UNKNOWN

1727 Handwritten Legal Note of Noble Navy Officer from the D'Estienne Family

France, 1727. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating example of both a legal document and the handwriting script of 18th century France involving an Admiral of the French Navy. This legal note appears to have been folded and perhaps served as a cover note to a file. It references a legal action between Jean-Baptiste Barthélémy Thomas, Comte d’Orves and one Francis Balthayard Balalard Bourg. The specifics of the case are not detailed. Jean-Baptiste Barthélémy Thomas, Comte d’Orves was born to the d’Estienne family, a noble house of Provence. He served in the French Navy, rising to the rank of Captain. D’Estienne d'Orves took part in the Battle of Ushant on 27 July 1778, captaining the 74-gun Actif. In 1778, d’Estienne d'Orves took command of the 80-gun Orient. Leading a French naval squadron in the Indian Ocean, he was given the authority, but not the rank, of a Rear Admiral. He died at sea in 1782.The d’Estienne family has been a noble family since the 1400’s. Divided into 4 branches, members have served with distinction in France’s armed forces over the centuries. One of its most distinguished members was Henri Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, a French Navy officer who has often been referred to as the "first martyr of Free France" and one of the major heroes of the French Resistance. After the fall of France to the Nazi’s, d’Estiennes left the his naval base in Alexandria and led a group of volunteers, sailing around Africa to England, where he joined General Charles De Gaulle. He then joined the French Resistance where he successfully built intelligence networks. Betrayed by a French traitor, he was captured by the Gestapo. He was tortured and executed by the Germans in August 1941.Our informal research has not found any biographical information about Bourg. For a historian, this small legal note is a fascinating connection to one of France’s prominent military families with connections that reach back to the 18th century and yet also to modern-day events in the 20th century. This small document measures 7.25 inches by 4.75 inches. The double-sided document is handwritten and complete, including a seal representing either a tax or stamp fee or a legal registration.. The paper is in good condition with some ‘feathering’ along the edges. The handwriting is in the typical cursive Ronde and difficult to read in places.; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 1 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010083

UNKNOWN

1748 French Letter Bearing the Seal of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem

France, 1748. Ephemera. On offer is an interesting French letter of introduction bearing the seal of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, one of the great military orders of Europe. The letter introduces a M. Nicolas Louis de Puithereau. Our informal research has confirmed the existence of this family and possibly this individual in the Seine-Maritime department of France. Throughout the letter there are references to several other individuals as well. The letter ends with three flourished signatures. The handwriting is a very neat but tight and fine copperplate. Of particular interest is the seal on the upper left corner of the letter – that of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (also known as the Knights of Malta and the Knights of St. John). The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem is a medieval military order established in Jerusalem in 1099 following the First Crusade A powerful military and hospitaller order, it continued in unbroken line until 1798 when it was dispersed by Napoleon. However, various groups of knights reconstituted themselves in various parts of Europe and the order continues to this day. It remains a powerful charitable organization and provides millions of dollars in medical and refugee assistance to the poor, sick and those displaced by war and natural disasters. For a historian, this document provides a direct link to one of the fabled military orders of the middle ages. The document is a 4-page letter. It measures 10 inches by 7.5 inches and was created by simply folding a 15 inch page in half. The pages are in good condition. The name of the addressee has been excised from the letter. There is some staining from age but it does not interfere with the contents. ; Letters; 10" x 7.5"; 4 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010187

Keywords: 18th Century Manuscript

UNKNOWN

1765 Incredible Handwritten Legal Pleading in a Lawsuit between Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin’S Nephew, and a Notable Surety

