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an old book with a red wax seal on itan old document with writing on it sitting on top of a table
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164 - Anne-Robert-Jacques TURGOT (1727–1781).
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Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
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Description
Anne-Robert-Jacques TURGOT (1727–1781). L.A., Paris, 2 May 1774, to the Marquis de Condorcet at Ribemont; 2 pages in-4, address, red wax seal bearing the coat of arms (slightly damp at the centre fold). An intriguing letter concerning the illness of Louis XV (who died eight days later, on 10 May). ‘Even if you were, Sir, ten times more active than you are—that is to say, forty times more so than I am—I would challenge you to be as agitated as all the inhabitants of the hive that is Versailles are at this very moment. You know, or will learn from everyone, that the King has smallpox. It is confluent. He is very weak and so far gone that he has not asked for the sacraments. Madame Du B. [Du Barry] saw him the day before yesterday and yesterday during the ladies’ supper, but he did not speak to her. The Archbishop [Christophe de Beaumont, Archbishop of Paris], who is himself very unwell, went to Versailles against the surgeons’ advice and saw the King. But the pains of his kidney ailment overcame him; he passed blood, expelled a stone, and did not speak to the King about the sacraments. It is said that the Grand Chaplain [Cardinal de La Roche-Aymon] took charge of the matter. The Archbishop has returned to Paris. At half past midnight the King was in a very bad way; it is claimed that the pustules were flattening, which bodes very ill. However, there had not yet been any question of the sacraments. ‘All three of the ladies who have not had smallpox are attending to him.’ He will send news every day, or have it sent by their friends, and speaks of taking steps, but ‘at this very moment, everything is up in the air. The King of Prussia [Frederick II] has suffered a fall and is said to be in real danger. May God grant that the changes which may result from these events do not bring us war’... Enclosed is a printed circular letter signed by a certain Turgot, Clermont, 12 December 1708, concerning the poll tax (2 pp. in-4, address). Certificate of cultural heritage enclosed.
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part I
Auction location
Auction time 10/13/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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