Letter from L'Épinay to Clomann, 1827-03-22

L'Épinay acknowledges Clomann's letter, discusses a first commercial shipment, price, commission and expected profit, and promises careful treatment of future orders.

Commercial correspondence
Shipping
Prices and commissions
Pharmacy
Saint-Jean-d'Angély
Bordeaux
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000408 - Image 1: Address panel to a pharmacist in Bordeaux, with postal impressions and docketing

Address panel to a pharmacist in Bordeaux, with postal impressions and docketing.

NRA-L-000408 image 1 showing a folded address panel to a pharmacist in Bordeaux, with postal impressions and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000408 - Image 2: Complete French letter dated at Saint-Jean-d'Angely, with closing signature

Complete French letter dated at Saint-Jean-d'Angely, with closing signature.

NRA-L-000408 image 2 showing a complete handwritten French letter dated at Saint-Jean-d'Angely, with its closing signature.

[[label: Address panel]] Monsieur Clomann, pharmacien Bordeaux. [[notes]] Editorial notes: Direct image review confirms ‘Clomann, pharmacien’; the rejected AI reading was ‘Flosmann, armateur’.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] St. Jean d'angély, le 22 = mars = 1827. Monsieur Clomann, Bordeaux. J'ai sous les yeux la lettre dont vous venez de m'honorer, à la qu'elle je m'empresse de répondre Selon vos désirs, je vous expédierai par prémier Navire en partance pour chez vous, les deux pièces eaudevie Nouvelle dont il s'agit, au prix de f. 125 les 27 veltes à 21 = 1/2, rendues sous vergues et parentes quittes de tous frais. Je crois devoir vous observer, que voulant vous bien servir, c'est à dire en spiritueux de prémier choix, de même que le conditionnement de la futaille, je me contente du plus modique bénéfice, dans l'espoir ou je suis que cette prémière affaire nous conduira à de plus majeures à l'avenir; Veuillez, Monsieur, recevoir l'assurance, que toujours, vous aurez lieu d'être satisfait des expéditions que je pourrai vous faire, m'étant imposé l'obligation de traiter mes commettans comme je voudrais l'être moi-même; dans l'attente de nouveaux ordres agréez, Monsieur, mes affectueuses Salutations L'épinay

[[label: Address panel]] Mr. Clomann, pharmacist Bordeaux. [[notes]] Editorial notes: Direct image review confirms ‘Clomann, pharmacien’; the rejected AI reading was ‘Flosmann, armateur’.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] St. Jean d'angély, the 22 = March = 1827. Mr. Clomann, Bordeaux. I have before me the letter with which you have just honored me, to which I hasten to reply According to your wishes, I will ship to you by the first Ship departing for your place, the two pieces of New brandy in question, at the price of f. 125 per 27 veltes at 21 = 1/2, delivered under yards and related free of all charges. I believe I must observe to you, that wanting to serve you well, that is to say in spirits of first choice, as well as the conditioning of the cask, I content myself with the most modest profit, in the hope where I am that this first business will lead us to more major ones in the future; Please, Sir, receive the assurance, that always, you will have reason to be satisfied with the shipments that I will be able to make to you, having imposed on myself the obligation to treat my principals as I would like to be myself; waiting for new orders accept, Sir, my affectionate Greetings L'épinay

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Dateline on P002 and dated docket on P001. Origin evidence: Dateline on P002 and Saint-Jean-d'Angély postal mark on P001. Recipient layers: postal addressee — Clomann, pharmacien; textual addressee — Clomann.


Letter and enclosures from Ths Chatonnet to A. Robin Audry, 1827-08-23

Ths Chatonnet writes to A. Robin Audry about vinegar, eau-de-vie, prices, sales and shipments. The file includes a duplicate letter and an invoice for four quarter-casks of vinegar consigned onward to Abbeville.

La Rochelle
Surgères
La Rochelle–Surgères

Commercial correspondence
Vinegar trade
Eau-de-vie
Invoices
Shipping
La Rochelle
Surgères
Abbeville
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000409 - Image 1: Address panel to a recipient at Surgeres, with postal marks and docketing

Address panel to a recipient at Surgeres, with postal marks and docketing.

NRA-L-000409 image 1 showing a folded address panel to a recipient at Surgeres, with postal marks, folds and manuscript docketing.

Publicly available images, transcriptions, translations, metadata and descriptions may be copied, shared, reproduced and republished, in whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes, provided that Neruda Archives is clearly credited and the relevant item identifier and stable URL are preserved. This permission includes non-commercial scholarly, educational, editorial, exhibition, website and social-media use. Automated machine use, including crawling, indexing, text and data mining, retrieval, embeddings and AI training by commercial and non-commercial systems, is permitted, provided provenance is retained where technically feasible and the item identifier and stable URL are preserved in source records or associated documentation. Commercial publication, commercial reproduction, resale, advertising use, paid access to a database or dataset and bulk redistribution of images require prior written permission. For the avoidance of doubt, permission is not required merely because an AI system or its operator is commercial. The images displayed and downloadable on this page are public access copies, and the permissions above apply to those files. Access to non-public source scans (preservation masters) or files specially prepared for print, where available, requires prior written agreement. Attribution may not be removed or replaced by false or misleading attribution.

NRA-L-000409 - Image 2: First page of a dense French commercial letter dated at La Rochelle

First page of a dense French commercial letter dated at La Rochelle.

NRA-L-000409 image 2 showing the first page of a dense handwritten French commercial letter dated at La Rochelle.

NRA-L-000409 - Image 3: Continuation and closing of the letter, with marginal calculations and signatures

Continuation and closing of the letter, with marginal calculations and signatures.

NRA-L-000409 image 3 showing the continuation and closing of a handwritten French letter, with marginal calculations and signatures.

NRA-L-000409 - Image 4: Associated letter addressed to Robin aine at Surgeres

Associated letter addressed to Robin aine at Surgeres.

NRA-L-000409 image 4 showing an associated handwritten French letter addressed to Robin aine at Surgeres.

NRA-L-000409 - Image 5: Invoice enclosure listing charges and additional expenses, with signature

Invoice enclosure listing charges and additional expenses, with signature.

NRA-L-000409 image 5 showing a handwritten invoice enclosure listing charges and additional expenses, with a closing signature.

[[label: Address panel]] A Monsieur A. Robin audry Mgt à Surgeres Chte infre [[notes]] Editorial notes: Direct image review confirms ‘A. Robin Audry’; the same form recurs in the salutation and invoice.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] La Rochelle le 23. 7bre 1827. Monsieur A Robin Audry à Surgeres Je suis par l'honore de Vre du 27. Ecoulé que un instant je recois que j'ai vu que ma Lre du 13. du c.t ne vous ait pas parvenue je vous la Confirme par ce Duplicata Ci joint, ainsi que la facture aux 1/4 Vinaigre & le 3e Connaissement qui me restait ma ditte Lre Contenait aussi Cela de Mr. Nologue qui me donne avis que d'abbéville que vous ne pourrez recevoir quand ma ditte du 22. Ecoulé que vous recevrez sans doute plus tot, quand j'ecrivis qui Sont Communs, dont je prenais le parti ce sera Celota & vous l'aurez resolu, je vais repondre à ce que vous me dites au Sujet de Vente de 4 V. fûtes que j'ai dites pour Compte du de N° 26. C'e un flacon de 16.g 6e d'or est une Erreur de lettre qu'on aura marqué pour la mettre dans la futaille, ne devant rien gagner sur le Changement d'adresse qui est relative à tout pour Notre Compte je ne puis rien perdre, vous devez vous flattés que je vous ai dit ou dut, que tout ne venait du magasin à la même Epoque que 9/8 à 9. 1/2 la barrique à moi appartenant qui ne ce sont pas achetés à ce tel rabais. Par ma lettre du 24. 8bre vous aurez recu mon Compte de ce qui avait produit la reduction de nos achats pour votre Compte je vous avais dit avoir Vente faire Noire à nous à 9 1/2 fr. dans futaille & vous ajoutais que je les prendrai pour Mon Compte à 11 fr. à la Cie ne marquant rien repondre à ce Sujet, j'ai pû être Exclure Vrai Votre

[[label: Letter text page 3]] l'auderie dont est les pour votre Compte jusqu'a ce jour D'ou il suivra M'agadir qui au recu fin du Cte proviendra du même Sur le N° 26. Val 29 8bre trouveront reduite à 98 1/2 pour lequel est Clair que s'il s'est trouvé un manquant par ma faction, qu'il doit se retrouver sur le solde du magasin, sur les 28 1/2 ftes 3/4 y deduire le Courtage Fretant de soit le 2e en 8. g viendra t-il le prix à 110. env. Vous Croiriez je prendrai ce lotte pour Mon Compte lui deduire le de 1/2 lequel manquant à la futaille. par la ditte teneur qu'on vous a annoncé de 11 fr. je ne Me Crois passible que des 110-70. qu'elle a du a donné Ce qui fit beaucoup sur le fraude benefice que ma Donne Cette affaire. Depuis ma précite vos livraison de frais ont Monté de 7 ou 8 jours à 118. à ce faire la Maison de Loiguette & Pellerossin de la Rochelle 120 pieces de Cette Chs pron Rayonneau & Doumay, aujourd'huy Ca ne veut que 112 à 113. Cependant j'en ai Vendu Ce matin 20 à 30 Veltes de tiste seche à 110. que je livrerai sous 4 à 5 jours. les 9/6 D'oleron qui ai aussi vendu des jours dont une certaine quantité à 8. 1/2 aujourd'huy 8-60 les panoricains ont fortement Chargé Ici depuis quelques Jours, je vous Ecrirai prosecut j'ai l'honneur de vous Saluer Sincerement Ths Chatonnet Mon Votat à moi de vous le faire observer je vous prie de me donner le prix de votre 20. pieces de Coton que vous m'avez annoncé par votre lettre du 22. 7bre je vous prie de me dire si vous avez recu ma Note de 23. 7bre sur la vente de 133 pces de Coton