New York, 1765. Ephemera. On offer is a remarkable revolutionary-era legal document involving a man whose name became synonymous with treason and treachery in American history and culture. The lawsuit, brought by Benedict Arnold, bears direct connection to other revolutionaries including Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin. The document is a legal pleading in a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court, filed in October 1765, which corresponds to the fifth and early sixth years of the reign of King George III. The lawsuit is between Benedict Arnold [see historical note below] and two men: John Mecom, the nephew of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin [see historical note below] and Benjamin Halstead (also spelled Halsted) , a well-known New York silversmith. Six months prior to the lawsuit we are discussing here, in April of 1765, Benedict Arnold sued John Mecom for a debt of 150 pounds of New York currency, owed to him for goods delivered. This lawsuit was brought to court by his attorney William Wickham [see historical note below]. Mecom was ordered to pay a total of 147 pounds, 16 shillings and 3 pence. However, he did not pay, which brings us to the document in question. The document presented here is a summary of Benedict Arnold’s lawyer, Mr. Wickham’s, second visit to court. This time, he is pursuing Benjamin Halstead (Halsted) [see historical note below], who was a guarantor for John Mecom on this business translation with Mr. Arnold. Since Mecom did not pay, Arnold is pursuing Halstead for costs. The legal summary concludes stating that Halstead refuses to pay. This incredible piece of legal history can be placed during an incredibly trying time for the plaintiff, Benedict Arnold. At the time, Arnold was a prominent New Haven merchant dealing in a variety of goods. Following the Seven Years War, Arnold, like most American merchants, experienced a severe downturn in business due to the exit of thousands of British troops and the hard currency they used to purchase supplies. By the mid 1750s, Arnold’s creditors were pressuring him over unpaid debts, so he, in turn, came down on his own debtors, including many New York merchants such as Mecom and Halstead. The historical notes below draw connections between the parties involved in the lawsuit as well as with members of the political elite at the time of the suit. HISTORICAL NOTES RELATED TO THE PARTIES INVOLVED WITH THE LAWSUITDefendant: John Mecum (1741-1770) - Mecom was the nephew of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. Mecom’s mother was Jane Franklin (1712-1794) who was the youngest sister of Benjamin Franklin. Jane kept in touch via mail to Benjamin Franklin throughout her life and until his death. When she was only a teenager, Jane married Edward Mecom, and together they had many children, including John. John Mecom was born in Boston, Massachusetts and became a Boston goldsmith, apprenticing under his cousin, William Homes. He eventually moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where worked as a goldsmith/jeweler. This is where he would have met Benjamin Halstead. He died in New York at the young age of 29, leaving his widow, Catharine, to sell off his estate to satisfy his creditors. Defendant: Benjamin Halstead (1734-1817) - Halstead (Halsted) was a silversmith who worked in New York City, Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. He is best known for founding the first thimble factory in the USA in 1794. On October 22, 1765, Halstead married Sarah Tredwell in New York City. His surety for the marriage bond was John Mecom, who was living in New Brunswick, New Jersey at the time. Attorney: William Wickham (1732-1814) - Wickham was a graduate of Yale University, class of 1753. He is said to have founded the Linonia Society, Yale’s social society focusing on literature and debate. He became a highly regarded attorney in New York City. He ultimately settled in Goshen, Orange County, where he was appointed to the position of judge. During his time as a lawyer in New York City, his clients included many of the wealthy and powerful and members of the political elite of the time. There is contextual evidence, through a published 1786 letter written by Alexander Hamilton to Wickham, that Alexander Hamilton was one of his clients. Wickham’s son, George Duncan Wickham, would become Orange County, New York’s most powerful man as he developed turnpikes, canals, railways and the Orange County Bank. Plaintiff: Benedict Arnold - Born in 1741 in Connecticut, Benedict Arnold’s family was socially prominent and wealthy. Over time however, the family fortunes declined significantly. Arnold apprenticed as an apothecary. He also joined the local militia and served in the Seven Years’ War. He then opened a pharmacy and a bookstore and established a lucrative trading business. At the time of this lawsuit, the hated Stamp Tax and Sugar Tax had been passed, severely impacting businesses in the American colonies. When the revolutionary war broke out, Arnold joined the Connecticut militia as a Captain. He turned out to be a very able officer and a successful combat leader. He played instrumental roles in battles at Ticonderoga (with Ethan Allen) , Fort St. Jean, Quebec City and Valcour on Lake Champlain. However, he felt that his accomplishments were ignored by the Continental Congress and that he was being continually passed over for promotions in favour of less-accomplished men. After suffering severe leg wounds, he was appointed military Governor of Philadelphia. Eventually, through family connections, he began secret negotiations with the British who promised him a significant amount of money in return for becoming their agent. Made Commanding Officer of the fort at West Point, he began plans to let the British seize the fort. The plan was discovered and Arnold, forewarned, fled to Britain for his life. He died in 1801 at the age of 60. In death, Benedict Arnold’s name became synonymous with ‘traitor’ To this day, his name is considered a slur when used to describe treacherous behaviour on the part of others. For a person with a keen interest in American history, this document is a fabulous direct connection to one of the most controversial figures in America’s early history as well as other important figures due to the connections of the defendant and Arnold’s lawyer.. It would be a prized element of any collection of Americana. The document measures 12.25 inches by 7.75 inches and comprises 4 pages. There is some wear along the edges. The letter must have been folded horizontally for many years as someone who acquired it prior to us has put some clear tape horizontally at the fold lines to prevent complete detachment. The handwriting is largely clear and legible. SPECIAL NOTE: Included with the purchase of this document is a photocopy of the initial April, 1765 legal summary of the court case that preceded this one, between Benedict Arnold and John Mecom. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 4 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010295

