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