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King of France (born 1754) from 1774 to 1792. In the wake of increasing unrest that developed into full-fledged revolution, Louis and his queen, Marie Antoinette, were executed in 1793. Partly-printed DS in French, signed “Bon, Louis,” one page, 9.25 x 13.5, November 24, 1789. King Louis XVI authorizes the payment of 166,000 Livres to "complete the expenses of my household during the quarter of October 1788." Endorsed in the lower left by King Louis XVI, and also signed by a secretary on the right side. In fine condition.
In 1788, the spending of the Royal Household alone made up 13% of total state expenses. By 1789, the country's finances were in disarray and the impoverished people were in uproar over the king's absolute power and frivolous lifestyle. On October 5, 1789, an angry mob marched on the Palace of Versailles and attempted to kill Queen Marie Antoinette. After the situation was defused by the Marquis de Lafayette, the government placed the royal family under house arrest in the Tuileries Palace in October 1789. By this document, signed the very next month at Tuileries Palace, King Louis draws from the royal treasury to support the expenses of his household—continuing the ostentatious spending that would result in his beheading two years later.
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