (1748-1798) and Charles Jean-Baptiste Dobiche de Lomont (1748-1829). The partially printed document bears the printed heading of the National Convention, Committee of General Security, beneath a large ink stamp of same committee., stating that `The Committee has approved that citizen François Pierre Valentin who was arrested at the communal house of Caen, will be immediately released and that all seals affixed on his belongings and documents removed. The National agent of the Caen district will be in charge of executing the present order.´ The document bears a Committee of General Security paper seal affixed to the lower left corner. To the lower right corner bearing a small stamp of the Earl of Crawford collection. To the verso showing a list of the Convention members signing the present document, written in a collector´s hand. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise G £250-350

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

FOUCHÉ JOSEPH: (1759-1820) Convention Deputy and Minister of Police. L.S., Fouché, one page, folio, Paris, 19th December 1805, to the Marshal Minister of war, in French. Written to the upper left corner `Police Generale - Premier Arrondissement´. Fouché explains that he has sent letters to all Prefects of departments were they do not have war prisoners, and wishes to value the advantages and inconvenients of sending war prisoners, stating in part `Le Pas de Calais wishes that we do not send them any, arguing several reasons which I consider importants. Same happens with Calvados, La Somme asks for three hundred, explaining that two hundred would be imprisoned at the Amiens Citadel, while the remaining 100 in the Peronne one..´ Fouché further states that he will be keeping updated his correspondent when the Prefects will be reporting on this. Clipped upper right corner, otherwise VG £150-200Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon. Minister of war 1800-07.

[BONAPARTE - EGYPT]: Pierre Berardier Grezieu (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

DARRÉ RICHARD WALTHER: (1895-1953) German high-ranking SS, a leading Nazi “Blut und Boden” Ideologist (“Blood and Soil”). He served as Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture 1933-42. Signed 8vo card `R,Walther Darré´, in bold black ink, beneath a 2 x 3.5 printed photograph of Darré affixed to the card, the image showing him in a head and shoulders pose. Dated in Berlin, 14th July 1933. Accompanied by the original T.L.S., one page, folio, Berlin, 26th august1933, on the Reichsminister of Food and Agriculture printed stationery, to Walter Burri, in German. Also including the original Ministry printed-stationery envelope, post-stamped. G £100-150

BERTHIER & MARET: Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchatel. Chief of Staff under Napoleon, & Hugues Bernard Maret (1763-1839) Duke of Bassano. French Statesman and Prime Minister 1834. D.S., `Alex Berthier´, `Hugues B. Maret´, also signed `Bonaparte´ in another hand on behalf of the Emperor, one page, folio, St. Cloud, 16th June 1803, in French. The partially printed document issued by the war department, being a certificate appointing Guillaume Despie as Chief of Battalion, bears an attractive vignette to the heading. Signed by Berthier in his capacity as Minister of war and by Maret in his capacity as First Consul and Secretary of State. The document lists the services given, campaigns attended, actions and wounds. Berthier´s signature is partially affected by a stain. Professionally repaired to the edges. Overall creasing and folded to the centre. F to G £250-350

ISSIGONIS ALEXANDER: (1906-1988) English-Greek car Designer. Best-known for his development of the Mini which was launched in 1959 by the British Motor Corporation. The Mini was voted the second most influential car of the 20th century. T.L.S., `Alec Issigonis´, one page, folio, Birmingham, 28th November 1972, on the Austin Morris Group, British Leyland, printed stationery, to Nelson Taylor. Issigonis, in his capacity as Advanced Design Consultant, sends a short thanking message to his correspondent. Signed in bold blue ink. VG £100-150

[LOUIS XIV]: (1638-1715) Also known as Louis the Great or The Sun King. King of France 1643-1715. Son of Louis XIII. His reign of more than 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history. A good L.S., `Louis´, by his secretary, one page, large oblong 22 x 14 folio, vellum, Marly, 4th July 1701, in French. The document being the appointment of Captain Treguet, to the guard costs regiments in Bretagne. Countersigned by Phélypeaux at the base. Overall age wear, mostly to the borders, with few tears and few small areas of paper loss to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise about G £120-200Jerome Phelypeaux (1674-1747) Count of Pontchartrain. French Statesman. King´s House and Navy Secretary of State 1699-1715.

