Description:

Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine
n.p., November 2, 1792
Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine, Veteran of American & French Revolutions Later Guillotined During the Reign of Terror
LS

Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine (1740-1793) was a French officer who supported the America forces in the Virginia campaign culminating in in the battle of Yorktown.

A promissory note signed, "Custine," in French, 1p, on laid paper measuring 7.375" x 8.875", no place, November 2, 1792. Docketed "No. 635" at lower left. With a signed reply from Custine's subordinate at verso. Flattened folds. Reinforced along left edge recto. Light age toning and ink show through. Pencil notations from a former collector appear easily reversible. Overall, in near fine condition.

Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine, in his capacity as general-in-chief of the Army of the Rhine, "Le Citoyen Général d'Armée," instructs the Quarter General at Mainz to pay the sum of 72 livres to an artillery captain named Lauwgére. Translated in part:

"Good for the sum of Seventy two Livres to pay to Citizen Lauwgére Captain Commander Adjutant Major of the Artillery Company of the Army, as Indemnity for a Loss he Made: This Sum payable from the funds at the disposition of Generals, in Virtue of the Ordonnance of the Chief Commissaire of Wars…"

At verso is a response by one of General Custine's underlings informing him that the order for reimbursement would be expedited. The statement, in French, is dated November 5, 1792, and is signed, "Beauchard."

The Army of the Rhine had been assembled in late 1791 to defend France's eastern frontier against attacks by the Hapsburg Empire and other entities hostile to the French Revolution. General Custine's Army of the Rhine scourged the middle and upper Rhine River Valley during the autumn of 1792, around the time that this directive was issued. He successfully captured Mainz (referred to as "Mayence" in this letter), Speyer, Limburg, and Frankfurt between September-December 1792.

However, General Custine's fortunes reversed as the French Revolution devolved into the Reign of Terror. He was twice investigated by the Committee of Public Safety. The first time, he was defended by none other than Maximilien Robespierre. The second time, following military losses in the Rhine River Valley which he has so competently conquered the previous year, he was recalled to Paris and convicted of negligence and treason. General Custine was guillotined on August 28, 1793.

Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine had begun his military service at age 8. He later served in the Seven Years' War; as part of Comte Rochambeau's "Expédition Particulière" supporting American forces in the Virginia campaign culminating in the Battle of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War; and also in the French Royal and later French Revolutionary Armies. Custine was known as "Général Moustache" because of his elaborate facial hair.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.375" x 8.875"
  • Medium: LS

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