Letter from Figueira, Stoever & Langstroth with a note from John A. F. Rachau to Otard Dupuy & Co, 1851-03-04 and 1851-03-07

Figueira, Stoever & Langstroth order a large assortment of brandy by vintage and cask size, report leakage from the Harvest and urge timely chartering; John A. F. Rachau adds a separate note requesting immediate attention.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia and New York–Cognac via the steamer Cambria

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Brandy orders
Vintages
Cask sizes
Cargo leakage
Chartering
Philadelphia
New York
Otard Dupuy & Co
Figueira, Stoever & Langstroth
John A. F. Rachau
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000462 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000462 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000462 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000462 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000462 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature

NRA-L-000462 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] per Steamer Cambria, 8 March Messrs. Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac France via Paris

[[label: Documentary page 2]] per Steamer. Philadelphia 4 March 1851. Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac. Gentlemen. Your favor of the 31st January came duly to hand. The Brandies per "Harvest" are now landing, and its quality so far gives satisfaction, principally the 1850; there are several Casks which have leaked nearly all out; we will have it surveyed, & will report to you. You will please to ship to us direct the following brandy to leave France about the 15 April, viz 1850 pale 10 Pipes 30 Half Pipes & 20 Qr. Casks " dark 10 " " 10 " " 1849 pale 5 " " 5 " " " dark 2 " " 2 " " 20 " dark London Dock 10 " " " " " 159 54 1848 pale 10 " " " " " 9 " dark 10 " " " " " 188 1847 pale 20 " " " " " " dark 20 " " " " " 1846 pale 5 " " " " " " dark 5 " " " " " 1844 pale 2 " " 3 " " 3 Eighths " dark 3 " " 5 " " 7 " 1838 dark 5 " " " " " 10 " 1831 dark " " " " " " 6 " making in all 10 Pipes 139 Half pipes 45 Qr. Casks & 24 Eighths which together with the orders we have sent by this same Steamer to J. J. Dupuy and A. Seignette, we hope you will be able to charter a vessel to our Consignment, and if you find any difficulty to charter a vessel, we have no doubt that Messrs

[[label: Documentary page 3]] Clipper & Co. will have freight to enable you to do so; the "Harvest" arrived here together with the "Bassman" from Rochelle and were both Consigned to Bohlen, who had the "Bassman" discharged immediately, and kept the "Harvest" back, thereby having 4 days on the wharf before we could have the same chance, therefore we again recommend your attention to take up a vessel in time to secure the freight of the market and have the control of the vessel. We want this Brandy to be here before or early in June. Please advise J. J. Dupuy & A. Seignette so that they may ship by the same vessel. We remain, Gentlemen, Your ob. svts. Figueira Stoever & Langstroth New York 7 March Dear Sirs, Please give the above your immediate attention. I will write by the Steamer of the 11 Inst Yours faithfully John A F Rachau [[notes]] Editorial notes: The page contains the signature of Figueira Stoever & Langstroth followed by a separately dated New York note signed John A. F. Rachau.

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The main letter is dated Philadelphia 4 March 1851; the same documentary item carries a separately dated New York note of 7 March signed by John A. F. Rachau. Origin evidence: Philadelphia is written in the dateline.


Letter from A. Maureau, Ortige & Cie to Victor Jouannet & Cie concerning British shipments, freight and customs certificates, 1870-02-17

A. Maureau, Ortige & Cie coordinate cargoes for London, Exeter, Liverpool and other British ports, compare steamers and freight rates, arrange empty casks and request corrected customs certificates from Victor Jouannet & Cie.

Tonnay-Charente–Cognac; planned shipments to British ports

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Shipping
Freight rates
Customs certificates
London
Exeter
Liverpool
British ports
Victor Jouannet & Cie
A. Maureau, Ortige & Cie
Britain

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000463 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000463 image 1 showing the address panel to Sardin & Darsy in Cognac with postal evidence.

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-000463 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000463 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000463 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000463 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2.

NRA-L-000463 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3, with conclusion and signature

Letter text - Page 3, with conclusion and signature.

NRA-L-000463 image 4 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 3, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Victor Jouannet & Cie. Cognac

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Charente le 17 Février 1870. Messieurs Victor Jouannet & Cie Cognac. Nous vous confirmons Messieurs, n/ lettre du 16 courant, croisée avec la v/ même date que nous recevons ce matin & qui nous remet les instructions de 58 B/ques 350 Caisses p. Londres 5 B/ques 10/4 Exeter & 1 tierçon & 6 B/ques Liverpool. "Alford" ainsi que vous l'aurez vu par y lettre d'hier le départ de ce Steamer ayant été fixé au 23 ct., par charte partie nous avons du nous engager pour cette époque, mais nous maintiendrons n/ appréciation qu'il ne pourra pas partir avant le 25 ou le 26 ct., il a y a commencé à prendre charge qu'aujourd'hui, à moins cependant que le capitaine veuille partir à l'expiration de ses jours de planche, dans ce cas il partirait surement avec une partie de chargement seulement de Boutet nous doutons fort qu'il agisse ainsi, nous aurons soin de vous tenir exactement renseigné à cet égard. "Forest Queen" y somme complètement d'accord avec m. Croizet pour les 100 tierçons promis & ce aux conditions de ny lettre. "Réduction de Fret" Nous n'avons pu vous dire que ce que nous savions nous mêmes, la compagnie générale n'ayant pas fait connaître ce qu'elle comptait faire, elle n'a pris une décision qu'au dernier moment & immédiatement nous n'avons pas manqué de vous en aviser, soyez assuré que nous vous renseignerons très exactement sur tout ce qui se passera ici, tant pour les baisses de fret, que sur les navires [[notes]] Editorial notes: Recurring n/ and v/ scribal abbreviations were checked in context and were not read as the letter y.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] en charge & départ de navires. "Futs vides" m. Croizet n'ayant pas voulu consentir à les prendre à 8/-, dans vos intérêts nous avons cru bien faire de les engager sur "Marie" à 12/- puisque ce steamer partira plutôt. "S. S. Marie" nous vous remettons inclus 1. avis de m. G. d'abbadie d'après cela m. Warns n'aurait pas d'idée de faire une nouvelle réduction de fret beaucoup de chargeurs regrettent de s'être engagés, ce steamer n'est pas arrivé ce matin comme on s'y attendait on l'annonce pour demain matin seulement. Expéditions Vos marchandises sont arrivées par le train de 1 heure, nous commençons l'embarquement ce soir. Acquit à Caution nous vous retournons inclus l'acquit No 1070 avec prière de ne pas manquer de nous l'adresser en retour rectifié on a omis dans le corps de l'acquit la contenance des caisses. Veuillez aussi S. V. P. prendre bonne note pour l'avenir de prendre une soustraction d'acquits pour chaque navire, car autrement nous sommes retardés ici pour remplir les formalités de douane. puisque nous y retournons cet acquit pour le faire rectifier nous vous engageons à le faire échanger contre trois autres ainsi conçus; 1o Un pour 250 Caisses pour l'"Alford" 2o Un pour 15 Futs pour "Ossian" 3o Un pour 7 Futs pour "Frankfort" nous avons obtenu autorisation de la douane de procéder à l'embarquement de ces marchandises en attendant le retour des acquits. si vous préférez nous pourrons faire couper l'acquit ici, aussitôt que vous nous l'aurez retourné rectifié.

[[label: Documentary page 4]] "Marchandises p. Exeter" Bristol Vous ne saurons que demain si le navire en chargement l'"S. S. Ossian" peut prendre Vos 5 B/ques & 10/4 pour ce port. Une charte partie vient d'être ouverte pour ce port au S. S. "Corsair" cap. Edwards départ M. de mars Fret 35 & 10% pour les futailles 30 & 10% pour les caisses complet à 4 to tierçons. Plymouth, Portsmouth Yarmouth & Sunderland Le navire à voile "Laura" armé est en charge pour ces ports au Fret de 45 shillings & 10% par tonneau, partira 10 jours après son arrivée, est attendu à chaque instant. "Aberdeen" Le départ de l'"Eugénie" en charge pour ce port est fixé au 5 mars (lisez 10) Fret 40 shillings & 10% p. tonneau. Le navire "Star" (voilier anglais) est en charge pour le même port, le Fret qui avait été fixé primitivement à 45 & 10% vient d'être réduit à 35 & 10%, navire attendu départ présumé Fin Mars. En attendant de vous remettre Vos connaissements, Agréez, Messieurs, nos saluts empressés, p. p. A. Maureau, Ortige & Cie [signature]

