Details
LOUIS XVI, King of France, 1774-1793. Document signed ("Louis"), Versailles, 3 October 1776. 2 pages, folio, 353 x 238 mm. (13 7/8 x 9 3/8 in.), original papered royal seal on verso, restorations to margins and along folds affecting a few letters, minor soiling; folding felt-lined chemise and half morocco gilt slipcase.
The King appoints Henri Jacques de Millau Commissioner to Louisiana. "Sa Majesté jugeant à propos pour l'Execution de la Convention par laquelle la Cour d'Espagne a consenté l'extraction des bois, grains, tabacs et fruits de la Louisianne pour les besoins de la Colonie française de l'Amérique, de nommer deux de ses sujets dont le zèle, la fidelité et l'experience lui soient connus, pour résider en qualité de ses Commissaires à la Nouvelle Orléans...que les Negocians françois, les Capitains, Maîtres, Patrons et Equipages puissent s'adresser pour les affaires et pour les secours dont ils auront besoin, Elle a fait choix du Sieur henri jacques de Milhau. Auquel elle ordonne de se rendre à la Louisiane pour y rester en qualité de son Commissaire..."
An appointment issued during the period of Spanish rule of the Louisiana. Following France's cession of the territory to Spain in 1762, an open rebellion by the dissatisfied French colonists was vigorously suppressed in 1769 by Alejandro O'Reilly and a period of economic growth and stability followed. As specified by France's treaty with Spain, France was permitted to maintain two resident commissioners in Louisiana. Their duties--akin to those of commercial attachés--mainly embraced the regulation and encouragement of trade and commerce between France and its former colony. The predominantly French colonists of Louisiana at this time still entertained hopes of eventual independence, hopes stimulated by the American and French Revolutions. The American colonies' Declaration of Independence was promulgated only three months prior to de Millau's appointment and the following February the new Spanish Governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez (1746-1786), entered upon his duties. In the ensuing years the industrious and dashing Gálvez succeeded in seizing Pensacola, Mobile, Natchez and Baton Rouge from the British, thereby enabling Spain to claim all of West Florida from Great Britain in the 1783 peace treaty.
The King appoints Henri Jacques de Millau Commissioner to Louisiana. "Sa Majesté jugeant à propos pour l'Execution de la Convention par laquelle la Cour d'Espagne a consenté l'extraction des bois, grains, tabacs et fruits de la Louisianne pour les besoins de la Colonie française de l'Amérique, de nommer deux de ses sujets dont le zèle, la fidelité et l'experience lui soient connus, pour résider en qualité de ses Commissaires à la Nouvelle Orléans...que les Negocians françois, les Capitains, Maîtres, Patrons et Equipages puissent s'adresser pour les affaires et pour les secours dont ils auront besoin, Elle a fait choix du Sieur henri jacques de Milhau. Auquel elle ordonne de se rendre à la Louisiane pour y rester en qualité de son Commissaire..."
An appointment issued during the period of Spanish rule of the Louisiana. Following France's cession of the territory to Spain in 1762, an open rebellion by the dissatisfied French colonists was vigorously suppressed in 1769 by Alejandro O'Reilly and a period of economic growth and stability followed. As specified by France's treaty with Spain, France was permitted to maintain two resident commissioners in Louisiana. Their duties--akin to those of commercial attachés--mainly embraced the regulation and encouragement of trade and commerce between France and its former colony. The predominantly French colonists of Louisiana at this time still entertained hopes of eventual independence, hopes stimulated by the American and French Revolutions. The American colonies' Declaration of Independence was promulgated only three months prior to de Millau's appointment and the following February the new Spanish Governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez (1746-1786), entered upon his duties. In the ensuing years the industrious and dashing Gálvez succeeded in seizing Pensacola, Mobile, Natchez and Baton Rouge from the British, thereby enabling Spain to claim all of West Florida from Great Britain in the 1783 peace treaty.