Letter from Paul d'Andigné to Jérôme Cadet, 1826-05-25

French personal correspondence from Paul d'Andigné in Nantes to Jérôme Cadet at rue du Cornet in Angers, dated 25 May 1826. The letter concerns studies, friends and teachers, school recreation, holiday plans and mutual acquaintances. The folded exterior bears Nantes and Angers postal markings.

Historical correspondence
Personal correspondence
Student life
Classical education
Seminary education
Friendship
Delayed correspondence
School recreation
Nantes
Angers
French language

Personal correspondence
Student correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000030 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000030 image 1 showing the address to Jérôme Cadet at rue du Cornet in Angers, with Nantes and Angers postal markings.

NRA-L-000030 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000030 image 2 showing page 1 of Paul d'Andigné's French letter from Nantes, dated 25 May 1826.

NRA-L-000030 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000030 image 3 showing page 2 of Paul d'Andigné's letter about school life, friends and teachers.

NRA-L-000030 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3, signature and postscript

Letter text - Page 3, signature and postscript.

NRA-L-000030 image 4 showing page 3, the signature Paul d'Andigné and the postscript of the letter.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Jérôme Cadet, rue du Cornet. à Angers.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] [pencil annotation: 25 Mars 1826] Nantes, 25 Mai 1826. Il y a quelques temps, mon cher Jérome, on me demandoit de tes nouvelles, mais comme je n'en [crossed out: entendois] reçois point je ne puis [crossed out: rien te répondre] en donner à personne. Il faut cependant qu'avant de me plaindre de toi je fasse mon meâ culpâ ; mon frère se [crossed out: dis] mettoit l'autre jour en colère contre moi parce que, disoit-il, je n'avois pas répondu à ta lettre de bonne année. [crossed out: Heureusement] J'ai fait réflexion, je me suis apperçu que l'année étoit commencée depuis quatre mois et qu'en effet il étoit temps de [crossed out: t'écrire] t'écrire. Tu me pardonneras [crossed out: si j'ai] d'avoir attendu peut-être un peu trop long-temps; tu sais qu'entre bons amis on n'y regarde pas de si près; tu n'ignores pas d'ailleurs que mon [crossed out, uncertain: je] mon coeur n'a pu t'oublier le premier jour de l'an; et depuis ce temps là, je t'assure qu'il a bien souvent pensé à toi. Ne t'a-t-il pris envie de venir redoubler ta rhétorique ? Cette année, j'ai une foule d'amis; mais je n'en suis plus à mon année

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] de seconde; j'ai deux cousins nommés le Pault qui sont de fort bons enfants; ils me laissent pourtant encore à désirer un Jérôme. [crossed out, uncertain: Ils sont d'une petite espece] un Le pauvre Boguais [crossed out: a] a pris la mauvaise route; [crossed out: et] son amitié est me semble maintenant de pure con- venance. Je ne veux [crossed out: pour ca] néanmoins pas te dire que je m'ennuie; çà peut arriver quelques fois; mais je n'ai pas passé une année désagréable; tu l'aurois sans [inserted: doute] beaucoup embellie; je suis philosophe main- tenant, nous aurions eu de beaux entretiens ensemble, [crossed out: et] j'aurois eu un ami tel que j'en désirerois un. Mon frère et moi nous sommes bien avec tous les professeurs, [crossed out: et Mr] Mr Sagory a mille bontés pour nous. Nous aurons le plaidoyer huit jours avant la fête-Dieu. Si mes lettres ne t'ennuient point je t'écrirai pour te dire si j'en suis. [crossed out: et] Nous avons souhaité la fête à Mr Sagory à la campagne sous une allée de tilleuls. On ne nous avoit pas permis de faire une pièce, [crossed out: mais y] de peur de faire parler trop du séminaire dans des temps peu favorables. Cependant nous avons fait quelques petites choses pendant le diner

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3]] dont on a été assez content. Mr Sagory a été généreux, il a donné un caroussel aux grands et un autre aux moyens; un billard, des vélocipèdes et un jeu de perroquet, les petits ont eu des balançoi- res. Je crois qu'on ne s'est jamais plus amusé que ce jour là. Les grandes promenades en sont devenues beaucoup plus agréables. J'espère que ces vacances tu viendras nous voir à Lancerau, nous aurons beaucoup de plaisir. [illegible crossed out] Si tu reçois des nouvelles de Dujoncheray je te prie de m'en donner. Mr Joly se porte assez bien, il y a long-temps qu'il me dit qu'il veut t'écrire. Edouard t'offre ses amitiés et Boguais aussi. Ce pauvre Boguais (je le plains, car je l'aime malgré moi) il n'a point de jugement, que Dujoncheray lui a fait de tort ! je voudrois pou- voir le ramener; prie pour lui, mon cher ami; si tu lui écris, ne lui fais pas soupçonner que je t'ai parlé de lui. Adieu, mon bon Jérôme, aime moi comme je t'aime. Paul d'Andigné P.S. Si j'avois plus de temps à ma disposition je ne t'enverrois pas une lettre si griffonnée. [[notes]] Spelling, punctuation, lineation, insertions and legible cancellations are retained. Bracketed wording identifies physical features of the manuscript; uncertain erased readings remain explicitly marked as uncertain. The faint pencil date '25 Mars 1826' at the upper left of the first sheet is treated as a later annotation; the letter's written dateline is 'Nantes, 25 Mai 1826.'

[[label: Address Panel]] Mr Jérôme Cadet rue du Cornet Angers

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Nantes, 25 May 1826. Some time ago, my dear Jérôme, people were asking me for news of you, but as I receive none, I cannot give any to anyone. Before complaining about you, however, I must make my mea culpa; my brother became angry with me the other day because, he said, I had not replied to your New Year's letter. I reflected, I realised that the year had begun four months ago and that it was indeed time to write to you. You will forgive me for having waited perhaps a little too long; you know that between good friends one does not look too closely at such things; besides, you know that my heart could not have forgotten you on the first day of the year; and since then, I assure you, it has very often thought of you. Have you not felt like coming back to repeat your rhetoric year? This year, I have a host of friends; but I am no longer in my year of seconde; I have two cousins named Le Pault who are very good boys; yet they still leave me longing for a Jérôme.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Poor Boguais has taken the wrong path; his friendship now seems to me to be merely a friendship of convenience. I do not mean to tell you, however, that I am bored; that may happen sometimes; but I have not had an unpleasant year; you would undoubtedly have greatly brightened it; I am in the philosophy class now, we would have had fine conversations together, I would have had a friend such as I should desire. My brother and I are on good terms with all the teachers, Mr Sagory is exceedingly kind to us. We will have the plaidoyer eight days before Corpus Christi. If my letters do not bore you, I will write to tell you whether I am taking part. We wished Mr Sagory a happy name day in the country beneath an avenue of lindens. We had not been allowed to stage a play, for fear of causing too much talk about the seminary in unfavourable times. Nevertheless, we performed a few little pieces during dinner with which people were quite pleased.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3]] Mr Sagory was generous, he gave a carousel to the older boys and another to the middle group; a billiard table, velocipedes and a game of popinjay, the younger boys received swings. I think we have never had more fun than on that day. The long walks have become much more pleasant because of it. I hope that during these holidays you will come to see us at Lancerau, we shall have great pleasure. If you receive news of Dujoncheray, please give me some. Mr Joly is quite well, for a long time he has been telling me that he wants to write to you. Édouard sends his regards and Boguais too. Poor Boguais (I pity him, for I love him in spite of myself) has no judgement, how much harm Dujoncheray has done him! I wish I could bring him back; pray for him, my dear friend; if you write to him, do not let him suspect that I have spoken to you about him. Farewell, my good Jérôme, love me as I love you. Paul d'Andigné P.S. If I had more time at my disposal I would not be sending you such a scribbled letter. [[notes]] Seconde, rhétorique and philosophe refer to stages in the French classical-school curriculum. Plaidoyer is retained for the students' formal exercise; jeu de perroquet is rendered as 'game of popinjay', a target game involving a bird-shaped target.

