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[Identification of item], James Ludovic Lindsay collection of French manuscripts, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
The James Ludovic Lindsay collection of French manuscripts were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a purchase in 1960.
Processed by Sophia Durand and Noah Huffman, December 2011
Encoded by Noah Huffman, December 2011
Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 1960-0141 and 1960-0175
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory:
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
James Ludovic Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford and 9th Earl of Balcarres, was a British astronomer, politician, and noted collector of books and manuscripts. Lindsay inherited a considerable library from his father, but during his lifetime he assembled the Bibliotheca Lindesiana, one of the largest private libraries of the nineteenth century. In the 1880s, Lindsay’s fortunes suffered and he was forced to sell much of his rare book library, although he continued to collect proclamations, broadsides, and manuscripts of the French Revolutionary era. After Lindsay’s death, his heirs auctioned off most of what remained of his collections, including his French manuscripts.
Collection consists of selected letters, administrative papers, and other manuscripts, chiefly of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, that bear the bookplate and previously formed part of the Bibliotheca Lindesiana, the private library of James Ludovic Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford. Lindsay's collection of French manuscripts was auctioned off by Sotheby's between 1924 and 1925 and a small portion was acquired by Duke in 1960. Duke's collection represents a very small fraction of Lindsay's original collection and consists chiefly of manuscripts, with typed transcripts in French, that document various aspects of civil administration including letters from the prefects of various departments, letters from government ministers, and several letters addressed to Comte Collin de Sussy, Minister of Commerce and Manufacturing, and the Comte d'Antraigues. Other materials in the collection include letters in English from French elites to British nobility, such as to the Duke of York, and letters from French aristocrats to government officials. Examples include a letter addressed to Napoleon Bonaparte from Arnoud Joubert, a lawyer at the imperial court of Paris, discussing the possibility of receiving a medal of honor, and a letter from Cardinal Albani to Alexander I, Emperor of Russia, requesting the Emperor's protection from French authorities. The collection also includes some manuscripts and engravings acquired separately that do not bear the Bibliotheca Lindesiana bookplate.
These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.
Series includes manuscripts, chiefly of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic period, collected by James Ludovic Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford. Manuscripts in this series bear the "Bibliotheca Lindesiana" bookplate and include typed transcripts (in French) prepared by librarians and scholars in Lindsay's employ.
Arranged chronologically, with some exceptions.
The original folders have been retained and, for the most part, names referenced below have been transcribed as they appear on the documents.
Letter about a convention that was scheduled to occur.
Letter informs Barras that someone wanted to meet him.
Richard asks his banker Perregaux for a loan.
Ribert asks for a loan from Vasselin.
Delaunay asks Villars to help him meet Cambaceres.
Detcheverry asks if his friend will receive his passport.
Henri Grégoire mentions that Durand is giving him a memoire.
Beffroy pays Mr. Choquet back.
Chazaud writes to Laquintanne to let him know that Mr. Garrigou and Dupre cannot pay him back the sum Laquintanne had lent them because their activities had not benefited from the revolution.
Mailhe states that he has received the payment owed him by Coste, Vidal and Viguer.
Rouyer informs Coste that he will be waiting to meet with him the next day
Gleizal, an attorney, attaches documents that show that Guishon worked for the Rochemaura square.
Mallevaut asks the minister for a job, arguing that both of his brothers died in service and therefore the government is indebted to him.
Guyton Morveau thanks Chateau-Giron for the Russian coins he gave him, and in exchange gives him newly minted coins.
Merlin asks a government official for a duplicate of the decision of the judge against Claude Bassinet.
Pellissier asks (begs) Tribun for his protection.
Julien informs Perregaux (banker) that his son will be in Paris and hopes they can meet. His son will be selling pieces of art, and he encourages Perregaux to take a look and perhaps buy something.
Delahaye asks the minister if he can be transferred to another region in France, preferably by the sea (where he is from) or bordering his region.
Chabot recommends Conny L'hopital who would work with the advisor.
Jourdan tries to persuade Regnier who to chose as 1st consulate.
Lequinio states that he has attached the instructions that were written according to the treaty.
Rousseau asks Cretet if he could hire Duc to work with him.
Alquier asks Perregaux to transfer money from his account in order to pay Mrs. De la Clos.
Chasset asks the prefect to read over his letter, seal it and send it to another government official
Porcher recommends Locquin for the job that Saladin was advertising.
Hourier Eloy congratulates Dupenty on the fact his son got accepted to a school in Rheims.
Fourcroy names Pastoret as the law of nature and society professor in the place of Bouchaud who passed away.
Hardy asks Gaudin for help to find a job, because since the revolution, he sees his funds have been decreasing.