Keywords: America Revolution Fathers

UNKNOWN

1773 French Financial Documents Pertaining to Personal Loans of a Man and Wife

France, 1773. Ephemera. On offer are three small documents detailing financial transactions dating from 1773 in pre-Revolutionary France. The receipts are acknowledgements loans to one M. M. De Ligny. Our informal research has not been able to find any additional biographical information. Each loan is for 1,765 livres or about US$250.00 in 2020. An interesting feature is that his wife is referred to each of the receipts and on one, her signature is affixed. For a historian, these are fine examples of the types of personal financial transactions that people frequently engaged in. For someone interested in gender studies or the role of women in various societies, this is an interesting comment on the role of women in some aspects of per-Revolutionary French society. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 3 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010188

Keywords: Commerce Marital Finance 18th Century

UNKNOWN

1777 Legal Registry Document About French Nobility Real Estate

Brittany, France, 1777. Ephemera. On offer is an excellent example of a French legal document from the years immediately preceding the French Revolution. The document is an extract from the legal registry of Britanny. Drafted in 1777, it describes an agreement between Hyacinthe-Laurent du Pontavice and a woman named Olive Marie Malkerbe. The Pontavice family were French nobility dating back to the early middle ages. Hyacinthe-Laurent du Pontavice was a lieutenant of the Marshals of France and captain-commander of the king's hunts at Fougères in 1788. The reference to St. Ouen in the document refers to the Chateau St Ouen, a castle/manor home dating back to the 16th century. The property is still in the family. Our informal research has not found any additional information on Madam Malkerbe. The context suggests that this is the registration of a judgment that has now been satisfied: A comparu au Greffe des Affirmations de la Cour messere Hyacinthe Laurent Dupontevice Seigneur Dehussey et demeurant afon chateau Duplessis [] St. Ouen. Assiste de M Cartier, son Pr (? ) qui a jure et affirme etre [] expres dudit lieu en cette Ville de Rennes, distant de douze [] de puis sa derniere affirmation de voyage pour faciliter le jugement du proces qu'il a a la cour contre la dame Malkerbe de Nantrail... [Translation: Appeared at the Registry of Affirmations of the Court Messer Hyacinthe Laurent Dupontevice Seigneur Dehussey and residing at Chateau Duplessis [] St. Ouen. Assisted by Mr. Cartier, his Pr (? ) who swore and affirmed to be [] from the said place in this City of Rennes, at a distance of twelve [] from then on his last declaration of travel to facilitate the judgment of the trial that he has at court against the lady Malkerbe of Nantrail...] For a legal scholar interested in the workings of civil law in the northwest of France, this documents offers an insight into how disputes were resolved in the years immediately preceding the French Revolution. This single-sided document measures 11.5 inches by 7.0 inches. It is a preprinted form with the particulars filled in. There is wear around the edges and some chipping on the left side. It bears an embossed seal which has some staining – however the staining may be a result of the seal being applied. The paper also bears a watermark. ; 11.5" x 7"; 1 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010087