[[label: Associated enclosure]] Par Duplicata La Rochelle Le 23 aout 1827 Monsieur A Robin audry à Surgeres Copie de la lettre ecrite le 13. Ct. j'ai sous les mains votre agreable lettre du 13. Ct qui en l'absence de M. Le Mecs Nologue d'abbeville à votre adresse je vous la revois Ci joint D'apres votre ordre, j'ai Chargé Suivant Connaissement Ci-joint 1/4 Vinaigre sur l'Eugenie Cpt Etienne et d'une Vierge d'este j'espere qu'il probablement Sera trouvé Excellent, aussitôt qu'à l'abris de St Martin Nologue d'abbeville vous en aurez rendu Certes montans à 72,00. Dans Cette je joins que cet echantillon p[ourrai]te valoir quelques ordres pour notre intermidiaire nos Eaux de vie Sont annoncées à 102, à 110, les 9/6 d'oleron jouent sur forte j'ai fait la Vente Sur notre place Comme ci-joint la Confiance de tous les fabriquans de ce Côté est telle, je suis le Seul Vendeur Sur ma place qui ne mette rien aux interets de mes Commettans j'en ai vendu Ces jours Dernier une f[û]te legere en 9/6 de qualité au prix de 8 fr. espece qu'aujourd'hui j'obtiendrai d'avantage Nous comptions de St martin à donner; S'il nous convient de Vive Parole vous pouvez compter Sur 28. à 30. fr. que moins les prix de Bordeaux bien Communement de abonne comme que celui en barrique. j'ai l'honneur de vous Saluer Signé p Copie Ths Chatonnet E.V.O

[[label: Associated enclosure]] Facture à quatre quarts vinaigre chargés par Of & pour compte de Monsieur A Robin Audry de Surgeres sur le Nre l'Eugenie Capne Vinget à destination d'Abbeville à l'adresse de Monsieur Le Mecs Nologue comme Suit. LA AR 1/4 Vinaigre Soit 1/2 Cve à 135 F. l'Com... 67,,50 Frais à ajouter Transport à bord ................................... F 1,,20 Aux arrimeurs ................................... ,,50 Aux portefaits ................................... ,,60 Aux courtiers maritimes ................... ,,50 Conditions de douane & timbre de Conte 2,,50 5,,10 S. E. & O. Monte le present à la Somme de F. 72,,60 dont le doit sieur à Debit La Rochelle le 22 Aout 1827. Pour duplicata Cop. Par Ths Chatonnet

[[label: Address panel]] To Mister A. Robin audry Merchant in Surgeres Charente-Inférieure [[notes]] Editorial notes: Direct image review confirms ‘A. Robin Audry’; the same form recurs in the salutation and invoice.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] La Rochelle, September 23, 1827. Mister A Robin Audry in Surgeres I am by the honor of yours of the 27th past that I just received that I saw that my letter of the 13th of this month has not reached you, I confirm it to you by this attached duplicate, as well as the invoice for the 1/4 vinegar & the 3rd bill of lading that remained with me. My said letter also contained that of Mr. Nologue who informs me that from Abbeville that you will not be able to receive when my said of the 22nd past that you will undoubtedly receive sooner, when I wrote that are common, of which I took the part, it will be Celota & you will have resolved it, I am going to answer what you tell me on the subject of the sale of 4 V. casks that I said for the account of No. 26. It is a flask of 16.g 6e of gold is a lettering error that will have been marked to put it in the cask, not having to gain anything on the change of address which is relative to everything for our account I can lose nothing, you must flatter yourselves that I told you or should have, that everything did not come from the store at the same time as 9/8 to 9 1/2 the barrel belonging to me which are not bought at such a discount. By my letter of August 24th you will have received my account of what the reduction of our purchases had produced for your account I had told you to have made a sale of Noire to us at 9 1/2 fr. in a cask & you added that I would take them for my account at 11 fr. to the company, not marking anything to answer on this subject, I was able to be excluded, truly yours

[[label: Letter text page 3]] the auderie which is for your account until this day. From where it will follow M'agadir which upon receipt at the end of the account will come from the same on No. 26. Val August 29th will find reduced to 98 1/2 for which it is clear that if a missing item was found by my faction, that it must be found on the balance of the store, on the 28 1/2 ftes 3/4 to deduct the brokerage, freight of either the 2nd in 8. g will the price come to 110. approx. You would believe I will take this lot for my account, deducting the 1/2 which is missing from the cask. by the said tenor that was announced to you of 11 fr. I do not believe myself liable for more than the 110-70. that she had to give which made a lot on the fraudulent profit that my Donne this affair. Since my previous one, your deliveries of fees have amounted in 7 or 8 days to 118. to do this the house of Loiguette & Pellerossin of La Rochelle 120 pieces of This Chs pron Rayonneau & Doumay, today it only wants 112 to 113. However I sold this morning 20 to 30 Veltes of dry tiste at 110. that I will deliver in 4 to 5 days. the 9/6 of Oleron which I also sold some days of which a certain quantity at 8 1/2 today 8-60 the Panoricans have strongly loaded here for a few days, I will write to you promptly. I have the honor to greet you Sincerely Ths Chatonnet My Votat to me to point it out to you, I pray you to give me the price of your 20 pieces of Cotton that you announced to me by your letter of September 22nd, I pray you to tell me if you received my note of September 23rd on the sale of 133 pieces of Cotton

[[label: Associated enclosure]] By Duplicate La Rochelle August 23, 1827 Mister A Robin audry in Surgeres Copy of the letter written on the 13th of this month. I have in my hands your agreeable letter of the 13th of this month which in the absence of Mr. Le Mecs Nologue of Abbeville at your address I am sending it back to you attached. According to your order, I have loaded, following the attached bill of lading, 1/4 vinegar on the Eugenie Captain Etienne and of a Vierge d'este I hope that it will probably be found excellent, as soon as it is sheltered from St Martin Nologue of Abbeville you will have certainly rendered it amounting to 72.00. In this I join that this sample could be worth some orders for our intermediary. Our brandies are announced at 102, to 110, the 9/6 of Oleron play strongly, I made the sale on our square. As attached is the confidence of all the manufacturers of this side is such, I am the only seller on my square who puts nothing to the interests of my constituents. I sold these last days a light cask in 9/6 of quality at the price of 8 fr. cash that today I will obtain more. We were counting on St Martin to give; if it suits us by word of mouth you can count on 28. to 30. fr. that less the prices of Bordeaux, very commonly of abonne as that one in a barrel. I have the honor to greet you Signed for Copy Ths Chatonnet E.V.O

[[label: Associated enclosure]] Invoice for four quarters of vinegar loaded by Of & for the account of Mister A Robin Audry of Surgeres on the ship Eugenie Captain Vinget destined for Abbeville addressed to Mister Le Mecs Nologue as follows. LA AR 1/4 Vinegar, that is 1/2 Cve at 135 F. the Com... 67,,50 Costs to add Transport on board ................................... F 1,,20 To the stevedores ................................... ,,50 To the porters ................................... ,,60 To the maritime brokers ................... ,,50 Customs conditions & account stamp 2,,50 5,,10 Errors & Omissions Excepted. The present amounts to the sum of F. 72,,60 of which the said gentleman owes Debit La Rochelle August 22, 1827. For duplicate Cop. By Ths Chatonnet

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Datelines on P002 and P004; associated invoice dated 22 August 1827 on P005. Origin evidence: Datelines, sender's handstamp and La Rochelle postal evidence.

Open public access. The images displayed and downloadable on each item page are public access copies. Non-commercial reuse of those images and of public transcriptions, translations, metadata and descriptions is permitted with clear credit to Neruda Archives and preservation of the relevant item identifier and stable URL. Automated use and AI training are permitted for commercial and non-commercial systems with provenance retained where technically feasible. Commercial republication, resale, advertising, paid database or dataset access and bulk image redistribution require prior written permission. Access to non-public source scans (preservation masters) or files specially prepared for print, where available, requires prior written agreement.


Letter from Jean Constantin fils to his godmother, 1842-09-27

Jean Constantin fils writes from naval service at Rochefort to his godmother about qualifying as a captain, harsh barracks conditions, his low pay and lessons in arithmetic, and asks to borrow fifty francs.

His godmother (unnamed)
Monsieur Deyson, propriétaire

Personal correspondence
Naval service
Military life
Family relations
Rochefort
Camblanes
France — domestic correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000410 - Image 1: Address panel to Monsieur Deyson at Camblanes, with three postal datestamps, a manuscript postal charge and later calculations

Address panel to Monsieur Deyson at Camblanes, with three postal datestamps, a manuscript postal charge and later calculations.

NRA-L-000410 image 1 showing the folded address panel to Monsieur Deyson at Camblanes, with Rochefort, Bordeaux and Créon datestamps, a manuscript postal charge and later calculations.

NRA-L-000410 - Image 2: First page of Jean Constantin fils's personal letter from Rochefort to his godmother

First page of Jean Constantin fils's personal letter from Rochefort to his godmother.

NRA-L-000410 image 2 showing the first page of Jean Constantin fils's handwritten personal letter from Rochefort to his godmother.

NRA-L-000410 - Image 3: Continuation of Constantin's personal letter, including his request for a loan of fifty francs and a note to his cousin

Continuation of Constantin's personal letter, including his request for a loan of fifty francs and a note to his cousin.

NRA-L-000410 image 3 showing the continuation of Constantin's personal letter, including his request for a loan of fifty francs and a note to his cousin.

NRA-L-000410 - Image 4: Closing page of the personal letter, with Constantin's return address, signatures and later figures

Closing page of the personal letter, with Constantin's return address, signatures and later figures.

NRA-L-000410 image 4 showing the closing page of the personal letter, with Constantin's return address, signatures and later figures.

