Manuscript DS in French, signed “Lafayette,” one page, 8.5 x 12.75, October 27, 1830. A petition of Jacques Buridant, a career military officer who had fought in the Napoleonic Wars and, just three months earlier, had distinguished himself during the Revolution of 1830 and the overthrow of King Charles X. Lafayette endorses an above statement made by Guillaume-Louis Ternaux (1763-1833), a fellow member of the Chamber of Deputies, adding below: "je m'unis à mon collegue, Lafayette" ["I unite myself with my colleague, Lafayette"]. The petition, in part (translated): "Buridant Jacques takes the very humble liberty to show you that he has nineteen years of military service and fourteen in the rank of Sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the Guard, having a perfect knowledge of military instruction. The petitioner participated in the last campaigns under the Emperor Napoleon and received seven wounds at Waterlo[o]. Believing to obtain some rights to your goodwill in regard to his behavior the first day[of the Revolution] when the Royal Guard received the order to fire on the citizens, by showing them [his fellow soldiers] the cruelty of such a horrible order, and declaring that I preferred to be on the citizens' side, which I did right away, my example was followed by most of the company and which proves furthermore that no one in the company who imitated me was wounded…wishing to continue this profession, he would aspire, if it were not temerity, to the rank of officer that he has been made to hope for since several years. His hope is based on the fact that he has the honor to explain herewith and in your justice.” In very good to fine condition, with light toning and creasing, a missing upper left corner tip, and small tape stain in the bottom blank area.
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