Keywords: 18th History

UNKNOWN

1777-1778 French Witness Statement Regarding a Case Investigation Under Old French Law

France, 1777. Non-Book. On offer is a fascinating legal document dating from the years immediately preceding the French Revolution. The document is a 4-page statement written on cream-coloured laid paper. The paper measures approximately 9.75 inches by 7.25 inches and is formed from a single sheet of paper. The document itself occupies 2 and a half pages. It bears a stamp on the front, although the stamp is not clear. The handwriting is reasonably legible. The document is a deposition taken from a witness in a legal action related to property in rural France. There are references to other landowners in the region. An excerpt follows: “Lasdevant de le Notaire Royal a Gardegan enquisune soussigne temoins presants le quatorzieme de mois de Novembre mille sept cents soixante dix sept apres [ ] au village du Lin parroisse de SallesJurisdiction deCastillon...: ” [p 1]. “In the presence of the Royal Notary at Gardegan, an undersigned witness was present on the fourteenth day of November, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven after [ ] in the village of Le Lin in the parish of Salles under the jurisdiction of Castillon…” [Translation]. These proceedings would have taken place under what is known as Old French law, referred to in French as l'Ancien Droit. This was the law of the Kingdom of France until the French Revolution. In the north of France were the Pays de coutumes ('customary countries') , where customary laws were in force. The document is signed in November of 1777 and again in February of 1778. In the south, where Castillon is located, were the Pays de droit écrit ('countries of written law') , where Roman law had remained paramount. Legal practices and customs varied wildly across France in the 18th century leading Voltaire to declared that ‘in travelling through France one changed the laws as often as one changed horses’. For a legal historian or one who is focused on the French judiciary of the dying days of the Ancien Regime, this is a classic example of the French judiciary at work. It would be an excellent addition to a professional’s library. French language. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 4 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012212

UNKNOWN

1778 French Land Plan Including Sketch and Reference Material

France, 1778. Ephemera. On offer is an excellent example of a land plan and description dating from April, 1778. The document consists of a detailed eight page description and a one page sketch map of the land plot in question. The pages detail an agreement between Pierre Alexandre de Sorbiers and Louis Antoine Bourdin. The document comprises eight pages of notes and one page depicting a map of the land being referenced. They are sewn together with a light twine and the map drawing is attached to it with twine as well. The document is titled: Tableau de Descriptions, [ ] et Observations Necessaires a l'Intelligence du Plan au Present Protes. [Translation: Verbal Table of descriptions, [] and observations necessary for the intelligence of the planto the present verbal report]. It is divided into 13 paragraphs, each lettered from A to N. There are cross-references in the text to various paragraphs. Our informal research has not been able to turn up any additional information about the two men referenced in the document. For a lawyer or property planner, this is an excellent example of the type of property agreements dating from late 18th century France. The document is 100% complete. The 8 pages measure 10 inches by 8.0 inches. The pages show wear marks around the edges. The handwriting is copperplate and is legible although it has faded in places. ; Manuscripts; 10" x 8"; 8 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010231

