Fascinating French Revolutionary–era document Signed By Marquis De Lafayette
A formal Revolutionary military promotion endorsement
Signed by Lafayette during active command
Addressed to Rochambeau’s authority system
Issued during the exact year the French monarchy was collapsing (1791)
This places it in the most important collectible period of French history.
13 x 8 1/4 inches
No buyers premium
Date: 1791 (clearly visible at top)
Location: Paris
Content Type:
A formal letter of recommendation / military appointment support
Context:
Revolutionary France, National Guard / military service
Name “Lafayette” appears as a recommending authority, alongside other officials.
This places it directly in:
The peak of Lafayette’s political influence
The French Revolution (pre-Terror period)
Which is the most desirable period for collectors
Condition: Heavy paper wear
Edge losses / separation
Staining and ink fading
Multiple folds
Archival condition is fair–good
English translation: Paris, 15 June 1791
We, the undersigned, certify that, after various circumstances, we found nothing but good conduct on the part of Citizen Constant Théodore Joseph Dufour (or Gosuin), former non-commissioned officer of the National Guard of Avranches, son of Colonel Commandant of the same Guard.
This citizen, having served for several years with zeal and integrity, has been granted the honorable discharge of officer by virtue of the decrees which promote noble conduct.
The law having removed the obstacles that formerly prevented him, he now desires to embrace a station that is worthy of his principles; and having given constant proof of good conduct, he is deserving of public confidence.
His brother has also served with evident zeal.
I therefore take the liberty of particularly recommending him to the kindness of Monsieur de Rochambeau, the said Constant Théodore Joseph Dufour, whose conduct and patriotism I know well, and whom I consider entirely suitable to fill one of the vacant positions in the line regiments.
At Paris, the 3rd of July, 1791.
At the lower right:
I certify that he has served several campaigns, with zeal and devotion to the military service, and that he has distinguished himself by a conduct worthy of the greatest praise.
At the Assembly of the Department
Signatories:
1. Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
Signature: “Lafayette”
Historical Importance:
Commander of the National Guard of Paris
Hero of the American Revolution
One of the central figures of the French Revolution
Drafter of the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) with Jefferson’s influence
Role Here:
Personal endorsement and recommendation of a soldier for advancement
This is a direct official autograph during his peak of power
2. Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau
Referred to as: “Monsieur de Rochambeau”
Historical Importance:
Commander of French forces sent to America
Co-victor with George Washington at Yorktown (1781)
One of the most important French generals in U.S. history
Role Here:
The officer to whom Lafayette is recommending the candidate
3. Departmental & Guard Officials
Several additional officials sign below Lafayette, including:
A Department of the National Assembly official
A Captain of Grenadiers
A National Guard commander
While their exact full identities require archival comparison, they are clearly:
Senior Revolutionary military administrators
Not private citizens
Acting under National Assembly authority
A formal Revolutionary military promotion endorsement
Signed by Lafayette during active command
Addressed to Rochambeau’s authority system
Issued during the exact year the French monarchy was collapsing (1791)
This places it in the most important collectible period of French history.
13 x 8 1/4 inches
No buyers premium
Date: 1791 (clearly visible at top)
Location: Paris
Content Type:
A formal letter of recommendation / military appointment support
Context:
Revolutionary France, National Guard / military service
Name “Lafayette” appears as a recommending authority, alongside other officials.
This places it directly in:
The peak of Lafayette’s political influence
The French Revolution (pre-Terror period)
Which is the most desirable period for collectors
Condition: Heavy paper wear
Edge losses / separation
Staining and ink fading
Multiple folds
Archival condition is fair–good
English translation: Paris, 15 June 1791
We, the undersigned, certify that, after various circumstances, we found nothing but good conduct on the part of Citizen Constant Théodore Joseph Dufour (or Gosuin), former non-commissioned officer of the National Guard of Avranches, son of Colonel Commandant of the same Guard.
This citizen, having served for several years with zeal and integrity, has been granted the honorable discharge of officer by virtue of the decrees which promote noble conduct.
The law having removed the obstacles that formerly prevented him, he now desires to embrace a station that is worthy of his principles; and having given constant proof of good conduct, he is deserving of public confidence.
His brother has also served with evident zeal.
I therefore take the liberty of particularly recommending him to the kindness of Monsieur de Rochambeau, the said Constant Théodore Joseph Dufour, whose conduct and patriotism I know well, and whom I consider entirely suitable to fill one of the vacant positions in the line regiments.
At Paris, the 3rd of July, 1791.
At the lower right:
I certify that he has served several campaigns, with zeal and devotion to the military service, and that he has distinguished himself by a conduct worthy of the greatest praise.
At the Assembly of the Department
Signatories:
1. Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
Signature: “Lafayette”
Historical Importance:
Commander of the National Guard of Paris
Hero of the American Revolution
One of the central figures of the French Revolution
Drafter of the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) with Jefferson’s influence
Role Here:
Personal endorsement and recommendation of a soldier for advancement
This is a direct official autograph during his peak of power
2. Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau
Referred to as: “Monsieur de Rochambeau”
Historical Importance:
Commander of French forces sent to America
Co-victor with George Washington at Yorktown (1781)
One of the most important French generals in U.S. history
Role Here:
The officer to whom Lafayette is recommending the candidate
3. Departmental & Guard Officials
Several additional officials sign below Lafayette, including:
A Department of the National Assembly official
A Captain of Grenadiers
A National Guard commander
While their exact full identities require archival comparison, they are clearly:
Senior Revolutionary military administrators
Not private citizens
Acting under National Assembly authority