Delecloy sends a letter nominating himself.
Lesterpt explains a trial he has in Poitiers and asks the recipient to be his lawyer.
Azéma asks Mithie to present a list of people for the minister and consulate.
The advisor asks Molinos (architect) to send him the work plan.
Royau (Lawyer) sends a letter to city hall.
Ramel de Nogaret informs Perregaux (banker) that he has taken money from his account, and assures him that the payment will be on time.
Albani asks the emperor for his protection and offers his services
The prefect Ladoucette sends a letter to the Director of Customs asking to get Dominique Fontaine's money back.
De Lattre thanks Dupuy for the elegy that he has written for the death of his nephew.
Quinette discusses M. Jullien's book on education
Fleurieu thanks the person for the copy of his notes on his interesting journey and discusses the growth of a region in Russia
Alex informs the minister that there has been a change, and a new individual will be starting work.
Debry sends a petition and asks the president of the petition committee to provide aid for an older citizen.
Howard writes to his friend and discusses his situation after the revolution
Vansittart writes for Lord Grenville and thanks the Count d'Antraigues for his service leaving Russia.
In Latin.
Frochot asks that Mr. Lechart be appointed a referefaire in the court that has yet to be created for the Cour des Comptes.
Howard discusses his whereabouts and plans during his visit in and around London
In Italian.
MacPherson discusses the protectors of Europe and a journey around Europe
MacPherson asks d'Antragues to write to him about his travel and the true hero of civilization (?)
Mackenzie informs the Count d'Antraigues that everything is ready for the attack.
Loisel thanks Sussy for his decision to ban trade with countries that are at war with France.
Belloy informs Bourges that His Majesty has agreed to open a school, and that he must present himself on time to the location on the opening day.
Harmand asks the Minister to transfer Andre Moreau to another job.
Decrès writes to the State Advisor asking for him to lift the ban that has been placed on certain buildings.
The prefect asks the Minister to give a sum of 100 francs to the five families whose fathers died in the terrible explosion at the mill.
La Boissiere informs Armand that he is sending a trunk with books and informs him that he will continue to send him his brochures.
A friendly letter from Howard to d'Antraigues discussing his situation.
Neufchâteau sends Sauvo a pamphlet.
Lagarde asks Le Grand whether a rumor is true or not.
Requests the prefect to take back an indemnity.
Leckies discusses the meaning of a letter sent by Mr. Canning to the Count.
Candras discusses the letter he had received from Monnay on the 6th of the month.
Dauchy informs Laugier that he must be present at the Customs organization project.
Brissac discusses Mrs. de Ghilini.
Treilhard thanks Bellait for the elegy he had sent.
Villmanzy discusses the situation in their office (they have to let some people go).
Treilhard sends a letter to Cepede informing him he mistakenly received a book that was destined for Cepede.
De Bondy invites the person to whom he is writing to his house in order to discuss the veterinary school in Lyon.
De Belleville thanks the Inspector for his advice.
St Amand asks Gaete to put forward his name as a candidate for prefect.
De Belleville reiterates a previous letter and discusses the orders he had sent and the situation of England.
Saurine informs the prefect of the transfers that are going to take place in the Haut-Rhin.
Langier informs the Count that he has received his letter, and discusses a letter he received on the 27th of Sept.
Claverie informs the duke that the slate of candidates for the tribunal was not complete. A certain Mr. Casebonne wanted to join the list, even though he lives farther away.
Reeves informs the Count d'Antraigues that his friend Le Roy has arrived but that he has received instructions not to allow him to proceed.
Douglas and Clydesdale sends a letter to the Count to justify his negligence and answer the question the Count had asked.
Lepeletier thanks the Minister for his letter and discusses who will take the place of Capitaine Sr. Regal.
Roederer informs the Duke that he has established the imperial court in Caen and that he believes that the first session went exactly as the laws regulate them.
De Pradt thanks the publishers for having published his article, and asks them if they could publish two more.
Foresti encloses a duplicate statement with all the necessary documents.
Begouen writes a recommendation for Mr. Dorival.
Dreux-Breze recommends Mr. Suillant-Vachon to replace the recently decesased Mr. de la Barde.
Count d'Aboville informs the Chancellor that he has received the letters.
Becquey-Beaupre shares the count's joy and informs him that Mr. Dupin will write to him.
Marescalchi congratulates Sussy for his nomination as Minister of Commerce and Manufacturing, and asks him if there is any place in his new cabinet for a Mr. Ferrand.
Petition from Rossollin to Sussy asking for a job in the Commerce Ministry.
Petition from Gobert seeking a position.
Ladoucette congratulates the person to whom he is writing.
Segur explains to Sussy that the person bringing him this letter would like to see him and perhaps become his valet.