Keywords: Claims City Planning Legal Documents Rights Negotiations

UNKNOWN

1792 French Revolutionary Order of Estate Forfeiture After Mass Emigration

France, 1792. Ephemera. On offer is fascinating document from the early days of the French Revolution with a mysterious connection to Benjamin Franklin, one of the great Founders of the United States. The document relates to the forfeiture of an estate and its subsequent auction. It describes the steps taken by the local Directoire du District (District Executive Council) of the Department of Cher in central France to auction off a particular property. The President of the District Council at the time was Pierre-Antoine-Jean Remond. He had an interesting connection with Benjamin Franklin, which is described below. Following the French Revolution of 1789, there was a mass emigration of French nobles and members of the wealthy upper classes to neighbouring countries as wholesale bloodshed and terror spread across the country. However, by 1792, this emigration swelled to a tidal wave of thousands fleeing for their lives. In November, 1791, the French government passed a law ordering all emigres to return to France by January 1st, 1792 or their lands and properties would be confiscated. It is likely that this document refers to the auction of such a property. It describes the bidding process in part: ... Apres plusiers criees et publications ledit article a ete porte par Monsieur Gabard a quinze cent livres , a deux mille livres pour Monsieur Moune, a deux mille vingt cinq livres par Monsieur Gabard et attendu qu'apres plusiers publications et criees, il ne s'est presente aucune enchere, nous avons, ce requerant le Procureur-Syndic fait allumer un premier feu, pendant lequel le disarles de a ete portera deux mille trois cent livres par Monsieur Moune a deux mille trois cent vingt cinq livres par Monsieur Gabard. [Translation: ... After several calls and publications, the said amount was brought by Mr. Gabard to fifteen hundred pounds, to two thousand pounds for Mr. Moune, to two thousand twenty five pounds by Mr. Gabard and whereas after several publications and shouts, there was no bidding, we have, the plaintiff, the Public Prosecutor has lit a first fire, during which the dispute was brought two thousand three hundred pounds by Mr. Moune, to two thousand three hundred twenty five pounds by Mr. Gabard. ]However, another person entered the bidding and his efforts were recorded thus: ... Ne s'etant presente aucune enchere, Nous Administrateurs susdits, ce consentent le Procureur-Syndic, avons declare le dit Monsieur Boutet dernier encherisseur et adjudicaire definitif dudit article. En consequence lui avons adjuge les fonds, plein propriete de possession dd la dite terre[Translation: ...having not been presented any bids, we, the aforementioned Directors, with the consent of the Public Prosecutor's Office, have declared Mr. Boutet the last bidder and final winner of the said article. Consequently, we have awarded him the funds, full property of possession of the said land. ]Ladite adjudication est faite en outre aux clauses et conditions suivantes, savoir: 1. De prendre ladite terre circonstances et dependances dans l’etat uu elle peutetre actuellement, avecs toutes les servitudes locales dont elle peutetre legitimement tenu: san, par ledite adjudicaire, pouvoir pretendre aucune diminution, ni exercer aucuns recours ou guarantie pour raison de reparations, degredations, quotite, circonstances, defaut de mesure, ou pour quellequ’autre pretexte que ce soit, prevu ou non prevu, exprime ou non exprime au present. [Translation: In addition, the said award shall be made under the following terms and conditions, namely: 1. To take the said land, circumstances and dependencies in the state in which it may presently be, with all the local easements of which it may legitimately be held: without, by the said adjudicator, being able to claim any reduction, nor to exercise any recourse or guarantee by reason of repairs, degradation, share, circumstances, lack of measure, or for any other pretext whatsoever, foreseen or not foreseen, expressed or not expressed in the present. ]No further mention is made of Moune or Gabard. As previously mentioned, the President of the District Council, which auctioned off belongings of those who fled France and did not return, was Pierre-Antoine-Jean Remond. His connection with Benjamin Franklin is as follows: Remond was born in Switzerland and came to Bourges in 1784 as Master of Water and Forest. He became an important local figure. After the Revolution, he was elected to the Estates General in Paris in 1789. Being appointed President of the District Council after the Revolution would seem a natural evolution for him. He was also the founder of the first Masonic Lodge in Bourges. Franklin was living in Paris as Ambassador of the United States and there is correspondence between Franklin and Remond referred to in the Encyclopaedia of Bourges. For a historian, this is a superb original document that not only relates to a dark and tumultuous time in the history of France but also connects with one of the most important figures in the founding of the United States. This document is written on parchment. This 4-page document is formed by folding a single sheet of parchment in half, resulting in a document that measures 12.0 inches by 8.25 inches. The parchment is in excellent condition with some wear marks and darkening along the edges. The document has been printed with blanks left to fill in relevant details. ; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 4 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010086

