French judge, man of letters, historian, and political philosopher (1689-1755). Document with autograph annotation signed ("Montesquieu"). Château de La Brède. 4to. 3 lines on vellum.
$ 9,954 / 9.500 €
(91328/BN60360)
Beautiful autograph on the last page of a copy of a contract with the tax stamp of the generality of Bordeaux (fol. 1r). Montesquieu probably annotated and signed this document, originally drawn up on 5 May 1712 in Castiers, in his role as président à mortier of Bordeaux, confirming that he had "received the sous and taxes of the present contract" and "canceled the third": "J'ai reçu les sols et rentes du present contrat et ai quitté le tiers". - Montesquieu had inherited his title, a large fortune and his office in Bordeaux from his uncle Jean-Baptiste de Secondat in 1716.
He would remain président à mortier for 10 years until 1726, when he was forced to sell his venal office in order to settle debts. - Minimally smudged..