Letter and postal evidence image-checked; sender's later identity remains a research lead


Business letter from Digot le jeune to Lasausse & Jullien, 1822-02-02

French business correspondence from Digot le jeune in Nancy to Lasausse & Jullien, merchants in Lyon, dated 2 February 1822. The letter concerns two bales of cotton, product quality, indigo prices, freight charges, prior allowances and continuing commercial relations. The folded exterior bears Nancy postal evidence and recipient docketing.

Historical correspondence
Business correspondence
Cotton trade
Textile quality
Indigo prices
Commercial complaints
Freight charges
Customer relations
Nancy
Lyon
French language

Business correspondence
Commercial complaint

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000031 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000031 image 1 showing the address to Messieurs Lasausse and Jullien, merchants in Lyon, with Nancy postal evidence and recipient docketing.

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NRA-L-000031 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000031 image 2 showing page 1 of Digot le jeune's French business letter from Nancy, dated 2 February 1822.

NRA-L-000031 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2 and signature

Letter text - Page 2 and signature.

NRA-L-000031 image 3 showing page 2 and the signature Digot le jeune in the 1822 cotton-quality complaint.

[[label: Address Panel]] Messieurs Lasausse & Jullien Négts à Lyon

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Nancy le 2 fevrier 1822 Messieurs Lasausse & Jullien à Lyon Je viens de recevoir les deux balles Coton dont vous m'avez remis facture le 16 Janvier. Comme vous l'aviez bien prévu la qualité n'est pas à ma Convenance ; mais ce ne Sont point les recommandations que je vous ai faites, qui ont pu vous le faire craindre ; car je ne crois pas que de la pareille marchandise, Surtout le N° 8, puisse convenir a qui que ce Soit : ce n'est absolument que du rebut, une filature Comme jamais je n'en ai vue ; C'est a dire un fil gros comme de la Corde par ^tout endroits, fin dans d'autres & avec cela plein de gros boutons et d'un pale inegal . Si c'est là la belle marchandise que votre voyageur m'a promise et qui devoit valoir au moins celle que j'ai reçue l'année dernière, il faut Convenir que vous vous mettez peu en peine de remplir Ses engagemens, et je me permettrai de vous dire que ce n'est pas travailler de manière a mériter la Confiance : J'avois Cependant donné la préférence a une maison qui vient de me faire une petite expédition de laquelle je Suis parfaitement Satisfait : Cette bonne volonté de ma part, est bien mal récompensée ; aussi en ai je beaucoup de regrets . Si c'est la hausse des indigos, qui a pu vous porter à me faire un Semblable envoi, afin de me faire renoncer au reste, vous n'avez peut être pas trop bien entendu vos intérêts ; car cette hausse ne Sera pas éternelle et (Sans me permettre de vous rappeller ce que des négociants Se doivent à eux mêmes) il importe quelquefois de ne pas regarder à un léger Sacrifice (que je ne vous ai nullement obligés de faire puisque je n'ai fait que répondre à vos offres) pour Conserver des pratiques avec les quelles on peut avoir des relations Suivies et un peu importantes. — Vous n'avez pas traité de cette manière Mr Tirlet père, de cette ville, chez le quel j'ai [[notes]] Spelling, capitalization, punctuation and lineation are retained. The caret before 'tout' marks the writer's insertion above the line. The surname Tirlet is legible in the manuscript.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] vu aujourd'hui de vos Cotons, arrivés tout récemment et que j'ai trouvé très beaux : Cette maison mérite Sans doute des égards, mais je croyais en mériter autant. Tout autre à ma place, feroit dresser un procès verbal et pourroit vous obliger à livrer de la belle marchandise, puisqu vous en avez, ou d'autres ; mais j'abhorre toute discution désagréable, et quoiqu'il doive résulter de ceci, une perte pour moi, puisque je serai Sans doute obligé de payer plus cher aujourd'hui indépendamment du retard qui me sera très préjudiciable; néanmoins quand j'ai affaire à des maisons dont la manière de travailler n'est pas la mienne, je Sais faire un sacrifice, mais aussi je Cesse toutes relations avec elles. Vous voudrez bien d'après Cela, faire retirer vos Cotons, et me faire rembourser f 30"85c montant de la voiture, plus 30 f. p.r la bonification faite sur vos précédents envois. J'ai l'honneur de vous Saluer Digot le jeune [[notes]] The manuscript ends the line with 'puisqu' without a final e or apostrophe. The abbreviation 'p.r' stands for 'pour'; the amount f 30"85c is transcribed as written.

[[label: Address Panel]] Messrs Lasausse & Jullien Merchants Lyon

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Nancy, 2 February 1822 Messrs Lasausse & Jullien in Lyon, I have just received the two bales of cotton for which you sent me the invoice on 16 January. As you had clearly anticipated, the quality is not to my liking; but it was not the recommendations I gave you that could have caused you to fear this; for I do not believe that such merchandise, especially No. 8, could suit anyone whatsoever: it is absolutely nothing but refuse, a spun yarn the like of which I have never seen; that is to say, a thread as thick as rope in some places, fine in others, and with that full of large knots and of an uneven pale colour. If this is the fine merchandise that your travelling salesman promised me and which was supposed to be at least as good as that which I received last year, it must be admitted that you take little trouble to fulfil his commitments, and I shall permit myself to tell you that this is not a way of doing business that deserves confidence: I had nevertheless given preference to a house that has just sent me a small consignment with which I am perfectly satisfied: this goodwill on my part is very poorly rewarded; so I regret it greatly. If it is the rise in indigos that could have led you to send me such a shipment, in order to make me give up the rest, you have perhaps not understood your interests very well; for this rise will not be eternal and (without permitting myself to remind you of what merchants owe to themselves) it is sometimes important not to begrudge a slight sacrifice (which I in no way obliged you to make since I only replied to your offers) to keep customers with whom one can have continuing and somewhat important relations. —

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] You did not treat Mr Tirlet the elder, of this town, in this manner, at whose establishment I saw today some of your cottons, arrived quite recently and which I found very fine: this house undoubtedly deserves consideration, but I believed I deserved as much. Anyone else in my place would have a formal report drawn up and could oblige you to deliver fine merchandise, since you have some, or others; but I abhor any unpleasant dispute, and although a loss for me must result from this, since I shall undoubtedly be obliged to pay more today independently of the delay which will be very prejudicial to me; nevertheless when I deal with houses whose way of doing business is not mine, I know how to make a sacrifice, but I also cease all relations with them. You will therefore be so good, following this, as to have your cottons taken back, and have me reimbursed 30 francs 85 centimes, the amount of the carriage, plus 30 francs for the allowance made on your previous shipments. I have the honour to salute you Digot the younger [[notes]] Procès verbal is rendered as 'formal report'; voiture refers here to carriage or freight, and bonification to a commercial allowance. The surname Tirlet is legible in the manuscript.

