NRA-L-000074 / 1869

Letter from Mathey-Osouf to Reboul Atger, October 24, 1869

Wine merchant Mathey-Osouf rejects a shipment of five and a half muids of Aramon wine after tasting it, disputes the proposed delivery and states that he is prepared to answer legal proceedings with samples.

Neruda Archives
NRA-L-000074

NRA-L-000074 image 1 showing a blue address panel with a postage stamp, several postmarks, docketing and damaged edges.
Image 1Address panel, postage stamp and postal evidence.
NRA-L-000074 image 2 showing a French letter written on Mathey-Osouf wine merchant letterhead, with damaged edges.
Image 2Letter text on merchant letterhead.

Transcript and English translation

working scholarly aid

Address panel, postage stamp and postal evidence

Original transcript

Monsieur
Reboul atger nég[ocian]t
Nîmes
Hérault

Notes

Postal marks:
COMPIEGNE / 24 / OCT / 69 / (60)
EMPIRE FRANCAIS / 10 C POSTES 10 C
Diamond dot cancellation
PARIS / 25 / OCT / 69
PARIS / 25 / OCT / 69 / V / 60
LAQUEVILLE / 25 / OCT / 69 / PARIS

Later annotations:
8

compiègne

LT 4537

Compiègne le 25 Octobre 1869
Mr Mathey-Osouf

Editorial notes:
The writer mistakenly wrote 'Hérault' for the department, though Nîmes is in Gard.

Address panel, postage stamp and postal evidence

English translation

Mr.
Reboul Atger, merchant
Nîmes
Hérault

Notes

Editorial notes:
The writer mistakenly wrote 'Hérault' for the department, though Nîmes is in Gard.

Postal marks:
COMPIEGNE / 24 / OCT / 69 / (60)
EMPIRE FRANCAIS / 10 C POSTES 10 C
Diamond dot cancellation
PARIS / 25 / OCT / 69
PARIS / 25 / OCT / 69 / V / 60
LAQUEVILLE / 25 / OCT / 69 / PARIS

Letter text on merchant letterhead

Original transcript

VINS EN GROS.
MATHEY-OSOUF
Rue des Petites-Ecuries, 1.
COMPIÈGNE.

Compiègne, le 24 8bre 1869

Monsieur Reboul Atger
Nîmes

Je reçois votre h[ono]rée du 21 je m'empresse d'y répondre
d'abord je vous prie de ne rien plus m'expédier, si
vous me voulez vous enverrez un layré pour compte.
Je reviens à votre envoi de 5 1/2 muids aramons à 15 f 75
je maintiens plus que jamais mon refus surtout après
dégustation et comparaison des vins! Si vous jugez
à propos de me faire assigner je suis tout disposé à
vous répondre, je m'étonne que vous me donnez ordre
de prendre cette livraison, longtems hier j'ai eu la visite
de Mr Serpolin, mon collègue et ami, qui me dit qu'il
avait ordre de prendre les 5 1/2 muids et qu'ils étaient déjà
gratifiés en cuves chez lui, il me dit même que ce n'était
tout simplement que de la popote et qu'il ne voudrait
pas avoir semblable marchandise. J'ignore s'il en
a pris livraison je ne m'en suis pas informé, en
tous cas je maintiens mon refus.

Si j'ai une affaire à plaider avec vous
je pourrai me procurer des échantillons.

Notes

Editorial notes:
The abbreviation '8bre' stands for 'Octobre'.
The word 'layré' is uncertain and may refer to a specific type of container or shipment term.
The word 'aramons' refers to a variety of wine grape.

Letter text on merchant letterhead

English translation

WHOLESALE WINES.
MATHEY-OSOUF
Rue des Petites-Ecuries, 1.
COMPIÈGNE.

Compiègne, October 24, 1869

Mr. Reboul Atger
Nîmes

I received your honored letter of the 21st and I hasten to reply to it.
First, I ask you to send me nothing more; if
you wish, you will send a layré on account.
I return to your shipment of 5 1/2 hogsheads of Aramons at 15 f 75.
I maintain my refusal more than ever, especially after
tasting and comparing the wines! If you see
fit to have me summoned, I am quite ready to
answer you. I am surprised that you give me the order
to take this delivery; for a long time yesterday I had a visit
from Mr. Serpolin, my colleague and friend, who tells me that he
had orders to take the 5 1/2 hogsheads and that they were already
gratified in vats at his place. He even tells me that it was
quite simply nothing but slop and that he would not want
to have such merchandise. I do not know if he
took delivery of it, I did not inquire about it; in
any case, I maintain my refusal.

If I have a case to plead with you,
I will be able to procure samples.

Notes

Editorial notes:
The abbreviation '8bre' stands for 'Octobre'.
The word 'layré' is uncertain and may refer to a specific type of container or shipment term.
The word 'aramons' refers to a variety of wine grape.

Discovery Terms

  • Wine trade
  • Commercial disputes
  • Wine quality
  • Compiègne
  • Nîmes