NICHOLAS I OF RUSSIA: (1796-1855) Emperor of Russia 1825-55. L.S., Nicholas, in Cyrillic, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 7th May 1832, to Baron Pahlen, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Imperial Royal Orders, with the attestation of the Archpriest of Riga´s St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Ioann Diakonov, by the honour bestowed by the Most Holy Synod, and by which Baron Pahlen is awarded with the St. Anne Order of second degree. A bold signature example by the Emperor, with flourish. With a small tear and creasing to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG £800-1200Fyodor Petrovich Pahlen (1780-1863) Russian Diplomat. Russian Ambassador to the United States 1811-15. General-Governor of Novorossiya.

DAVOUT LOUIS NICOLAS: (1770-1823) Marshal of France, Duc d´Auerstaedt and Prince of Eckmuhl. Known as the Iron Marshal, Davout was the only Napoleonic Marshal not to have been defeated in battle by 1815, & OUDINOT NICOLAS (1767-1847) Marshal of France. Duc de Reggio. D.S., `Louis Davout´, one page, folio, Milan, 23rd October 1800, in French. The partially printed document, bearing the printed heading of “Davout General of Division, Chief Commandant of the Italian Army Cavalry”, grants the retreat pay to Louis Emond, vice-Lieutenant of the Dragoons of the sixth regiment, according to the orders received by the Minister of war and by General in Chief Brune. Also signed `Oudinot´, in his capacity as Chief General of the Army of Italy to the lower left corner. Bearing to the lower right corner a paper seal affixed. Folded, with small overall minor age wear and creasing. G £200-300

DIX OTTO: (1891-1969) German Painter. Noted for his harshly realistic depictions of German society and the brutality of war. One of the most important artists of the Neue Sachlichkeit. A.N.S., `Otto Dix´, one page, folio, n.p., 27th April 1959, to Dr. Zluham, in German. Dix refers to financial situation and to an offer for the artwork entitled Christus 56, and states `Thank you for the money. Attached the lithography “Christus 56”. The total cost is 100 DM´ accompanied by an unsigned 10 x 8 photograph of Dix. Folded. Otherwise VG £80-100

BARRAULT JEAN-LOUIS: (1910-1994) French Actor and Director. Best known for his role in Marcel Carné´s film Les Enfants du Paradis (1945). A.L.S., `J.L.Barrault´, one page, folio, n.p., 28th November 1957, in French. A cleanly written friendly letter by Barrault, stating in part `..I will meet you with pleasure on Sunday 8th December, between morning and evening, between 5h30 and 6h, at our Sarah Bernhardt lodge, we will talk seriously about Artaud… Your idea about a book about Artaud revives in me a wish.. We must seize the opportunity.´ A letter of good content. VG £60-90

[WATERLOO]: A good multiple signed document, one page, folio, 19th September 1826, to n. Papere, in French. The partially printed document being a full report of the military services given by Vice-Lieutenant Papere, issued by the Queen´s regiment of dreadnoughts. The cleanly written and detailed report states in part that `Prisoner of war at the time of General Dupont capitulation in 1808, returning from prison in England on 26th May 1814.´ further saying `Wounded to his leg by a fire shot at Waterloo.´ Folded, with small overall age wear. G £100-150

BRISSOT JACQUES PIERRE: (1754-1793) Also known as “De Warville”, French leading figure of the Girondins. Founder of the abolitionist Society of the Friends of the Blacks. An excellent D.S., `J.P. Brissot´, two pages, folio, Paris, 24th September 1792, in French. The document bears the printed heading “Decree of the National Convention - First year of the French Republic”, and states in part `.. the commissars appointed to the Pyrenean departments, in order to grant the defence and order are authorized to suspend General Staff Officers, or any other officer whether civil or military if they judge the replacement necessary… and to order the arrest of the persons they will consider suspicious..´ Also signed at the base by Gaston Camus alongside Brissot´s signature, and bearing a National Convention paper seal affixed. With blank integral leaf. Folded, with very small age wear, otherwise VG £800-1200 De Warville has its origin in the English version “d´Ouarville”. The Hamlet of Leves. The present decree was issued only few weeks after the September Massacres, from 2nd to 6th September, where a number of killings occurred in Paris and other cities. More than one thousand prisoners were killed within 20 hours. Armand-Gaston Camus (1740-1804) French Revolutionist. Camus obtained the abolition of titles of nobility in 1791. Member of the National Convention, he wrote in January 1793 that he voted “Death without appeal”. Camus was captures and kept in captivity by the Austrians for 39 months, and was exchanged for Marie Therese of France in November 1795. Camus remained republican and refused to take part in the Napoleonic regime.Jérôme Pétion de Villeneuve (1756- 18?) French Writer and Politician. Mayor of Paris 1791-92. On 4th August 1792, only a month before the present letter was signed, Petion demanded the deposition of the King.

