ROUSSIN (Albin-Reine, baron). - Lot 199

ROUSSIN (Albin-Reine, baron). 1781-1854. Naval officer, minister and peer of France. Important L.A.S. to his notary, Me Le Gonnidec. Brest, July 30, 1814. 2 pp. in-8 square with autograph address on verso and red wax seal. Interesting letter concerning the drafting of his marriage contract with Mlle Virginie Bihet-Pontingy, written shortly after the First Restoration. Roussin sets out in detail several patrimonial clauses he wished to be included in the deed, reflecting the inheritance and family concerns of a senior officer in the aftermath of the Empire wars. In particular, he asked that the assets remaining in his mother's hands be designated in a sufficiently broad manner: "It will suffice to put: 'the remainder consisting of land, livestock, banknotes &c.'" He also wishes to extend to six years - instead of three - the period at the end of which his future wife could claim certain assets: "This six-year term seems to me necessary for the establishment of my young brother, whose education has been disrupted by the invasion of the enemy." Roussin also foresees the consequences of a possible dissolution of the marriage, stipulating that all the provisions of the contract would then become null and void: "Precautions make for solid acts." A beautiful document combining family and patrimonial considerations with the immediate historical context of the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Beautiful, regular handwriting and well-preserved signature. Autograph address on verso to his royal notary in Brest. Some foxing, small marginal loss without affecting the text. Good condition.