DECRES (Denis) - Lot 221

DECRES (Denis) Châteauvillain (Haute-Marne), June 18, 1761 - Paris, December 7, 1820. Minister of the Navy and Colonies under the Consulate and Empire, vice-admiral, senator and duke of the Empire. L.S. "Decres" addressed to Marshal Masséna. Paris, November 11, 1807. One folio page on laid paper, handwritten header "Marine - 1ère Division - Pensions". Important administrative letter concerning the retirement of Deputy Commissaire de Marine Riouffe. Decrès responds to an intervention by Marshal Masséna on behalf of this former maritime administrator, who has been admitted to retirement. He explains that he had long proposed to the Emperor to rule on this pension, but points out that the applicable regulations had been repealed: "...I would have proposed a long time ago to His Majesty to rule on the pension of this former administrator, if he had sent me the supporting documents for his services...". The Minister detailed the administrative obstacles involved in repealing the decree of Brumaire 7, An IX, while assuring Masséna that he would pay particular attention to the length and nature of Riouffe's service to the Emperor: "...I will pay particular attention to the duration and nature of His Majesty's services." A fine letter illustrating the workings of the Imperial Navy administration and pension mechanisms under the Empire, as well as the relationship between two of the most important figures in Napoleon's regime. Very handsome Decrès signature at the bottom of the letter. Minister of the Navy from 1801 to 1814, Denis Decrès was one of the great organizers of the Imperial Navy. Close to Napoleon, he played an essential role in rebuilding the French navy after the losses of the Revolution, and was involved in the administration of the Empire's colonies and major military ports.