Girardin (speaking in the third person) explains in his letter to the Count that he is recommending a person born in the same town at H.R.H. the Queen of Spain and has been asked by her to recommend this person as best he can.
Routhier flatters the Minister and asks to see him briefly once more.
Dujardin-Sailly congratulates the person to whom he is writing and insinuates that he wants a job.
De Gerando conveys Mr. Miollis' situation and wishes to the Count.
Dania petitions for a job.
De Gerando writes a recommendation for Mr. Deseroizilles.
Mollien informs Sussy that S. Paillet would like to meet him.
Grouvel writes seeking a position.
Labrouste asks Sussy for a job for his nephew.
Du-Bois-Du Bais sends Sussy a petition for a young man, hoping to find him a job.
Montaliver recommends a person to work at the Ministry.
Raut writes a petition for himself, requesting a job.
D'Arlincourt congratulates Sussy on his new position
The Count of D'Hauterive writes a petition for M. Farcot, hoping to find him a job.
Pougens, who does not personally know the Count, sends him a letter emphasizing his experience and requesting a position.
Valeton writes a petition, requesting a job.
Da Costa La Seroniere writes a petition requesting a job.
Dumont requests a job.
Bryard offers his services to HR Majesty.
Petition from Boucard for Leger. Requests a job for him.
Petition from Marescalchi for Mr. Viollet, requesting a job.
The count Daru explains to Mr. Parisse that he has received both his letter and the letter destined to Count Sussy, and he will recommend him to the Count Sussy the next time he sees him, in order for Parisse to get the job he desires.
Supervielle explains his current financial situation, and asks the Count to give him a job, since he is married and about to become a father.
Petition from De L'Aude regarding Mr. Dupont (of Lyon), requesting a job.
Lancel writes to the Count of Sussy, explaining his many titles in hope of working with him in his office.
Emmery recommends Lancel to Sussy, simply stating that he deserves both the goodwill and protection from the Count.
Caffarelli recommends Mr. Sol for a job in the Ministry of Commerce.
Jaubert thanks "the Count" (probably Count Sussy) for nominating Mr. Soubiran for a new post.
A sort of recommendation stating the quality of Mr. Bruni's services, followed by observations by Chabrol. Chabrol is requesting a job for Mr. Ferdinand Bruni.
Briand petitions for a position at the Ministry of Commerce.
Borel requests a job at the ministry of Commerce.
Vidal forwards a petition previously written by Mr. Potier about his nephew, Mr. Lovznoze, requesting a job at the Ministry of Commerce.
Routhier writes to Sussy about a job.
Rabusson recommends himself for a job at the Ministry.
Bonnefoux recommends Mr. David for a job at Ministry
The Commision asks the Count if he has received the petition regarding Mr. S. Bruyard.
Chapus writes his own recommendation.
Chazal forwards a letter from the vice-prefect to the General Director.
Loree writes asking for a job.
Chaban writes to Le Grand, Minister of Finance about a miscommunication that happened with the nomination
Vansittart writes to the Count, discussing his health and forwarding letters that he has received.
Count Moreton-Chabrillion writes a letter of recommendation for Favre.
De Joly explains he will not be able to attend the assembly on Monday and gives his opinion on an issue that divides the assembly: a momentary mistake should not be punished as if it were a horrible mistake.
Jaubert recommends Pierre D'Esparbes for a job .
Collet-Des Costils thanks the Director for the letter he received and informs him that he also received the legal statement regarding the theft of 17 pots.
Count Chabrol explains that the Borata (a ship) has left Tieste with a shipment of salt.
Vansittart explains that he will not be able to meet with the Count on the day they had appointed.
La Rouchefoucauld recommends a young man for a job
The Baron recommends a job for the Director of Vervis.
De Gregory recommends Mr. Morel for a job.
Corvisart invites Mr. Godine for dinner.
Journu-Aubert explains the reason for which he could not attend his meeting with the Count and recommends his nephew, Bory, for a job at the ministry of Commerce.
La Bouillerie asks Mr. Le Goux to be favorable with Mr. Dubois, who has just been nominated candidate for a post at the Tribunal.
Quinette asks Mr. Dumont to let Mr. Moisson know that he has received the letter.
Garat states that "his Majesty" may have doubts on his sincerity and loyalty, but he explains why that should not be the case.
Lindet explains the legal situation that involves Mr. Legendre and assures him that he will receive his money.
Vansittart compliments the Count and informs him that he will not be able to meet with him because of business.
Count De Croy explains the situation of the young Jochaud-Verdiere and hopes to find a place for him in the government school.
The Baron thanks Mr. St. Crieg for his letter and recommends Mr. Baussy for a position.
