188

ROBESPIERRE, MAXIMILIEN DE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
ROBESPIERRE, MAXIMILIEN DE
<b>188. MAXIMILIEN DE ROBESPIERRE</b> (1758 - 1794) French revolutionary and leader of the Montagnards, he brought on the Reign of Terror, sending his friends Desmoulins and Danton to the guillotine. Arrested in the Revolution of 9 Thermidor, he attempted suicide, wounded himself, and was finally carted off to the guillotine. Rare D.S. "<i>Robespierre</i>" on Committee of Public Safety letterhead, 2pp. sm. folio, Paris, July 17, 1794, only eleven days before Robespierre himself would meet with the guillotine. The document is an order to commandeer six wagons belonging to the Water Company of Paris, <i>"...which were to be taken over by the Committee of Public safety</i>..." for transport services. Signed by Robespierre at conclusion, also signed by <b>LAZARE CARNOT</b>, <b>BERTRAND</b> and <b>BARERE</b> <b>DE VIEUZAC</b>. Very good. One wonders to what end these carts were used - perhaps to haul the condemned to and from the guillotine? Perhaps to carry Robespierre himself...? Very good.<b>$1,000-1,500</b>