Early 19th Century Page from a Letter to a Powerful French Statesman

On offer is a letter requesting the intervention of one of France’s most powerful men after the fall of Napoleon.

The document is one page of a multi-page letter. The author is unknown. The recipient is Mathieu Jean Felicité de Montmorency, duc de Montmorency-Laval. Montmorency was a prominent French statesman during the French Revolution and Bourbon Restoration. He was elected as the youngest member of the National Assembly in 1789. He is also known for his military expertise and his relationship with Mme Germaine de Staël. de Staël was the daughter of Jacques-Necker, France’s Minister of Finance and his wife Suzanne who hosted one of the most important salons in Paris.

In short, Montmorency was wealthy, powerful and deeply connected in the leading circles of France. His relationship with de Stael is important as she too was deeply connected to the leading people in France and her salon was a focal point for some of the greatest thinkers and writers in Europe.

The author of the letter knows the importance of Montmorency and that is why he writes him requesting consideration for a medical position in Paris for a doctor named Deschamps..

...Dechamp fils, docteur en medicine de la faculte de Paris...

[Translation:...Dechamp Junior, doctor of medicine of the faculty of Paris…]

In another place on the page, he makes his request for:

[...pour une place au quelles le conseil general du hospices…]

[Translation:...for a place on which the general council of the hospice…]

For a social historian, this is an excellent example of the type of correspondence that would have taken place among those seeking favours and positions. It is also a direct connection to one of France’s great noble families.

This single sheet measures 9.75 inches by 7.25 inches and is in good condition. The text covers one side of the sheet. The paper is in good condition although there is some staining along the edges. The handwriting is legible.