Antoine-Laurent LAVOISIER (1743-1794). L.A.S., Paris 5 nivôs - Lot 291

Antoine-Laurent LAVOISIER (1743-1794). L.A.S., Paris 5 nivôse II (December 25, 1793), to citoyen Chaigneau, receveur du droit d'enregistrement; 1 page and a half in-4, with tax stamp, address. Rare letter from the ex-fermier general. "La Nation Citoyen s'etant mis en lieu et place de la cydevant ferme générale et la Convention nationale lui ayant interdit par ses decrets de faire aucune recette ni aucune dépense, il lui est tout à fait impossible de faire droit sur tes réclamations". The decree sequestering the property of the fermiers généraux was another obstacle. To be taken into account, Chaigneau's claims should have been "addressed to the minister, who might himself have been obliged to refer the matter to the National Convention". He therefore advises him to apply "directly to the Convention or to the director general of liquidation". If Chaigneau wished to "consult some of the former fermier generaux, there is not one of them who does not testify favorably to your management and who does not pity the misfortunes you have suffered"...