LS signed “Lafayette,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 12.25, August 24, 1830. Important letter describing the French Revolution of 1830, written as lieutenant general of Louis-Philippe's new kingdom. Just after the 1830 Revolution, the former King Charles X fled to Great Britain, but his ministers were arrested while they were trying to escape. In this letter, Lafayette organizes the judgment of the ministers in Paris and praises the greatness of the Revolution. In full (translated): "It is ordered to Mr. Alphonse Foy, captain attached to the general military staff of the National Guard, to go to Tours with the military officer from the Ministry of War in order to supervise the translation of the Ministers to Paris where they must be judged in accordance with the Law.
All the legal measures have been taken concerning this convoy, the charges and judgment. The General in Chief knows very well the patriotism of the French people on the road that the accused have to follow, so he will certainly not slander them by supposing they would be able to spoil our beautiful Revolution by abuses and violations of the law. This very Revolution has been superior to all the other ones by the alliance of justice and generosity, character of the patriots and the brave people, with the admirable devotion and heroic courage, the evidence of which have been shown to the entire world.
If General Lafayette could have feared that, because of an outburst of exasperation which would not be in accordance with the noble French character, or by an amorality excited by the enemies of our liberty or by the jealousy of our glory, some of his fellow citizens would be tempted to behave with a shameful violence or to dishonorably insult the accused who now must be protected until they are legally judged, he would appeal to the confidence the people have in him. He would say to the people who would ignore their own dignity and the respect that is due to the law: ‘The defense of liberty and legal order has been entrusted to me first by the voice of the people and then by the high dignity the National King has given me. I am responsible for you. I am responsible on my honour for the security of the prisoners, my honour is in your hands. You will not ignore the voice of the servant of the people.’
For this purpose, the holder of this order, Mr. Alphonse Foy, captain attached to my military staff, has received my instructions and my powers to requisition on his way as many national guards as he will need. The National Guards will be commanded by him with all the authority I am granted just as if the orders were given by myself. I rely trustfully on the patriotism, the zeal and the friendship of my brothers of arms." The letter retains its red wax "Cabinet du Roi" seal at the conclusion. In very good condition, with intersecting folds and moderate overall creasing. Accompanied by an original envelope marked "Commission" and an original tricolor cockade from the 1830 Revolution.
During the July Revolution of 1830, Lafayette declined an offer to become the dictator of France and instead lent his support to Louis-Philippe as king. The trials of Charles X's ministers commenced before the Chamber of Peers in December, and the resulting riots in Paris—not subdued by the sentiments expressed in this letter—led to the dismissal of Lafayette as leader of the National Guard. A fantastic, historically significant letter on Lafayette's last revolution.
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