[[label: Address panel]] Monsieur Deyson Propriétaire Dans la Commune de Camblane passant par Créon à Camblane

[[label: Letter text page 2]] à Rochefort le 27 7bre 1842 Chère marraine Je prends au jourd'hui la plume pour te renouveller les tendres adieux que je fis lors de mon depart de la maison paternelle. je pense Chère marraine que tu sera beaucou surprise ainsi que mon Cousins deyson, lorsque vous recevrez Ma lettre, oui je le pense elle devra vous surprendre beaucoup cette lettre, Car jusqu'a present je ne vous avez jamais ecrit, si je ne lai fait j'ai du moins toujour pensé à vous autres et je nai jamais ecrit à la maison sans demender de vos Chères nouvelles. mon Coeur serait bien ingrat s'il oubliait un seul moment la reconnaissance que je vous dois a tous les deuse, oui j'ose le dire sans flateries si l'être Suprême me rendait assez malheureuses pour m'enlever mon Chèr père de ce monde ainsi que ma mère, les parens et les amis que je Choisirai pour trouver de la consolation et des bons Conseils serait vous deuse. je te dirai que l'année prochaine au mois de mai je crois d'être compté au nombre des Capitaines, je le crois si fort quil me semble que Je serai biens Malheureux si j'étais refusé car j'ose le dire je me croirai Capable de pouvoir Commander un navire parce que j'ai le goût de mon metier, et le Commandant de la division Ma promi de me donner un permissions d'un mois et demis si j'étais reçu capitaine. je me trouve dans dans le besoins dans le moment que je t'écris cette lettre et je te prierai de vou loir

[[label: Letter text page 3]] Me prêter une 50ne de francs en attendant Mon Chère père de retour de son voyage l'argent que je te demande te sera te sera remi lorsque je serai de retour à la Maison ou apres avoir fait un voyage au Commerce. Je te le jure fois de Constantin, je pense Chère marraine que je n'aurai pas besoins de te faire de te faire toutes ces promesses pour te bien persuader que l'argent que tu me prêtera te sera remis un jour et plus plus tard que mon retour du service, je te prierai en grâce de vouloi bien garder le secret ainsi que mon cousins deyson et de n'en ouvrir la bouche à personnes.. pas plus à mon père qua ma mère Car si quelque idées à moi inconnues pouvaient te faire présumer que ce font pour en faire mauvais usage et que tes intentions seraient de Consulter quelqu'un je te prie de ne pas m'en envoyer. Mais quoiqu'il en soit je me faire reponse de ma lettre pour avoir le plaisir de savoir de vos nouvelles ainsi que de celle de mon petit Cousins... Je finis en vous embrassant a tous Milles fois de Coeur en attendant l'heureux jour à moi tant desiré ou je pourrai vous combler de bénédictions et vous demettre l'argent que vous m'aurez prêté. Constantin Cher Cousin Je t'adresse Cest deuse lignes à tois qui ma toujours par lé comme un second frère pour te prier de Croire que si je demande Cest argent a marraine Ce n'est pas pour en faire mauvais usage mais pour servir à mes besoins. Je gagne au service à terre 11 francs par mois si j'étais en barque je gagnerai 30 francs alors je n'aurai pas besoins de vous demander le peu d'argent que je vous demendes parce que ma paye me suffirait je suis obligé de puiser un maitre d'axithmétique sur mes 11 francs que je gagne par mois

[[label: Letter text page 4]] ainsi pense Combien il doit me rester.. je ne te parle pas de la misère que l'on y éprouve au service ni de la mauvaise nouriture que l'on Son nous donne tous les jours tu es hommes a pouvoir juger Combien l'on peut a être mal au service sur tout dans une Caserne ou il ya 600 hommes. je ne ten dis pas plus long Concernant le service il y en aurait trop a dire pour pouvoir te le depeindre Comme il faut. Voici mon adresse A Monsieur Jean Constantin fils Marins au Bataillon de Ligne à Rochefort Je finis en t'embrassant mille fois de Coeur ton Cousin Constantin

[[label: Letter text page 2]] Rochefort, 27 September 1842 Dear godmother I take up my pen today to renew to you the tender farewells I made at the time of my departure from the paternal home. I think, dear godmother, that you will be very surprised, as well as my cousin Deyson, when you receive my letter, yes I think it must surprise you very much this letter, for until now I have never written to you, if I have not done so I have at least always thought of you all and I have never written home without asking for your dear news. My heart would be very ungrateful if it forgot for a single moment the gratitude I owe to you both, yes I dare say it without flattery if the Supreme Being were to make me unfortunate enough to take my dear father from this world as well as my mother, the relatives and friends I would choose to find consolation and good advice would be you two. I will tell you that next year in the month of May I believe I will be counted among the Captains, I believe it so strongly that it seems to me I will be very unhappy if I were refused for I dare say I will believe myself capable of being able to command a ship because I have a taste for my profession, and the Commander of the division has promised to give me a leave of a month and a half if I were accepted as captain.

[[label: Letter text page 3]] I find myself in in need at the moment that I am writing this letter to you and I will beg you to please lend me about 50 francs while waiting for my dear father to return from his voyage the money I am asking you for will be will be returned to you when I am back home or after having made a commercial voyage. I swear it to you on the faith of Constantin, I think dear godmother that I will not need to make you to make you all these promises to well persuade you that the money you will lend me will be returned to you one day and no later than my return from the service, I will beg you as a favour to please keep the secret as well as my cousin Deyson and not to open your mouth about it to anyone.. no more to my father than to my mother For if some ideas unknown to me could make you presume that it is to make bad use of it and that your intentions would be to consult someone I beg you not to send me any. But whatever the case send me an answer to my letter to have the pleasure of knowing your news as well as that of my little cousin... I finish by embracing you all a thousand times from the heart while waiting for the happy day so much desired by me when I will be able to shower you with blessings and return to you the money you will have lent me. Constantin Dear Cousin I address these two lines to you who have always spoken to me like a second brother to beg you to believe that if I ask godmother for this money it is not to make bad use of it but to serve my needs. I earn 11 francs a month in the shore service if I were on a boat I would earn 30 francs then I would not need to ask you for the little money I am asking you for because my pay would be enough for me I am obliged to pay an arithmetic teacher out of my 11 francs that I earn per month

[[label: Letter text page 4]] so think how much must be left for me.. I will not speak to you of the misery one experiences in the service nor of the bad food they give us every day you are a man able to judge how badly off one can be in the service especially in a barracks where there are 600 men. I will not tell you any more concerning the service there would be too much to say to be able to describe it to you properly. Here is my address To Monsieur Jean Constantin junior, Sailor in the Line Battalion in Rochefort I finish by embracing you a thousand times from the heart your Cousin Constantin

Human-reviewed personal family and naval-service correspondence. The textual recipient is the writer's unnamed godmother; Monsieur Deyson is the postal addressee and cousin. Postal datestamps and the manuscript charge are separated from later household and accounting annotations.


Letter from John A. Rachau to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1851-08-12

John A. Rachau discusses large orders for brandy, freight and shipping arrangements, commissions involving Mr Barsalou, financial settlement and insurance, and reports tight money in New York and pressure arising from the California trade.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
Brandy orders
Shipping
Insurance
Commissions
California trade
New York
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000411 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with routing instructions, postal marks and docketing

Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with routing instructions, postal marks and docketing.

NRA-L-000411 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with routing instructions, postal marks and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000411 - Image 2: First page of an English commercial letter dated at Newport

First page of an English commercial letter dated at Newport.

NRA-L-000411 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten English commercial letter dated at Newport.

NRA-L-000411 - Image 3: Continuation of the English commercial letter, with detailed account figures

Continuation of the English commercial letter, with detailed account figures.

NRA-L-000411 image 3 showing the continuation of a handwritten English commercial letter, with detailed account figures.

NRA-L-000411 - Image 4: Closing page of the English commercial letter, with signature

Closing page of the English commercial letter, with signature.

NRA-L-000411 image 4 showing the closing page of a handwritten English commercial letter, with its signature.

[[label: Address panel]] p Niagara Messrs Otard, Dupuy & Co Cognac via Paris France

[[label: Letter text page 2]] Messrs Otard, Dupuy & Co Cognac New York 12 Aug 1851 Dear Sirs, I had this pleasure last on the 5th Inst p America, and have now to acknow ledge the receipt of your regarded favor of 28 July Your enclosure for Messrs Figueira & Co has been trans mitted in course. They inform me this morning that they have sent their answer direct, expecting me absent. I consequently do not know whether they accept the compromise offer'd by me for a settlement of the awful leakage p Floriau, but conclude from their remarks that they hold out for the erroneous offer of f 3500. for 1/3rd I have just now told them that, unless they accept the reduced amount of f 2925, the matter has to be refer'd to yourselves. I apprehend it will delay the paymt of the Invoice p Floriau, for they have it in their power to annoy me, if so disposed. To obviate such a result, I have agreed to allow them to retain about f 3500, till you favor me with your instructions. It is gratifying in return to see that they send you such a considerable order, nearly 300 half Pipes, if necessary, and which, I have no doubt you will have to ship to find a small vessel; but, even with the Nord Brandy, the entire amounts only to about 125 Tons. I shall rejoice to hear of some other freight offering to accelerate this shipmt

[[label: Letter text page 3]] Please let Mr Figueira's Brandy be marked as usual, No 3059 p 3380. a continuation of numbers Messrs W M Sutherland & Co request that, in the event of no conveyance offering for their Brandy at Charente direct to Canada, you will make the shipment via London, or New York Believing the way via London less expensive than from hence, burthened with annoying restrictions, you would, in my opinion, do best to ship said Brandies via London, if required, but ascertain, if possible, that there is a certainty of their going forward in good time to reach Canada ere the season closes; otherwise the shipment must be made to New York, by the earliest conveyance. The Invoices of Messrs Renauld & François' Brandies p Lelia, amounting to f 45154.18, I have added this amount to the total of what you sent them 30 June 1851, which makes together f 193647.62 on which they are entitled to the allowance of 3 1/2 p c in consideration of their request. In settlement of the same I have given them my draft on you, 12 Aug. at 60 days sight for F 6777.67 which please honor and place to their Credit, as they are to remit you said draft. Of this you will have to debit my Commission Acct with f 1936.48 being 1 p c on the total amount; though this is in fact about 10 p c more than I ought to bear of it, in virtue of my letter 2 July 1850, but as it will prove a tedious task to ascertain the amount as proposed, I prefer the present mode of settlement, as it closes this dependency at once. I enclose their receipt for said F 6777.67. Mr Barsalou will be entitled to 3 1/2 p c on f 211746.78, but as his bookkeeper prefers awaiting your statement, this matter must stand open. From appearances, it seems likely

[[label: Letter text page 4]] that he will endeavour to do as well this year, but I do not expect that Messrs Renauld & François will come to it, considering that the large shipment p Lelia is already not included in the above allowance, and having 200 1/2 Pipes unsold, besides the former. Mr Caswell having also 100 1/2 Pipes of your Brandy less is not at all as yet disposed to take the parcel p Farewell on your terms. As he is likely to have his stock considerably reduced by the time the Brandies p Farewell can arrive, I prefer keeping this in suspense, in hopes to lessen his claims The 'Aerian' is not in yet, and makes a long trip of it, but the winds must have prevailed strongly from the west ward, as an American Sloop of War arrived here yesterday in 42 days from Lisbon. I note your remarks on the unpropitious weather you have lately experienced, but they have no influence on our market. Prices continue as low as before, and the dealers complain of unprofitable sales. The only good feature is that supplies are lessening, late arrivals bringing mostly Claret &c. The stringency of the money market is unabated, and money worth about 1 p c p month, as our Banks discount very sparingly. Many people, largely en gaged in the California trade, are likely to be hard pressed. In consequence of Mrs Rachau's indisposition, I have been compelled to defer my journey to Canada for a week or two, till she is able to go with me. I send by the 'Niagara', to day, my policy of Life Insurance to my friend Mr Henry Strong in London, for the purpose

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Dateline on P002 and dated docket on P001. Origin evidence: Dateline on P002 and New York postal evidence on P001.