[[label: Address panel]] Messrs. Victor Jouannet & Co. Cognac

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Charente, February 17, 1870. Messieurs Victor Jouannet & Cie Cognac. We confirm to you, Gentlemen, our letter of the 16th instant, crossed with yours of the same date which we receive this morning & which hands us the instructions for 58 hogsheads 350 cases for London 5 hogsheads 10/4 Exeter & 1 tierce & 6 hogsheads Liverpool. "Alford" as you will have seen by our letter of yesterday the departure of this Steamer having been fixed for the 23rd inst., by charter party we had to commit ourselves for this date, but we will maintain our assessment that it will not be able to leave before the 25th or the 26th inst., it has begun to take on cargo only today, unless however the captain wishes to leave at the expiration of his lay days, in which case he would leave surely with only a part of the cargo from Boutet we doubt very much that he will act thus, we will take care to keep you exactly informed in this regard. "Forest Queen" we are completely in agreement with Mr. Croizet for the 100 tierces promised & this on the conditions of our letter. "Freight Reduction" We could only tell you what we knew ourselves, the general company not having made known what it intended to do, it only made a decision at the last moment & immediately we did not fail to advise you of it, rest assured that we will inform you very exactly on everything that will happen here, as much for the drops in freight, as on the ships [[notes]] Editorial notes: Recurring n/ and v/ scribal abbreviations were checked in context and were not read as the letter y.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] loading & departure of ships. "Empty Casks" Mr. Croizet not having wanted to consent to take them at 8/-, in your interests we thought it best to commit them on "Marie" at 12/- since this steamer will leave sooner. "S. S. Marie" we enclose 1. notice from Mr. G. d'abbadie according to this Mr. Warns would have no idea of making a new freight reduction many shippers regret having committed themselves, this steamer did not arrive this morning as expected it is announced for tomorrow morning only. Shipments Your goods arrived by the 1 o'clock train, we are beginning the loading this evening. Bonded Certificate we return to you enclosed certificate No 1070 with the request not to fail to address it to us in return rectified the capacity of the cases was omitted in the body of the certificate. Please also S. V. P. take good note for the future to take a subtraction of certificates for each ship, because otherwise we are delayed here to fulfill the customs formalities. since we are returning this certificate to you to have it rectified we urge you to have it exchanged for three others worded thus; 1st One for 250 Cases for the "Alford" 2nd One for 15 Casks for "Ossian" 3rd One for 7 Casks for "Frankfort" we have obtained authorization from customs to proceed with the loading of these goods while waiting for the return of the certificates. if you prefer we can have the certificate cut here, as soon as you have returned it to us rectified.

[[label: Documentary page 4]] "Goods for Exeter" Bristol We will only know tomorrow if the ship loading the "S. S. Ossian" can take Your 5 hogsheads & 10/4 for this port. A charter party has just been opened for this port to the S. S. "Corsair" cap. Edwards departure M. of March Freight 35 & 10% for the casks 30 & 10% for the cases complete at 4 to tierces. Plymouth, Portsmouth Yarmouth & Sunderland The sailing ship "Laura" armed is loading for these ports at the Freight of 45 shillings & 10% per ton, will leave 10 days after its arrival, is expected at any moment. "Aberdeen" The departure of the "Eugénie" loading for this port is fixed for March 5 (read 10) Freight 40 shillings & 10% p. ton. The ship "Star" (English sailing ship) is loading for the same port, the Freight which had been fixed originally at 45 & 10% has just been reduced to 35 & 10%, ship expected presumed departure End of March. While waiting to hand you Your bills of lading, Accept, Gentlemen, our eager greetings, p. p. A. Maureau, Ortige & Cie [signature]

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads Charente le 17 Février 1870; dated postal evidence and docketing agree. Origin evidence: Charente is written in the dateline; the company stamp and postal evidence identify Tonnay-Charente.

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 J. A. Berthault to J. Berthault concerning family finances, religion and employment, 1834-09-03

J. A. Berthault writes to Saturnin about family finances, relatives, clerical influence and education, then discusses Champagne wine, employment for his son and the possible sale of an establishment.

La Rochelle, Charente-Inférieure, France

Personal correspondence
Family correspondence
Family finances
Religion
Clerical influence
Education
Champagne wine
Employment
Business establishment
La Rochelle
Paris

Family correspondence
Personal correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000464 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000464 image 1 showing the address panel to M. Berthault in Paris with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000464 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000464 image 2 showing handwritten personal letter text, page 1, concerning family finances and clerical influence.

NRA-L-000464 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature

Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature.

NRA-L-000464 image 3 showing handwritten personal letter text, page 2, mentioning Champagne wine, employment and the possible sale of an establishment, with conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] M. J. Berthault Rue [Châtuchat?] n.º 3, A Paris. [[notes]] Editorial notes: The street name is not secure and is retained with an explicit question mark rather than normalized conjecturally.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Degrand, rue ent. coq héron La R. le 3. 7.bre 1834. Mon cher Saturnin, J'ai ta lettre du 25. aout Mad.me Bormeau a également écrit a Yvot pour qu'il faste quelque chose, tu pourrais penser que pour l'y engager elle aurait pu lui dire que tu ferais 1/5.e mais ce a quoi tu es loin de t'attendre C'est qu'elle a envoyé ta lettre a Yvot. C'est abominable. Deux phrases de ta lettre n'ont point échappées a Yvot, Je partage son mécontentement en ce que tu as été écrire que j'avais peine a me soutenir. massias m'a dit que c'étaient ses femmes que le pressaient pour me retirer ce qu'il a a lui. Yvot a conçu de l'alarme, & tu sais qu'il ne puis marcher que par lui; tu es bien imprudent, & mad.me Bormeau a l'âme bien noire de chercher vous aigrir d'avantage. Il est possible qu'Yvot faste quelque chose mais a la condition expresse que m/ Neveu ne sera pas élevé sous l'influence des prêtres, & il fera bien. Tu n'as pas ignoré le passé, & ce qui doit l'y engager c'est ce que je viens d'apprendre a l'instant, m/ Neveu va tous les soirs chez le Curé apprendre a chanter. C'est celui qui

[[label: Documentary page 3]] a fanatisé notre Nièce Gabrielle. J'en suis en colère. Fanny a répondu a mad. B. qu'elle ne pouvait rien faire, que cela te faste tous a fait ouvrir les Yeux. Il a été un temps dans ou les Séminaires l' Education était aussi bonne qu'ailleurs, mais alors, les prêtres n'étaient pas ce qu'ils sont devenus. Je les déteste. Je n'ai point gouté de ton Vin de Champagne, & Je n'ai pas revu Massias, Je ne puis t'en rien dire. - Je verrai Mr Corelieux & l'engagerai d'en faire venir quand les chaleurs seront passées. Si tu vois Mr Jay tache de le faire causer. demande lui s'il prendrait mon fils que j'ai mis a la cuite & qui la connait. la Rochelle ne m'est plus agréable Si Je trouvais a Vendre mon Etablissem.t Je chercherais a diriger Un Etablissem.t Fanny est toujours a Marans. Quand tu verras notre Nièce dis lui bien des choses de notre part a tous. adieu mon cher Ami, porte toi bien J. A. Berthault

[[label: Address panel]] Mr. J. Berthault Rue [Châtuchat?] No. 3, Paris. [[notes]] Editorial notes: The street name is not secure and is retained with an explicit question mark rather than normalized conjecturally.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] La Rochelle, 3 September 1834. My dear Saturnin, I have your letter of 25 August. Madame Bormeau has also written to Yvot so that he might do something; you might think that to encourage him she could have told him that you would do a fifth, but what you are far from expecting is that she sent your letter to Yvot. It is abominable. Two sentences of your letter did not escape Yvot. I share his dissatisfaction in that you wrote that I was having trouble supporting myself. Massias told me that it was his women who were pressing him to withdraw from me what is his. Yvot has conceived alarm, and you know that I can only proceed through him; you are very imprudent, and Madame Bormeau has a very black soul to seek to embitter you further. It is possible that Yvot will do something, but on the express condition that my nephew will not be raised under the influence of priests, and he will be right to do so. You have not been ignorant of the past, and what must encourage him to do so is what I have just learned this instant: my nephew goes every evening to the parish priest's to learn to sing. It is he who fanaticised our niece Gabrielle. I am angry about it.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] Fanny replied to Madame B. that she could do nothing; may that completely open your eyes. There was a time when education in the seminaries was as good as elsewhere, but then, the priests were not what they have become. I hate them. I have not tasted your Champagne wine, and I have not seen Massias again, I can tell you nothing about it. - I will see Mr Corelieux and will encourage him to have some brought when the heat has passed. If you see Mr Jay, try to make him talk. Ask him if he would take my son, whom I have put to the production batch and who knows it. La Rochelle is no longer pleasant to me. If I found a way to sell my establishment, I would seek to manage an establishment. Fanny is still in Marans. When you see our niece, give her many kind regards from all of us. Farewell my dear friend, keep well. J. A. Berthault

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, places, family context, religious references, transcription and translation was checked against the authoritative images; the uncertain Paris street name remains explicitly qualified. Date evidence: The dateline uses 3 7bre 1834, the historical abbreviation for 3 September 1834; the address-side docket agrees. Origin evidence: La Rochelle is written in the dateline.


Letter from E. Roche to Ch. Navarre & Perny concerning a Cognac shipment and European freight, 1859-02-15

E. Roche sends the bill of lading for six quarter-casks of Cognac to Nantes and reports vessel space and freight for Le Havre, Rouen, Caen, Hamburg, Bremen, Altona and London.

Tonnay-Charente–Cognac; shipment to Nantes and notices for European ports

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Cognac shipment
Bills of lading
Freight
Nantes
Le Havre
Rouen
Caen
Hamburg
London
Ch. Navarre & Perny
E. Roche
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000465 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000465 image 1 showing the address panel to a commercial correspondent in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000465 - Image 2: Letter text and signature

Letter text and signature.

