DROUET JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1824) French Politician of the Revolution, best-known for being the ...

DROUET JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1763-1824) French Politician of the Revolution, best-known for being the person who in June 1791 identified, denounced and stopped the escape attempt of the King of France Louis XVI and his family during the “Flight to Varennes”. Drouet was postmaster at Saint-Menehould, but after this episode he became increasingly popular and would be appointed Deputy in the National Convention 1792-95. Drouet voted in 1793 for the death of Louis XVI without appeal and proposed the expulsion of all British speculators residing in France. An excellent and extremmely good content L.S., ` Drouet - maitre de poste de Menehould´, three pages, folio, Paris, 11 <sup>th</sup> July 1791, in French. Drouet sends the present letter, apparently sent to a member of the National Assembly, explaining what would be his wish and what he expects to receive as award for his behaviour when he managed to abort the King´s escape plan, saying ` Animé du plus pur patriotism, et du désir d´être util à l´état, j´avais formé le projet de servir dans les troupes de ligne, réfléchissant ensuite que ma fortune ne pourrait(sic) suffire aux dépenses nécessaires… j´ai préféré de vous prier de m´employer soit dans la Gendarmerie Nationale, soit dans la Garde Nationale…´ (Translation: “ Driven by the purest patriotism, and the desire to be useful to the state, I had formed the plan to serve in the line troops, then reflecting that my fortune cannot be sufficient for the necessary expenses... I preferred to ask you to employ me either in the National Gendarmerie or in the National Guard…”) Drouet further refers to the reward that he was promised after his heroic behaviour in favour of the Revolution, and states ` Quant à la récompense dont vous m´avez flatté, Monsieur, que l´assemblée Nationale voudrait bien s´occuper en ma faveur, je me soumets entièrement à sa decision, et je l´attendrai avec respect´ (Translation: “ As for the reward with which you have flattered me, Sir, which the National Assembly would like to take care of in my favour, I submit myself entirely to its decision, and I will await it with respect”) To a post-scriptum, Drouet also kindly asks for an upgrading appointment of a member of his family, Augustin Drouet, who helped and had an important role in the Flight to Varennes events. Paper with watermark. Small overall minor age wear, otherwise G