Letter Ordering Release of a Prisoner from the Bastille Signed by Louis XVI and Pierre Phillippeaux

On offer is a truly remarkable piece of written history – a form letter ordering the release of a prisoner from the Bastille. On the document is a blank space to enter a prisoner's name and his/her number. It bears two signatures: “Louis”, Louis XVI, the King of France and “Philippeaux”, Pierre Phillippeaux.

The letter reads:

je vous faire cet lettre pour vous dire mettre du liberte du nominal qui vous detener [ ] Ordre ___ dans mons chateau de la bastille

[Translation: I make you this letter to tell you to put the freedom of the person named which you detain [ ] Order ___ in my castle of the Bastille...]

The signatories of this document are well known historical figures. Most are familiar with Louis XVI and his ultimate fate. Pierre Philippeaux was a lawyer who became a member of the revolutionary National Convention. He voted in favour of the execution of the King. He was Secretary to Georges Danton.

Danton has been described as the chief architect of the overthrow of the French monarchy and the creation of the French Republic. He was President of the Committee of Public Safety which ushered in the ‘Terror”. A year later, he was guillotined by his fellow Committee members. His Secretary, Pierre Philippeaux went to the guillotine as well.

Built in 1357, the Bastille was was a fortress in Paris, known formally as the Bastille Saint-Antoine. It has always played an important role in the internal conflicts of France and for most of its history was used as a state prison. It was stormed by a crowd on 14 July 1789, in the French Revolution, becoming an important symbol for the French Republican movement. It was later demolished and replaced by the Place de la Bastille.

For a historian, especially for one interested in French history or the French Revolution, this is a superb piece of history. It is a direct connection to one of the most significant events in human history. The French Revolution overthrew an absolute monarchy, ushered in a Republic and opened the door to liberal democracies around the world. In doing so, it also unleashed the first modern world war. This would be an outstanding addition to a library or collection.

This document measures 8.5” x 11”. It shows wear around the edges and mottling makings from age. However, it is fully readable.