NRA-L-000465 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Ch. Navarre & Perny Négociants à Cognac

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Charente le 15 février 1859. Messieurs Ch. Navarre & Perny, Négociants à Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 13 ct. et vous remets inclus le connaissement de vos 6 quartauts Cognac pour Nantes chargés sur le Jeune Louis capit. Guichard qui part à l'instant. Les quatre frères capit. Madec en charge dans notre port pour Le Havre a/ 20., Rouen a/ 25., & Caen a/ 28., vient de fixer sa planche pour expirer le 5 Mars. il reste encore place pour 25 tonneaux. Les marchses pour Caen seront expédiées du Havre aux frais du capitaine mais non à ses risques. Le Hiram capit. Vedeau pr Hambourg à 14 Marcs & 15 p%, sera transporter à Brême, Altona à 16 & 15 p% fin de la planche 28 ct., il peut encore prendre quelques tonneaux. Nous avons des navires en charge pour les ports Anglais, des vapeurs font un service soutenu entre notre port & Londres. Agréez, Messieurs, mes salutations empressées ppon Roche E Roche

[[label: Address panel]] Messrs. Ch. Navarre & Perny Merchants in Cognac

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Charente the 15th of February 1859. Messrs. Ch. Navarre & Perny, Merchants in Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of the 13th inst. and remit to you enclosed the bill of lading for your 6 quarter-casks of Cognac for Nantes loaded on the Jeune Louis, Capt. Guichard, which is leaving at this moment. The Quatre Frères, Capt. Madec, loading in our port for Le Havre at 20, Rouen at 25, & Caen at 28, has just fixed its lay days to expire on the 5th of March. There is still room for 25 casks. The merchandise for Caen will be forwarded from Le Havre at the expense of the captain but not at his risk. The Hiram, Capt. Vedeau, for Hamburg at 14 Marks & 15 p%, will be transported to Bremen, Altona at 16 & 15 p% end of lay days 28th inst., it can still take a few casks. We have ships loading for the English ports, steamers are running a steady service between our port & London. Accept, Gentlemen, my eager greetings ppon Roche E Roche

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads Charente le 15 février 1859; the address-side docket identifies Roche jeune and the same date. Origin evidence: Charente is written in the dateline and Tonnay-Charente appears in the postal evidence.


Letter from J. Lallemand, Richard & Lohmeyer to Clossmann & Co concerning ship registration, imperial licences and the wine trade, 1810-08-26

J. Lallemand, Richard & Lohmeyer ask Clossmann & Co how Danish vessels sold at Bordeaux obtained French registration, discuss imperial licences and proposed trade with Britain, and report favourable weather for the vines.

Tonnay-Charente–Bordeaux; prospective British trade

Wine trade
Commercial correspondence
Ship registration
Danish vessels
Imperial licences
British trade
Vineyards
Bordeaux
Clossmann & Co
J. Lallemand, Richard & Lohmeyer
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000466 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000466 image 1 showing the address panel to Clossmann & Co in Bordeaux with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000466 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000466 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000466 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature

NRA-L-000466 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] Messrs. Clossmann & Co. Bordeaux

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Charente 26 Aout 1810. Messrs. Clossmann & Co. à Bordeaux Il y a longtems Messrs. que nous n'avons eu le plaisir de correspondre avec vous, & nous regrettons bien que les circonstances soyent aussi contrariantes & nous privent de la satisfaction de vous etre utiles. faites nous S.V.P. l'amitié de nous dire, de quelle maniere on s'est tourné l'année d're pour obtenir la francisation de divers batimens danois qui ont été vendus à des maisons de votre ville, & surquoi cette faveur a t'elle été fondée? il vous sera sans doute facile de nous donner sur cela des renseignemens certains, & abusant de votre complaisance nous vous prions de faire part aussi de vos renseignemens à Mr S. Lohmeyer, qui est à Paris chés Messrs. Dque André & J. Cottier. On assure qu'il y a pour des batimens français plusieurs licences imperiales de signées & qu'elles vont être distribués, mais il faudra toujours que nos pays vignobles exportent le vin. on regarde sans doute chés vous comme illusoires les ouvertures faites le 8 Ct. par le ministre au commerce anglais, l'obligation d'exporter 1/3 en denrées coloniales est une clause impossible a executer. nos [denrées?] ont eu un moment de faveur, mais les licences ne [[notes]] Editorial notes: One word in the passage about imperial licences remains uncertain and is not promoted to a named entity.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] se delivreront point, les americains n'aborderont pas dans nos ports, ainsi il y aura bien des gens attrapés. le tems est depuis 8 jours très favorable aux vignes & continuant on fera de bon vin. N. V. saluons d'amitié J. Lallemand, Richard & Lohmeyer

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Charente 26 August 1810. Messrs. Clossmann & Co. in Bordeaux It has been a long time, Messrs., since we have had the pleasure of corresponding with you, and we regret very much that circumstances are so contrary and deprive us of the satisfaction of being useful to you. Please do us the kindness of telling us how they went about it last year to obtain the Frenchification of various Danish vessels that were sold to houses in your city, and on what was this favor based? It will doubtless be easy for you to give us certain information on this, and abusing your complaisance we beg you to also share your information with Mr. S. Lohmeyer, who is in Paris at Messrs. Dque André & J. Cottier's. They assure us that there are several imperial licenses signed for French vessels and that they are going to be distributed, but it will always be necessary for our wine-growing regions to export wine. You doubtless regard as illusory the overtures made on the 8th of this month by the minister to English commerce, the obligation to export 1/3 in colonial goods is a clause impossible to execute. Our [goods?] had a moment of favor, but the licenses do [[notes]] Editorial notes: One word in the passage about imperial licences remains uncertain and is not promoted to a named entity.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] not deliver at all, the Americans will not land in our ports, so there will be many people caught. The weather has been very favorable to the vines for 8 days and continuing we will make good wine. We greet you with friendship J. Lallemand, Richard & Lohmeyer

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads Charente 26 Aout 1810 and the address-side docket repeats 26 August 1810. Origin evidence: Charente is written in the dateline and Tonnay-Charente appears in the postal mark.


Letter from Chegaray frères & Cie to Clossmann & Co concerning a remittance, returned bill and draft, 1809-02-24

Chegaray frères & Cie acknowledge a remittance from Clossmann & Co, report the return of a bill, send a draft on Fromont Chegaray & Cie and provide a concise account of commission and postage.

Commercial correspondence
Remittance
Bills of exchange
Drafts
Commission
Accounts
La Rochelle
Bordeaux
Clossmann & Co
Chegaray frères & Cie
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000467 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000467 image 1 showing the address panel to Clossmann & Co in Bordeaux with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000467 - Image 2: Letter text and signature

Letter text and signature.

NRA-L-000467 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] A Messieurs Clossmann & C.e à Bordeaux.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] La rochelle, le 24. fevrier 1809 Mess.rs Clossmann &c Bordeaux la lettre que vous nous avés fait l'honneur de nous ecrire le 10 de ce mois, Messieurs nous a porté votre remise de f. 230.. 18. au 15. de ce mois sur Daunian cet effet nous est rentré. Nous vous en adressons les retours en Notre mandat de f. 226.t 10.s au 10 Mars sur Fromont Chegaray &c Veuillés nous en reconnoitre pour solde suivant la Note ci-après. Nous desirons des occasions de vous etre utiles, et de vous prouver notre dévouement sincere Nous avons l'honneur de vous saluer Chegaray frères & Cie f 230.t 18.s.. f. 228. 05. commission à 1/2 p% 1.. 15.. ~ " 80.. Port de lettres. 1. 95. f. 226. 10. 6 8 31 = 230 : 70 2 85 228 . 1 [[notes]] Editorial notes: The terminal signature and address-side docket support Chegaray frères & Cie; the addressee is Clossmann & Co.

[[label: Address panel]] To Messrs. Clossmann & Co. in Bordeaux.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] La Rochelle, the 24 February 1809 Messrs. Clossmann &c Bordeaux The letter that you did us the honor of writing to us on the 10th of this month, Gentlemen, brought us your remittance of f. 230.18 on the 15th of this month on Daunian; this bill has come back to us. We are sending you the returns in our draft of f. 226.10 due 10 March on Fromont Chegaray &c Please acknowledge receipt for the balance according to the note below. We desire occasions to be useful to you, and to prove to you our sincere devotion. We have the honor to greet you Chegaray frères & Co. f 230.18.. f. 228.05. commission at 1/2 p% 1.15. ~ " 80.. Postage of letters. 1.95. f. 226.10. 6 8 31 = 230 : 70 2 85 228 . 1 [[notes]] Editorial notes: The terminal signature and address-side docket support Chegaray frères & Cie; the addressee is Clossmann & Co.

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads La Rochelle, le 24 février 1809 and the address-side docket repeats the date. Origin evidence: La Rochelle is written in the dateline.


Letter from C. Olliveau to Otard Dupuy & Co concerning prices for new wine brandy, 1804-10-26

C. Olliveau responds to Otard Dupuy & Co about an offer of wine brandy, rejects a price for new spirit as too low and asks whether the house can improve its terms.

