1668 French Civil Law Document About an Army Captain’s Marriage

On offer is an interesting civil law document dating from mid-17th century France. Drafted in 1668, context suggests that this is a marriage document. The names Elizabeth and Nicolau Villeganyan (sic), a Captain in the French army, are written in the first few lines. There is also a reference to marriage later in the document as seen in this excerpt:

... porter pour leur marriage...

[Translation:...to wear for their wedding…].

This was the France of Louis XIV, the Sun King. His military was the most powerful in Europe. The fact that Nicolau was a Captain meant that he commanded a company in the Royal Army and was a man of means as he would have had to purchase his commission. The document is signed by “Regnault “, most likely a notary. The location is not identified. The paper bears a watermark displaying a shield on which is a chevron and 3 orbs. 

For a historian, especially a social historian, this manuscript is a fine example of the civil law and arrangements surrounding marriage in mid-17th century France. For a military historian, it is a connection to one of the great armies in European history.

This 4-page manuscript document measures 13.0 inches by 8.5 inches. It is 66% complete. The paper is in good condition with wear marks along the edges. The handwriting is difficult to read.