ALEXANDER II: (1818-1881) Emperor of Russia 1855-81. Assassinated. A good D.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, two pages, folio, Saint Petersburg, 1st of January 1871, to Pafnuti Chebyshev, in Cyrillic. The partially printed document is a decree according to which Alexander II as Emperor and Autocrat of all Russias bestow the Imperil Order of Saint Anna, 1st class, to State Councillor and member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences Pafnuti Chebyshev, for his dedicated service and scientific works. Countersigned at the base by Chancellor of Orders V. Adlerberg alongside a paper seal affixed in very good condition. With blank integral leaf. Small tears to the folded edge, otherwise VG £1000-1500

WLADYSLAW IV VASA: (1595-1648) King of Poland 1632-48. A renowned Patron of the Arts. Wladyslaw gained fame when he defeated the Ottoman Empire and was elected Tsar of Russia by the Seven Boyars in 1610, although he did not accept the Russian throne. An extremely rare L.S., `Vladislaus Rex´, one page, folio, Royal Palace, 2nd March 1632, to archbishop of Larissa, in Italian. The king of Poland states in part `..I will be pleased that Your Santity instructs the payment of ten thousand florins to Bartholomeo Morichoni, my servant, to attend the supplement of the expenses for the war against the Turks…´ The document bears to the front a large paper seal affixed. With blank address leaf. Overall age wear and staining. Professionally repaired. F to G £800-1200Nuncio Honorato Visconti (?-1645) Archbishop of Larissa.

OFFENBACH JACQUES: (1819-1880) German-born French Composer. An excellent Autograph Musical Manuscript, one page, oblong folio musical score, n.p., n.d. The boldly and carefully penned musical quotation in Offenbach´s hand contains over a hundred bars, and corresponds to Offenbach´s work `Ba-ta-clan´, a musical “Chinoiserie”, operetta in one act composition, first performed at the Parisian Bouffes-Parisiennes in 1855. Ba-ta-clan was Offenbach´s first important success. The draft score includes corrections and choirs text in pencil below. Small age wear, with a fold, one crease to the bottom edge and with the right edge slightly trimmed and damaged. Accompanied by the certificate of exportation issued by the French ministry of Culture. About VG £2000-3000

VICTOR-PERRIN CLAUDE: (1764-1841) Marshal of France. Duc de Belluno. L.S., De Bellune, one page, folio, Paris, 12th February 1823, on the Minister of war printed stationery, to Trobiand de Kerven, in French. Victor, in his capacity as Marshal and Minister Secretary of state for War states in part `Monsieur, I am honoured to announce to you that the King…has granted your appointment as Colonel of the Royal State Corps…´ The letter bears an attractive watermark “Pro Patris - Van Der Ley”. With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £60-90

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. Unusual D.S., Louis, in his hand, a good and large signature example, one page, folio, Versailles, 19th August 1787, to the Duke of Orleans, in French. The King sends a request to his correspondent, asking him to take the necessary decisions and send orders to the police officers permitting them to maintain the order at the Royal Palace gardens, stating in part `…the increasing number of people issuing fake letters of exchange and other commerciable documents oblige us to take all kind of precautions in order to stop this disorder… It is at the privileged areas where the surveillance is requested… I expect that with your zeal and your devoted service to the State order, you will give precise orders to the Royal Palace Governor, and for as long as the circumstances will oblige..´ With a Royal paper seal affixed. Right and left edges very slightly trimmed with darker borders, bearing preventing plagues small tears to the letter borders. Accompanied by a L.S., one page, folio, Versailles, 20th August 1787, addressed by a Marshal to the Duke of Orleans, in French. The document states `I have the honour of sending to Y.S.H. a letter of the King which H.M. has instructed me to forward to you. I would have liked to have the honour of delivering it to your Y.S.H. in person but the circumstances hold me in Versailles..´ With a Pro Patria watermark and blank integral leaf. G, 2 £1500-2000 Louis Philippe II (1747-1793) Duke of Orleans 1785-93. Son of Louis Philippe d´Orleans and cousin of King Louis XVI. Guillotined. He was Premier Prince du sang (Prince of the Blood closest to the throne after Sons and Grandsons of France). During the French Revolution he changed his name to Philippe Egalité. One of the wealthiest men in France who actively supported the Revolution of 1789 and advocated for the suppression of the absolute monarchy. Louis Philippe II voted for the death of King Louis XVI, his correspondent in the present letter. Louis Philippe II was guillotined in 1793 during the Reign of Terror. His son Louis Philippe d´Orleans became King of the French from 1830 to 1848.