Gémozac, Charente-Inférieure, France
Cognac, Charente, France
Gémozac–Cognac

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Wine brandy
Eau-de-vie
Prices
Negotiation
Gémozac
Cognac
Otard Dupuy & Co
C. Olliveau
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000468 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000468 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000468 - Image 2: Letter text and signature

Letter text and signature.

NRA-L-000468 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Otard Dupuy et Ce negts A Cognac

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Gemozac le 4. Brumre an 13. Messieurs Otard Dupuy et Ce Cognac J'ay recu votre honnorée du 29. dernier et suis faché que vous n'ayé pû me faire de prix sur mon offre d'eau de vie de vin, celle que vous me faitte pour les nouvelle etant si audessous de ce qu'elle se vendra a votre derniere foire, et surtout sans avance, mon associé ne me convenant. je suis faché de cette privation de faire avec vous, si vous pouvé y mettre d'avantage, veullié m'en faire part, et croye que je serais toujours avec plaisir l'ocasion de vous etre utille J'ay l'honneur de vous saluer bien Cordiallement C. Olliveau

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Otard Dupuy and Co. merchants In Cognac

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Gemozac the 4th of Brumaire year 13. Messieurs Otard Dupuy and Co. Cognac I received your honored letter of the 29th of last month and am sorry that you could not give me a price on my offer of wine eau-de-vie, the one you make me for the new ones being so far below what it will sell for at your last fair, and especially without an advance, my partner not agreeing. I am sorry for this deprivation of doing business with you, if you can add more to it, please let me know, and believe that I will always be pleased to have the opportunity to be useful to you I have the honor to greet you very cordially C. Olliveau

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads 4 Brumaire Year XIII, corresponding to 26 October 1804 in the Gregorian calendar; the docket repeats the Republican-calendar date. Origin evidence: Gémozac is written in the dateline.


Letter from Vve J. Seignette & Poutier to Clossmann & Co concerning a brandy shipment, insurance and a draft, 1835-06-15

Vve J. Seignette & Poutier settle an invoicing disagreement over a shipment of brandy sent by the Eugénie, discuss insurance, draw on Clossmann & Co for the reduced invoice and invite larger orders.

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Brandy shipment
Invoices
Insurance
Drafts
Eugénie
La Rochelle
Bordeaux
Clossmann & Co
Vve J. Seignette & Poutier
France — domestic trade

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000469 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000469 image 1 showing the address panel to Clossmann & Co in Bordeaux with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000469 - Image 2: Letter text and signature

Letter text and signature.

NRA-L-000469 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Address panel]] Messieurs Clossmann & Ce Bordeaux

[[label: Documentary page 2]] La Rochelle 15 Juin 1835 Messieurs Clossmann & Co a Bordeaux Nous repondons, Messieurs, a Votre honorée du 13 Ct. Nous entendions bien vous facturer a 5/50 le bord ici & non a Bordeaux les 12/2 pieces Eaudevie que nous vous avons expediées par l'Eugenie, mais du moment que vous ne l'entendez pas ainsi, nous n'insisterons pas sur ce point de peu d'importance - nous sommes seulement fachés que vous ne nous ayez pas economisé l'assurance que nous n'eussions pas fait couvrir - Pour nous couvrir du montant de notre facture ainsi reduite nous fournissons ce jour un mandat sur vous de f 2493. a 10 Jours de datte - Veuillez y faire acueil. Nous verrons avec grand plaisir, Messieurs, que ce petit essai vous engage a nous confier des ordres plus importans. Comptez que nous donnerons toujours les plus grands soins a leur execution, & Veuillez agréer nos salutations bien cordiales Vve J Seignette & Poutier [[notes]] Editorial notes: Clossmann is written with two s characters on the letter and address panel; the same organization authority is used across the batch.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] La Rochelle 15 June 1835 Messrs. Clossmann & Co in Bordeaux We reply, Gentlemen, to your honored letter of the 13th inst. We fully intended to invoice you at 5/50 on board here and not at Bordeaux for the 12/2 pieces of brandy that we dispatched to you by the Eugenie, but since you do not understand it thus, we will not insist on this point of little importance - we are only sorry that you did not save us the insurance that we would not have had covered - To cover ourselves for the amount of our invoice thus reduced we are drawing on you today a draft for f 2493. at 10 days from date - Please honor it. We will see with great pleasure, Gentlemen, that this little trial engages you to entrust us with more important orders. Count on us always giving the greatest care to their execution, and please accept our very cordial greetings Widow J Seignette & Poutier [[notes]] Editorial notes: Clossmann is written with two s characters on the letter and address panel; the same organization authority is used across the batch.

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads La Rochelle 15 Juin 1835 and the address-side docket gives the same date. Origin evidence: La Rochelle is written in the dateline.


Letter from Figueira & Co to Otard Dupuy & Co defending their payments and development of the Philadelphia brandy market, 1847-07-29

Figueira & Co answer criticism of their payment practices, explain capital tied up in duties, credit and unsold stock, report leakage and damage in a delayed cargo, and argue that they have made Otard the leading brand in Philadelphia over Pinet.

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Brandy market
Commercial credit
Payments
Customs duties
Cargo damage
Brand reputation
Pinet
Philadelphia
Otard Dupuy & Co
Figueira & Co
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000470 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000470 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000470 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000470 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000470 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000470 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2.

NRA-L-000470 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3

Letter text - Page 3.

NRA-L-000470 image 4 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 3.

NRA-L-000470 - Image 5: Letter text - Page 4

Letter text - Page 4.

NRA-L-000470 image 5 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 4.

NRA-L-000470 - Image 6: Letter text - Page 5

Letter text - Page 5.

NRA-L-000470 image 6 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 5.

NRA-L-000470 - Image 7: Letter text - Page 6, with conclusion and signature

Letter text - Page 6, with conclusion and signature.

NRA-L-000470 image 7 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 6, with the conclusion and signature.

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

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Philadelphia July 29th 1847. Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co. Cognac Gentlemen: Since our last favour to us we have had the pleasure of hearing from you through our mutual friend Mr L'Eachard. We regret however to see that you show some dissatisfaction in regards to the way our business is carried on (as you suppose) on your capital. We have never thought it necessary to make any observa tions direct to you as we expected Mr L'Eachard would al ways make you aware of our advantages or disadvan tages, which operate in the delay or speediness of our Re= mittances, but as we perceive that you express yourselves rather strongly we think it necessary to make some remarks. In the first place we do not do business with your capital. We are when we settle for your brandy we always have a large quantity left & we are obliged to keep in the Custom House a large stock. We cannot with any certainty calculate how long we may be without receiving fresh importations, and if we are one week without Brandy we lose much advantage that we have gained. Our customers will go to other importers, and it is often difficult to get

[[label: Documentary page 3]] them back again. Secondly, the Cargo by the Div. Homme has been of very slow sale in consequence of its not having arrived at the time that it was anticipated by our customers many of whom went elsewhere and bought and left us with this large stock in mid-winter the very dullest season of the year with us. Of this Cargo we have at least one third on hand mostly high priced brandies and of course sell slowly the demands being principally for New brandies: And

[[label: Documentary page 4]] thirdly we have to pay cash entirely for duties, and sell on 6 months credit; therefore we must do business on other capital than yours to be able to keep always on hand a stock of from one to two hundred half pipes, give 6 months credit for what we sell, and still be able to pay you. Now at the present time we owe you about $3500 for which you have not got security, we owed you at one time $9000. We gave Mr L'Eachard some time ago our note with a good endorser for $4800 due the 30th proximo and he holds in his possession bills of Lading for the Div. Homme to the amount of about $4000. Now, so that we have set= tled for all we hold we have any control of, yet we have not before said anything about the disadvantages of getting the Brandy by the Div. Homme so late, and shipped by you in Bordeaux after the time we advised and against your positive instructions; we had to receive also, that some casks lost 10 and 15 gallons, nearly all the packages very badly stained and damaged. We have no doubt that you think you have just cause to complain of the tardiness of our payments but you will please reflect that we have had every diffi= culty imaginable to contend with, and nothing but extra

[[label: Documentary page 5]] ordinary exertion could have enabled us to attain the footing that we now have with your Brandy. We have had the prejudices of Philadelphians to contend with and it would perhaps be difficult to find a place where prejudice is more strong in every way. When we commenced your Brandy was known but by very few buyers in this market now it is known by every body, and we say to you em= phatically that it is now the brand before all others, the glory of Pinet has departed!

[[label: Documentary page 6]] We consider that it is greatly to your interest to facilitate our business as much as you consistently can, for the greater our advantages the more we can do for you; particularly as we sell your always secured and safe. We believe you have now less reason to apprehend our promptness in paying for what we get than heretofore, for the credit we have now is much greater, and besides we can assure you that we are not entirely without capital of our own. Had we no capital we could not carry on this business for a month. We have sent you orders for 170 half pipes which we trust will be shipped by the first oppor= tunity as we will be out of stock in a month or two; and as we have before observed unless we keep a good supply on hand, we lose the advantages we have with so much pain gained over other importers. We will endeavor, and believe we will hereafter be able to keep our balances with you satisfactory to all parties, as we have now got over our greatest dif= ficulties. That we have been a little slow in our payments sometimes we are free to acknowledge, but it has been una=

[[label: Documentary page 7]] voidable and we think ought not to have been unex= pected, when you reflect upon the amount of business we have done with our small capital. Respectfully and truly Yours &c Figueira & Co P.S. We do not expect any more difficulties between us regarding the slowness of settlement as we believe we will hereafter be able to make satisfactory remittan ces for the payment of your invoices Figueira & Co [[notes]] Editorial notes: The six letter-text captures form one continuous letter signed Figueira & Co; overlaps and continuations were checked in sequence.

