Description:

de Bourbon Louis-Auguste 1670 - 1736

Louis-Auguste de Bourbon, son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, gives order as General Captain of Artillery.

Single-page military order signed by Louis-Auguste de Bourbon as "L.A. de Bourbon" and monogrammed twice near bottom of page. Document is inscribed by multiple hands and bears impressed paper seal with three Bourbon fleurs de lis at bottom left. Two other signatures can be seen at the bottom and along the left side. In fine to very fine condition, with expected folds including some well-worn, and with two tiny holes at center along creases. Ghost impressions of seal located at top recto and at center verso, document measuring 9.375" x 14.5".

At top, a list of the signee's titles appears in large and elaborate script: "Louis Auguste de Bourbon, Duke of Maine, Legitimate Prince of France, by the grace of God Sovereign Prince of Dombres, Conte of Eu, Duke of Aumale, Commander of the King's Orders, Colonel General of the Swiss Guards and Grisons, Governor and Lieutenant General of his Provinces High and Low Languedoc for his Majesty, Grand Master et General Captain of the Artillery of France".

The order commands one Seigneur de Maze to report for military duty on March 1st, and to serve as Artillery Superintendent at a designated place or at Seigneur Descroix's estate. Seigneur de Maze is "to stay there in residence until a new order. To pray that Monsieur the Governor of the said place, or of whomever commands there, recognizes and has recognized the said Seigneur de Maze of said quality, and of him to give convenient lodgings to your officers ... In your present order that we have signed with our hand, had sealed with the seal of our arms, and countersigned by the General Secretary of the Artillery of France, from Marly the fourteenth day of the month of February one thousand seven hundred twenty nine ... "

Louis-Auguste de Bourbon (1670-1736) was the illegitimate son of Louis XIV (1638-1715) and Madame de Montespan (1640-1707). The Sun King took steps to legitimate Louis-Auguste and other siblings mothered by Madame de Montespan. He granted Louis-Auguste honorary titles, including the rank of Colonel General of the Swiss Guards at age four, to further legitimate his offspring.

In 1729, Louis XV was well-established in his monarchy, but eager to secure the succession. Our document reveals that the French military was sophisticated, bureaucratic, and overseen by a clear chain of command. At the conclusion of our document, Louis-Auguste adopts the royal "we" to further bolster his authority.

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