Letter from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1863-03-24

Frank Otard discusses a bill connected with Echeverria & Co and Mr Barsalou, the New York market, gold and government bonds, Vicksburg, the American Civil War, shortages in the South and the absence of commercial prospects while exchange remains high.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
Bills of exchange
American Civil War
Gold market
Vicksburg
New York
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000412 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, wax seal and docketing

Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, wax seal and docketing.

NRA-L-000412 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, a red wax seal and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000412 - Image 2: First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York

First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York.

NRA-L-000412 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten French commercial letter dated in New York.

NRA-L-000412 - Image 3: Continuation and closing signature of the French commercial letter

Continuation and closing signature of the French commercial letter.

NRA-L-000412 image 3 showing the continuation and closing signature of a handwritten French commercial letter.

[[label: Address panel]] Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co: Cognac Charente France.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York 24 Mars 1863 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Je viens confirmer, Messieurs, ma lettre du 17 Ct et je suis depuis sans lettre de votre maison. Je vous remets ci-inclus une 2e de Change de Fcs 20,000.— contre facture de Cavan Stevens, également f 8014.00 que m'a remis Mr Barsalou et dont veuillez le créditer, il est vrai que la traite n'est pas endossée par lui, mais c'est du bon papier; du reste si le papier n'était pas bon je le retournerai fort bien à Mr Barsalou. Messrs Echeverria & Co sont fort riches et il n'y a aucune inquiétude à avoir à ce sujet. Depuis ma dernière, l'état du marché est sensiblement meilleur, l'or est tombé à 47 et les bons du gouvernement sont fort recherchés, le marasme que je craignais s'est dissipé pour le moment, la prise de Vicksburg ferait baisser l'or de 20 %.

[[label: Letter text page 3]] Je ne crois pas que le Nord l'emportera sur le Sud, mais il pourrait bien l'amener d'ici quinze mois à la famine, l'or est à 650 % de prime et les souffrances sont énormes, tous les objets de première nécessité sont hors de prix et il est probable que la lutte ne pourra pas durer long temps. Le Sud devrait accepter un accomodement et plus il tardera et moins il sera favorable. Il est inutile de parler d'affaires, je n'en vois pas de plusieurs mois à moins que le change ne tombe de 30 à 40 %. Agréez, Messieurs, l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank Otard

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York 24 March 1863 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I come to confirm, Gentlemen, my letter of the 17th instant and I am since without a letter from your house. I remit to you enclosed a 2nd of Exchange of Fcs 20,000.— against invoice of Cavan Stevens, also f 8014.00 that Mr Barsalou remitted to me and for which please credit him, it is true that the draft is not endorsed by him, but it is good paper; besides if the paper were not good I would return it very well to Mr Barsalou. Messrs Echeverria & Co are very rich and there is no worry to have on this subject. Since my last, the state of the market is noticeably better, gold has fallen to 47 and government bonds are highly sought after, the slump that I feared has dissipated for the moment, the capture of Vicksburg would lower gold by 20 %.

[[label: Letter text page 3]] I do not believe that the North will prevail over the South, but it could well bring it to starvation within fifteen months, gold is at 650 % premium and the sufferings are enormous, all objects of prime necessity are unaffordable and it is probable that the struggle will not be able to last a long time. The South should accept an accommodation and the more it delays the less favorable it will be. It is useless to speak of business, I do not see any for several months unless the exchange rate falls by 30 to 40 %. Accept, Gentlemen, the assurance of my entire devotion Frank Otard

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Dateline on P002. Origin evidence: Dateline on P002 and New York postal evidence on P001.


Letter and orders from John A. F. Rachau to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1847-10-01

John A. F. Rachau sends Otard Dupuy & Co duplicate shipping orders for brandy intended for customers in Philadelphia and New York, with cask sizes, vintages, consignment and insurance instructions. He also discusses invoices, bills of lading and the handling of remittances through Le Havre.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
Brandy orders
Shipping
Bills of lading
Insurance
New York
Philadelphia
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000413 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks, sealing remnant and docketing

Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks, sealing remnant and docketing.

NRA-L-000413 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks, a sealing remnant and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000413 - Image 2: First page of an English account letter with shipping figures and consignments

First page of an English account letter with shipping figures and consignments.

NRA-L-000413 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten English account letter with shipping figures and consignments.

NRA-L-000413 - Image 3: Continuation of the account letter, with additional consignments and calculations

Continuation of the account letter, with additional consignments and calculations.

NRA-L-000413 image 3 showing the continuation of a handwritten English account letter, with additional consignments and calculations.

NRA-L-000413 - Image 4: Associated letter dated at Newport, with sealing remnants and postal marks

Associated letter dated at Newport, with sealing remnants and postal marks.

NRA-L-000413 image 4 showing an associated handwritten letter dated at Newport, with sealing remnants and postal marks.

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Otard, Dupuy & Co Cognac p Le Havre

[[label: Letter text page 2]] Copy of Orders sent 30 Sept 1847 for Figueira & Co Philadelphia by first vessel direct F. & Co. No 261 @ 275 15 half Pipes 1847 pale 276 @ 280 5 " " 1847 dark 281 @ 286 6 " " 1846 pale 287 @ 290 4 " " 1846 dark 291 @ 305 15 " " 1842 pale 306 @ 310 5 " " 1842 dark 311 @ 325 15 " " 1838 pale 326 @ 330 5 " " 1838 dark 331 @ 335 5 " " 1835 pale 336 @ 340 5 " " 1835 dark 341 @ 344 4 Eighths 1818 or 1820 pale together 80 half Pipes & 4 Eighth Casks to order Insurance here for Wolfe & Co NewYork by first vessel Wolfe No 51 @ 80 30 Qr Casks 1847 pale } in 1 Invoice & 1 bill of lading 81 @ 90 10 " " 1847 dark } H N T & Co No 1 @ 10 10 Qr Casks 1847 pale " " do H A No 1 @ 2 2 half Pipes 1847 pale } " " do 3 @ 4 2 " " 1847 dark } Consigned to order. No Vintage on the Casks. Insurance here for Hilger & Co NewYork, by first vessel H & Co No 31 @ 38 8 half Pipes 1847 pale 39 @ 40 2 " " 1847 dark 41 @ 44 4 " " 1846 pale 45 @ 46 2 " " 1844 pale 47 @ 48 2 " " 1842 pale 49 @ 50 2 " " 1840 pale Consigned to them. Insurance here for George M Lewis, NewYork, by first vessel. G M L No 21 @ 30 10 half Pipes 1847 pale 31 @ 35 5 " " 1847 dark Consigned to him Insurance here. for John H Woodgate, NewYork, by first vessel J H W No 1 @ 10 10 half Pipes 1847 pale 11 @ 15 5 " " 1847 dark Consigned to order Insurance here

[[label: Letter text page 3]] for Tabor & Kelly, NewYork, ordered by them 23 Sept 10 half Pipes 1846 pale 5 " " 1846 dark order'd for them through me on the 15 Sept T S No 21 @ 24 4 half Pipes 1840 pale 25 @ 26 2 " " 1840 dark 27 @ 31 5 Qr Casks 1838 pale 32 @ 34 3 " " 1838 dark for Lawrence Myers & Co NewYork, order'd through me 15 Sept L M & Co No 46 @ 55 10 half Pipes 1846 pale 56 @ 60 5 " " 1846 dark by first vessel. Consigned to them. Insurance here

[[label: Associated enclosure]] Messrs Otard, Dupuy & Co Cognac NewYork 1 Oct 1847 Dear Sirs, This merely serves to hand you Duplicate of the orders, I sent you by last proceeding Steamer, to serve if needful, as the "Britania" has been here for repairs and might possibly be detained a little above her usual time I forgot to request that the Invoice for Mr Woodgate had better be filled up "% of the holder of the bill of lading", he being as yet a perfect stranger to me as regards his standing All the bills of lading for Mess Wolfe & Co may be filled up to them, in lieu of order, he desired remarks being made on their 4/2 & 10/4 Casks coming separately. I also ommitted to ask if you can, conveniently, name to me a respectable House in Havre, to whom I can address remittances for you for acceptances drawn on Havre, to save 2 or 3 days delay in first sending such drafts to Mess A Marcuard & Co, which may at times be an object in securing immediate acceptance Without further to Communicate just now I remain Dear Sirs Yours very respectfully John A F Rachau

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Otard, Dupuy & Co Cognac per Le Havre