The Count gives his signature as well as the Secretary General's in order to prove the authenticity of the document.
Joubert thanks the Count for his help with Mr. De La Grange and recommends Mr. d'Esparbay for a position.
In Latin
Baron Mechin explains that the list he had sent previously had not changed.
Conyere-Hamelinek would like to fix the mistake he had previously made and recommends his brother to Mr. Collin
Baron Richard asks for the opportunity to work with Count Bergon.
Joubert addresses his letter to HRH the Emperor Napoleon, expressing his gratitude for his past favors, but also explaining that his new position is a loss of dignity and requests a medal of honor in order to regain his dignity.
Amabert requests with emergency a job for Mr. Director General who no longer has work.
Henrion writes to the Baron explaining that his Royal Highness (probably Napoleon) has agreed to allow Sergent Major Kollarsk to be re-evaluated by the request of the Prince of Schwarzenberg.
Dreux-Breze thanks M. de la Bouisse for his letter and sends him a book.
Jaucourt explains to the addressee that the King (Louis XVIII) has ordered to pay him a provisional pension of 6000 francs per year for his services.
Frenier recommends a certain "Bernard" for a job
Dambray, Chancellor of France under Louis XVIII, explains to the Count that S. Bannenberger, Protestant Minister in Vendenheim, has to pay a certain sum for committing a minor crime.
The Marquis de Beurnonville reiterates his request for his nephew, Mr. Etienne Martin de Beurnonville, to receive the title of Baron.
The Marquis de Jaucourt asks the Baron for an answer to a question posed months before.
Cadudal asks Mrs. De Brecy about a job for Mr. Le Frotter
De Brest explains that his mother is sick and requests Mr. Pierquint to write to le Marquis (we do not have his name)
The Baron asks the minister to give him permission for (?)
Barante explains why he did not take the post of minister in Denmark when it was offered to him.
Barbier informs Mr. Peuchet that the author of the book mentionned is Innocent Gentillod and is qualified as an "anti-Macchiavel".
Constant proposes to add an article to the regulations
The Duke of York presents his compliments to De Beu(?)
Du Muy compliments Mr. Cavillier on his workmanship.
[barely legible]
Miss Dionis explains that Mardi Gras is not a good meeting day
Chateauneuf explains that he will continue to publish his work on Napoleon Bonaparte in London, and asks his addressee to copy the names of all of the subscribers and place it where others can see
Bouilly explains that he has received what was sent to him.
The poem concerns soldiers
Brun de Viller explains that the young person he recommended when staying in Paris is ill at the moment, but the addressee of the letter should not lose interest in him.
The letter discusses the literary contest that took place in 1793 and the poems received by the Royal Academy of Sciences, Literature and Art in Lyon.
[barely legible]
Bourguignon conveys observations
Camperone requests a dozen pamphlets from Mr. Mafey
The Duc of Doubeauville suggests to the Count that his relative should become prefect now that the prefect of Charente has resigned.
The Duc of Plaisance recommends Mr. De Tremont for the position of prefect of the Vosges region.
Emerian recommends a person
Desfourneaux explains that he has not reviewed he letters yet
The Minister informs John Spencer Smith that he has received the list of works and is willing to dedicated a few to him.
The Duc explains why he did not meet up with the Countess.
Count Joseph Bonaparte asks for permission to build a road that he has started on his own property.
Series includes manuscripts and engravings, chiefly of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, that do not bear the "Bibliotheca Lindesiana" bookplate. These materials may have been part of Lindsay's collection or may have been merged with the collection by a later owner. For the most part, there are no transcripts of these manuscripts.
Arranged chonologically.
A letter stating that a marriage has been accepted and the King (Louis XV) has allowed the groom to contact him.
Beaufort writes to the Tribunal expressing his thoughts on an event that took place in Parlement.
Prince Talleyrand writes to Duportuis (?), who must be a caretaker of his house, since he asks him to fill the icebox with ice as soon as it hails.
The Prince thanks M. Duton for the New Year wishes.
Signed by officials, witnesses, and Miss Corregeoles.
One letter is addressed to Perregaux
Elgin asks M. Perregaux to send a sum of twelve thousand Francs, and attaches a letter written by "Milady".
Marec discusses a law passed by the legislative branch to establish a new court.
Rovigo informs the Duc de Bassano that his interactions will remain the same as they were with his predecessor.
The Countess writes to her daughter in order to calm her down; she seems to be tormented however her mother explains that only God can protect them.
The Marquis de Lafayette expresses thanks for the letter from M. Jullien, and agrees to meet with him the following day.
The Prince presents compliments to Sir Hugh and Lady Campbell and accepts their invitation for dinner.