NRA-L-000128 / 1875

Letter from J. J. Vatinelle to H. & F. Duval concerning a complaint and a North African sales tour, August 16, 1875

J. J. Vatinelle encloses a complaint for H. & F. Duval to answer directly, describes the oppressive heat and quiet business in Algiers, and announces a sales tour through Constantine, Guelma, Bône and Tunis.

Neruda Archives
NRA-L-000128

NRA-L-000128 image 1 showing a folded blue-paper address panel to J. J. Duval in Pontarlier with a postage stamp, Algerian and French postal marks, manuscript docketing, folds and sealing-wax evidence.
Image 1Address panel and postal evidence.
NRA-L-000128 image 2 showing a handwritten commercial letter on blue paper dated at Algiers, with salutation to J. J. Duval, signature, folds and a circular postal impression.
Image 2Letter text and signature.

Transcript and English translation

working scholarly aid

Documentary page 1

Original transcript

Messieurs
H. & F. Duval
Distillateurs, fabricants d'absinthe
Pontarlier

Notes

Postal marks:
Boxed handstamp (top left): J.J. VATINELLE Ainé / REPRt DE COMMERCE / VENTE & ACHAT A LA COM.on / ALGER
Blue postage stamp (top right): REPUB FRANC / 25 C POSTES 25 C
Circular datestamp (top right, upside down): ALGER / 16 / AOUT / 75
Circular datestamp (middle): MARSEILLE / 19 / AOUT / 75
Circular datestamp (bottom left): PONTARLIER / 20 / AOUT / 75

Later annotations:
Alger 16 Août 1875
J. J. Vatinelle
R le 19 dito
23 dito

Documentary page 1

English translation

Messrs H. & F. Duval
Distillers and absinthe manufacturers
Pontarlier

Notes

Postal marks:
Boxed handstamp (top left): J.J. VATINELLE Ainé / REPRt DE COMMERCE / VENTE & ACHAT A LA COM.on / ALGER
Blue postage stamp (top right): REPUB FRANC / 25 C POSTES 25 C
Circular datestamp (top right, upside down): ALGER / 16 / AOUT / 75
Circular datestamp (middle): MARSEILLE / 19 / AOUT / 75
Circular datestamp (bottom left): PONTARLIER / 20 / AOUT / 75

Later annotations:
Algiers August 16, 1875
J. J. Vatinelle
Received the 19th ditto
23 ditto

Documentary page 2

Original transcript

Alger le 16 Août 1875

Messieurs H. & F. Duval
Pontarlier

Je confirme ma lettre d'hier et celle-ci
a pour but une réclamation laquelle
je vous joins pour que vous-même y répondiez
directement.
[Début de ligne incertain] de cette place qu'il y a une chaleur
à dessécher sur place et les affaires le sont ;
très peu de monde, tous fuient les mauvais jours.
Fin de ce mois je prends ma tournée : Constantine,
Guelma, Bône & Tunis.

Recevez, Messieurs, mes
toutes dévouées salutations.
J. J. Vatinelle

Documentary page 2

English translation

Algiers, 16 August 1875

Messrs H. & F. Duval
Pontarlier

I confirm my letter of yesterday. This one concerns a complaint, which I enclose so that you may answer it directly yourselves.
[Beginning of line uncertain] in this place there is a heat that dries one out on the spot, and business is likewise dried up; there are very few people, as everyone flees the bad days.
At the end of this month I shall begin my tour through Constantine, Guelma, Bône and Tunis.

Please accept, Gentlemen, my most devoted greetings.
J. J. Vatinelle

Discovery Terms

  • Absinthe
  • Commercial correspondence
  • Complaints
  • Sales travel
  • H. & F. Duval
  • J. J. Vatinelle
  • Algiers
  • Constantine
  • Guelma
  • Bône
  • Tunis
  • Pontarlier