[ Autographs ] FRANCOIS DE BARBE-MARBOIS (1745-1837) French politician who served as Napoleon's Minister of Finance and negotiated the Louisiana Purchase (1803). L.S. "Barbe-Marbois" 1p. tall 4to., Paris, December 31, 1801, in French to the Prefect of the Department of Meurthe, regarding the need for funds to cover the retirement pay for military personnel. Very good.