GAUDIN (Martin Michel Charles Gaudin, Duke of Gaëte, 1756–18 - Lot 150

Lot 150
Go to lot
Estimation :
80 - 100 EUR
Bid on drouot.com
GAUDIN (Martin Michel Charles Gaudin, Duke of Gaëte, 1756–18 - Lot 150
GAUDIN (Martin Michel Charles Gaudin, Duke of Gaëte, 1756–1841) Official letter signed in his capacity as Minister of the Treasury, concerning the expenses of the Army of Spain. Signed letter, 1 page, large folio (approx. 38 × 24 cm), Paris, July 6, 1810, on engraved letterhead of the Ministry of the Public Treasury—Office of the General Secretariat to the Minister. Autograph signature of Gaudin, Minister of the Public Treasury. An important administrative letter from the Napoleonic era concerning the settlement of expenses incurred by the Spanish Army during the height of the Peninsular War. The minister informs his correspondent that the Public Treasury has just sent the Treasurer of the Army of Spain new receipts pertaining to advances granted to the Treasury of Nassau, intended to cover the expenses of employees, isolated military personnel, and travelers under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Empire. He sets out the accounting situation in detail: new advances: 119,040 fr. 93 c.; previous advances still to be repaid: 40,279 fr. 15 c.; total debt to the Public Treasury: 159,320 francs 08 centimes. The minister then invites his correspondent to repay this sum or, failing that, to proceed by way of offset through orders that could be issued by His Excellency the Minister of War. The letter concludes with the customary official closing: “I have the honor to renew to you, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.” It is addressed to: Monsieur de Fabricius, Private Counselor of the Nassau Legation in Paris. This document illustrates the financial mechanisms implemented by the imperial administration to ensure the financing of military operations during the Spanish campaign, while highlighting the financial relations between the French Empire and the states of the Confederation of the Rhine, particularly the Duchy of Nassau. Physical Description 1 page, large folio. Engraved letterhead of the Ministry of the Public Treasury. Dated: Paris, July 6, 1810. Text handwritten by a secretary. Autograph signature of Gaudin. Autograph address at the bottom of the letter. Handwritten accounting table incorporated into the text. Heavy laid paper. Condition Very good overall condition. Formerly folded for mailing. Slight foxing and minor marginal soiling. Small crease in the lower right corner. The signature is clear and well-inked. Significance A highly interesting administrative document from the Empire, directly related to the financing of the Spanish War, one of the main theaters of operations during the reign of Napoleon I. Beyond its financial significance, this letter documents the relationship between the French Imperial Treasury and the Duchy of Nassau, an ally of France within the Confederation of the Rhine. Documents signed by Martin Michel Charles Gaudin—the Empire’s chief financial administrator and Minister of the Public Treasury from 1802 to 1814—are highly sought after for their historical significance, particularly when they pertain to the financial logistics of Napoleon’s campaigns.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue