The Last King of France’s Letters: The Controversy between Helen Maria Williams and Bertrand de Moleville about the Translation of Louis XVI’s Correspondence

This article examines The Political and Confidential Correspondence of Lewis the Sixteenth (1803), by Helen Maria Williams, in which she translates letters Louis XVI while adds her own political commentaries. translation received negative reviews one its harshest critics was royalist emigré Bertrand de Moleville. first part this explores controversy that surrounded reveals were forged. following analyzes Williams’s arguments legitimize deposition as king France. last Bertrand’s Refutation, published 1804. concludes that, regardless authenticity letters, is a work deserves reconsideration it sheds light into participation debates time. Besides, shows misogynistic employed contributed to invisibilization work.