Keywords: Nobility Legal Documents Emigrants

UNKNOWN

1793 Reference Letter for a Foreign-Trained Doctor Seeking Work in France

France, 1793. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating appeal from a German doctor living in revolutionary France to the Committee of General Security. The letter was written “ Year 2” of the new French Republic – 1793 by the Gregorian calendar. The letter appears to be a reference for another person, a Doctor Suiffert who is identified simply as ‘Saxon’. The writer’s name is not legible. The letter is addressed to the Committee of General Security. The Committee of General Security was a French parliamentary committee which acted as police agency during the French Revolution that, along with the Committee of Public Safety, oversaw the Reign of Terror. Designed to protect the Revolutionary Republic from its internal enemies. It supervised the local police committees in charge of investigating reports of treason, and was one of the agencies with authority to refer suspects to the Revolutionary Tribunal for trial and possible execution by guillotine. His letter begins: Aux Seigneurs membres du comite de surete general de la convention national Suiffert, medecin Saxon Un homme a la verite etranger au territoires francaise mais dupuis vingt quatre ans en plus au service des individues souffrants de peuple qu'il habite zele precourseur des droits de l'homme invieriable et sincere apotre des principes de la liberte francaise, republicaine inebranlable des l'ages et instruction en de la raison ame et serviteur des humanite opprimee et souffrant pour principe, pour devoir et par etat vivan sans autre ambition sur la terre que d'etee un des hommes habites a soulager es a guerer et sans autre interet que que de continuer comme justqu'a ce jour a distribuer la reconaissance volontaire des riches aux pauvre malades et aux malheureuses[Translation: To the Gentlemen members of the General Safety Committee of the National Convention Suiffert, Saxon doctor a man in truth foreigner to the French territories but for twenty four years in addition to that at the service of the suffering individuals of the people live there, zealous defender of the rights of man, unrelenting and sincere apostle of the principles of the French liberty, unshakable republican of the times and educated in the spirit of reason and servant of the oppressed and suffering humanity for principle, for duty and for a living condition with no other ambition on earth than to be one of the men who lived to alleviate and to fight and with no other interest than to continue as it is today to distribute the voluntary recognition of the rich to the poor, the sick and the unhappy…]The letter goes on to extol the goodness of the French people and requests the granting of privileges to Suiffert. For a historian or student of the French Revolution, it is an excellent example of the type of relationships and communications that had to be established and maintained in order to navigate the treacherous waters of the revolutionary zeal that swept the country at that time. The document measures 9.75 inches by 7.0 inches. It contains 4 pages. It is bound with thread. The pages and the binding are in good condition. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 9.75" x 7"; 4 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010207

Keywords: History Medicine Hospitals Foreign Trained Physicians

UNKNOWN

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

France, 1798. Ephemera. 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. ; Letters; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010111

UNKNOWN

1801 French White Wine Contract for Trade at la Rochelle Seaport

La Rochelle, France, 1801. Ephemera. On offer is an excellent example of a commercial contract dating to the earliest years in France following the Revolutionary War. The document is a commercial agreement involving several parties and dealing with a consignment of white wine. The agreement was struck in La Rochelle in 1801. La Rochelle was France’s major Atlantic seaport. Founded in the 10th century, it became a significant commercial and fishing port. It played a large role in the French slave trade. Home to Huguenots, the city figure in the French Wars of Religion of the 17th century. As the slave trade dwindled and the Revolution overtook the country, the city lost its prominence in trans-Atlantic trade. However, it nonetheless remained as an important trading port. A quote from the document: Presentemens payer pour Trois [] de vin blanc qui dois a la suivion du feu sieur Belin...[Translation: Present to pay for Three [] of white wine which must to the following of the late Monsieur Belin...]Allard Belin is recorded in the records of La Rochelle as a ‘negociant’ or merchant. The manuscript bears the printed seal of La Rochelle confirming that a stamp tax of ‘deux sols’ had been paid. This double-sided document measures 12.75 inches by 8.5 inches. There is some slight feathering along the edges and some staining from age along the edges as well. The document is hand-written and the text is reasonably legible. For a historian, especially one interested in tracing the business and trading links of this majot port city, this is an excellent primary-source document. Regardless of the turmoil occurring across the country, business continued. ; 12.75"x8.5"; 2 pages. Good .