PETER III: (1728-1762) Emperor of Russia for only six months in 1762. Son of Anna Petrovna, the elder surviving daughter of Peter the Great. Peter III was deposed, most probably assassinated, as a result of a conspiracy led by his wife who succeeded him as Catherine II. Despite his very short reign, Peter III proclaimed religious freedom, a very enlightened move at that time, abolished the secret police and forbid landowners to kill their serfs. An extremely rare document, signed as Emperor, only two days after ascending to the throne. L.S., `Peter´, in Cyrillic, a bold ink signature, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 7th January 1762, to Bakhirev and Yakimov, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree addressed to the Court Office instructing to appoint Spiridon Bakhirev and Petr Yakimov Lieutenant Colonels and granting the allocation of their salary in the sum of three hundred rubles per year. The sheet bears a crown watermark. In very fine condition. VG £6000-9000

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. N.S., Napol, to the right margin of a D.S. by several officers, three pages, folio, Paris, 1st December 1810, in French. The partially printed document from the War Minister, provisions department, is a letter addressed to the Emperor referring to previous Napoleon´s orders related to a large purchase of wheat, with a lengthy explanation regarding the different prices options as well as the provenance and port where the wheat could be shipped. To the right margin, annotated in the Emperor´s secretary hand `Ancona is the most favourable place, unless we can make the purchase in Hungary and make them shipped through Trieste… because there is apparently no hostilities, we could get half of the supply now and the other half next year, and therefore by 1812 we would have received the whole requested.´ Small overall, minor age wear to the edges. Folded. VG £600-900 The day after the present letter was signed, Napoleon lost the Ile de France, today Mauritius, captured by the English, and few weeks after the alliance between France and Russia was broken.

NEUTRA RICHARD: (1892-1970) Austrian-American Architect. T.L.S., `Richard Neutra´, one page, folio, blue paper, Berlin, 31st December 1966, to Anthony Krafft, in German. Neutra states in part `We can imagine how busy you are during this turn of the year… Would it be possible for you to send me perhaps three copies of the essay..´ Small overall creasing due to thin paper. VG £120-200

CECILIA RENATA OF AUSTRIA: (1611-1644) Queen consort of Poland 1637-44 as spouse of King Wladyslaw IV. Archduchess of Austria as daughter of Ferdinand II, holy Roman Emperor. Cecilia died at the very early age of 32 after giving birth to a stillborn daughter. None of her children exceeded childhood. Rare L.S., Cecilia Regina, one page, folio, Warsaw, 16th June 1640, to Archbishop Larissano, Apostolic Nuncio to Warsaw, in Latin. The Queen of Poland thanks her `very dear friend´, refers to their former correspondence and mentions that `..last ones delivered by your son, which makes me happy..´ Cecilia further thanks the Archbishop for the favour rendered. With blank address leaf, bearing a royal paper seal affixed. Overall age wear and creasing, with small water stain to bottom and upper edges, not affecting the text and signature. G £1000-1500

BARKER WILLAIM GEORGE: (1894-1930) Known as “Billy Barker”. Canadian Fighter Ace during First World War. A Victoria Cross recipient. Barker is the most decorated serviceman in the history of Canada. D.S., `W. G. Barker´, in his capacity as Commanding 139 Squadron, one page, folio, brown paper, Trento and Pergine, France, 13th September 1918. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Combat Report (headed Combats in the Air), corresponding to the 139 Squadron, aeroplane B.F. 8084 8078, at 9-0 a.m., the Remarks being `Ten E.A., D.5´s and one 2-seater. Pilots poor´, and the narrative stating, in part, '…Captain Dalrymplewas then attacked by another D.3. from the right and below. Pilot side slipped to the right placing his Observer, Lt. Beagle, in position. Observer fired 3 drums into the E.A. from about 50 yards range. During the last drum this E.A. turned over and burst into flames..´ A lengthy and very interesting combat report. Barker died in an aircraft crash at the early age of 35. His funeral has been the largest national state event in Toronto´s history. VG £400-600

