1798 Letter to the French Minister of War, Referencing the 22nd Military Division

On offer is an interesting letter written to the French Minister of War during the French Revolution. The letter was written in March, 1798, using the new Revolutionary calendar dating style. It was addressed to the Minister of War who was, at the time, Barthélemy Schérer. 

Schérer had a long military career. Born in France, he first served in the Austrian army before returning home to join the French army. Five years later he left again, this time to join the Dutch Army. Several years later, he returned to France and reentered the French army. This time he stayed and built a career, rising to General and eventually commanding the Army of Italy. He was replaced by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. His army instructions, drafted over the winter of 1795-1796, formed the basis of Bonaparte's system in 1796. Schérer served as French Minister of War from July 22, 1797 to February 21, 1799 During his tenure as minister of war (July 1797-February 1799), he was widely accused of corruption.

This letter makes reference to a one of the Army divisions, as evidenced in this excerpt:

... nous aviaie pris toutes les mesure que ce faire pour apurer notre service dans la 22me Division.

[Translation:...we have taken all steps in order to fulfill our service in the 22nd Division].

For a historian, especially of the French Revolution, this is a superb connection to man who won and lost major battles in the very early days of the French Revolutionary Wars and who also served in a key government role in the months leading up to Napoleon’s coup in 1799.

This small page measures 8.0 inches by 6.75 inches. The paper is in good condition with some evidence of wear around the edges. The handwriting is fairly legible although the signatures are not.