Letter, address and postal evidence image-checked; one surname remains uncertain

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A rejected consignment of spun cotton yarn


Letter from Agath to Joseph Daret, 1814-05-12

French correspondence from Macon to Lyon, dated 12 May 1814, concerning rural administration, seasonal work, vineyards, the wine market, local affairs, national-guard service, clothing and mutual acquaintances.

Macon, France
Lyon, France
Clos de la Croix

Historical correspondence
Rural administration
Estate management
Seasonal labour
Vineyards
Wine trade
National Guard
Macon
Lyon
French language

Personal correspondence
Estate-management correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000032 - Image 1: Address panel and exterior evidence

Address panel and exterior evidence.

NRA-L-000032 image 1 showing address to Joseph Daret in Lyon, with exterior docketing and Macon postal evidence.

NRA-L-000032 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000032 image 2 showing page 1 of Agath's French letter, dated 12 May 1814.

NRA-L-000032 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000032 image 3 showing page 2 of Agath's French letter.

NRA-L-000032 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3 and exterior docket

Letter text - Page 3 and exterior docket.

NRA-L-000032 image 4 showing page 3, signature, address panel and exterior docket of Agath's letter.

[[label: Address Panel]] A Monsieur Joseph Daret chez Mr Commoy place près le pont Benoit = Lyon

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] 12 May 1814 J'ai reçu ta lettre du 5 Mai. _ Elle commence, comme une quantité d'autres, par des remarques sur l'ignorance où je te laisse & quand tu m'as dit ce que tu voulois me dire, arrivent à point nommé mes dernières lettres qui te donnent les éclair- cissemens désirés _ Tu me demandes comment il est possible que j'aie encore quelque chose à apprendre au sujet des affaires de la campagne? Mais, mon cher, c'est tout comme si tu disois : " tu connois les travaux de la moitié de l'année, donc tu \dois/ connoitre ceux de l'autre 1/2 qui souvent n'y ont point de rapport " _ Je me suis fait, sans doute, indiquer ce qui pouvoit être indiqué ; mais quelle différence entre voir & se faire indiquer ! Comment veux_tu qu'après la première inspection, il ne me reste plus rien à apprendre dans les petits accessoires ? Je ne puis vraiment connoitre ces ouvrages que quand je les aurai suivis pendant les 4 saisons de l'année, & à Dieu ne plaise, /encore\ que l'année prochaine je sois dans le cas de mettre à profit cette expérience & ces connoissances _ Pour la connoissance des individus avec qui j'ai affaire, je ne dépends pas moins de Crepot Je suis fort peu ou p^r mieux dire, je ne suis point répandu

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] en ville & avec notre renommée actuelle, je ne désire pas l'être davantage. Il faut donc que là dessus je m'en rapporte à lui sinon toujours, au moins fort souvent. " Ce qui me fait croire à une négligence d'administration " c'est que je sais peu ce que tu commences, ce qui t'occupe & " rien du tout de ce que tu finis " _ Un avantage de ta méthode signalée ci dessus c'est qu'à l'appui de cette assertion tu cites un exemple (sur Bartet) qui se trouve détruit par ma lettre avantdernière, de laquelle tu ne m'accuses reception que lorsque tu as fait toutes les réflexions que tu jugeois convenables. Par ce moyen _ quoique les exemples cités cessent de signifier quelque chose, les remarques subsistent toujours & je n'ai qu'à en profiter _ Je ne veux pas dire pourtant que les évènemens, la manière dont arrivent mes lettres n'influent quelquefois sur l'arrangement des tiennes, mais je pense que ton adresse y influe plus encore _ Ce qui m'occupe ; mais, mon Dieu, mes lettres t'en instruisent. Ce sont de misérables affaires la plupart, j'en conviens & mais (j'en sépare mes travaux & mon instruction particulière) je te l'ai déjà dit, je suis souvent fort peu occupé Néanmoins des renseignemens renfermés dans qques lignes me coûtent souvent des heures, des 1/2 journées entières. C'est ainsi que le dern^r samedy je suis resté une demi journée à la place sur le quai où se vendent les vins. Qu'ai je vu ? fort peu de vin, qui de plus a été offert 10 écus (meilleur compte qu'au dern^r marché & qui n'a pas été vendu. On le fesoit f 170 la botte les droits d'entrée compris je ne sais ce qu'il pouvoit valoir

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3]] [crossed out: je ne sais] je ne l'ai pas goûté & encore que je l'eusse goûté, avec mes connoissances en ce genre, j'eusse été moins avancé qu'avant parceque je n'aurois fait que dévoiler mon ignorance Nous étions convenus, Crepot & moi, avec 2 marchands successivement ; le premier disoit qu'il ne pouvoit plus faire de marché parceque d'autres affaires plus nécessaires réclamoient son argent le 2. qu'il comptoit faire encore le marché mais que ceux à qui il avoit vendu [crossed out: son] car refusoient de retirer le vin &c^a Je visite fréquemm^t les vignes, mais je ne prétends pas faire le savant avec des gens qui en savent là dessus plus que moi. Je [crossed out: ne] sais bien que tu ne veux pas celà de moi, car quoi de plus impertinent que l'ignorance suffisante ? Quant aux travaux nécessaires, je puis après m'en être instruit prendre garde qu'ils ne soient négligés. C'est ainsi que, il y a qques jours, j'ai averti Cadot, Bouchard & de planter au Clos de la Croix les chapons qui ont manqué M^r Chandon m'a inscrit sur le tableau des gardes nationales ; je lui ai fait mes objections ; je ne sais encore ce qu'il en résultera : au fond je ne serois pas fâché de contribuer un peu à la délivrance de la france mais si celà me coûtoit un bras, une jambe ce seroit payer cette gloire trop cher _ Quand Jules &c &c arriveront, si je puis les voir, fais me les voir : je t'en serai fort obligé. Ce n'est que Dimanche pr^o que M^lle Farge nous a dit qu'il y avoit une 1/2 Douz^e de chemises faites je te les ferai passer incesamm^t J'ai vu M^rs Nax & Dessais ils sont restés ici 1/2 jours M^es amitiés Agath

[[label: Address Panel]] To Monsieur Joseph Daret c/o Mr Commoy, square near the bridge Benoit Lyon

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] 12 May 1814 I received your letter of May 5. _ It begins, like a number of others, with remarks on the ignorance in which I leave you & when you have told me what you wanted to tell me, my latest letters arrive right on time, giving you the desired clarifications _ You ask me how it is possible that I still have something to learn regarding country affairs? But, my dear fellow, it is just as if you were saying: "you know the work of half the year, therefore you \must/ know that of the other 1/2 which often has no relation to it at all" _ I have, without a doubt, had pointed out to me what could be pointed out; but what a difference between seeing & having things pointed out! How do you expect that after the first inspection, there remains nothing more for me to learn in the minor accessories? I cannot truly know these works until I have followed them through the 4 seasons of the year, & God forbid, /even\ that next year I should be in the position of putting this experience & this knowledge to use _ For the knowledge of the individuals with whom I deal, I depend no less on Crepot I am very little, or to put it better, I am not at all widely known

