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Description
[AUTOGRAPHS]
Conscription (the recruitment of soldiers based on their year of birth) was introduced in 1798 by the Jourdan-Delbrel Act. French citizens were required to serve five years in the armed forces if they were selected by lot. The wealthier citizens would then pay a sum of money to have someone else serve in their place.
A one-page letter in quarto format, addressed to the Viscount of Wismar, Rue de la Planche, Faubourg Saint-Germain.
Printed header: ‘Military Exchange or General Insurance against the risk of conscription, for the whole of France, established in Paris by Messrs H. Leclerc and Co.’
“Paris, 16 July 1836. Sir, We have the honour of informing you that the replacement we had intended for your son was accepted just half an hour ago by the Seine Conscription Board.
We are delighted to be able to announce this good news to you immediately, which will ensure peace of mind for both you and your son.
We therefore ask you to make the necessary arrangements regarding the funds you are to pay us; and I shall be expecting you for this purpose next Monday between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm.”
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
ID: 89135221
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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