(Geneva, 30.09.1732 – Coppet, 09.04.1804). In 1765, he established himself in Paris as a banker and in 1776 became Director General of the Royal Treasury. His attempt at tax reform forced him to resign. Recalled in 1788, he obtained the convening of the Estates General and the doubling of the Tiers Etat. This led to the storming of the Bastille. He retired to Coppet to stay with his daughter Madame de Staël.
Letter signed “Necker” to the Count of Brienne; Paris, November 8, 1788, 1/2 p. in folio. Very beautiful piece. He does not share the opinion of his correspondent regarding the abolition of two offices of war commissioners; it is possible that they give rise to onerous privileges; the King will gain nothing from these arrangements. If, however, Mr. de Brienne persists in thinking that these charges are useless; Necker will take orders from the King with a view to their suppression.