One of the most important creators of the French Revolutionary Army (1753-1823); he voted for the death of Louis XVI and was appointed by Napoleon to the post of Minister of War. LS in French, signed “Carnot,” one page, 7.25 x 9.25, Committee of Public Safety letterhead, April 9, 1794. Letter concerning the need for explosive saltpeter, issued during the 'Reign of Terror.' In part (translated): "To the directors of the Administrators of Laon district, Aisne department…If the citizen…is recognized as necessary for the exploitation of the Salpeter, it may be required by conforming with the decree of 29 Nivôse." Signed at the conclusion by Lazare Carnot and Claude Antoine, comte Prieur-Duvernois. In very good to fine condition, with light toning and overall foxing.
The enormous need for the manufacture of gunpowder—essential to the wars waged during the French Revolution and the 1st Empire—led to a real hunt for the requisition of saltpeter. During this period, the army of the First French Republic was fighting a Coalition Army in the region mentioned, leading up to their victory in the Battle of Fleurus in June 1794.
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