LOUIS XVI ACCEPTS THE CONSTITUTION. Jean Michel ROLLAND (Gap - Lot 232

LOUIS XVI ACCEPTS THE CONSTITUTION. Jean Michel ROLLAND (Gap 1745 - 1810) Député des Basses-Alpes aux États-Généraux de 1789 et à l'Assemblée Nationale 1789-1790 - Autograph letter (unsigned) to Mr PINET Receveur du District de GAP. Paris, September 1, 1791. 2 pages in-4°. Franchise and Postal Marks "Assemblée Nationale (vert). Historical text, superb: "Monsieur et Cher ami, on a délibéré aujourd'hui sur le mode de représentation de l'Acte Constitutionnelle du Roi, et il a été décrété qu'une députation serait nommée pour le présenter lui, que préalablement le Roi serait prié de donner des ordres pour s'entourer qu'une garde telle qu'il la juge convenable pour la sureté et la dignité de sa personne, et de déterminer les formes du cérémonial qu'il voudrait suivre dans l'Acte d'acceptation. At this point, the motion was made to suspend deliberations until the Constitution had been read in the Assembly, and it had been decreed that there was nothing to add or subtract. This motion passed. Sinister news is spread; it is said that nothing is left of the coalition of the Emperor, the King of Prussia, the Empress of Russia and the other powers of Europe, that 20,000 Russians are going to disembark at OSTENDE, that an army of Prussians is on the march, and that the Emperor's troops and stores are ready. It is said that the King's brother has been appointed Regent, and Comte d'Artois Lieutenant General of the Kingdom, and that the attack will take place around the 20th of this month. This is the news of the day. Some believe it, others scoff at it. If it is well-founded, each day will confirm it and add new circumstances, if not, a very short time will suffice to make it vanish. ... You have written to Mr Abbé ROLLAND Député du Département des Basses Alpes. This individual address was the reason why your last package cost me 5 Livres 10 Sols postage. Remember that we only have free port when we have a collective address. Mine is; to MM. Les Députés du Département des Basses-alpes à l'Assemblée Nationale, rue de Rohan N°23... I embrace you from heart and soul... It is now said that the King will accept the Constitution purely and simply." (The first written French Constitution, accepted by King Louis XVI, who swore allegiance to it, was adopted on September 3, 1791).