HENRI-ROBERT (Henri). - Lot 143

HENRI-ROBERT (Henri). (Paris, 1863–1936) Attorney, president of the Paris Bar Association, a leading figure in the Paris bar during the Third Republic. Autograph letter signed “Henri-Robert,” addressed to a commander. 98 Boulevard Pereire, Paris, January 29, 1936. 1 page, in-4 format. Envelope preserved, postmark from Paris (Jan. 1936) and reference to the 1937 International Exposition. Request for assistance with enlistment in the Republican Guard Letter in which Henri-Robert seeks his correspondent’s support to facilitate the rapid enlistment of a young man into the ranks of the Republican Guard. He recommends a certain Francis Sauvat, aged 25, formerly attached to the office of Prime Minister Pierre Laval, about whom he states he can provide “excellent references.” He explicitly requests: “…by summoning him, instructing him on the procedure to follow, and lending him your powerful support to ensure immediate success.” The letter perfectly illustrates the mechanisms of intercession and recommendation within the political and administrative networks of the Third Republic. This document is particularly interesting due to: - the status of the signatory, President of the Paris Bar Association and a leading figure in the judicial world; - the explicit mention of Pierre Laval, a prominent political figure; - the concrete content: direct intervention regarding an appointment or induction; - the evidence of networks of influence and recommendation within the French administration; - the presence of the envelope bearing a postmark and reference to the 1937 International Exposition. The letter dates from a politically sensitive period (the 1930s), marked by the importance of personal networks in administrative and military careers. Here, Henri-Robert acts as an influential intermediary, using his standing to support a candidate who already had connections to the circles of power.