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads Philadelphia July 29th 1847 and the address-side docket repeats the place and date. Origin evidence: Philadelphia is written in the dateline.


Letter from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co concerning Canadian case sales, a draft for Barsalou and US monetary policy, 1863-02-03

Frank Otard reports sending about 550 remaining cases to Gillespie in Montreal, remits a draft for Victor Barsalou and discusses exchange, paper money, banking proposals and the danger that inflation will obstruct imports from Europe.

New York–Cognac; redistribution to Montreal

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Brandy cases
Montreal
Drafts
Victor Barsalou
Exchange rates
Paper money
Banking
Imports
New York
Otard Dupuy & Co
Frank Otard
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000471 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000471 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000471 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000471 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000471 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature

NRA-L-000471 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2, with the conclusion and signature.

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

[[label: Documentary page 2]] New York 3 Fevrier 1863 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 27 Janvier et ai reçu depuis votre amicale du 15 ditto, ainsi que Mon Compte et, que j'ai trouvé correct après examen; la seule remarque que je ferai seulement, est que la somme de f 4938.88 produit de la vente des caisses expédiées pour votre maison, est complètement à votre disposition, le change étant si élevé je n'ai pas osé vous acheter des francs pour ce montant, mais je me tiens complètement à votre disposition à ce sujet, le change est onéreux, mais le sera t'il longtemps? C'est une question difficile à résoudre et je ne tiens nullement à en avoir la responsabilité, par suite de la variation du change Je vais envoyer environ 550 caisses qui me restent encore à vendre pour mon compte à Messrs Gillespie de Montréal, en les priant de vous en faire les remises, au fur et à mesure que les ventes s'effectueront. Evidemment le commerce de caisses n'a pas cours dans ce pays.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] Je m'empresse de vous remettre une traite à 10 jours de vue p 5.000.- pour le compte de notre ami Barsalou et dont veuillez me créditer. Nous sommes toujours sur le qui vive au sujet du nouveau projet de Finances, les uns veulent une plus grande émission de papiers monnaie, les autres veulent adopter un nouveau projet d'associations de banque, somme toute il ne se fait rien, mais comme le Congrès sera dissous d'ici le 4 mars, il est probable que toutes les questions qui agitent le pays seront résolues d'une manière ou d'une autre. L'emprunt n'est plus possible, il n'y a donc que la circulation de papier monnaie qui ait chance de réussite; cette mesure aura pour effet de rendre les rapports entre l'Europe et l'Amérique de moins en moins possible, attendu que l'importation deviendra une impossibilité. Agréez, Messrs l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank Otard

[[label: Documentary page 2]] New York 3 February 1863 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of 27 January and have received since your friendly one of the 15th ditto, as well as My Account and, which I found correct after examination; the only remark I will make merely, is that the sum of f 4938.88 proceeds of the sale of the cases shipped for your house, is completely at your disposal, the exchange being so high I did not dare buy francs for you for this amount, but I hold myself completely at your disposal on this subject, the exchange is onerous, but will it be so for a long time? It is a difficult question to resolve and I do not wish in any way to have the responsibility for it, as a result of the variation of the exchange I am going to send about 550 cases which I still have left to sell for my account to Messrs Gillespie of Montreal, asking them to make the remittances to you, as and when the sales are made. Evidently the trade in cases is not current in this country.

[[label: Documentary page 3]] I hasten to remit to you a draft at 10 days sight for 5,000.- for the account of our friend Barsalou and with which please credit me. We are still on the alert on the subject of the new Finance project, some want a greater emission of paper money, others want to adopt a new project of bank associations, all in all nothing is being done, but as Congress will be dissolved between now and 4 March, it is probable that all the questions which agitate the country will be resolved in one way or another. The loan is no longer possible, there is therefore only the circulation of paper money which has a chance of success; this measure will have the effect of making relations between Europe and America less and less possible, given that importation will become an impossibility. Accept, Messrs the assurance of my entire devotion Frank Otard

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads New York 3 Fevrier 1863 and the address-side docket gives the same date. Origin evidence: New York is written in the dateline.


Letter from John A. F. Rachau to Otard Dupuy & Co concerning bills, shipping delays and competition from Hennessy, 1847-04-07

John A. F. Rachau forwards duplicate bills, reports delayed vessel arrivals and shortages at John Caswell & Co, notes purchases of Hennessy in place of delayed Otard supplies and contrasts demand for new and older brandies.

New York, New York, United States
Cognac, Charente, France
New York–Cognac via Le Havre

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Bills of exchange
Shipping delays
Brandy supply
Hennessy
John Caswell & Co
New York
Otard Dupuy & Co
John A. F. Rachau
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000472 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000472 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000472 - Image 2: Letter text and signature

Letter text and signature.

NRA-L-000472 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1, with the conclusion and signature.

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

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Messieurs Otard, Dupuy & Co Cognac New York 7th April 1847 Dear Sirs Referring to my last respects on the 30/31 Ulto p Hibernia, I beg now to wait on you with the second of the bills remitted for acceptance to Mess O de Marcuard & Co, for Fr 15000 & f 7469 49, to serve if needful. I have this morning been favor'd with the Original of your letter 5 Jany p Waban, which vessels has at last arrived in safety. None of the others have come in yet. Mess John Caswell & Co have scarcely a Cask of your Brandy left and regret that by waiting so long for the arrival of the Mage you have kept them out the needful and expected supplies. This Compels them to purchase other Brandies here for their Customers, some Hennessy a few days ago, much to the prejudice of yours. The wind has been favorable for some days, which brought us dates from Liverpool, by sailing packets, up to the 6 Ulto, and it is to be hoped that either the Mary Ann or the Hope will shortly be here and put Mess J Caswell & Co in stock New Brandies Continues in demand; the older Vintages are very dull. Mess Renauld & françois have only sold a few half Pipes as yet out of their purchase p Jorne, which Consequently turns out a very poor business for them. Without further to add, I remain, Dear Sirs Your faithful Servt John A F Rachau

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads New York 7th April 1847 and the address-side docket repeats the date. Origin evidence: New York is written in the dateline.


Letter from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co concerning low prices, case sales in Boston and Civil War developments, 1862-04-22

Frank Otard stresses the need for low prices, reports sending case samples to Boston and the failure of this form of shipment, then comments on Corinth, Yorktown, Richmond and the prospects of ending the Civil War.

New York, New York, United States
Cognac, Charente, France
New York–Cognac; samples to Boston

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Brandy prices
Case sales
Boston
American Civil War
Corinth
Yorktown
Richmond
New York
Otard Dupuy & Co
Frank Otard
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000473 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000473 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000473 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000473 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000473 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature

NRA-L-000473 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2, with the conclusion and signature.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Newyork, 22 Avril 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac Je vous confirme, Messieurs, ma lettre du 15 ct qui s'est croisée avec votre amicale du 19 3 ct; je vois que le temps est fort beau et que les vignes s'annoncent sous de belles apparences, je fais des vœux bien vrais pour l'avenir de notre pays vignicole, il faut en effet des prix bas et même très bas pour pouvoir arriver à faire des affaires dans l'état où nous devons nous attendre à une abstention complète d'entreprises commerciales. Tous les renseignements que vous me donnerez à ce sujet seront toujours bien appréciés et venant de votre maison, ils ont une valeur qui en augmente le prix. Je viens d'envoyer des échantillons à Boston à Boardman, à Foster & Taylor & à Williams, je les ai engagés vivement à prendre ce que j'ai de caisses en main et j'espère beaucoup que cette fois j'arriverai à un bon résultat, il ne reste pas

[[label: Documentary page 3]] vendu une seule caisse et à l'avenir il faut complètement renoncer à ce genre d'expédition. Les maisons sur lesquelles nous devrions le plus compter, sont justement celles qui nous font le plus de tort à ce sujet. En fait d'affaires politiques, nous allions assez vite dans la voie des succès, mais nous voilà arrêtés devant Corinthe d'un côté & Yorktown de l'autre; ces deux sièges seront encore assez longs, mais c'est le commencement de la fin. On s'est beaucoup occupé cette semaine de la visite de notre Ambassadeur à Richemond; les uns y ont vu une question de tabac, mais je crois que le Ministre de France doit y être envoyé pour des questions plus graves que celles d'une affaire de tabac, et je ne serai pas étonné qu'il engageât Jefferson Davis à abandonner la partie dans le cas de la chute de Yorktown et de Richemond. Ces conseils seront-ils écoutés? je ne le crois pas, car ce ne sera qu'après une marche régulière et un succès complet que le gouvernement de Washington pourra reconquérir et pacifier le Sud. Qui vivra verra. Agréez, Messieurs, l'assurance de mon entier dévouement Frank B Otard [[notes]] Editorial notes: The documented terminal form Frank B. Otard is retained while the correspondent remains linked to the single Frank Otard authority.