[[label: Letter text page 2]] Copy of Orders sent 30 Sept 1847 for Figueira & Co Philadelphia by first vessel direct F. & Co. No 261 to 275 15 half Pipes 1847 pale 276 to 280 5 " " 1847 dark 281 to 286 6 " " 1846 pale 287 to 290 4 " " 1846 dark 291 to 305 15 " " 1842 pale 306 to 310 5 " " 1842 dark 311 to 325 15 " " 1838 pale 326 to 330 5 " " 1838 dark 331 to 335 5 " " 1835 pale 336 to 340 5 " " 1835 dark 341 to 344 4 Eighths 1818 or 1820 pale together 80 half Pipes & 4 Eighth Casks to order Insurance here for Wolfe & Co NewYork by first vessel Wolfe No 51 to 80 30 Qr Casks 1847 pale } in 1 Invoice & 1 bill of lading 81 to 90 10 " " 1847 dark } H N T & Co No 1 to 10 10 Qr Casks 1847 pale " " ditto H A No 1 to 2 2 half Pipes 1847 pale } " " ditto 3 to 4 2 " " 1847 dark } Consigned to order. No Vintage on the Casks. Insurance here for Hilger & Co NewYork, by first vessel H & Co No 31 to 38 8 half Pipes 1847 pale 39 to 40 2 " " 1847 dark 41 to 44 4 " " 1846 pale 45 to 46 2 " " 1844 pale 47 to 48 2 " " 1842 pale 49 to 50 2 " " 1840 pale Consigned to them. Insurance here for George M Lewis, NewYork, by first vessel. G M L No 21 to 30 10 half Pipes 1847 pale 31 to 35 5 " " 1847 dark Consigned to him Insurance here. for John H Woodgate, NewYork, by first vessel J H W No 1 to 10 10 half Pipes 1847 pale 11 to 15 5 " " 1847 dark Consigned to order Insurance here

[[label: Letter text page 3]] for Tabor & Kelly, NewYork, ordered by them 23 Sept 10 half Pipes 1846 pale 5 " " 1846 dark order'd for them through me on the 15 Sept T S No 21 to 24 4 half Pipes 1840 pale 25 to 26 2 " " 1840 dark 27 to 31 5 Qr Casks 1838 pale 32 to 34 3 " " 1838 dark for Lawrence Myers & Co NewYork, order'd through me 15 Sept L M & Co No 46 to 55 10 half Pipes 1846 pale 56 to 60 5 " " 1846 dark by first vessel. Consigned to them. Insurance here

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Dateline and signature on P004; dated docket on P001. Origin evidence: Dateline on P004 and dated New York docket on P001.


Letter from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1862-03-04

Frank Otard reports on Union military advances, anticipated operations against New Orleans and Richmond, federal finances and the stagnant New York trade. He sends a bill of exchange arising from Patterson & Boulton's account and discusses duties and unsold cases.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
American Civil War
Bills of exchange
Customs duties
Patterson & Boulton
New York
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000414 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, wax seal and docketing

Address panel to Otard Dupuy in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, wax seal and docketing.

NRA-L-000414 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, a wax seal and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000414 - Image 2: First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York

NRA-L-000414 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten French commercial letter dated in New York.

NRA-L-000414 - Image 3: Continuation of the French letter discussing commerce and wartime conditions

Continuation of the French letter discussing commerce and wartime conditions.

NRA-L-000414 image 3 showing the continuation of a handwritten French letter discussing commerce and wartime conditions.

NRA-L-000414 - Image 4: Closing and signature of the French letter, with later customs docketing

Closing and signature of the French letter, with later customs docketing.

NRA-L-000414 image 4 showing the closing and signature of a handwritten French letter, with later customs docketing.

[[label: Address panel]] Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Charente France.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York 4 Mars 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 25 Février et suis aujourd'hui en possession de votre amicale du 12 de l'écoulé. Je n'ai absolument rien de neuf à vous annoncer le gouvernement fédéral gagne tous les jours du terrain, la nouvelle de l'évacuation de Columbus est confirmée offi- ciellement; les avis du Tennessee et du Kentucky démontrent que le sentiment de l'Union est fortement enraciné dans tous les cœurs et se fait jour avec d'autant plus de force qu'il avait été comprimé depuis longtemps. le message du Président Jefferson Davis semble indiquer une grande faiblesse en ayant l'air de dire qu'on a essayé plus qu'on ne pouvait espérer, c'est un peu l'histoire de la grenouille

[[label: Letter text page 3]] qui veut devenir grosse comme un bœuf, on s'attend à l'attaque de la Nouvelle Orléans au commencement de mai et comme le sentiment unioniste est très développé dans toute la population, il est probable que la résistance sera un peu comme celle du Fort Donelson. la Virginie sera sans doute cernée d'ici un mois et dès lors les rebelles seront obligés de se fortifier devant Richmond, mais une fois cette ville prise la lutte ne sera plus douteuse et je prévois une reprise d'affaires dans le courant de Juillet. vous parlez un peu lestement des ressources du Nord, il est clair qu'à la distance où vous êtes, il est impossible de se former une idée bien nette sur les finances de ce pays, pourtant il ne faut pas trop jeter le manche après la cognée, car après tout depuis le commencement du siècle ce pays est le seul au monde qui ait payé le capital et l'intérêt de la dette de 1812, les impôts seront toujours suffisants pour payer l'intérêt de la dette américaine. Je vous envoie sous ce pli une 1ere de change: Fcs 7575.00. s/ Messrs Grellet du Peirat & Co Paris, dont veuillez créditer mon compte après encaissement, cette somme provient de Messrs Patterson & Boulton en compte pour leurs eaux de vie ex "Jules."

[[label: Letter text page 4]] Au sujet des Droits, il est probable que j'aurais à les payer dans le cas où les caisses ne seraient pas vendues d'ici un mois, j'exerce toute mon énergie à ce sujet, mais c'est bien difficile dans ce moment par suite de la stagnation complète d'affaires, aussitôt que les ports du sud s'ouvriront vos marchandises s'écouleront vite et à un prix rémunérateur en attendant il faut rester sur la défensive. Agréez, chers Messrs l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank Otard Brugière et Duvivier ont toujours des caisses sur le livre.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York 4 March 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of the 25th of February and am today in possession of your friendly one of the 12th of the past month. I have absolutely nothing new to announce to you the federal government gains ground every day, the news of the evacuation of Columbus is officially confirmed; the reports from Tennessee and Kentucky show that the Union sentiment is strongly rooted in all hearts and comes to light with all the more force as it had been suppressed for a long time. the message of President Jefferson Davis seems to indicate a great weakness by seeming to say that they tried more than they could hope for, it is a bit the story of the frog

[[label: Letter text page 3]] who wants to become as big as an ox, they expect the attack on New Orleans at the beginning of May and as the Unionist sentiment is very developed in the whole population, it is probable that the resistance will be a bit like that of Fort Donelson. Virginia will undoubtedly be surrounded within a month and from then on the rebels will be obliged to fortify themselves before Richmond, but once this city is taken the struggle will no longer be doubtful and I foresee a resumption of business in the course of July. you speak a bit lightly of the resources of the North, it is clear that at the distance where you are, it is impossible to form a very clear idea about the finances of this country, however one must not throw the helve after the hatchet too much, for after all since the beginning of the century this country is the only one in the world that has paid the capital and the interest of the debt of 1812, the taxes will always be sufficient to pay the interest of the American debt. I send you enclosed a 1st of exchange: Fcs 7575.00. on Messrs Grellet du Peirat & Co Paris, of which please credit my account after collection, this sum comes from Messrs Patterson & Boulton on account for their brandies ex "Jules."

[[label: Letter text page 4]] On the subject of the Duties, it is probable that I would have to pay them in the case where the cases would not be sold within a month, I exercise all my energy on this subject, but it is very difficult at this moment as a result of the complete stagnation of business, as soon as the southern ports open your goods will sell quickly and at a remunerative price meanwhile one must remain on the defensive. Accept, dear Messrs the assurance of my entire devotion Frank Otard Brugière and Duvivier still have cases on the book.

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Dateline in the letter and matching dated docket where present. Origin evidence: New York dateline in the letter.


Letter from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1862-04-01

Frank Otard discusses Mr Bartel's limited stock, the uncertain American market for eau-de-vie, import duties and the importance of the next harvest. He also considers the Civil War, the southern ports, abolition and possible emancipation.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
American Civil War
Import duties
Eau-de-vie market
Slavery and emancipation
New York
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000415 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks, sealing remnant and docketing

NRA-L-000415 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks, a sealing remnant and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000415 - Image 2: First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York

NRA-L-000415 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten French commercial letter dated in New York.

NRA-L-000415 - Image 3: Continuation of the French letter discussing trade and political conditions

Continuation of the French letter discussing trade and political conditions.

NRA-L-000415 image 3 showing the continuation of a handwritten French letter discussing trade and political conditions.

NRA-L-000415 - Image 4: Closing and signature of the French letter, with postal marks and sealing remnants

Closing and signature of the French letter, with postal marks and sealing remnants.

NRA-L-000415 image 4 showing the closing and signature of a handwritten French letter, with postal marks and sealing remnants.

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York, 1er Avril 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 25 de l'écoulé et ai reçu depuis votre amicale du 13 ditto. Depuis lors j'ai été voir Mr Bartel qui m'a exprimé le regret de ne pouvoir vous envoyer d'ordres par suite de l'incertitude de l'avenir, il m'a dit n'avoir que 30/2 Pipes de votre marque, ce chiffre est minime, mais suffisant si la consommation n'est pas plus élevée à l'avenir qu'elle l'a été depuis un an; il désirait avoir une idée de l'apparence de votre récolte, mais il est trop tôt pour en parler; il est bien certain que si les ports du Sud étaient ouverts la consommation devenant plus forte mettrait à sec le stock actuel, mais on ne peut préciser les événements et tout le monde s'abstient de faire des affaires et vit dans le statu quo. Il est bien à souhaiter que la récolte prochaine soit bonne

[[label: Letter text page 3]] sans cela les affaires d'eau de vie seront nulles en Amérique pendant un à deux ans; Cette guerre américaine en réduisant les ressources financières de ce pays a contribué à augmenter les droits sur les importations d'Europe, et ce n'est dès lors qu'avec des prix réduits et une belle récolte que nous pourrons lutter avec avantage contre cet impôt qui taxe les eaux de vie; si la récolte devient mauvaise, il sera radicalement impossible, en face de hauts prix et de droits élevés, de compter sur la demande de ce pays: tout cela est fort triste et si la providence ne vient pas un peu à notre aide, je ne vois pas l'avenir sous un jour bien brillant. J'ai reçu une lettre de Mr Jacoby de St Louis, je l'avais engagé à faire des affaires mais sa lettre me prouve une fois de plus qu'il est impossible de ne rien faire, les événements politiques absorbent tous les esprits, on désire reconquérir le Sud et on voudrait le faire rentrer dans l'Union; si la victoire ne vient pas à l'aide du Nord, le parti abolitionisme qui cherche à renverser le parti actuel, s'augmentera de jour en jour et on finira par lassitude à se convaincre que l'esclavage est la plaie qu'on ne peut guérir et de là à l'émancipation il n'y aura qu'un pas. Les événements vont aller vite, car cet