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] in town & with our current reputation, I do not desire to be so any further. I must therefore rely on him in this matter, if not always, at least very often. "What makes me believe in a negligence of administration "is that I know little of what you begin, what occupies you & "nothing at all of what you finish" _ An advantage of your method pointed out above is that in support of this assertion you cite an example (about Bartet) which is destroyed by my penultimate letter, of which you only acknowledge receipt when you have made all the reflections you deemed appropriate. By this means _ although the cited examples cease to mean anything, the remarks still remain & I have only to profit from them _ I do not mean to say, however, that events, the manner in which my letters arrive, do not sometimes influence the arrangement of yours, but I think that your skill influences it even more _ What occupies me; but, my God, my letters inform you of it. They are wretched affairs for the most part, I admit & but (I separate from them my work & my private instruction) I have already told you, I am often very little occupied. Nevertheless, information contained in a few lines often costs me hours, entire 1/2 days. Thus it is that last Saturday I stayed half a day at the square on the quay where wines are sold. What did I see? very little wine, which moreover was offered at 10 écus (a better rate than at the last market) & which was not sold. They were pricing it at 170 f[rancs] per *botte* entry duties included, I do not know what it could be worth

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3]] [crossed out: I do not know] I did not taste it & even if I had tasted it, with my knowledge in this area, I would have been less advanced than before because I would only have revealed my ignorance We had agreed, Crepot & I, with 2 merchants successively; the first said that he could no longer make a deal because other more necessary affairs demanded his money, the 2nd that he still intended to make the deal but that those to whom he had sold [crossed out: his] for [they] refused to collect the wine etc. I frequently visit the vineyards, but I do not claim to play the scholar with people who know more about it than I do. I [crossed out: do not] know well that you do not want that from me, for what is more impertinent than self-satisfied ignorance? As for the necessary works, I can, after having informed myself about them, take care that they are not neglected. Thus it is that, a few days ago, I notified Cadot, Bouchard & [co.] to plant at the Clos de la Croix the *chapons* that were missing Mr. Chandon has inscribed me on the roll of the national guards; I made my objections to him; I do not yet know what will result from it: deep down I would not be sorry to contribute a little to the deliverance of France, but if that cost me an arm, a leg, it would be paying too dearly for this glory _ When Jules etc. etc. arrive, if I can see them, arrange for me to see them: I will be very obliged to you. Miss Farge told us that it is only next Sunday that there would be a 1/2 Dozen shirts made, I will have them sent to you immediately I saw Messrs. Nax & Dessais, they stayed here 1/2 days My regards, Agath

Letter, exterior and date image-checked; sender's surname remains unidentified


Letter from Dieudonnez to Mr Marcha, 1814-06-28

French correspondence from Verdun to Blois, dated 28 June 1814, concerning a missing acknowledgment for 1,200 francs, wine sales and prices, wartime requisitions, the departure of the English, allied troops, travel and work on a brewery.

Verdun-sur-Meuse, France
Blois, France
Nancy, France
England

Historical correspondence
Wine trade
Blockade
Military requisitions
Allied troops
Postal loss
Debt acknowledgment
Brewery construction
Verdun
Blois
French language

Personal correspondence
Business correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000033 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000033 image 1 showing address to Mr Marcha in Blois via Regnier, with Verdun postal evidence.

NRA-L-000033 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000033 image 2 showing page 1 of Dieudonnez's French letter from Verdun, dated 28 June 1814.

NRA-L-000033 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, postscript and signature

Letter text - Page 2, postscript and signature.

NRA-L-000033 image 3 showing page 2, postscript and signature of Dieudonnez's 1814 letter.

[[label: Address Panel]] a Regnier marchand proprietaire a la chaussé st. victore pres blois pour remettre a Monsieur Mr. Marcha anglois a blois loire et chere

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Verdun le 28 juin 1814 Monsieur J'ai recu votre lettre daté du 14 present, dans laquel vous me marquez que vous avez eu beaucoups d'inquietude je n'en doute pas car je ne scavoir que penser moi meme, je desi- -rerois que vous puissiez retrouver ma lettre dans laquelle etois la reconnoissance des douze cens franc, je vous donnerai des detaille sur nos affaire + il ne veuille donner de dupli- -cata a la poste qu'apres six moi, mais je crois qu'en ecrivant a paris si l'on decouvroit le bureau qui est cause du retard l'on obtiendrois des indemnités + je vous marquois que j'avois vendus du vin a credit meme a des Mrs. douteus pendans le blocus, car dans ce moments ce qui sortois de la maison, on le croioit sauver, dans la crainte ou l'on etoit de l'entré des ennemis et des requisitions continuelle de meme je vous ais marqué que la division du duc de - raguse m'en ont bu un tonneau, et j'etois encore content d'en etre quitte pour cela, vous ditte que le vin ogmente beaucoup de votre coté les vins nouveau ont ogmenté par ici mais sont retomber de prix les vins vieux n'on pas varié, vous devez vous faire une idé de notre commerce depuis le depart des anglois, de ce moments [[notes]] An ink blot overlaps the day, but 14 remains legible.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] l'on en demande pas une piece a acheter, le comerce est aneanti de ce moments, cependant d'un moments a l'autre cela peus reprendre et je crois comme je vous l'ai marqué qu'il faudrois saisir le moments que je ne ferois qu'apres votre reponce en raison de votre derniere, dans le cas de vente il me reste du vin sufisamens pour finir nos affaires et pour facilité votre depart. je garderois le vin vendus a credit pour ma part du benefice Mr siller a l'arivé des troupes alier a nanci a étés cacher quatre jours, il est parti ausitot apres pour l'angletaire ou il est arivé dans le courans de janvier en bonne santé dans sa famille qu'il a trouvé de meme dans la lettre que Melle Dieudonnez a recu il desirois scavoir de vos nouvelles et Suis votre tres devoué et tres obeissant serviteur Dieudonnez p.s. depuis le 10 mars jour de mon malheur causé par la mort de ma femme je viens seulement de recommencer mon batimens pour finir ma brasserie je crois avoir encore au moins pour deux mois d'ouvrage ce qui ogmente beaucoup mes soins et ne me laisse aucun moments de relache

[[label: Address Panel]] To Regnier, merchant proprietor at the Chaussée St. Victore near Blois to be delivered to Monsieur Mr Marcha, Englishman in Blois Loire-et-Cher

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Verdun, 28 June 1814 Sir, I received your letter dated the 14th of this month, in which you write to me that you have had much anxiety. I do not doubt it, for I did not know what to think myself. I would desire that you might find my letter again, in which was the acknowledgment of debt for twelve hundred francs. I will give you details about our affairs. They will not give a duplicate at the post office until after six months, but I believe that by writing to Paris, if one discovered the office that is the cause of the delay, one would obtain compensation. I wrote to you that I sold wine on credit even to doubtful gentlemen during the blockade, for in those moments, what left the house was believed to be saved, in the fear we were in of the entry of the enemies and of continual requisitions. Likewise, I wrote to you that the division of the Duke of Ragusa drank a cask of it from me, and I was still glad to be let off with that. You say that wine is increasing much in price in your area. New wines have increased around here but have fallen back in price; old wines have not varied. [[notes]] An ink blot overlaps the day, but 14 remains legible.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] You must form an idea of our trade since the departure of the English. From that moment no one asks to buy a single cask of it; trade is annihilated at this moment. However, from one moment to the next it may resume, and I believe, as I wrote to you, that one should seize the moment, which I will only do after your reply, because of your last letter. In the event of a sale, I have enough wine left to finish our affairs and to facilitate your departure. I would keep the wine sold on credit for my share of the profit. Mr Siller, at the arrival of the allied troops in Nancy, spent four days in hiding. He left immediately afterwards for England, where he arrived in the course of January in good health among his family, whom he found the same. In the letter that Miss Dieudonnez received, he desired to have news of you. and am your very devoted and very obedient servant, Dieudonnez P.S. Since 10 March, the day of my misfortune caused by the death of my wife, I have only just restarted my building to finish my brewery. I believe I still have at least two months of work, which greatly increases my cares and leaves me no moment of respite.

Letter and address image-checked; one postal word and the exact day in the received letter remain uncertain

Verdun after the First Treaty of Paris


Letter from Menjaud to the Bishop of Nancy and Toul, 1838-08-19

French ecclesiastical correspondence dated 19 August 1838 and sent from Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Paris. The writer addresses the Bishop of Nancy and Toul concerning a proposed coadjutorship, contact with a minister, conscience, vocation and episcopal duties.

Charles de Forbin-Janson, Bishop of Nancy and Toul

Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Paris, France
Nancy, France
Toul, France

Historical correspondence
Catholic Church
Coadjutorship
Episcopal office
Religious vocation
Conscience
Ministry
Nancy
Paris
French language

Personal correspondence
Ecclesiastical correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000034 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000034 image 1 showing address to the Bishop of Nancy and Toul in Paris, with Saint-Germain-en-Laye postal evidence.

NRA-L-000034 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000034 image 2 showing page 1 of Menjaud's French ecclesiastical letter.

NRA-L-000034 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, postscript and signature

NRA-L-000034 image 3 showing page 2, postscript and monogram signature of the 1838 letter.

[[label: Address Panel]] A Monseigneur Monseigneur l'Evêque de Nancy et de Toul rue de grenelle St germain N° 122. Paris

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Monseigneur Je vous en prie, ne soyez pas trop sévère envers moi. je suis malade de toutes les manières et j'ai besoin pour me guérir de faire ma volonté. or cette volonté est de rester dans mes bois jusqu'à ce que je sache ce que je suis et ce que Dieu veut faire de moi. Si vous sentiez ce que cette incertitude a d'accablant pour votre enfant vous seriez pour lui un pere indulgent et non pas un pere grondeur. Vous m'avez fait beaucoup de mal hier par tous vos reproches et cependant je vous aime toujours, toujours davantage. n'exigez pas que j'aille voir le ministre, j'ai fait preuve de bonne volonté en me présentant chez lui. C'est Dieu qui l'a permis. ^que je ne le trouvasse pas^ puisque j'aurais peut-être gâté vos affaires par quelque maladresse que vous m'auriez reprochée ensuite. et puis comment voulez-vous que je travaille [[notes]] The words 'que je ne le trouvasse pas' are an interlinear insertion marked with carets.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] de bon cœur au succès d'une chose que je redoute? tout ce que je puis faire c'est de me résigner et de me préparer à boire le calice le jour qu'on me condamnera à l'accepter. toutes mes espérances de bonheur se sont dissipées avec celle de vous voir bientôt au milieu du troupeau que vous voulez me confier. cette espérance vous l'avez perdue vous-même, vous me l'avez avoué hier. j'irai cependant au milieu de ce troupeau chéri mais il faut que le bon Dieu m'y envoye. j'ai besoin de cette pensée pour soutenir mon courage. alors vous pouvez compter sur ma persévérance. on aura beau faire, je mourrai s'il le faut mais je ne quitterai jamais mon poste. ainsi, Monseigneur, qu'il soit bien entendu entre nous que vous ferez toutes les démarches si votre conscience vous dit que vous devez en faire; la mienne me dit que je dois rester étranger à tout ce qui se passe et attendre devant Dieu la manifestation de ses desseins sur moi. vous appellerez cela paresse, apathie. il est dur pour moi d'être ainsi jugé par celui dont j'ai le plus à cœur de mériter les suffrages, c'est une peine de plus que j'ai à offrir au bon Dieu. que son saint nom soit béni! il y a assez longtems que je marche sur les roses, il faut bien que je rencontre sur ma route quelques épines si je veux aller au ciel et certes je le veux. nous y serons ensemble là haut vous ne me gronderez plus s'il en était autrement je vous avoue que je ne serais pas pressé d'arriver au rendez-vous. — je suis avec le plus profond respect Monseigneur Votre très humble et indigne coadjuteur [signature: M?] le 19 aout 1838. — Mr de Ségur est-il demain ici? . . . . [[notes]] The signature is a stylized monogram.

[[label: Address Panel]] To Monseigneur Monseigneur the Bishop of Nancy and Toul rue de Grenelle St-Germain No. 122 Paris

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Monseigneur, I beg you, do not be too severe towards me. I am ill in every way and, in order to heal, I need to do my own will. Now, this will is to remain in my woods until I know what I am and what God wants to do with me. If you felt how overwhelming this uncertainty is for your child, you would be an indulgent father to him and not a scolding father. You hurt me a great deal yesterday with all your reproaches, and yet I love you still, always more. Do not demand that I go to see the minister; I showed good will by presenting myself at his residence. It is God who permitted that I did not find him, since I would perhaps have spoiled your affairs by some clumsiness that you would have reproached me for afterwards. And then how do you expect me to work with a good heart for the success of a thing that I dread? All that I can do is to resign myself and prepare to drink the chalice the day I am condemned to accept it.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] All my hopes of happiness have dissipated along with that of seeing you soon in the midst of the flock that you wish to entrust to me. This hope you have lost yourself; you confessed it to me yesterday. I will go, however, into the midst of this cherished flock, but the good Lord must send me there. I need this thought to sustain my courage. Then you can count on my perseverance. Whatever anyone may do, I will die if necessary, but I will never leave my post. Thus, Monseigneur, let it be well understood between us that you will take all the steps if your conscience tells you that you must take them; mine tells me that I must remain a stranger to all that is happening and wait before God for the manifestation of His designs for me. You will call this laziness, apathy. It is hard for me to be judged thus by the one whose approval I have most at heart to merit; it is one more sorrow that I have to offer to the good Lord. May His holy name be blessed! I have been walking on roses for long enough; I must indeed encounter some thorns on my path if I want to go to heaven, and certainly I want to. We will be there together up there, you will not scold me anymore; if it were otherwise, I confess to you that I would not be in a hurry to arrive at the rendezvous. — I am with the most profound respect, Monseigneur, Your very humble and unworthy coadjutor Menjaud 19 August 1838. — Is Monsieur de Ségur here tomorrow? . . . . [[notes]] The signature is a stylized monogram.

Letter and address image-checked; writer identified as Alexis-Basile-Alexandre Menjaud (1791-1861); signature remains a stylized monogram.

Menjaud between royal appointment and ecclesiastical confirmation


Official school-administration notice concerning Schulverwalter Ballweg, 1853-07-22

German official correspondence issued by the Grand Ducal District School Inspection at Waldshut on 22 July 1853. It requests an urgent report from the local school authority concerning the boarding arrangements of Schulverwalter Ballweg.

