Menu
Cart 0

TALLEYRAND Charles Maurice - LS 1803 interceding for an Englishman

  • £625.00

Charles Maurice TALLEYRAND, Prince de Benevent (1754-1838)

Letter Signed (“ch. mau. Talleyrand”) to the Minister of Finance [Francois Barbe-Marbois], interceding in favour of an Englishman, Col. Scott, who wished to bring various belongings into France where he intends to remain for a year with his family.

1 page 4to in French with integral address leaf, on letterhead with the vignette of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris, 5 pluviose an 11 [25 January 1803].                   

Talleyrand was in large part responsible for the success of the negotiations which led to the Treaty of Amiens, and it is unsurprising that he would welcome an Englishman who wished to remain in France for a reasonable time after the treaty was signed. It is not known whether Colonel Scott remained in Versailles for a year, as planned, but it seems unlikely that would have been the case after the peace collapsed and England and France were again at war in May of that year.

Trans: “Mr. W. Scott, Colonel in the British army, who is currently in Versailles, has written to me to say that he intends to rent a house and remain there for a year with his family. He has asked my permission to have sent, via Dieppe, various items listed here, which are essential to him. The government is very happy to see this stranger here, and wishes that he be treated with the regard which he deserves in many regards. I beg you, Citizen Minister, to grant him this permission if possible and to send it to me. . .

The items required by Colonel Scott, listed on the verso of the address leaf, seem, for the most part, quite modest for a year-long stay. They include two carriages, harnesses for one, two or three saddles, tablecloths and napkins, a little silverware, blankets for one or two beds, curtains and “perhaps a few other small articles”.

Talleyrand, the most skilful diplomat of his age, as well as a great intriguer, has been much criticized for his deviousness. His admirers have reason to consider the criticism unfair, as it was precisely this skill which was essential in his negotiations, which were, so often, beneficial to France. He was a key figure in the coup d’état which brought Napoleon to power in 1799, and participated in the key diplomatic events of the first half of Napoleon’s reign.

Delivery

Autographs can be delivered worldwide. Delivery costs are calculated at the time of order and items will be sent by the most appropriate means, depending on your location and the value of the item. This will usually be by Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK and Royal Mail Tracked outside the UK. 

 

The current delivery charges are:

  • UK:

    Royal Mail Special Delivery £9.00

  • Europe:

    Europe Royal Mail Tracked £15.00
    EU customers should note that, following brexit, local VAT and customs duties may apply to their purchases. 

     USA:

  • Royal Mail Tracked £25.00

    Rest of the World:

  • Rest of the World Tracked £20.00

     

Export Licensing

Customers should be aware that all letters and documents over 50 years old require an export licence, which may delay delivery by anything from one to three weeks. Signed photographs are not subject to export licence regulations, and can be sent immediately.

There is no charge for the export licence and I will take care of the application, the only inconvenience to you will be the delay.

Authenticity

The authenticity of the letters and documents offered is guaranteed.

Payment

Online sales orders

Payments made via the website are processed by Shopify Inc and can be made using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Telephone sales orders

Items may be purchased by phone. Please contact me using the website Contact Form and I will call you within 48 hours to discuss your requirements. Payment for purchases ordered by phone can be paid upon receipt of the invoice and must be paid within 7 days. Phone orders can be paid by cheque (in pounds sterling only) or bank transfer.

Items will be reserved for one week following the order confirmation and will be dispatched either within 7 days after full payment has been received, or after any required export licenses have been granted.

Returns Policy

Should you be in any way dissatisfied with your purchase, items may be returned within six weeks of delivery and a full refund will be made upon receipt of the returned item. The item must be received by Richmond Autographs in the same condition as when dispatched.  For full details, please read our Terms and Conditions.


We Also Recommend
Back to the top