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Book number: 0010064

Keywords: Commerce

UNKNOWN

1806 Beautiful Solvency Declaration Certificate for a French Woman

France, 1806. Ephemera. On offer is a beautifully printed solvency declaration for a woman in Napoleon’s France. The document is a certificate from the local registry office confirming that there are no debts or mortgages registered against a particular woman. Excerpts from the document follow: Conservation Des HypothequesLa Conservateur des hypotheques soussigne certifie a tous qu'il appartiendra, qu'il n'existe, jusqu'a ce jour, sur ses registres et repertoire, aucune inscription de creances ey charges hypothecaires ni privilegies contre Marie Philippe Dorothee Dediesbaik, demeurant a …[Translation: Registry of Mortgages The undersigned Register of Mortgages certifies to all that it will be necessary, that there exists, until this day, on its registers and repertory, no registration of credits and hypothecary charges nor privileges against Marie [] Josephina Dorothee Dediesbaik, residing at…]a lui appartenant dans l'arrondissement du Bureau des hypothetiques etabli a Lille, Department du Nord, en soi de quoi il a delivre le present aux termes de la loi ...[Translation: belonging to him in the district of the Mortgage Office established in Lille, Department of the North, in so far as he has delivered the present under the terms of the law]. The document also bears two very clear and deeply embossed stamps indicating the fee or tax paid for the certificate. For a historian, this small document indicates how well organized the business of lending, recording and reporting of mortgages and debts was in the early years of Napoleonic France. For a Women's’ Studies program, this documents points to the financial status of women in France over 2 centuries ago. This one-page document measures 10.0 inches by 7.0 inches. The paper is in very good condition. There is feathering along the top, bottom and right sides. It is a printed form, printed on one side only. The particulars are filled in by hand. ; Manuscripts; 10" x 7.0"; 1 pages. Good in Good dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010133

Keywords: Finance 's History

UNKNOWN

1806 Receipt for Large Tax Payment in la Rochelle, France

La Rochelle, France, 1806. Ephemera. On offer is an interesting financial document from the days of Napoleon’s France. Measuring 6.25 inches by 8.0 inches, the document is a receipt for taxes. It was issued for the city of La Rochelle, a port city on the Atlantic coast of France. It is interesting to note that the original date, 1806, has been stroked out in favour of the new Republican/ Revolutionary date of Year 14. The receipt is for a payment of 72 francs, approximately the equivalent of US$ 900 today. The average labourer earned about 390 francs a year so this was a not insignificant amount, equalling about 47 days of wages. An excerpt follows: Contribution pour l'an 14 - 1805 Je soussignee Receveur des Contributions directer de la commune de la Rochelle reconnois avoir recu d' M Vanhougevert le somme de soixante-douze francs huit centimes conformement au bordereau ci-dessus. [Translation: Contribution for the year 4 - 1805 I, the undersigned Receiver of Taxes direct from the municipality of La Rochelle, acknowledge having received from Mr. Vanhougevert the sum of seventy-two francs eight cents in accordance with the above schedule]. For an economist or social historian, this document gives a look at one of the economic realities of life in France during the Napoleonic Wars. ; 6.25" x 8"; 1 pages. Good in Good dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010168

