L.A.S from Major General Charles Louis Joseph de GAU DE FRÉG - Lot 22

L.A.S from Major General Charles Louis Joseph de GAU DE FRÉGEVILLE (1762-1841) to the Minister of Finance - Montpellier, 19 Messidor de l'an X (July 8, 1802) Charles de Frégeville, then commander-in-chief of the 9th military division covering the departments of Hérault, Gard, Ardèche, Lozère, Aveyron and Tarn, dated 19 Messidor de l'an X (July 8, 1802), writing from headquarters in Montpellier. Header printed with a vignette bearing an allegory of the Republic with the words "Armée de Terre" and "République Française" flanked by the motto "Liberté - Egalité". The Major General addresses the Minister of Finance with a request for military housing. The general explained that he had previously written to the Minister of the Interior requesting a lodge or theater for the divisional headquarters. However, this request was refused on the grounds that the matter fell within the remit of the Minister of Finance. Frégeville then repeated his request to the Minister of Finance, explaining that the building in question belonged to the nation and should logically be assigned to the army rather than to civilian use. He insists that the requisition is justified, as every city has military headquarters. The letter closes with the customary greeting "Salut et Respect", followed by General Frégeville's handwritten signature. Some light stains and folds. 1 p., in-4° format. 1802. Historical background: Under Napoleon Bonaparte's Consulate, military reorganizations were numerous, requiring adapted logistics, particularly in terms of housing and infrastructure. Military division headquarters were essential for managing troops and maintaining order in the regions administered by the army. In 1802, the 9th Military Division covered a large area of southern France, requiring official buildings for its officers and staff. This letter illustrates the administrative difficulties encountered by military commanders in obtaining the resources they needed to carry out their missions.