Grand Ducal District School Inspection, Waldshut

Grand Ducal Local School Inspection, Hauenstein [textual institutional addressee]

Grand Ducal Parish Office, Lüttingen [postal addressee]

Waldshut, Germany
Hauenstein, Germany
Luttigen, Germany

Historical correspondence
School administration
Schulverwalter
Boarding arrangements
Parish administration
Taverns
Waldshut
Hauenstein
Luttigen
German language

Official correspondence
School administration

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000035 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000035 image 1 showing address to the Grand Ducal Parish Office in Luttigen, with Waldshut postal evidence.

NRA-L-000035 - Image 2: Official notice - Text side

Official notice - Text side.

NRA-L-000035 image 2 showing text side of the 1853 Grand Ducal school-administration notice signed Simon.

NRA-L-000035 - Image 3: Official notice - Alternate capture of the text side

Official notice - Alternate capture of the text side.

NRA-L-000035 image 3 showing alternate capture of the same text side of the Ballweg boarding notice.

[[label: Address Panel]] An Gr. hochwürdiges Pfarramt Lüttingen

[[label: Official Notice - Text Side]] Die Gr. Bezirksschulinspection Waldshut an die Gr. hochwürdige Ortsschulinspection Hauenstein. Die Kostnahme oder Ausköstigung des Schulverwalters Ballweg betreffend. — Hochdieselbe hat anher schleunigst zu berichten, ob der neue Schulverwalter Ballweg die Kost bei seinem Hrn. Principal p. t. : Hrn Pfarrer Matt nimmt oder auswärts. Sollte der Schulverwalter die Kost in einem Wirthshaus nehmen, so ist ihm dieß sogleich zu untersagen und dem Wirth aufzugeben sie ihm zu verweigern. Es wird höchst wahr- scheinlich eine baldige Veränderung in den Schulverhältnißen Hauensteins eintreten. Waldshut 22. Juli 1853 Simon.

[[label: Address Panel]] To the Grand Ducal Reverend Parish Office Lüttingen

[[label: Official Notice - Text Side]] The Grand Ducal District School Inspection Waldshut to the Grand Ducal Reverend Local School Inspection Hauenstein. Concerning the taking of board or provisioning of the provisional teacher Ballweg. — The aforementioned authority is to report hither most expeditiously whether the new provisional teacher Ballweg takes his board with his Principal p. t.: Mr Pastor Matt, or elsewhere. Should the provisional teacher take his board in an inn, this is to be immediately forbidden to him and the innkeeper instructed to refuse it to him. A change in the school circumstances of Hauenstein will most probably occur soon. Waldshut, 22 July 1853 Simon.

Institutional recipient roles are separated from the image-checked object: the notice text is addressed to the local school inspection at Hauenstein, while the exterior is addressed to the parish office at Lüttingen. The alternate capture remains a media fact and is not changed by this metadata correction.


New Year's letter from Caroline Malye to Monsieur Fraisse, December 1851

French family correspondence sent from Algiers to Clermont-Ferrand at the end of December 1851. Caroline Malye writes New Year's wishes to her grandfather and sends affection to her godfather and godmother.

Month inferred from docketing and postal evidence

Algiers, Algeria
Clermont-Ferrand, France

Historical correspondence
Family correspondence
New Year
Grandparents
Grandchildren
Godparents
Algiers
Clermont-Ferrand
French language

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000036 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000036 image 1 showing address to Monsieur Fraisse in Clermont-Ferrand, with Algiers and Clermont postal evidence.

NRA-L-000036 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000036 image 2 showing page 1 of Caroline Malye's New Year's letter to her grandfather.

NRA-L-000036 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2 and signature

Letter text - Page 2 and signature.

NRA-L-000036 image 3 showing page 2 and Caroline Malye's signature.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Fraisse rentier - rue de l'Eclache maison Jarsaillon à Clermont ferrand Puy de Dome

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Mon cher grand papa, Je t'écris cette petite lettre pour te souhaiter une bonne et heureuse année et pour te dire que ta petite fille t'aime beaucoup. Je voudrais bien avoir des ailes pour aller moi-même t'offrir mes vœux. Je suis privée de ce bonheur, je demande au bon Dieu qu'il te conserve longtemps encore en bonne santé, ainsi que mon

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Parrain et ma bonne Marraine, je vous chéris tous et vous embrasse comme je vous aime, c'est beaucoup & de tout mon cœur. Crois à la reconnaissance & à l'amour de celle qui se dit avec bonheur Cher Grand papa Ta soumise petite fille Caroline Malye

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Fraisse gentleman of independent means - rue de l'Eclache Jarsaillon house Clermont-Ferrand Puy-de-Dôme

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] My dear grand papa, I am writing you this little letter to wish you a good and happy year and to tell you that your granddaughter loves you very much. I would very much like to have wings to go myself to offer you my wishes. I am deprived of this happiness, I ask the good Lord that he keeps you for a long time yet in good health, as well as my

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Godfather and my good Godmother, I cherish you all and kiss you as I love you, that is a lot & with all my heart. Believe in the gratitude & in the love of the one who calls herself with happiness Dear Grand papa Your submissive granddaughter Caroline Malye

Letter and address image-checked; date inferred from exterior docketing and postal evidence


Latin letter from Vienna to Abbot Mauritius Elbel, 1783-12-24

Latin ecclesiastical and court correspondence from Vienna to Mauritius Elbel, Abbot of Osek, dated 24 December 1783. The letter discusses a court billet, an 80,000-florin charitable fund, papal correspondence and measures affecting bishoprics and religious orders.

Vienna, Austria
Osek, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic
Teplice, Czech Republic
Rome, Italy

Historical correspondence
Latin correspondence
Cistercian Order
Joseph II
Papal correspondence
Ecclesiastical reform
Religious orders
Charitable funds
Vienna
Osek
Latin language

Ecclesiastical correspondence
Court correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000037 - Image 1: Address panel and exterior annotations

Address panel and exterior annotations.

NRA-L-000037 image 1 showing Latin address to Mauritius Elbel, Abbot of Osek, with routing and exterior annotations.

NRA-L-000037 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000037 image 2 showing page 1 of the Latin court and ecclesiastical letter from Vienna.

NRA-L-000037 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2 and closing

Letter text - Page 2 and closing.

NRA-L-000037 image 3 showing page 2, postscript and closing of the Latin letter dated 24 December 1783.

NRA-L-000037 - Image 4: Sealed exterior

Sealed exterior.

NRA-L-000037 image 4 showing sealed exterior of the folded letter with a red wax seal.