[[label: Letter text page 4]] état de choses ne peut pas durer plus de six mois et si le Sud ne revient pas de lui même, le peuple américain arrivera à ses fins par l'émancipation et le Sud deviendra alors un pays ruiné et languis et sous la dépendance du gouvernement fédéral, comme l'Irlande l'est vis à vis l'Angleterre et la pologne vis à vis la Russie. Agréez, Chers Messieurs, l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank Otard

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York, April 1, 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of the 25th of last month and have since received your friendly one of the 13th ditto. Since then I went to see Mr. Bartel who expressed to me his regret at not being able to send you orders as a result of the uncertainty of the future, he told me he only had 30/2 Pipes of your brand, this figure is minimal, but sufficient if consumption is not higher in the future than it has been for a year; he wished to have an idea of the appearance of your harvest, but it is too early to speak of it; it is quite certain that if the ports of the South were open, consumption becoming stronger would dry up the current stock, but one cannot specify the events and everyone refrains from doing business and lives in the status quo. It is much to be hoped that the next harvest will be good

[[label: Letter text page 3]] without that the brandy business will be nil in America for one to two years; This American war by reducing the financial resources of this country has contributed to increasing the duties on imports from Europe, and it is therefore only with reduced prices and a fine harvest that we will be able to struggle with advantage against this tax which taxes brandies; if the harvest becomes bad, it will be radically impossible, in the face of high prices and high duties, to count on the demand of this country: all this is very sad and if providence does not come a little to our aid, I do not see the future in a very bright light. I received a letter from Mr. Jacoby of St. Louis, I had urged him to do business but his letter proves to me once again that it is impossible to do anything, political events absorb all minds, they desire to reconquer the South and they would like to make it re-enter the Union; if victory does not come to the aid of the North, the abolitionist party which seeks to overthrow the current party, will increase from day to day and they will end up out of weariness convincing themselves that slavery is the wound that cannot be healed and from there to emancipation there will be only one step. Events will go quickly, for this

[[label: Letter text page 4]] state of things cannot last more than six months and if the South does not return of its own accord, the American people will arrive at their ends by emancipation and the South will then become a ruined and languishing country and under the dependence of the federal government, as Ireland is vis-à-vis England and Poland vis-à-vis Russia. Accept, Dear Gentlemen, the assurance of my entire devotion Frank Otard


Letter and order copy from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1862-02-18

Frank Otard sends bills of exchange and a remittance from Patterson & Boulton, comments on the inactive American trade and recent Union victories, and encloses a duplicate order from J. P. Kellogg & Co for 1861 pale brandy.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
American Civil War
Bills of exchange
Brandy orders
J. P. Kellogg & Co
New York
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000416 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, seal and docketing

Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, seal and docketing.

NRA-L-000416 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, routed via England, with postal marks, a seal and manuscript docketing.

NRA-L-000416 - Image 2: First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York

NRA-L-000416 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten French commercial letter dated in New York.

NRA-L-000416 - Image 3: Continuation of the French letter discussing American trade and wartime conditions

Continuation of the French letter discussing American trade and wartime conditions.

NRA-L-000416 image 3 showing the continuation of a handwritten French letter discussing American trade and wartime conditions.

NRA-L-000416 - Image 4: Closing and signature of the French letter, with sealing remnants and a later billing note

Closing and signature of the French letter, with sealing remnants and a later billing note.

NRA-L-000416 image 4 showing the closing and signature of a handwritten French letter, with sealing remnants and a later billing note.

[[label: Address panel]] Via England pr Str "America" Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co. Cognac Charente France

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York, 18 Feby 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co. Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 4 fevrier et ai reçu depuis lors votre lettre du 22 Janvier. Vous trouverez ci inclus une 1ere de Change s'élevant à: Fcs 5.910.00 sur Messrs Schall & Co., cette somme provient de Messrs Patterson & Boulton, je vous remets aussi 125.- sur Mr Hy Plumejeau de votre ville. Fcs 6.065.- Ensemble dont veuillez me crediter. Je ne vous ai pas écrit la semaine dernière, car j'avais été à Washington, et comme les affaires sont complètement nulles je me trouve parfois sans avoir aucune nouvelle à vous annoncer. En Amérique, le commerce est complètement mort et je ne sais trop quand tout cela reviendra, vous avez l'air assez nerveux au sujet d'un

[[label: Letter text page 3]] navire qui serait parti de Bordeaux avec quelques eaux de vie de Cognac. Mr Castillon m'a dit cette semaine, qu'il n'y en avait pas pour son compte, dès lors je conclus que les eaux de vie ont été envoyées comme consignation en prévision de baisse sur votre marché. Je ne sais si le résultat sera avantageux, tout dépendra de l'état de ce pays; les dernières nouvelles survenues sont si différentes de l'inertie à laquelle on s'habituait qu'il est probable que la guerre intestine entre le Nord et le Sud ne peut pas durer longtemps; le gouvernement fédéral vient de remporter des victoires importantes et on a pris près de 20.000 prisonniers; la lutte pourra durer quelques mois mais il est évident que le Sud commence à se décourager et la sécession n'est plus qu'une mauvaise plaisanterie. Je vous remets ci inclus duplicata de l'ordre de Messrs Kellogg & Co., veuillez je vous prie m'envoyer le connaissement à "Ordre", car nous sommes à une époque difficile à juger et les événements se contrarient tellement qu'il est bien difficile de dire ce qui arrivera d'ici quelques mois.

[[label: Letter text page 4]] Je viens de voir Roger qui se rend à la Havanne et compte faire un voyage de quelques mois et sera sans doute en Europe au commencement de Mai. Agréez, Messieurs, l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank Otard Copy. New York, 4th February 1862 Messrs J. P. Kellogg & Co. J.P.K & Co. 10 Qrs. and 20 Eighths 1861 Pale Brandy Bill of Lading to "order". To be shipped by first vessel to N.Y.

[[label: Address panel]] Via England per Steamer "America" Messrs. Otard Dupuy & Co. Cognac Charente France

[[label: Letter text page 2]] New York, 18 Feby 1862 Messrs. Otard Dupuy & Co. Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of the 4 February and have received since then your letter of the 22 January. You will find enclosed a 1st of Exchange amounting to: Fcs 5,910.00 on Messrs. Schall & Co., this sum comes from Messrs. Patterson & Boulton, I also remit to you 125.- on Mr. Hy Plumejeau of your city. Fcs 6,065.- Together with which please credit me. I did not write to you last week, because I had been to Washington, and as business is completely dead I sometimes find myself without any news to announce to you. In America, commerce is completely dead and I do not know too well when all this will return, you seem quite nervous on the subject of a

[[label: Letter text page 3]] vessel which would have left Bordeaux with some brandies from Cognac. Mr. Castillon told me this week, that there were none for his account, therefore I conclude that the brandies were sent as a consignment in anticipation of a drop on your market. I do not know if the result will be advantageous, everything will depend on the state of this country; the latest news that has occurred is so different from the inertia to which one was getting accustomed that it is probable that the internal war between the North and the South cannot last a long time; the federal government has just won important victories and nearly 20,000 prisoners have been taken; the struggle could last a few months but it is evident that the South is beginning to get discouraged and secession is no more than a bad joke. I remit to you enclosed duplicate of the order of Messrs. Kellogg & Co., please I pray you send me the bill of lading to "Order", because we are at a time difficult to judge and events contradict each other so much that it is very difficult to say what will happen from here in a few months.

[[label: Letter text page 4]] I have just seen Roger who is going to Havana and intends to make a trip of a few months and will doubtless be in Europe at the beginning of May. Accept, Gentlemen, the assurance of my entire devotion Frank Otard Copy. New York, 4th February 1862 Messrs. J. P. Kellogg & Co. J.P.K & Co. 10 Qrs. and 20 Eighths 1861 Pale Brandy Bill of Lading to "order". To be shipped by first vessel to N.Y.


Letter from A. Leveau to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1852-11-30

A. Leveau reports orders from West, Hall, Smith of Brighton and Harvey & Son of Lewes, discusses prices and recovered accounts, and describes competition with Martell for British customers including Wickens of Oxford.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
British market
Brandy orders
Commercial competition
Martell
London
Cognac
Britain

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000417 - Image 1: Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks and routing docketing

Address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks and routing docketing.

NRA-L-000417 image 1 showing a folded address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac, with postal marks and manuscript routing docketing.

NRA-L-000417 - Image 2: First page of an English commercial letter with accounts, firm names and dated entries

First page of an English commercial letter with accounts, firm names and dated entries.

NRA-L-000417 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten English commercial letter with accounts, firm names and dated entries.

NRA-L-000417 - Image 3: Continuation and closing signature of the English commercial letter

Continuation and closing signature of the English commercial letter.

NRA-L-000417 image 3 showing the continuation and closing signature of a handwritten English commercial letter.

[[label: Address panel]] Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac France "Charente"

[[label: Letter text page 2]] Novr 30/52 Messrs West, Hall, Smith - Brighton 6 Hhds 1850 ________________ 6/5 7 Hhds 1846 ________________ 8/3 7 Hhds 1836 free on board at Charente not to be ship'd yet. Mr Smith will write me when to ship them Messrs Harvey & Son - Lewes Bill 3 Mos 6 Pun 1850s ________________ 5/11 free on board at Charente free of chgs untill April or May 1853 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Dear Sirs I was in due receipt yesterday of yrs dated 29th Ult. have left Town untill to morrow when I return to Town again. I have the pleasure to hand you another restored a/c in that of Harvey & Son, who has been buying of late Yrs from Martell. It is true I have again made a mistake in price of 57 for 58 - It was hunting the nail at proper opportunity that elated me & thus caused a error. Gabriel was with me. & very

[[label: Letter text page 3]] pleased he was. You perceive we are fast getting back the old accts I now await your reply as to circular & rest assured my plan will succeed & play the devil with M. & Co. if I can have such prices as will shut them out hereafter - the great point for you to do is to secure stock but not at high quotations, if it was possible to ruin, & then they have over sold themselves much in 1851. what a beau tiful run you could now give them by freeing up prices. The Company has not bought out any circular yet I depend on it they are waiting to see what you do. I have to meet Wickens of Oxford on Monday in reference to Hhds. he will take 12 to 10 Hhds. of different Vintages but Reeling has offerd. one lower than yr shipping price. so I must see what is to be done. for they shall not get Wickens back again if I can help it. I have informed Gabriel of yr wishes previous to my leaving Town Believe me Dear Sirs Very faithfully Yrs A. Leveau The export trade from London is enormous

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Date at the head of P002; the Mark Lane docket is dated 3 December 1852. Origin evidence: The exterior docket gives Mark Lane on 3 December 1852, and the letter describes leaving and returning to Town; no formal place dateline is present.