ANNA CATHERINE CONSTANCE VASA: (1619-1651) Polish Princess. Daughter of King Sigismund III and his second wife Constance of Austria. Anna Catherine Vasa died childless at the early age of 32. Rare L.S., Anna Catharina Constantia, one page, folio, Warsaw, 14th January 1634, to a reverend, in Latin. The Princess congratulates her correspondent for his new appointment and indicates that `..your appointment will increase happiness all over the world..´ further thanking him for his previous and kind letters and wishing him all the best. With blank address leaf, written to the last page the date, location, and `Sor.ma Principessa di Polonia´. Overall age wear and staining, with edges trimmed. F to G £400-600

WIRION LOUIS: (1764-1810) French General of the Gendarmerie. Rare A.L.S., Wirion, one page, folio, Verdun, 23rd January 1804, to the Minister of war, in French. The document bears at the heading an attractive and rare French Revolution vignette “In Legibus Salus”. Wirion, in his capacity as Commandant of the Verdun position, supports a request received from `Edouard de Ste-Croix, English from Jersey, prisoner in Verdun, demanding an authorization allowing him to return to Laval, in the Mayenne department…It has been attested that this prisoner suffers an illness that is called Epilepsy..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. Very small, minor overall age wear. VG £250-350 Wirion shot himself in the head at the Bois de Boulogne after having been accused of prevarication and exploitation of English prisoners in Verdun.

ALEXANDER I OF RUSSIA: (1777-1825) Emperor of Russia 1801-25. L.S., Alexander, in Cyrillic, a very attractive signature example with large flourish, one page, folio, Saint Petersburg, 2nd of January 1825, to Councillor Shustov, in Cyrillic. The document being a decree to the Chapter of Russian Orders, to issue him insignias and credentials, bestowing the Order of Saint Anna to Architect of Court Carriage to Councillor Shustov. VG £1200-2000

NEWMAN PAUL & WOODMARD JOANNE: Paul Newman (1925-2008) American Actor & Joanne Woodward (1030- ) American Actress, both Academy Award winners. Newman and Woodward got married in 1958 and remained so till he passed away in 2008. T.L.S., `Paul Newman´, and `Joanne Woodward Newman´, one page, folio, New York, 2nd and 3rd January 1968. The typed document being an assignment of proprietary lease, made to Newman and Woodward, for a term expiring September 30th 2057, covering apartment 4/5-C in the building 130 East 67th Street in New York. Signed in bold blue ink by both, also signed by the notary at the base. Folded. Small overall age wear, otherwise G £200-300

LE CORBUSIER: (1887-1965) Swiss-French Architect, Painter and Urban Planner. A good Autograph Manuscript and sketch by Le Corbusier, two pages, front and verso, folio, n.p., n.d., in French. To one side of the sheet a drawing by Le Corbusier, an attractive modern art sketch, in blue pencil. To the other side bearing an irregularly written text with several corrections and amendments. Le Corbusier annotates nineteen lines of a draft text stating in part `Let´s explain to end with, why…There is always a trampoline for a jumper or a diver. That Summer, August 1956, on my piece of rock to the far end of Roquebrune Cap Martin, I had painted my booth with some colour..´ further referring to a similar situation he lived time ago with some black paint remaining and an idea he suddenly got. One edge trimmed with few tears and a very small area of paper loss to the bottom corner, none of them affecting the drawing and only partially two words of the text. G £2500-3500

CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. An excellent content T.L.S., H. Chavez, five pages, folio, Yare, 6th February 1993, on his personal printed stationery, to Bolivarian Lieutenant Luis Chacon Roa, in Spanish. The typed document bears to the upper right corner an attractive colourful logo of the MBR200 Revolutionary Bolivarian movement. Chavez reports on his unsuccessful coup d´état against the government of President Carlos Andres Perez in 1992, for which he was imprisoned and states in part `The first matter you mention is the one of the video. I have traced the provenance, even to Peru, because as you know my military honour and loyalty are at stake. There are so many contradictions listening to our compatriots´ reports that I often doubt if we will ever know the “true-truth”. I am convinced that it was an anarchic decision taken by a very small group of civilians who managed to manipulate the situation taking advantage of military command failures..´ further explaining how and when he decided to lead the coup d´état `In November Rojas and his group started putting strong pressure from Caracas, pushing us to go ahead with the plan “Ezequiel Zamora”, arguing that it was the right moment, but the truth is that it wasn´t so. Although conditions and social temperature of the country were at the maximum level, on the military side we were having problems….I made a mistake, one of the many I have made in my life. I gave in to the pressure and after a midnight meeting in a night bar in Cagua, in presence of Ronald, Rojas, Suarez and Freites, I accepted to launch the coup on the date they proposed, 16th December…Human weaknesses!´ Chavez reports on the reasons of the coup failure, with lengthy and interesting detailed explanations about their plans, their logistics problems, unexpected mistakes, lack of military support at the last minute and his final decision `Today, tomorrow and always, I think that my decision under such and same circumstances would always be the same. I will never regret it, with deep pain and realizing that all the plan was collapsing, I gave that military honour order learned “PABELLONES…ARMEN”. A letter of extraordinary historical content. Very small overall minor age wear, with few small stains, otherwise VG £600-900 The letter is written from Yare, where Chavez was arrested and imprisoned after his coup attempt on 4th February 1992.The MBR-200 was the clandestine Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement founded in the early 80´s by Hugo Chavez and his former couple Herma Marksman, a History teacher, inspired by Ezequiel Zamora (1817-1860) Venezuelan leader of the federalists, Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) Venezuela´s Liberator, and Simon Rodriguez (1769-1854) Venezuelan Philosopher and Bolivar´s mentor, who were known as the “Three Roots of the Tree”.With provenance from the private collection of Herma Marksman. Herma Marksman: (1949- ) born of a peasant woman and a German immigrant she was in her 30s when she met the future Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who was then married and in his twenties. She became his mistress. They both were students of socialism and idealistic and she helped him in his academic studies. After the failed 1992 coup attempt Chavez left both his first wife and mistress. Marksman will later repudiate Chavez, and described his government as imposing a "fascist dictatorship". She has written several essays and a book titled El Otro Chávez, "The other Chavez", describing her relationship with him.

PIUS VII: (1742-1823) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1800-23. Born Count Barnaba Niccolo Maria Luigi Chiaramonti. An excellent manuscript L.S., `Pius PP VII´, as Pope, one page, oblong folio, 16 x 10, Rome, 17th December 1819, to Archbishop of Messina, Antonio Maria Trigona, in Latin. The cleanly written and attractive document being the appointment of Antonio Maria Trigona as new Archbishop of Caesarea. Countersigned by Cardinal Secretary of State Consalvi Ercole. With blank integral leaf. Several vertical folds, scattered light spotting, and a few wrinkles, otherwise in fine condition. About VG £1000-1500

NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. Extremely rare L.S., `Bonaparte´, a bold and good example early signature, one page, folio, Cairo, Egypt, 26th July 1798, to General Cafarelli, in French. The present letter is written only five days after the Battle of the Pyramids, a decisive victory wiping out almost the entire Egyptian army. Napoleon entered Cairo after the battle and created a new local administration under his supervision. In his capacity as General-in-Chief, Napoleon states `I beg you General to take in charge immediately the raise of a map of the city of Cairo and its surroundings..´ further adding `Make them do it first as a croquis, at a glance and with a very large scale..´ Napoleon plans to establish head-quarters at Cairo, and states `I also wish you to let me know the place we could choose to build a citadel which would contain our main institutions and keep the city of Cairo respectful.´ The letter is in the hand of General Geraud Michel Duroc (1772-1813) aide de camp to Napoleon since 1796. Small overall age wear and staining to the upper right corner, with extremely small areas of paper loss to the left edge as a result of binding removal. G £3000-4000 Louis Maximilien Caffarelli du Falga (1756-1799) French General of Italian origin. He served on the French invasion of Egypt with a wooden leg. Only a month before the present letter was written he landed with Napoleon at Valletta to occupy Malta in June 1798. A year after he had his right arm amputated when his elbow was smashed by a bullet during an assault on Acre. Gangrene struck caused a fever that killed him. Napoleon wrote of him in the order of the day: "Our universal regrets accompany General Caffarelli to the grave; the army is losing one of its bravest leaders, Egypt one of its legislators, France one of its best citizens, and science, an illustrious scholar."