[[label: Address Panel]] Reverendissimo, ac Amplissimo Domino Domino Mauritio Elbel, Sacri Ordinis Cisterciensis, inclytique Regni Bohemiae Praelato, nec non celeberrimi Monasterii Ossecensis Abbati dignissimo p. p. Domino Domino Praesuli, ac Patrono suo gratiosissimo (Toeplitz.) Klosterstift Osseck im Königreich Böhmen.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Reverendissime ac Amplissime Domine Abbas. Domine Domine Praesul, ac Patrone gra- tiosissime! Communico humillime Reverendissimae Amplitudini vestrae, pro particulari sua notitia grande Billetum Aulicum illud, quod sigillatum Augustissimus mox post discessum suum singulis Aulae suae Dicasteriis immanuari fecit. Ex 8 phyleris solidis illud in praesentem unam congessi, ne postam perin- de gravarem, quod ut commodius a Vestra Amplitudine legi, et quoad suos paragraphos expendi possit, operae pre- tium esse judicavi, ut Domi ad majorem characterem ac formam redigatur, ac si placet etiam pro Successorum notitia ad Archivum reponatur. Diebus lapsis mandato Augustissimi Tit[ulo] Dominy Cardinalis Miggazzy 80000 fl illa ad Cassam instituti paupe- rum Domino Comiti Bouquoi numerare instantanee debu- it, una cum suo interusurio, quae pro elargienda paupe- ribus Eleemosina defunctus Cardinalis Kolonitsch suis Viennae in sede Archi-Episcopali Successoribus, eorumque Dispositioni liberae per testamentum reliquit.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Diebus aliquot ante discessum Augustissimi imma- nuavit hujas Dominus Nuntius suæ Maãtti litteras Summi Pontificis, in quibus preces, monita, et cohortationes variæ continebantur, quibus ulteriores divisiones Episcopatuum Sequestrationes bonorum temporalium, Cassationes leligio- sorum Ordinum us; impedire nittebatur. Has in Spiri- tu prævidens Augustissimus, non statim litteras aperuit, sed pro die sequente Dominum Nuntium ad se constituit, Die statuta præsenti hæc formalia reposuit Sua Mttãs: Aliquis Romæ præsumsit immanuatam mihi heri epistolam sub- et obreptitie nomine Summi Pontificis mihi inscribere. Hic eandem extrado originaliter immediate ad manus Suæ Sanctitatis remittendam, ut in auctorem inquirere valeat, non enim mihi persvadeo, quod stante mutua et tam arcta nostra amicitia hanc mihi epistolam Summus Pontifex scribere potuerit. Commendo me porro sublimibus Amplissimis gratiis, qui in respectu ac osculo sacræ manus Præsularis cæteroquin morior Reverendissimæ Amplitudinis Vestræ. P. S. In communicatione Billeti caute obsecro Reverendissima Amplitudo vestra procedere dignetur, cum vix privatorum aliquis illud habeat. Viennæ die 24 Decemb Subditissimus famulus 1783 [[notes]] Abbreviations, ligatures and non-standard Latin forms are retained as written.

[[label: Address Panel]] To the Most Reverend and Most Distinguished Lord, Lord Mauritius Elbel, Prelate of the Sacred Cistercian Order and of the illustrious Kingdom of Bohemia, and most worthy Abbot of the celebrated Monastery of Osek; to the Lord Prelate and his most gracious patron. Endorsement [(Teplice.) The monastic foundation of Osek in the Kingdom of Bohemia.]

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Most Reverend and Most Distinguished Lord Abbot, Lord Prelate and most gracious Patron! For Your Most Reverend Lordship's private information, I most humbly communicate the important court billet which, sealed, His Most August Majesty caused to be delivered to each department of his court immediately after his departure. I have condensed its eight full sheets into the present single sheet so as not to burden the post unduly. In order that Your Lordship may read it more conveniently and consider its individual paragraphs, I judged it worthwhile to have it copied at home in larger script and format and, if you think fit, deposited in the archive for the information of your successors. In recent days, by command of His Most August Majesty, Cardinal Migazzi was required immediately to pay 80,000 florins, together with the accrued interest, to Count Buquoy into the treasury of the institute for the poor. The late Cardinal Kollonitsch had left this sum by testament to his successors in the archiepiscopal see of Vienna, at their free disposal, for distribution as alms to the poor.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] A few days before His Most August Majesty's departure, the nuncio here delivered to His Majesty a letter from the Supreme Pontiff containing various pleas, warnings and exhortations intended to prevent further divisions of bishoprics, sequestrations of temporal property and suppressions of religious orders. Foreseeing its tenor, His Most August Majesty did not open the letter at once, but summoned the nuncio for the following day. On the appointed day His Majesty replied to him in his presence in these formal words: "Someone in Rome has presumed, by concealment of relevant truth and false representation, to address to me under the name of the Supreme Pontiff the letter delivered to me yesterday. I return it here in the original, to be sent immediately into the hands of His Holiness, so that he may inquire into its author; for, given our mutual and very close friendship, I cannot persuade myself that the Supreme Pontiff could have written such a letter to me." I commend myself further to Your Most Distinguished Lordship's exalted favour and, with reverence and a kiss of your sacred prelatial hand, I remain until death Your Most Reverend Lordship's most obedient servant. P.S. In communicating the billet, I beg Your Most Reverend Lordship to proceed cautiously, since scarcely any private person possesses it. Vienna, 24 December 1783. [[notes]] The manuscript reads "morior" in the closing formula; it is retained in the transcription and interpreted here by the conventional sense "I remain."

No personal signature is visible in the image-checked closing. `Subditissimus famulus` is retained in the transcription as a deferential Latin closing formula and is not catalogued as a personal signature. The sender remains unidentified.


Undated report of a flour theft to the King's Prosecutor at Arras

Undated French report from an unidentified correspondent in Mory to the King's Prosecutor at Arras concerning the theft of flour from Dewez. A later administrative hand records that Mouchonblé, the shepherd, was acquitted in February 1827.

Unknown creation date. February 1827 occurs only in a later administrative hand recording Mouchonblé's acquittal and is not a manuscript dateline.

King's Prosecutor at the Palace of Justice, Arras

Historical correspondence
Flour theft
Shepherds
Criminal justice
Assizes
Acquittal
King's prosecutor
Mory
Arras
French language

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000038 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000038 image 1 showing address to the King's Prosecutor at the Palace of Justice in Arras, with postal and archival markings.

NRA-L-000038 - Image 2: Report text and later administrative note

Report text and later administrative note.

NRA-L-000038 image 2 showing French report of an alleged flour theft with a later acquittal note.

[[label: Address Panel]] A Monsieur le procureur du roi au palais justice A Arras

[[label: Report Text]] Monsieur je vous informe qui Soit commis un vole Chez mr Dewez a morie que son Bergey lui a volé 45 livre de farine passée lon et etonné que Lindividue n'eit pas encore arreté, Cela a eté fait des jours ^depuis deja je vous ecrit pour suivre le delinquant L'on eit surpris dans la commune que lon entend parler de rien la veritez Mouchonblé , berger , a eté acquitté aux assises du mois de février 1827. [[notes]] The final two lines are a later administrative hand recording Mouchonble's acquittal at the assizes in February 1827.

[[label: Address Panel]] To Monsieur the King's Prosecutor at the Palace of Justice in Arras

[[label: Report Text]] Sir, I inform you that a theft has been committed at Mr Dewez's in Mory, that his shepherd stole from him 45 pounds of sifted flour. People are surprised that the individual is not yet arrested. This was done some days ago already. I write to you to pursue the delinquent. People are surprised in the commune that nothing is heard of it. Truth. Later official note Mouchonblé, shepherd, was acquitted at the assizes of the month of February 1827. [[notes]] The final two lines are a later administrative hand recording Mouchonble's acquittal at the assizes in February 1827.

The phrase `la veritez` is treated as a closing designation, not as a securely identified personal name or signature. No creation dateline is present. February 1827 belongs to the later administrative annotation and is not used as the report's creation date.


Letter from Ribadieu's uncle concerning his suffering father, Mardi Gras gifts and Benjamin in Oran, 1859-03-03

French family correspondence from Vic-Fezensac to Bordeaux, dated 3 March 1859. The letter reports on the recipient's father and other relatives, mentions gifts for Mardi Gras, news from Oran, health, travel leave and local acquaintances.