Letter from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1862-06-27

Frank Otard sends a bill of exchange connected with J. P. Kellogg, then discusses the American Civil War, Richmond, the Gulf and cotton states, the French intervention in Mexico and possible Anglo-French mediation in the United States.

Cognac trade
Otard Dupuy & Co
American Civil War
Bills of exchange
Richmond campaign
French intervention in Mexico
New York
Cognac
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000418 - Image 1: First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York and addressed to Otard Dupuy & Co

First page of a French commercial letter dated in New York and addressed to Otard Dupuy & Co.

NRA-L-000418 image 1 showing the first page of a handwritten French commercial letter dated in New York and addressed to Otard Dupuy & Co.

NRA-L-000418 - Image 2: Continuation and closing signature of the French commercial letter

Continuation and closing signature of the French commercial letter.

NRA-L-000418 image 2 showing the continuation and closing signature of a handwritten French commercial letter.

[[label: Letter text page 1]] New York 27 Juin 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 24 Ct qui s'est croisée avec votre amicale du 10 ditto. J'aurais attendu jusqu'à Mardi prochain à vous écrire sans la hausse subite qui a eu pour le change et qui a haté Mr P. Kellogg à vous faire sa remise pour les haux de vin que vous lui avez envoyés. Je vous remets dans ce pli une 1ere de change s'élevant à Fcs 8.000.00 à 7/s/ sur Messrs F. S. Ballin & Co Paris, dont veuillez me créditer. Les affaires politiques sont toujours à l'ordre du jour et on s'attend tous les jours à une grande bataille devant Richmond. La prise de cette ville décidera du sort de la Virginie et des Border Estates, je m'attends à une résistance très vive, peut-être même à un siège d'un mois, mais le résultat ne me semble pas douteux

[[label: Letter text page 2]] La lutte deviendra circonscrite dans les Etats du Golfe et les chaleurs de Juillet et d'Août pourront mettre un temps d'arrêt à la guerre, mais aussitôt que le mois de Septembre arrivera, les armées fédérales pénétreront dans les Etats à Coton et il faudra donc alors se battre et se rendre bon gré mal gré. L'Angleterre qui a poussé la France dans cette vilaine affaire du Mexique, semble engager vivement l'empereur des Français à offrir sa médiation aux Etats Unis et l'engage à intervenir, mais j'espère que la superbe Albion si elle tient à s'immiscer dans les affaires de ce pays, sera d'aller de l'avant et elle verra ce qui lui en coute; une intervention étrangère de quelque nom que vous l'appelliez, n'aura d'autre but que de donner un nouveau stimulant à la guerre et serait une calamité pour l'Europe et l'Amérique. Agréez, Messieurs, l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank Otard

[[label: Letter text page 1]] New York June 27, 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of the 24th inst. which crossed with your friendly one of the 10th ditto. I would have waited until next Tuesday to write to you but for the sudden rise that has taken place in the exchange and which has hastened Mr P. Kellogg to make his remittance to you for the hogsheads of wine that you sent him. I enclose in this cover a 1st of exchange amounting to Fcs 8,000.00 at 7/s/ on Messrs F. S. Ballin & Co Paris, for which please credit me. Political affairs are still the order of the day and a great battle is expected every day before Richmond. The capture of this city will decide the fate of Virginia and the Border States, I expect a very strong resistance, perhaps even a siege of a month, but the result does not seem doubtful to me

[[label: Letter text page 2]] The struggle will become confined to the Gulf States and the heat of July and August may put a stop to the war, but as soon as the month of September arrives, the federal armies will penetrate into the Cotton States and it will then be necessary to fight and surrender willy-nilly. England, which has pushed France into this ugly Mexican affair, seems to strongly urge the Emperor of the French to offer his mediation to the United States and urges him to intervene, but I hope that proud Albion, if she insists on interfering in the affairs of this country, will be to go ahead and she will see what it costs her; a foreign intervention by whatever name you call it, will have no other purpose than to give a new stimulus to the war and would be a calamity for Europe and America. Accept, Gentlemen, the assurance of my entire devotion Frank Otard


Letter from Donitay to Pierre Lacour, 1837-04-07

Donitay warns his cousin Pierre Lacour that Espenan fraudulently obtained fifty francs in his name, describes the man's reported movements and relatives, and urges Lacour to have him arrested.

Pierre Lacour
Pierre Lacour, the writer's cousin

Fraud
Family correspondence
Fifty francs
Marmande
Saintes

Personal correspondence
Family correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000419 - Image 1: Address panel with postal marks, docketing and sealing evidence

Address panel with postal marks, docketing and sealing evidence.

NRA-L-000419 image 1 showing the folded address panel with postal marks, manuscript docketing and sealing evidence.

NRA-L-000419 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000419 image 2 showing the first page of a handwritten French letter dated 7 April 1837.

NRA-L-000419 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000419 image 3 showing the continuation of the handwritten French letter.

NRA-L-000419 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3 and signature, with paper loss and sealing evidence

Letter text - Page 3 and signature, with paper loss and sealing evidence.

NRA-L-000419 image 4 showing the closing page and signature of the handwritten French letter, with paper loss and sealing evidence.

[[label: Address panel]] Monsieur Monsieur pierre Lacour traiteur Charrante inferieure à Saintes

[[label: Letter text - Page 1]] Marmande Le 7. avril 1837 Mon cher cousin C'est avec Mal au cœur que j'ai Reçu ta Lettre m'apprenant le tour d'Escroquerie que t'a fait ce mauvais Gueux d'espenan qui a passé & resté chez toi, pendant trois Jours & ensuite s'etre en allé pour prétexte à la rochelle chercher des papiers pour poursuivre un individu; tout cela n'est que mensonge, et Surtout lorsqu'il t'a demandé pour moi. 50 f. Je n'aurais Employé personne si j'avais été dans le cas d'avoir Besoin d'un Service de toi. Je te dois dire aussi que ce n'est qu'après Son depart de Marmande que j'ai appris ce qu'il etait, la bonne m'a donné

[[label: Letter text - Page 2]] que de mauvais renseignements Sur Son compte; Je te plains du profond de mon Cœur, que tu aies été la duppe d'un pareil frippon; fais tout ce que tu pourras pour le faire arreter, je l'approu verai avec plaisir - quant à Sa famille, il a quelques parents, oncles à Marmande, mais Son père demeure du coté de pau le Bearn, à un Endroit nommé Jeanne, près Garlin, arrondt de pau - vois ce que tu as à faire, dans cet objet, je Suis très Eloigné de penser que Son pere paye, a moins qu'il ne le fit, si toutes fois tu le faisais ou du moins si tu parvenais à le faire arreter. C'est de quoi je Serai Bien Content - La veille de Son depart de marmande il me dit qu'il allait du coté de Blaye, alors je lui dis, que s'il passait

[[label: Letter text - Page 3]] par Saintes, je le priais Seulement de te voir & de te faire mes compliments voila tout; je ne lui ai donné aucune lettre pour toi, comme je te l'ai dit plus haut, si j'avais eu Besoin de toi, je t'aurais Ecrit directement - Je Suis on ne peut plus faché que ce coquin t'ait fait un pareil tour, adieu mon cher amy crois pour toujours à un Bien Bon Cousin, & te prie de faire mes Compliments à tous chez toi Donitay

[[label: Address panel]] Monsieur Monsieur Pierre Lacour caterer Charente-Inférieure in Saintes

[[label: Letter text - Page 1]] Marmande, April 7, 1837 My dear cousin, It was with a heavy heart that I received your letter telling me of the swindle perpetrated against you by that wretched scoundrel Espenan. He spent three days at your home and then left on the pretext of going to La Rochelle to obtain papers with which to prosecute someone. All of that is nothing but lies, especially his request that you give him 50 francs on my behalf. Had I needed a service from you, I would not have employed anyone else. I must also tell you that it was only after his departure from Marmande that I learned what kind of man he was; the maid gave me

[[label: Letter text - Page 2]] nothing but bad reports about him. I pity you from the bottom of my heart for having been duped by such a rogue. Do everything you can to have him arrested; I shall be very glad to approve it. As for his family, he has some relatives—uncles—in Marmande, but his father lives toward Pau, in Béarn, at a place called Jeanne, near Garlin, in the arrondissement of Pau. Decide what you should do in this matter. I very much doubt that his father will pay, unless he were to do so if you acted—or at least if you managed to have the man arrested. I should be very pleased by that. On the eve of his departure from Marmande, he told me that he was going toward Blaye. I then told him that, if he passed

[[label: Letter text - Page 3]] through Saintes, I asked him only to visit you and convey my regards. That is all. I gave him no letter for you. As I said above, had I needed you, I would have written to you directly. I could not be more upset that this rascal played such a trick on you. Farewell, my dear friend. Believe me always your very good cousin, and please give my regards to everyone in your household. Donitay

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, places, postal evidence, transcription and translation was checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly qualified. Date evidence: Dateline on P002. Origin evidence: Marmande dateline on P002. Recipient layers: postal addressee — Pierre Lacour; textual addressee — Pierre Lacour, the writer's cousin.


Letter to Bernard Domenger & Co concerning Cognac brandy and 1704 eaux-de-vie, 1802-03-29

A correspondent at Pons discusses a proposed commercial mediation involving Bremen merchants, current eau-de-vie prices and stocks around Cognac, and offers 400 veltes from the 1704 harvest alongside forty-, fifty- and sixty-year-old brandies.

Cognac trade
Eaux-de-vie
Brandy prices
Cognac market
1704 harvest
Old brandy
Bernard Domenger & Co
France — domestic trade
Pons
Mugron
Cognac

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000420 - Image 1: Address panel with postal and manuscript docketing evidence

Address panel with postal and manuscript docketing evidence.

