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Auction: 25066 - Historical Documents, Autographs and Ephemera
Lot: 133

(x) French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
Jacques-François Menou's Proclamation to the People of Egypt
16 Drumaire an 7 (1800, 28 October) six page document in Arabic over two folios being the original manuscript copy of Menou's Proclamation to the people of Egypt. Headed [in Arabic] "Liberty" and "Equality", addressed "From Adbullah Jacques Menou, general-in-chief of the Army of the French Nation, to all citizens of Egypt". Remarkable contents include:

"Listen, Citizens of Egypt, to what I have to say to you on behalf of the French Nation. You used to endure troubled time, so the French army troops came to improve your situation. You used to live in darkness, so I have received order from the French Nation and its First Counselor Bonaparte to deliver you from your misery.", "The nobles and the rich used to give you less consideration than to their horses and camels. From now on, the French and I consider you as our brothers.". Menou "On behalf of the French Nation, servants of Allah and His prophet" swears "by the last hair on my head ... that neither I, nor any of the French will endanger your property as long as you pay taxes according to the Sharia and the Law."

Menou points to the ways in which he has and intends to empower the common man and remove the powers of their ruling elite, citing a unified tax system which "had not been organised", ensuring that "the rich and the nobles [who] used to demand unfair payments from you] cannot anymore, instead all taxes are to be paid to the French; those in charge will not take bribes for "Allah and his prophet Mohammed ordered to treat all people fairly"; translators who "used to take advantage of you" will not be able to practice, explaining that "translators, servants, record-keepers, and others used to scare you by telling you that the French asked for buffaloes, sheep, goats, and other domestic animals for their living. You used to give them money hoping that they would provide protection for you. But they were scaring you in order to take advantage of you.".

In addition he attempts to turn the people on their current ruling classes by asking "What happens to the money collected for the construction of Mosques? And what happens to the Wakfs [Islamic Charity] of the ancestors, God bless their souls? These great numbers of wakfs were meant for building Mosques and providing care for the poor and the hungry, and the streets are full of deprived people. Isn't the purpose of wakfs to help sick and handicapped people and the poor? How strange that the ones who are cheating you by wasting and misusing money from wakfs are usually considered being the most honourable people! These times are over.".

Menou signs off with a final, threatening message "I also want to warn you that if you are disloyal to the French Republic and follow the path of the villains against us, our revenge will be swift and terrifying. By the dearness of Allah and sacredness of His prophet, all your wrong doing will turn against you. Remember what happened in Cairo, Boulaq, Al Mahal Al Kobra, and in other Egyptian towns. The blood of your fathers, brothers, sones, wives and beloved ones was flowing like rivers; your houses were destroyed; your money was taken and your possessions perished in fire. Why did these bad things happen to you? It's because you listened to the villains, and they misled you. Let it always remain a good lesson to you.".

A French inscription at foot reads "This Proclamation must be printed in large letters in two languages - French and Arabic". Struck with "GENERAL EN CHEF / ARMEE D'ORIENT" cachet. Signed "A[bdullah] J[acques] Menou"

An immeasurably significant piece of political rhetoric of great historical importance from among the defining moments of modern history.







Notes: Jacques-François Menou, Baron of Boussay (1760-1810) commanded on of Napoleon's five divisions of the Armée d'Orient in Egypt and Syria. Menou married the daughter of Zubaidah bint Muhammad El Bawwab, converted to Islam, and renamed Abdullah. Menou was not long into his role when this Proclamation was drafted, having succeeded Kléber on his assassination 14 June, 1800.
Ultimately Napoleon and Menou's occupation in Egypt and Syria failed once met with the allied forces of the British and Ottomans and withdrew from Alexandria in August of 1801. It is here that the British acquired the Rosetta Stone in exchange for Menou's remaining forces.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£25,000 to £50,000

Starting price
£22000