French statesman and military officer (1757–1834) who became an intimate associate of George Washington and who advanced the American cause on both sides of the Atlantic. Though he espoused many of the principles behind the French Revolution while advocating a limited monarchy, extremist elements in the French Assembly declared him a traitor, whereupon he was jailed for five years. In 1824–1825 he revisited America, where he was hailed as a hero and granted a generous stipend and parcel of land. Partly-printed vellum DS, in French, signed “Lafayette,” one page, 11.75 x 9.25, March 25, 1790. Document reads, in part (translated): “Volunteers of The National Guard of Paris, 2nd Division, 10th Battalion, 1st Company. We have signed below and certify that Mr. Charles Georges Dumesnil…is engaged on the 15th August in the 1st Company of the 10th Battalion of the Second Division of the National Guard of Paris.” Signed in the lower border by Lafayette, and countersigned by several other officers. Several vertical folds, scattered creasing and wrinkling, and mild soiling, otherwise very good condition. This certificate was granted not only during a period of reorganization within the French armed forces, but within the nation itself. Lafayette is uncommon in this format. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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