His brother Napoleon made him King of Holland on June 5, 1806. Intended by his older brother as little more than a French governor, Louis took his duties as King seriously, calling himself King Lodewijk I (adopting the Dutch form of his name), attempting to learn the Dutch language and trying hard to be a responsible, independent ruler of Holland. DS, in French, signed “Louis,” one page, 17.75 x 14.25, December 30, 1819. Untranslated certificate bestowing the “Ordre Royal De La Legion D’Honneur, signed at the lower right in black ink, “Louis.” In very good condition, with several storage folds, light toning and some scattered light edge wear. R&R COA.