Keywords: 19th Century Finances Nobility French History

UNKNOWN

1814 Student’S Cipher Book Replete with Cases to Support Mathematical Application in Real World Settings

1814. Softcover. On offer is a centuries-old superb example of a mathematics cipher (or cypher) book. The author's name is inscribed on the inside front cover but would require an expert in copperplate printing to decipher it. However, the date is quite clear – 1814. This handwritten journal of mathematical calculations and equations includes sections on Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic Calculations, Weights and Measures and Money (Pounds, Shillings and Pence). The teacher was likely guided by one of the many arithmetic textbooks still in wide use in the early 1800s. He would have expected the student to memorize rules and examples and thus learn how to carry out the mathematical operations for later use in business. The 'Cases' section towards the back of the book is an example of this teaching method. Our student would have copied down the cases to follow later rather than simply a general principle. The teacher probably also expected the student to copy the material neatly. This not only offered an opportunity to practice his penmanship but prepareda reference book for him to use as an adult. This is a superb example of the key learning tool by which mathematics was taught in the 19th century. Without a doubt, it helped convey a real sense of ownership of the mathematical principles inscribed within and were valued possessions for many students. A researcher studying the roots of modern mathematics and mathematics teaching would find this a valuable reference work. Contemporary research has shown that cipher books are not widely available any more as a tool for research and study. This volume is a classic example of that lost learning instrument. Notes on Cipher Books: Cipher books went by many names: cyphering books, copy books, arithmetic books, etc. By the late 19th / early 20th century, the advent of commercially-produced arithmetic books led to the demise of student-prepared cipher books. Most of the powerful abstract mathematical theories in use today originated in the 19th century. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, when paper was still expensive and textbooks not generally available, students who learned arithmetic sometimes wrote out their own texts by hand. Measuring 13 inches by 8 inches, it contains 22 pages and is 100% complete. The cover is a thicker paper and is in good condition. The paper used for the pages is coarse, firmly bound and completely intact. The handwriting is copperplate and quite legible. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 22 pages. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010294

Keywords: 19th Academics

UNKNOWN

1816 Fascinating Reference Letter for a French Physician Who Aims to Work at Enfants Malades Hopital

Paris, France, 1816. Ephemera. On offer is a very well written letter of reference for a French doctor in early 19th century France. The letter, although unsigned, appears to be sent from the Hopital de la Charite. It highly recommends a Doctor Chretien Lalame for a position at the Children’s Hospital of Paris. An excerpt follows: Le Doctor Chretien Lalame age de 44, medecin de la Faculte de Paris. Membre titulaire de l'Academie de Medecine, medecin ordinaire du 5em dispensaire, d'un des trois premier candidate designes par le Conseil General des hospices dans sa seance du 17 avril donner et presentes a son excellence le ministre de l'interior pour remplir la place de Medecine de l'hospital des Enfants , demande celle du Medicin suppliant de la Charite vacante par le deces de M. Bayle...[Translation: Doctor Chretien Lalame, age 44, doctor of the Faculty of Paris. Full member of the Academy of Medicine, ordinary doctor of the 5th dispensary, one of the first three candidates designated by the General Council of Hospices in its session of April 17, and submitted to his excellency the Minister of the Interior to fill the place of Doctor of the Children's Hospital asks for the position of the Deputy Physician of the Charity that is vacant by the death of Mr. Bayle...]. The Hopital de la Charite was established in 1613 through the initial efforts of Marie de Medici. For over 300 years, it served the needs of the citizens of Paris. The hospital was remodelled by Suzanne Necker to create the Necker Hospital. The hospital building was demolished around 1935 to make place for the new Faculté de médecine de Paris, now part of the Sorbonne. The Necker Hospital continues as one of France’s great teaching hospitals, partnered with the Enfants Malades Hopital. The Children’s Hospital (or Enfants Malades Hopital) was the first children’s hospital in the world. It remains one of the great children’s hospitals today. Established at the beginning of the 19th century, it benefited from the patronage of Suzanne Necker, the wife of the Minister of Finance for France and her daughter, Anne Louise Germaine, the future writer and philosopher now better known as Madame de Staël. The noted intellectual and writer who rose to become one of the most prominent persons in European politics. She was also wealthy and extraordinarily connected to centres of power across European societies. In 1920, the Children’s Hospital merged with its next door neighbour The Necker Hospital, founded by Jacques Necker. The letter goes on to extol his titles already obtained, his accomplishments and his service over a 15 year period. This is an excellent example of the type of reference letter that was used in French society in the early 19th century. The letter measures 8.5 inches by 6.25 inches and is a single sheet of paper. The page is in very good condition and the handwriting is quite legible. ; Manuscripts; 8.5" x 6.25"; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010199

Keywords: Medical History Doctors 19th