[IMPRESSION DE TOULON] Recueil des arrêtés du citoyen Jean-Bon-Saint-André, représentant du peuple dans les départemens maritimes de la République, pendant sa mission au Port La Montagne [= Toulon]

First edition (cf. Polak 8547).

Rare copy preserved in its original stitching, in temporary cream paper wrappers.

A few marginal manuscript annotations on page 49.

This publication includes only the decrees issued between 7 Thermidor Year II [25 July 1794] and 9 Fructidor Year II [26 August 1794], although the mission of the Convention member Jeanbon Saint-André (1749–1813) in Toulon continued until March 1795.

An important document on the work of one of the reformers of the French navy during the Revolution.

A Protestant minister in Montauban, Saint-André threw himself body and soul into the revolutionary turmoil, supporting Robespierre, opposing the Girondins, voting for the king’s execution, yet refusing, on 8 February 1793, to sanction the punishment of those responsible for the September massacres. He also arranged for debtors to be released and secured the abolition of imprisonment for debt. "For some time he had assumed responsibility for everything concerning the navy (…) No service was then more inadequate and more neglected than that one (…) A spirit of insubordination prevailed among the crews, Toulon had just been delivered to the English… Saint-André (…) attempted, with the energy and tenacity he brought to everything, to make the navy as powerful an auxiliary as the army." Brest first, then Cherbourg. Finally Toulon (1794–1795), where he displayed a remarkable spirit of moderation and wisdom. "In Toulon, where everything had to be rebuilt, he restored order, pressed on with the port’s works, and reorganised the fleet. Even after 9 Thermidor, he was allowed to continue his work unhindered."