[[label: Documentary page 2]] New York, 22 April 1862 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I confirm to you, Gentlemen, my letter of the 15th inst. which crossed with your friendly one of the 19th of the 3rd month; I see that the weather is very fine and that the vines are showing beautiful appearances, I make very true wishes for the future of our wine-growing country, it is indeed necessary to have low prices and even very low prices to be able to manage to do business in the state where we must expect a complete abstention from commercial enterprises. All the information that you will give me on this subject will always be well appreciated and coming from your house, they have a value which increases their price. I have just sent samples to Boston to Boardman, to Foster & Taylor & to Williams, I strongly urged them to take what I have in cases on hand and I hope very much that this time I will arrive at a good result, there does not remain

[[label: Documentary page 3]] a single case sold and in the future we must completely give up this kind of shipment. The houses on which we should count the most, are exactly those which do us the most harm in this regard. In terms of political affairs, we were going quite fast on the path of success, but here we are stopped before Corinth on one side & Yorktown on the other; these two sieges will be quite long still, but it is the beginning of the end. There has been much concern this week about the visit of our Ambassador to Richmond; some saw in it a question of tobacco, but I believe that the Minister of France must be sent there for more serious questions than those of a tobacco affair, and I will not be surprised if he urged Jefferson Davis to give up the game in the event of the fall of Yorktown and Richmond. Will these advices be listened to? I do not believe so, for it will only be after a regular march and a complete success that the government of Washington will be able to reconquer and pacify the South. Time will tell. Accept, Gentlemen, the assurance of my entire devotion Frank B Otard [[notes]] Editorial notes: The documented terminal form Frank B. Otard is retained while the correspondent remains linked to the single Frank Otard authority.

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline reads Newyork, 22 Avril 1862 and the address-side docket repeats the date. Origin evidence: New York is written in the dateline.


Letter and order from Frank Otard to Otard Dupuy & Co concerning tariffs, the Maine Law and Ives Beecher & Co, 1867-08-20

Frank Otard discusses a poor harvest, high US tariffs, the Maine Law and smuggling from Canada, then sends a forty-fifths order from Ives Beecher & Co with vintage, colour, cask and shipping specifications.

New York, New York, United States
Cognac, Charente, France
New York–Cognac; Canadian market

Cognac trade
Commercial correspondence
Brandy order
Tariffs
Maine Law
Smuggling
Canada
Harvest
Ives Beecher & Co
Patterson & Boulton
New York
Otard Dupuy & Co
Frank Otard
United States

Cognac & Trade

NRA-L-000474 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000474 image 1 showing the address panel to Otard Dupuy & Co in Cognac with postal evidence.

NRA-L-000474 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000474 image 2 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 1.

NRA-L-000474 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, with conclusion and signature

NRA-L-000474 image 3 showing handwritten commercial letter text, page 2, with the conclusion and signature.

NRA-L-000474 - Image 4: Enclosed specifications and quantity schedule

Enclosed specifications and quantity schedule.

NRA-L-000474 image 4 showing an enclosed handwritten specifications and quantity schedule.

NRA-L-000474 - Image 5: Reverse of the enclosed specifications sheet

Reverse of the enclosed specifications sheet.

NRA-L-000474 image 5 showing the reverse of the enclosed specifications sheet with visible ink transfer and physical evidence.

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

[[label: Documentary page 2]] Newyork, 20 Aout 1867 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac J'ai recu Messieurs votre lettre du 1 aout et vous confirme la mienne du 13 ditto. Je regrette d'apprendre que le resultat de la recolte sera aussi minime que vous semblez le craindre, et que par contre vos prix s'en ressentiront; les ordres ne seront pas enormes attendu que le commerce est fort calme par suite du tarif elevé qui nous ronge pour le moment. Il est difficile de dire le temps que durera ce haut droits mais aussi longtemps que le systeme actuel douanier subsistera aussi longtemps les affaires s'en ressentiront. Nous avons le Maine Law dans quelques etats et c'est la raison qui nous empeche d'avoir des ordres de Boston et d'un autre coté les eaux de vie que vous vendez au Canada sont souvent

[[label: Documentary page 3]] smuggled through the lines. Vous pourrez etre assurés que nos amis vous donneront des ordres, mais pour cela il faut une nouvelle administration qui changera le systeme prohibitif en systeme plus liberal et plus en rapport avec les besoins de l'epoque. Messrs Ives Beecher & Co m'ont remis un petit ordre de: 1850 P. 5/5 I B. Co 1856 " 5/5 no 1/40 1858 " 10/5 1860 " 5/5 '64 " 5/5 '65 " 10/5 ensemble 40/5 de vos eaux de vie pr 1er premier envoie. les quarts ne doivent pas contenir moins de 16 veltes autrement ils seraient sujets a etre saisis (les 1850 seulement en Double fut). Messrs Patterson & Boulton en presence de l'etat du marché ne desirent pas envoyer un nouvel ordre pour le present. J'ai prevenu nos amis au sujet de la recolte et j'ai ecrit de tous les cotés; ma prochaine vous renseignera davantage. Agréez, Messieurs, l'assurance de mon entier devouement. Frank Otard

[[label: Documentary page 4]] No. 125. Messrs Ives Beecher & Co. N.Y. 20th August 1867. I. B & C No 1 a 40 5 fifths Pale 1850 - double casks - 5 " " 1856 10 " " 1858 5 " " 1860 5 " " 1864 10 " " 1865 40 fifths. } usual proof. To be shipped by first vessel - B/L. to "their address."

[[label: Documentary page 5]] [Blank reverse of the enclosure; no intentional writing.] [[notes]] Editorial notes: Only show-through from the written side is visible; no separate text is transcribed.

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

[[label: Documentary page 2]] New York, 20 August 1867 Messrs Otard Dupuy & Co Cognac I have received, Gentlemen, your letter of 1 August and confirm mine of the 13th ditto. I regret to learn that the result of the harvest will be as minimal as you seem to fear, and that on the other hand your prices will feel the effects; orders will not be enormous given that business is very quiet as a result of the high tariff that is eating away at us for the moment. It is difficult to say how long these high duties will last but as long as the current customs system remains so long will business feel the effects. We have the Maine Law in some states and that is the reason that prevents us from having orders from Boston and on the other hand the brandies that you sell to Canada are often

[[label: Documentary page 3]] smuggled through the lines. You can be assured that our friends will give you orders, but for that we need a new administration that will change the prohibitive system into a more liberal system and more in keeping with the needs of the time. Messrs Ives Beecher & Co have given me a small order for: 1850 P. 5/5 I B. Co 1856 " 5/5 no 1/40 1858 " 10/5 1860 " 5/5 '64 " 5/5 '65 " 10/5 together 40/5 of your brandies for 1st first shipment. the quarters must not contain less than 16 veltes otherwise they would be subject to being seized (the 1850 only in Double cask). Messrs Patterson & Boulton in view of the state of the market do not wish to send a new order for the present. I have warned our friends about the harvest and I have written on all sides; my next will inform you further. Accept, Gentlemen, the assurance of my entire devotion. Frank Otard

[[label: Documentary page 4]] No. 125. Messrs Ives Beecher & Co. N.Y. 20th August 1867. I. B & C No 1 to 40 5 fifths Pale 1850 - double casks - 5 " " 1856 10 " " 1858 5 " " 1860 5 " " 1864 10 " " 1865 40 fifths. } usual proof. To be shipped by first vessel - B/L. to "their address."

Every complete capture, documentary role, address panel, date, names, organizations, commercial context and material postal evidence was independently checked against the authoritative images and related Cognac correspondence; unresolved readings remain explicit. Date evidence: The dateline and the enclosed order both give New York, 20 August 1867; the address-side docket agrees. Origin evidence: New York is written in the dateline.


Letter from Philippe Abel Gelas to his father, with an enclosed letter from Alexandre Roux, 1845-02-20

Philippe Abel Gelas writes from Algiers to his father about a bitter family and financial dispute involving his brother Louis, drafts drawn on his father, a summons and the management of a liquidation. The enclosure is a separate letter from Alexandre Roux to the same recipient: Roux describes the amicable dissolution of Gelas & Roux, his marriage to Virginie Gelas, his new wholesale wine business at 51 rue Duquesne, and a request for a loan at six per cent.

Family conflict
Family correspondence
Commercial partnership
Partnership dissolution
Bills of exchange
Debt and credit
Wine trade
Algiers
Vienne (Isère)
Gelas & Roux

Family correspondence
Commercial correspondence
Personal correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000588 - Image 1: Address panel, seal and postal evidence

Address panel, seal and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000588 image 1 showing the folded address panel to Mr Gelas in Vienne, Isère, with a red wax seal remnant, Algiers, Marseille and Vienne postal marks and later accounting notes.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 2: Main letter - Page 1

Main letter - Page 1.