NRA-L-000420 image 1 showing the folded address panel with postal and manuscript docketing evidence.

NRA-L-000420 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000420 image 2 showing the first page of a dense handwritten French letter.

NRA-L-000420 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2 and signature, with damaged paper edges

Letter text - Page 2 and signature, with damaged paper edges.

NRA-L-000420 image 3 showing the continuation and signature of the dense handwritten French letter, with damaged paper edges.

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Bernard Domenger & C. Mugron Dept. des Landes

[[label: Letter text - Page 1]] Mess.rs Bernard Domenger & Comp.e Pons (Charente inferieure) le 8 Germinal An 10. a Mugron Messieurs! J'ai reçu l'honneur de votre Lettre du 29 du passé. j'y vois avec plaisir que vous approuvés les observations que je vous ai fait au Sujet du Dedomagement qui m'est du pour mon Deplace= ment. je regarde fort prudent de votre part de n'avoir instruit les Negocians de Bremen pour qu'ils le fixent eux mêmes, c'est le plus sur moyen de nous mettre l'un & l'autre a l'abri d'observations de leur part au Sujet, toujours desagreables. Les nouveaux Details dans lesquels vous entrés sur cette affaire, me donnent la Raison du Refus de Mess.rs Hegaray freres qui conservent leur Etablissement a la Rochelle, quoique le Chef ait été s'etablir avec Mess.rs Gramont & Comp.e a Bordeaux. en Effet il ne peut convenir aux Negocians honêtes de mettre en Doute l'honêteté de son Voisin qui jouit d'ailleurs d'une bonne Reputation, ce ne peut etre que le fait d'un homme de Loi qui n'a aucune Mesure a garder. je vous avoue donc, Messieurs, que mon Desir de rendre service, ne tiendroit pas con.tre le Desagrément de me charger d'une pareille Mission, j'aurois mauvaise opinion de Celui qui s'en chargeroit vis a vis de moi. je ne scaurois donc m'en charger vis a vis d'un autre. Lorsque j'ai accepté d'intervenir dans cette affaire, ce n'a été que d'apres ce que vous m'avés marqué que Mr Wilkens lui même desiroit de la voir determiner & offroit de produire ses Comptes. ce qui emportoit la faculté de les examiner & d'y faire des observations dans le Cas ou ils en seroient Susceptibles, c'est a dire me presenter comme intermediaire & conciliateur entre les Interessés et lui, avec la faculté de terminer comme je le ferois pour moi même! si je suis authorisé a suivre cette Marche, je le ferai avec Zele et avec Plaisir pour les Interets qui me seront confiés, mais s'il s'agit de revenir sur des frais deja alloués et rechercher un abus de Pouvoirs et de Confiance, je vous declare, Messieurs, que je m'aquitterois mal d'une pareille Mission, c'est vous dire que je ne m'en chargerai pas. J'entrois même dans mon Plan d'ecrire directement a Mr Wilkens a ce Sujet et je regardois cette Demarche d'honêteté, propre a amener plutot un Resultat satisfaisant pour toutes Parties. je ne l'ai point encore faite parceque je ne m'y suis pas vû authorisé, aussi je n'ai pas ecrit a Mr Beraud, qui de son Coté ne m'a point encore ecrit, quoique vous lui ayés marqué de me donner les Renseignements plus précis sur la nature de cette affaire. je pense

[[label: Letter text - Page 2]] qu'il est prudent pour Vous et pour moi d'attendre la Reponse de vos amis de Bremen, sur les Pouvoirs qui me seront confiés et la Marche a suivre qui ne peut etre autre que Celle d'un Concilia= teur. Je vous remercie des Details que vous me donnés sur la nature de votre Commerce. Il n'y a absolument que les Eauxdevies qui pourroient donner lieu a des Liaisons utiles entre nous, c'est a peu pres la seule Branche de mon Commerce en Commission, quant aux autres Denrées de votre Cru propres pour la Marine, les Negocians de Rochefort doivent les tirer directement et ma Position dans les Terres a onze lieues de ce Port, me mettroient hors d'Etat de lutter avec eux par les frais extraordinaires qu'elles m'occasionroient, d'ailleurs je ne connois rien a cette Partie. Je vois, Messieurs, que vous croyes a une Baisse sur vos Eauxdevies et ce qui me surprend c'est qu'elles soient au même Prix a Bayonne qu'au Mont de marsan, ce ne peut etre qu'une affaire de Circonstance, puisqu'on les recoit de la et qu'il y a 7 a 8.c de frais par Veltes. vous me cottés les Eauxdevies en Libres Tournois, il me semble qu'on les cotte en francs depuis quelque Tems veillés me dire la Raison de cette Difference, sans doute que comme icy on la paye en suires aux Proprietaires et que la difficulté de s'en procurer pour des francs avec quelque Benefice force de les porter en francs. Il ne s'est presqu'vendu (mon audernier) autour de Cognac le 29 du passé, a 355 a 360 f. q 27 Veltes. Il n'y a que Ceux qui se trouvent forcés de vendre qui cherchent des acheteurs a ces Prix, la Masse de nos Proprietaires se tiendront a 380. mais le nombre des Premiers devient plus grand de Jour en Jour et on eut pu achettér aux premiers Prix 150 a 200 Tiercons. Il est survenu une demande de 300 Tiercons de plus, mais je doute que cela fasse sensation de maniere a Cognac, les Magasins etant encore tres unis. J'ai conservé de tres vieilles Eauxdevie premiere qualité de Cognac de 40, 50 & 60 ans. J'en ai 400 Veltes de la Recolte de l'année 1704. par leur grand age, ces Eauxdevies sont devenues la Liqueur la plus Saine & la plus rare qui existest si vous aviés a Bayonne ou dans vos Lieux quelques amateurs, je vous en enverrois un Essai, telle quantité que vous voudries pour la faire connoitre desirant m'en defaire en Tiercons a 30, 35, 38 et 42 francs la Velte la seulement, la derniere en Bouteilles a 6 f. le Verre seulement compris. je vous salue de Coeur [signature: Boubat Broussard?]

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Bernard Domenger & Co. Mugron Department of Landes

[[label: Letter text - Page 1]] Messrs Bernard Domenger & Co., Mugron Pons (Charente-Inférieure), 8 Germinal, Year 10 [March 29, 1802] Gentlemen, I have had the honour of receiving your letter of the 29th of last month. I am pleased to see that you approve the observations I made concerning the compensation due to me for my journey. I consider it very prudent on your part not to have instructed the Bremen merchants to set it themselves; this is the safest way of protecting us both from comments on their part, which are always unpleasant in such a matter. The new details you provide about this affair explain to me the refusal of Messrs Hegaray Brothers, who retain their establishment in La Rochelle even though the head of the firm has gone to establish himself in Bordeaux with Messrs Gramont & Co. Indeed, honourable merchants cannot properly call into question the honesty of a neighbour who, moreover, enjoys a good reputation. That could only be done by a man of law who has no such restraint to observe. I therefore confess, Gentlemen, that my wish to be of service would not outweigh the unpleasantness of undertaking such a mission. I would think poorly of anyone who undertook it against me, and consequently I cannot undertake it against another. When I agreed to intervene in this matter, it was solely because you had told me that Mr Wilkens himself wished to see it settled and offered to produce his accounts. This implied authority to examine them and to make observations if they called for any—that is, to present myself as an intermediary and conciliator between him and the interested parties, with authority to settle the matter as I would for myself. If I am authorised to proceed in this way, I shall do so zealously and gladly for the interests entrusted to me. But if the object is to reopen expenses already allowed and to investigate an abuse of authority and trust, I declare, Gentlemen, that I would perform such a mission badly; in other words, I shall not undertake it. It was even part of my plan to write directly to Mr Wilkens on this subject, and I considered this courteous step likely to produce a satisfactory result more quickly for all parties. I have not yet done so because I did not consider myself authorised. Nor have I written to Mr Béraud; for his part, he has not yet written to me, although you asked him to provide more precise information about the nature of this affair. I think

[[label: Letter text - Page 2]] it prudent, both for you and for me, to await the reply of your friends in Bremen concerning the powers to be entrusted to me and the course to be followed, which can only be that of a conciliator. I thank you for the details you give me about the nature of your trade. Brandy is the only commodity that could give rise to useful business relations between us; it is almost the only branch of my commission trade. As for the other products of your region suitable for the Navy, the merchants of Rochefort must obtain them directly. My location inland, eleven leagues from that port, would prevent me from competing with them because of the extraordinary costs I would incur; besides, I know nothing about that branch. I see, Gentlemen, that you expect a fall in the price of your brandies. What surprises me is that they should be at the same price in Bayonne as in Mont-de-Marsan. This can only be a temporary circumstance, since they are received from there and there are seven to eight centimes in costs per velte. You quote the brandies to me in livres tournois; it seems to me that for some time they have been quoted in francs. Please tell me the reason for this difference. No doubt, as here they are paid to the producers in [livres?], the difficulty of procuring them in francs with any profit makes it necessary to convert the prices into francs. Almost no brandy was sold around Cognac on the 29th of last month at 355 to 360 francs per 27 veltes. Only those who are forced to sell seek buyers at those prices; the majority of our proprietors will hold out for 380. But the number of forced sellers is increasing from day to day, and 150 to 200 tierçons could have been bought at the lower prices. An additional demand for 300 tierçons has arisen, but I doubt that this will make much impression at Cognac, the warehouses still being very well stocked. I have preserved some very old, first-quality Cognac brandies aged forty, fifty and sixty years. I have 400 veltes from the harvest of 1704. Through their great age, these brandies have become the healthiest and rarest liquor in existence. If you had any connoisseurs in Bayonne or your surrounding area, I would send you a sample—whatever quantity you wished—in order to make them known. I wish to dispose of them by the tierçon at 30, 35, 38 and 42 francs per velte respectively; the last is also available in bottles at 6 francs, the glass included. I greet you cordially. [signature: Boubat Broussard?]

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, commercial evidence and postal evidence was directly checked against the authoritative images; unresolved readings remain explicitly marked. Date evidence: Dateline in the letter: 8 Germinal, Year 10, equivalent to 29 March 1802. Origin evidence: Pons dateline in the letter and matching Pons postal mark.