1703 Louis-Joseph, Duke of Vendôme Signed Military Discharge — Wounded Soldier, War of the Spanish Succession
Original partially printed military pass signed by Louis-Joseph de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, Marshal of France and one of the most celebrated French commanders of the reign of Louis XIV.
Issued at Mirandola, Italy, apparently on May 20, 1703, the document grants free passage to a soldier of the Régiment d’Auvergne whose name appears to be Jean Rousselot. It states that the soldier can no longer serve because of his wounds and is traveling to the Invalides.
The imposing printed heading recites Vendôme’s extensive titles, including Duke of Vendôme, Mercœur and Étampes; Prince of Anet and Martigues; Peer and General of the Galleys of France; Governor of Provence; former Viceroy and Captain General in Catalonia; commander of the French armies in Italy; and Knight of the Golden Fleece.
Signed prominently at the conclusion:
“Louis duc de Vendosme”
Vendôme was a great-grandson of King Henry IV and a leading Bourbon prince. During the War of the Spanish Succession, he commanded French forces in Italy against Prince Eugene of Savoy and established a reputation as one of France’s finest battlefield commanders.
An evocative military document recording the human consequences of Louis XIV’s wars: the formal discharge and passage of a wounded veteran from active service to the Invalides.
Condition is fair, with folds, soiling, edge losses, scattered staining, manuscript fading and a large blue archival stamp. Vendôme’s signature remains clear and substantial. Verso docketed in a contemporary or early hand.
Original partially printed military pass signed by Louis-Joseph de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, Marshal of France and one of the most celebrated French commanders of the reign of Louis XIV.
Issued at Mirandola, Italy, apparently on May 20, 1703, the document grants free passage to a soldier of the Régiment d’Auvergne whose name appears to be Jean Rousselot. It states that the soldier can no longer serve because of his wounds and is traveling to the Invalides.
The imposing printed heading recites Vendôme’s extensive titles, including Duke of Vendôme, Mercœur and Étampes; Prince of Anet and Martigues; Peer and General of the Galleys of France; Governor of Provence; former Viceroy and Captain General in Catalonia; commander of the French armies in Italy; and Knight of the Golden Fleece.
Signed prominently at the conclusion:
“Louis duc de Vendosme”
Vendôme was a great-grandson of King Henry IV and a leading Bourbon prince. During the War of the Spanish Succession, he commanded French forces in Italy against Prince Eugene of Savoy and established a reputation as one of France’s finest battlefield commanders.
An evocative military document recording the human consequences of Louis XIV’s wars: the formal discharge and passage of a wounded veteran from active service to the Invalides.
Condition is fair, with folds, soiling, edge losses, scattered staining, manuscript fading and a large blue archival stamp. Vendôme’s signature remains clear and substantial. Verso docketed in a contemporary or early hand.