NRA-L-000588 image 2 showing the opening page of the main letter from Algiers, addressed to the writer's father, with a numbered financial calculation and cross-writing visible through the paper.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 3: Main letter - Page 2

Main letter - Page 2.

NRA-L-000588 image 3 showing the second page of the main letter with closely written personal and family news and visible cross-writing.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 4: Main letter - Page 3, postscript and signature

Main letter - Page 3, postscript and signature.

NRA-L-000588 image 4 showing the conclusion and signature A. Gelas, followed by a postscript about a summons, liquidation records and the writer's younger brother.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 5: Enclosure - Letter, Page 1

Enclosure - Letter, Page 1.

NRA-L-000588 image 5 showing the opening page of an enclosed letter from Algiers to the writer's father, with dense handwriting and cross-writing.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 6: Enclosure - Letter, Page 2

Enclosure - Letter, Page 2.

NRA-L-000588 image 6 showing the second page of the enclosed family letter, written densely across the folded sheet.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 7: Enclosure - Letter, Page 3

Enclosure - Letter, Page 3.

NRA-L-000588 image 7 showing the third page of the enclosed letter with personal, administrative and financial passages in continuous handwriting.

NRA-L-000588 - Image 8: Enclosure - Letter, Page 4 and signature

Enclosure - Letter, Page 4 and signature.

NRA-L-000588 image 8 showing the final page and signature of the enclosed letter, including financial figures and closing family messages.

[[label: Address panel]] Monsieur Gelas Cadet Père Vienne (Isère)

[[label: Main letter - Page 1]] Rue Cléopâtre à Alger Alger le 20 fevrier 1845 Gelas — [strikethrough: Père] Mon Cher Pere J'ai reçu ce matin votre lettre timbrée du 20 ct, je m'emp[resse] d'y répondre. Je vous ai déjà dit que j'attendais [strikethrough: avant] pour parler de mon cher frère Louis, qu'il me revienne quelque chose de la manière dont il expliquerait son départ; je fais là dessus toutes sortes de réserves. Voici comment nous nous somme séparés d'ici 10 xbre il emporte 1o 7000 fs qu'il devait à MM Garnier frères en c/ ancien 2o 7000 fs plus les intérêts dot de sa femme 3o 15000 f dont je lui fais cadeau pour s'être engraissé, couché, amusé à mes dépens 4o 24,000 f montant du prêt de sa famille Total 53,000 f que ce jeune homme possède, positivement par la seule raison qu'il m'a trouvé sur son chemin. Par suite des engagemens que j'ai pris et Daudier approuvant un compte de f. 408, 30 à notre crédit par lequel je paye jusqu'aux chemises que ma soeur a sur le dos et jusqu'à un draps dans les quels elle crache, je ne vous cache pas que pour un fils qui s'est toujours cru préféré je me regarde comme le roi des sots et suis bien convaincu que je ne l'ai pas mérité.

[[label: Main letter - Page 2]] aussi viens je tranquillement vous dire qu'ayant des fonds à envoyer aux tiroirs j'ai fourni sur vous deux traites de 1000 francs à 20 & 30 j. de vue et que je n'ai pas mis sans frais puisque ma soeur, mon beau frere et mon frère, se sont entendus pour me faire [strikethrough: Donner un] donner une assignation le 23 Janvier. je l'ai fait encadrer, on peut venir la voir, Lucien est allé chès l'huissier Si mes dispositions vous deplaisent, je vous prie de ne pas ajouter à mes ennuis en ne faisant pas honneur à ma Signature qui est bien vue quoique je n'en fasse jamais usage : fournissez sur moi à mes frais pour tout ce que vous pensez que je doive, vos traites seront payées et plus tard, peut etre, payerez vous les miennes. c'est bien ennuyeux, c'est même triste, vous verrez plus tard qui aura raison. je n'attends pas d'héritage, je suis obligé de me suffire quand surtout tout le monde me trahit. Malgré celà ne vous inquietez pas de moi je suis content de mon commerce c'est une difference d'avec mes parens, je viendrai indubitablement à bout de mettre les rieurs de mon coté, seulement je me repens d'avoir mêlé ma famille dans tout celà. Je n'en suis pas moins celui de vos enfans qui vous aime le plus et n'ai qu'un regret c'est celui que je ne pourrai probablement pas aller vous embrasser aux vendanges, cependant je n'en désespère pas. dans un mois vous le saurez. [[notes]] Editorial notes: The manuscript reading 'aux tiroirs' is preserved literally; the commercial context strongly suggests 'aux tireurs' (to the drawers of the bills).

[[label: Main letter - Page 3, postscript and signature]] embrassez bien la maman et la famille et recevez [strikethrough: les assurances de] l'assurance de mon affection bien sincère votre fils A Gelas l'assignation que Rioux m'a fait donner portait que je lui refusais communication de ma gestion de liquidateur et il était tous les jours à la maison où il écrivait ses lettres ce qu'il n'avait jamais fait. mon petit frère aussitôt qu'il a eu vu l'huissier entrer chez moi, n'a rien eu de plus pressé que de venir tout rayonnant de joie demander à Sylvie quel effet ça m'avait produit, disant qu'il y avait 3 jours qu'il le savait (vous remarquerez que c'est un jour après être sorti de chez moi) ce jeune homme ira loin.

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 1]] Alger le 20 février 1845 Mon cher beau pere J'ai reçu dans le temps toutes vos lettres entr'autres vos deux dernieres du 12 Janvier & 8 fevrier, si je ne vous ai pas repondu plutot c'est que je voulais avoir du positif a vous dire & laisser bien terminer nos affaires, qui le sont grace a dieu dans ce moment. Vous ne devez point ignorer, que pendant trois années qu'a duré notre societé, nous n'avons jamais été d'accord avec votre fils, j'avais esperé que mon mariage avec Virginie, aurait pu remedier a cela, vous devez savoir d'après ce qui s'est passé, que je me suis trompé grossierement, neanmoins je n'ai pas eu Droit de me plaindre, puisque c'est par elle que j'ai eté le plus dedommagé de mes contrarietés, & je n'ai qu'a m'en feliciter jusqu'a present de sa maniere d'être & de la résignation dont elle a toujours fait preuve, j'espere que de son coté elle n'a pas eu a se plaindre de moi, et qu'il en sera toujours ainsi; jamais dans mes moments de mauvaise humeur je n'ai trouvé la moindre imperfection chez cet ange que vous m'avez confié. J'avais promis a Virginie avant son depart que de maniere ou d'autre nos interets seraient tout a fait divisés entre votre fils & moi et que si la diplomatie ne pouvait reussir aucun moyen difficile a prendre ne m'arreterait, grace a Dieu

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 2]] tout a été terminé a l'amiable par l'intermediaire de mon cousin Grenier Jules et un de nos amis nommé Mr Roche; j'ai renoncé pour avoir une position liquide, a 25 mille f de benefices sur 40 mf qui me revenaient d'après les livres; et ai donné toutes les facilités pour le remboursement non seulement des 15 mf de mes benefices mais encore pour ma mise de fonds revenant a ma famille, moyennant cela Abel reste chargé des risques de la liquidation et se charge de me liberer vis a vis des creanciers dont les principaux etaient Grenier Dalacel & Vetter auquel surtout j'ai ecrit par le dernier courrier du 10 Ct et qui ne m'a point encore repondu De votre coté veuillez pour la bonne regle me donner en reponse decharge de ce que la maison Gelas & Roux pouvait vous devoir, si vous consentez comme de raison a laisser cette somme entre les mains de votre fils; je vous serai obligé de le faire au plutot = Je dois vous dire pour vous tranquiliser que nous sommes malgré notre separation aussi liés que notre position peut le permettre, car vous devez savoir que depuis le 15 janvier, j'ai formé une nouvelle maison, sous la raison de commerce Alexdre Roux (rue Duquesne # 51) pour les vins en gros et demi gros, j'ai tout a fait mis la bouteille de coté, ce detail ne pouvant me convenir = Je suis assez content jusqu'a present de mes nouvelles affaires, malgre que depuis mon installation le temps qu'il a fait ait empeché fortement

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 3]] les affaires, car voila près de deux mois que nous avons continuellement la pluie, la neige et la grêle = Je n'aurais pas pensé que le retour de Lucien vous eut étonné, surtout d'après ce que j'avais dit pour l'empêcher de venir, et pensant que vous connaissiez le caractère de votre fils ainé = Camille dans ses previsions ne s'était trompé que d'un mois, car il avait donné trois mois, au lieu de deux qu'il a pu rester = Vous devez bien comprendre mon cher beaupere que ma femme n'étant point ici, ne sachant encore comment se terminerait mon affaire avec Abel, et d'un autre coté ayant avec moi un jeune homme auquel j'avais, pour ainsi dire, fait quitter une administration, il m'était de toute impossibilité de garder Lucien avec moi dans l'oisiveté, surtout à son age. j'ai cru donc bien faire de l'envoyer à Cette; je lui ai remis f 100. - que son frere lui avait refusé, et dont je vous ai debité pour en tenir compte a Virginie = Quant aux griefs dont Abel l'accuse, je dois vous dire (entre nous) que je n'y ajoute nullement foi; et dans le cas ou il y aurait eu la moindre vraisemblance, j'ai été bien loin d'approuver une pareille maniere d'agir avec un frère, que l'on a tant demandé et auquel on avait donné toute liberté = Dans tout cela ce qui me fait le plus de peine c'est ce qu'a souffert la maman Gelas, je me plais a croire que la présente la trouvera tout a fait rétablie ainsi que vous, de votre chûte

