Manuscript DS, in French, signed “Payez, Marie Antoinette,” one page, 9.5 x 14.25, April 1, 1783. Document addressed to the Administrator of the Royal Treasury responsible for the expenditure of the household, M. Marc Antoine Francis de la Tour, Treasurer General at the House of Finances. In full (translated): “Treasurer General of our House and Finances, Master Marc Antoine François Marie Randon de la Tour, we desire and order you that of the money which is appropriated by the state, decreed for the upkeep and nourishment of several of our officers during the present year, you pay in cash to the coachmen of our courier serving by commission the sum of five hundred forty-seven pounds ten sols that we have accorded to them to serve as wages and food allowance during the quarter of January, February and March last, and you bringing back the present letter with a receipt certain and sufficient, the said sum of five hundred forty-seven pounds ten sols will be passed and allocated as expense on your accounts by our dear and beloved personnel of the Accounts of the King, our beloved Lord and spouse in Paris, which we pray and nevertheless order to do this without difficulty. Made at Versailles the first of April one thousand seven hundred eighty-three.” Signed at the conclusion by Antoinette, also bearing Marie’s secretarial proxy signature by Beauregard. In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, and Antoinette’s signature underlined in red, as well as a couple other passages in the text. The Queen was well-known for indulging her family and those within her household, taking personal interest in their happiness. Items from the reign of the Queen, especially detailing her extravagant spending, are highly sought after by collectors. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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