Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord (1754 - 1838), popular and influential French diplomat, authentic, autographed annotated letter (ALS). This one page letter measures approximately 5" x 7" in size and is dated January 19, 1829.

 Talleyrand worked successfully at the highest level of governments for the regimes of King Louis XVI, through several governments of the French Revolution and later for Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis-Philippe. While disliked by many of these leaders, all of them sought his guidance.

Most notably, Talleyrand served as Napoleon's chief diplomatic aide during the leader's conquest of Europe. Often times, Talleyrand worked for peace, having gained the peace of Austria in 1801 and with Britain in 1802. Talleyrand is considered to be one of the greatest politicians and diplomats in the history of Europe. He was entitled Prince de Benevent and then Prince de Talleyrand.

During the French Revolution, he was a member of the National Assembly and went on to assist Napoleon in founding the First Empire. Talleyrand and Bonaparte often disagreed. And Talleyrand in particular did not like the direction Napoleon was taking, especially after the execution of the Duc d'Enghien.

After Bonaparte's first abdication, Talleyrand became head of the new government. In 1830, he returned to Britain as ambassador for the final four years of his career. To this day, Talleyrand is one of the more recognizable names of the French Revolution.

This one page letter is crisply signed at the conclusion by Talleyrand. It is in good to very good condition, with overall light toning not affecting the signature. There are some scattered creases, expected intersecting folds and one minor tear.