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 4 and signature]] dont Virginie m'a fait part = Plus tard si mes affaires s'agrandissent à ma satisfaction comme je l'espère, s'il est décidé à revenir, je me ferai un plaisir de lui être utile et espère bien que vous n'aurez pas de reproches à me faire, car je sais comment on doit agir en pareille circonstance = Je suis enchanté que Camille se soit chargé de lui, il sera à bonne école et n'aura pas les memes désagréments qu'avec son ainé = Si vous aviez deux ou trois milles francs disponibles et que vous voulussiez bien me les confier en compte Ct. à 6 p % l'an reversibles, vous m'obligeriez beaucoup, pour m'aider à faire face à ce que me coute, mon installation; n'ayant que 1000 f par mois a toucher de chez Abel pendant 31 mois = outre 15 mille francs d'hypotheque que je me suis appliquées = Dans le cas où vous seriez disposé à le faire vous n'avez qu'à me dire en réponse, si je puis fournir sur vous et a quelles époques, dans le cas contraire je serai bien forcé de m'en passer = En attendant votre réponse qui j'espère sera favorable et en vous priant de garder le secret sur ce que je vous dis d'Abel Je vous embrasse tous doucement votre tout devoué Roux

[[label: Address panel]] Mr Gelas Cadet, the elder Vienne (Isère)

[[label: Main letter - Page 1]] Rue Cléopâtre in Algiers Algiers, 20 February 1845 Gelas — [struck through: Père] My dear father, This morning I received your letter postmarked the 20th of this month, and I hasten to reply. I have already told you that, before speaking about my dear brother Louis, I was waiting to hear something about the way he would explain his departure; I reserve judgement on every aspect of this. This is how we settled matters when he left here on 10 December. He takes with him: 1. 7,000 francs that he owed Messrs Garnier brothers on the old account; 2. 7,000 francs, plus interest, from his wife's dowry; 3. 15,000 francs that I give him for having been fed, housed and entertained at my expense; 4. 24,000 francs, the amount of the loan from his family. Total: 53,000 francs that this young man possesses solely because he found me in his path. As a result of the commitments I undertook, and with Daudier approving an account of 408 francs 30 to our credit—through which I pay even for the shirts on my sister's back and even for a sheet into which she spits—I do not conceal from you that, for a son who has always believed himself the favourite, I consider myself the king of fools and am quite convinced that I did not deserve this.

[[label: Main letter - Page 2]] And so I now calmly tell you that, having funds to send to the "drawers" [the manuscript literally reads tiroirs; in this commercial context tireurs, the drawers of bills, is probably intended], I have drawn on you two bills for 1,000 francs, at twenty and thirty days' sight. I did not mark them "without costs", since my sister, my brother-in-law and my brother agreed to have a summons served on me on 23 January. I had it framed; anyone may come and see it. Lucien went to the bailiff's. If my arrangements displease you, I beg you not to add to my troubles by failing to honour my signature, which is well regarded although I never use it. Draw on me, at my expense, for everything you believe I owe. Your bills will be paid and, later perhaps, you will pay mine. It is very tiresome, even sad. Later you will see who was right. I expect no inheritance; I am obliged to provide for myself, especially when everyone betrays me. Despite this, do not worry about me. I am satisfied with my business; that is where I differ from my relatives. I shall undoubtedly succeed in having the last laugh. I regret only that I involved my family in all this. I remain nonetheless the one of your children who loves you most, and I have only one regret: that I shall probably not be able to come and embrace you at the grape harvest. Yet I do not despair of it; within a month you will know. [[notes]] Editorial notes: The manuscript reading 'aux tiroirs' is preserved literally; the commercial context strongly suggests 'aux tireurs' (to the drawers of the bills).

[[label: Main letter - Page 3, postscript and signature]] Embrace mother and the family warmly, and accept the assurance of my very sincere affection. Your son, A. Gelas The summons that Rioux had served on me stated that I was refusing to show him my management of the liquidation, although he was at the house every day and wrote his letters there, something he had never done before. As soon as my younger brother saw the bailiff enter my house, he could think of nothing more urgent than to come, beaming with joy, and ask Sylvie what effect it had had on me. He said that he had known about it for three days—you will note that this was one day after he had left my house. That young man will go far.

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 1]] Algiers, 20 February 1845 My dear father-in-law, I received all your letters in due course, including your last two of 12 January and 8 February. If I did not answer sooner, it was because I wanted to have something definite to tell you and to allow our affairs to be fully settled, which, thank God, they now are. You must know that during the three years our partnership lasted, your son and I were never in agreement. I had hoped that my marriage to Virginie might remedy this. From what has happened, you must know that I was greatly mistaken. Nevertheless, I have had no cause to complain, since through her I have received the greatest compensation for my difficulties. Up to now I have had only reason to congratulate myself on her character and the patience she has always shown. I hope that she, for her part, has had no cause to complain of me and that it will always be so. Never, even in my moments of bad temper, have I found the slightest imperfection in this angel whom you entrusted to me. Before Virginie left, I promised her that, one way or another, the interests of your son and me would be completely separated, and that if diplomacy could not succeed, no course, however difficult, would stop me. Thank God,

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 2]] everything was settled amicably through my cousin Jules Grenier and one of our friends, Mr Roche. In order to obtain a liquid position, I gave up 25,000 francs of the 40,000 francs in profits due to me according to the books, and I granted every facility for repayment not only of the remaining 15,000 francs of my profits but also of the capital contribution belonging to my family. In return, Abel remains responsible for the risks of the liquidation and undertakes to release me from liability toward the creditors. The principal creditors were Grenier, Dalacel and Vetter; I wrote especially to the latter by the last mail of the 10th of this month, but he has not yet replied. For your part, please, for the sake of proper accounting, send me a discharge for whatever the firm of Gelas & Roux may owe you, if—as is reasonable—you consent to leave that sum in the hands of your son. I would be grateful if you would do this as soon as possible. To reassure you, I must tell you that despite our separation we remain as close as our position permits. You should know that since 15 January I have formed a new firm under the business name Alexandre Roux, at 51 rue Duquesne, for the wholesale and semi-wholesale wine trade. I have entirely given up bottled sales, as that retail business does not suit me. So far I am quite satisfied with my new business, although since I established it the weather has greatly hindered

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 3]] business, for for nearly two months we have had continual rain, snow and hail. I would not have thought that Lucien's return would surprise you, especially after what I had said to prevent him from coming and because I thought you knew the character of your eldest son. Camille was wrong in his prediction by only one month: he had given him three months, whereas he managed to remain for two. You must understand, my dear father-in-law, that with my wife away, without yet knowing how my affair with Abel would end, and at the same time having with me a young man whom I had, so to speak, induced to leave an administration, it was entirely impossible for me to keep Lucien with me in idleness, especially at his age. I therefore thought it best to send him to Cette. I gave him 100 francs, which his brother had refused him, and I debited this to you so that it could be accounted for to Virginie. As for the complaints Abel makes against him, I must tell you, between ourselves, that I do not believe them at all. Even had there been the slightest plausibility in them, I was far from approving such a way of treating a brother who had been so eagerly asked for and to whom complete freedom had been given. In all this, what pains me most is what Mama Gelas has suffered. I hope this letter finds her fully recovered, and you as well from your fall,

[[label: Enclosed letter - Page 4 and signature]] about which Virginie informed me. Later, if my business grows to my satisfaction as I hope, and if he decides to return, I shall be pleased to help him. I hope you will have no reproach to make against me, for I know how one should act in such circumstances. I am delighted that Camille has taken charge of him; he will be in a good school and will not have the same unpleasant experiences as with his elder brother. If you had two or three thousand francs available and were willing to entrust them to me on current account at six per cent per annum, repayable, you would greatly oblige me and help me meet the cost of establishing my business. I have only 1,000 francs a month to receive from Abel for thirty-one months, besides 15,000 francs secured by mortgage that I have assigned to myself. If you are willing to do this, you need only tell me in your reply whether I may draw on you and at what dates. Otherwise I shall simply have to do without it. While awaiting your reply, which I hope will be favourable, and asking you to keep secret what I have told you about Abel, I embrace you all affectionately. Your wholly devoted, Roux

All eight captures, the main letter, the enclosed letter, their shared date, address panel, postal route, signatures, people, commercial and family context, transcription and translation were checked against the authoritative images. The documentary distinction between Philippe Abel Gelas's main letter and Alexandre Roux's enclosed letter is preserved. Date evidence: Both the main letter and the enclosed letter are dated at Algiers on 20 February 1845; departure, transit and arrival postmarks provide a consistent 20–26 February 1845 route. Origin evidence: Algiers is written in both datelines and is confirmed by the departure postmark. Recipient layers: postal addressee — Mr Gelas (documentary form: Gelas Cadet Père); textual addressee — The father of Philippe Abel Gelas and father-in-law of Alexandre Roux.