Letter From Louis XV - Manuscript On Vellum - Commission Of The Major Of Collioure - 1765

1765 - LOUIS XV - COMMISSION OF MAJOR OF COLLIOURE FOR SIEUR D'OMS. Manuscript letter on folio vellum (49 x 32 cm) issued at Fontainebleau by King Louis XV on October 18, 1765, granting the position of Major of Collioure. Content: This letter of commission issued by King Louis XV in October 1765 formalizes the transfer of Monsieur Charles D'Oms, then Major of the town of Villefranche-en-Conflans, to Collioure, where the position of Major was vacant. Monsieur D'Oms, having proposed an exchange of posts, was appointed Major of Collioure, an important coastal military site in Roussillon. The king expressly orders the civil and military authorities to recognize his authority and receive him as such. Historical context: In 1765, France, under Louis XV, was undergoing a period of reorganization following the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), marked by a desire to strengthen coastal garrisons, particularly in Roussillon, a strategic border region. Collioure, a former fortified military port, played a crucial role in the defense of the Mediterranean coast. The position of major was an important one: the major was responsible for internal military order, troop policing, and the smooth operation of the garrison's services. The Duke of Choiseul, who signed the commission here, was at that time Secretary of State for War and de facto head of government. His signature authenticates and confirms this appointment within a context of military reinforcement of sensitive areas. Significance: This document provides direct evidence of the administrative workings of the royal army in the 18th century. It illustrates the shifts between military appointments based on individual nominations and highlights the strategic importance of Collioure within the French military apparatus. The countersignature of the Duke of Choiseul, a central figure in diplomacy and the army under Louis XV, adds political and historical weight to the document. Furthermore, the d'Oms family, originally from Roussillon, is one of the oldest and most prestigious lineages in the region, documented as early as the High Middle Ages. Signatures: * "Louis": royal (court) signature, affixed by a secretary to the king * "The Duke of Choiseul": countersignature of the Secretary of State for War Handwritten note (top left): "Commission of Major of Collioure for Mr. Ch. D'Oms," repeated on the back of the document with the date "October 18, 1765." * Presence of an impressive royal seal in brown wax, of the chancery type, affixed to the document. The seal (9.5 × 8 cm) depicts the king enthroned on the obverse, holding the sceptre and the hand of justice, and on the reverse a crowned shield bearing the arms of France, flanked by angels. This type of seal is characteristic of 18th-century royal military commissions. It is in good condition despite some signs of wear. Overall, it is in good condition. There are archival creases. A significant loss is present in the lower left corner (without affecting the main text). There are foxing spots at the bottom of the document. The script is regular and legible. The signatures are well-formed.