VILLENEUVE PIERRE-CHARLES DE: (1763-1806) French naval Officer. Commander of the French and the Spanish fleets during the Napoleonic Wars. He was defeated by Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. An excellent L.S., `Villeneuve´, three pages, folio, Taranto, 10th August 1801, to citizen Etienne, vessel Captain and navy Commandant at Ancona, in French. The partially printed document of the Military Navy army bears a very attractive printed vignette to the heading. Villeneuve in his capacity as Marshal Commander-in-chief of the Navy army reports having received his correspondent´s letters and supports his decision of sending officers back to France where they can be useful. Villeneuve further refers to the use of funds, detailing amounts and explaining what they have to be spent on, especially the armament requested for the ports. With address leaf, and remnants of a former seal. Very small age wear and creasing, otherwise G £1000-1500

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´, underlined, a large and bold good signature example, one page, folio, Ille-et-Villaine, n.d., [c.1793], to citizen Colliot, in French. The partially printed document bears the heading "Les Représenants du Peule" ("The Representatives of the People") and is the appointment of citizen Colliot as member of the council, stating in part `We have no doubt that your patriotism will oblige you to accept a position occupied for too long by men unworthy of the name of Republicans. You owe the Republic the use of your talents; to refuse, would be a crime…´ Signed at the base by Carrier. With blank address leaf, bearing two halves of a red wax seal as a result of the opening. Overall age wear, mostly to the edges, otherwise G £1000-1500

[HOUSE OF EMPEROR - BOUQUETS]: Two curious documents issued by the Grand Chamberlain, at the service of the Emperor and King´s House, one page, folio, Paris, 2nd August 1814 and 19th June 1815, in French. The partially printed documents, bearing the heading "House of H.M. the Emperor and King", report on the expenses approved. The first being the approval of an allocation to attend salaries of M. Brunier, a new employee under the Grand Chamberlain service, crossing the word "Emperor" to the heading, having Napoleon lost the title of Emperor four months earlier. The second corresponds to the allocation of 300 francs, `to be paid to Madame Bernard for the bouquets and flowers supplied for His Majesty´s rooms..´ crossing the word "King" to the heading, having Napoleon lost the title the year before. Paper with watermark. VG £100-150

[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. A good D.S., “Par le Roy”, `Louis´, a secretarial signature, one page, folio, Paris, 13th May 1791, in French. The document being a passport, allowing Sieur Duvergiet to freely travel through the country and any other Kingdom territory, and requesting all Officers to bring help and give protection to him if necessary. The partially printed document bears a printed coat of arms to the lower left border, and states `… Duvergiet residing at Rue Mazarine nº 71, travelling to Warsaw, in Poland.´ Folded, with small overall minor age wear, small creasing and few small tears to the edges, otherwise G £150-200

CESPEDES DEL CASTILLO CARLOS MANUEL: (1819-1874) Cuban Revolutionary. Known as the "Father of the Motherland", Cespedes is considered a Cuban hero who freed slaves and leaded the declaration of Cuban Independence in 1868. An attractive signed printed document, one page, folio, Bayamo, 27th December 1868, in Spanish. The document being a decree is entitled "Slavery Conditioned Abolition Decree - Carlos Manuel de Cespedes - Captain-General of the Liberator Army of Cuba and Leader of the Provisional Government", and bears a very attractive and large vignette to the heading. The decree contains nine articles, and starts stating `The Cuban Revolution, proclaiming the independence of the Homeland and with it all freedoms, cannot accept the inconsistency of restricting it to only one part of the country´s population. A free Cuba is incompatible with a proslavery Cuba..´ further saying in its first article `All slaves are declared free..´. Boldly signed by Cespedes at the base of the document `C. M Cespedes´. Bearing a large blind embossed seal to the head and an ink stamp of the "Ilustre Ayuntamiento Libre de Bayamo" at the base. The document grants freedom to `Nemesio, apprentice, 16 years old, black..´ Overall age wear, with edges slightly trimmed, tear and small areas of paper loss. F £400-600

SERURIER JEAN-MATHIEU PHILIBERT: (1742-1819) Marshal of France. D.S., Serurier, one page, folio, on the Hotel Imperial des Militaires Invalides printed stationery, 31st May 1811, in French. The partially printed relates to the readmission of Corporal Torche to the hospital, having been injured and completely losing the use of his right hand. The document provides brief details of Torche´s 24 years of service in the army. VG £120-200

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´, with three lines holograph `I beg Citizen Roland to spend a moment to listen to this´, one page, folio, Paris, 29th September 1792, to Minister of Interior Roland, in French. Santerre states in part `The Dutch patriot and refugee Charles Roussel who had the honour to meet you and talk to you, expects fair Justice from citizen Roland…´ Santerre explains the situation to his correspondent and expects that the Minister order will be revoked. Small overall age wear and foxing with irregular trimmed edges. About G £250-350Roland (1734-1793) French Minister of Interior under Louis XVI in 1792. Leader of the Girondists.

BARAGUEY D´HILLIERS LOUIS: (1764-1813) French General during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. L.S., `L.B. d'Hilliers´, one page, folio, Weissembourg, 22nd May 1793, to General Alexandre de Beauharnais, in French. The partially printed document of the Army of the Rhin reports about General Vieusseux who is assigned to Beauharnais division orders, stating in part `..the People representants wish that Baraguey is assigned to Porrentruy or neighbourhood countries, because of his relationships with Bienne where he is married and they fear his influence..´ The document bears a large watermark. Folded. VG £100-150 Alexandre Beauharnais (1760-1794) French General. Beauharnais was the first husband of Josephine de la Pagerie, who later married Napoleon Bonaparte and became Empress of the First Empire. Alexandre was arrested in March 1794 and, following his sentence of death during the Reign of Terror, was executed by guillotine in Paris. Jean-Louis Vieusseux (1754-1817) French General.Baraguey D´Hilliers served in the Russian campaign of 1812 where his troops were assigned to guard Smolensk after the city was captured by the French. During the retreat from Moscow, Napoleon ordered Baraguey d'Hilliers to march east to meet him. However, instead of joining Napoleon, his division marched into the jaws of the advancing Russian army. The Russians surrounded his brigades and forced him to surrender. For this incident, he fell into disgrace with the Emperor.

SOULT NICOLAS JEAN DE DIEU: (1769-1851) Marshal of France, Duc de Dalmatie. An excellent set of two documents signed by Marshal Soult and one by his spouse. Attractive A.L.S., `M.al Duc de Dalmatie´, one page, 4to, St. Amand, 28th January 1816, to George Schumacker, in French. The autograph letter being a certificate in favour of his valet Schumacker, stating in part `..a good man of honour, and therefore I ask that everyone protect him if necessary and help him in any way to join me..´ Bearing an excellent red wax seal in very fine condition. Together with D.S., `Soult´, one page, large folio, Lena, 26th August 1801, on the infantry war department printed stationery, to Jean Baptiste Joubert, in French. The partially printed document is signed by Soult, in his capacity as Lieutenant General commandant of the avant-garde, approving the retirement of Caporal Joubert, listing his services and war campaigns, because of `..as a result of two fire shots to his left arm..´. Bearing three ink stamps, and multiple countersignatures. Also including A.L.S., `L. de Dalmatie´, by Jeanne Louise Berg (1771-1852) two pages, 4to, Paris 14th September 1808, to a state counselor, in French. Soult´s wife sends a request in favour of a Captain, stating in part `..under the service of H.M. the King of Bavaria, he was wounded, and obtained a pension which has now been cancelled since the country of Cleves is part of France..´ Very small overall minor age wear, two are folded, otherwise VG, 3 £120-200

[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. Signed `Louis´, by secretary, one page, folio, Versailles, 11th March 1775, to the Commandant of the tower of Crest, in French. The King orders to free from prison `..the one named Bernardin Compagnon who you are keeping imprisoned according to former orders which I have now revoked..´. Countersigned by Bertin at the base. Folded. VG £100-150The Castle of Crest was demolished by Richelieu according to orders of King Louis XIII. Its upper part was converted into a tower prison where Protestants, Republicans, and other opponents to the second Empire were imprisoned until 1873. The tower was known as the "South-Bastille".Henri Bertin (1720-1792) General controller of the finances.