Vic-Fezensac, France
Bordeaux, France
Oran, Algeria
Larroque, France
Gasques, France

Historical correspondence
Family news
Illness
Mardi Gras
Food gifts
Medical officers
Military leave
Oran
Vic-Fezensac
Bordeaux
French language

Family correspondence
Personal correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000039 - Image 1: Address panel, filing note and postal evidence

Address panel, filing note and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000039 image 1 showing address to Monsieur Ribadieu in Bordeaux, with filing note and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000039 - Image 2: Unfolded letter text

Unfolded letter text.

NRA-L-000039 image 2 showing unfolded interior showing the family letter from Vic-Fezensac dated 3 March 1859.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Ribadieu rentier rue St Joseph à Bordeaux

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Vic Fezensac le 3 Mars 1859 Monsieur Ribadieu Mr votre père est constament dans de très grandes souffrances il faudroit etre près de lui pour croire tout ce qu'il souffre. Il vous envoit une dinde et deux Chapons pour les servir au festin de mardi gras, il est Bien aise d'être encore en vie pour vous faire ce petit envoi. Il ne se passe pas de jour qu'il ne pense a vous touts en priant Dieu qu'il vous conserve en bonne santé. Il vous embrasse du profond de Cœur, il embrasse de meme madame votre épouse et votre aimable famille, et n'oubliant jamais les demoiselles de Larroque. Il a reçu une lettre de Mr Benjamin son filleul il y a environ deux mois datée d'Oran. il lui marque qu'il désire beaucoup voir ses chers parens il seroit dja venu s'il avait pu avoir un permis ou congé, mais on est très avare pour en accorder aux medecins et prodigue pour les autres officiers, il espère cependant l'obtenir pendans le cours de cette année, et lors qu'il sera de retour il recommande à son père de ne pas le laisser revenir dans un pays qui pourroit lui être nuisible. Magdelaine souffre toujours de sa jambe au point qu'elle ne peut rien faire, ni marcher qu'apuyée sur un Bâton pour passer d'une chambre a l'autre. Mr Pandelé acquereur du chateau de Gasques, lui a [biffé] de votre

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] part, il ne peut que bien vous remercier de vos Bontés et attentions que vous avais pour lui. [[notes]] A word immediately before this continuation is heavily cancelled and illegible.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Ribadieu, gentleman of independent means rue St Joseph Bordeaux

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Vic-Fezensac, 3 March 1859 Monsieur Ribadieu, Your father is constantly in very great suffering; one would have to be near him to believe all that he suffers. He sends you a turkey hen and two capons to serve at the Mardi Gras feast; he is very glad to still be alive to make you this little shipment. Not a day passes that he does not think of you all, praying to God that He may keep you in good health. He embraces you from the bottom of his heart, he likewise embraces Madame your wife and your amiable family, and never forgetting the demoiselles de Larroque. He received a letter from Mr Benjamin, his godson, about two months ago, dated from Oran. He indicates to him that he very much desires to see his dear parents; he would have already come if he had been able to have a permit or leave, but they are very stingy in granting them to doctors and lavish for the other officers. He hopes however to obtain it during the course of this year, and when he is back he recommends to his father not to let him return to a country that could be harmful to him. Magdelaine still suffers from her leg to the point that she can do nothing, nor walk except leaning on a stick to pass from one room to another.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Mr Pandelé, purchaser of the château de Gasques, approached your father on your behalf; your father can only thank you warmly for your kindnesses and attentions that you have for him. [[notes]] A word immediately before this continuation is heavily cancelled and illegible.

The later filing note identifies the writer as the recipient's uncle; his personal name remains unidentified. One verb in the final sentence is heavily cancelled and remains illegible.


Letter from J. Bonnaud des Mottes to Monsieur Arnaud, 1859-05-17

French professional correspondence from Le Cheylard to Antraigues, dated 17 May 1859. The letter concerns a returned payment order, possible protest, professional responsibility, legal recourse and conditions for accepting future instructions.

Le Cheylard, France
Antraigues-sur-Volane, France
Privas, France
Cournon, France

Historical correspondence
Bailiffs
Payment orders
Protest
Professional liability
Legal complaint
Postal money orders
Le Cheylard
Antraigues
French language

Legal correspondence
Professional correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000040 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000040 image 1 showing address to bailiff Arnaud in Antraigues, with stamp and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000040 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000040 image 2 showing page 1 of Bonnaud des Mottes's professional letter.

NRA-L-000040 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, postscript and signature

NRA-L-000040 image 3 showing page 2, postscript and signature of the 1859 letter.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Monsieur Arnaud, huissier à Antraigues arrondissement de privas (ardèche)

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Monsieur & Collègue, Je ne Connais point M^r Delaigue il ne m'a Rien Commandé & Je ne m'adresserai nullement à lui ; ainsi donc si mon mandat fait retour à Cournon où Je l'ai fourni & où - ne doutant nullement que Vous l'acquittassiez, J'ai oublié même - de mettre le mot sans frais autant qu'il m'en souvient, Je Vous - actionnerai Vous, & Vous apprendrai à lire le Journal que Vous devez sans doute recevoir Chaque mois. - S'il en était autrement ou en serions-nous ? si nous étions obligés

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] d'aller Courir, de par toute la france pour Chercher a Découvrir & prévenir, empêcher le protêt. Si Vous le Voulez, retirez le mandat, ou M. Roux actionne — c'est à dire qu'avant tout J' adresserai & porterai ma plainte au parquet de privas avec Copie de Votre lettre d'Envoi & Je ne doute pas que la Respectable magistrature qui a Déjà fait, dans une semblable occasion, Justice à mon Confrère du Cheylard, ne me Comble de la même faveur. — Je ne Comprends pas Je Vous le Déclare, mon Cher Confrère & J'en suis peiné pour Vous & c'est d'après les termes de Votre lettre que Vous fassiez les affaires ou que Vous les traitiez autrement, si mes autres Confrères agissoient ainsi Je ne Vendrais pas ma profession Je la donnerais. — Il falloit me Dire que le + mauvais Client & J'aurais Vu ce que J'avais à faire ne Connaissant point M^r Delaigue J'aurais refusé car Je ne dois prêter mon ministère, qu'à Cette Condition de paiement. — Je Vous salue. J^h Bonnaud des mottes Cheylard le 17 mai 1859. P. S. pour ce qui est de [l'intérêt?] J'affranchis ma lettre mais permettez-moi de Vous prévenir que tout paquet qui me Viendrait de Vous, sans mandat de poste dedans resterait au Crochet. — [[notes]] The word transcribed as '[l'interet?]' in the postscript remains uncertain.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Monsieur Arnaud, bailiff in Antraigues arrondissement of Privas (Ardeche)

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Sir & Colleague, I do not Know Mr. Delaigue at all he has Commanded Nothing from me & I shall in no way address myself to him; thus therefore if my draft is returned to Cournon where I issued it & where not doubting in the least that You would settle it, I even forgot to put the words without costs as far as I recall, I will sue You, & will teach You to read the Journal that You must undoubtedly receive Every month. - If it were otherwise where would we be? if we were obliged

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] to go Running, all over France to Seek to Discover & prevent, to hinder the protest. If You Wish, withdraw the draft, or Mr. Roux will sue — that is to say that above all I will address & lodge my complaint with the prosecutor's office in Privas with a Copy of Your Cover letter & I do not doubt that the Respectable magistracy which has Already done, on a similar occasion, Justice to my Colleague from Cheylard, will grant me the same favor. — I do not Understand I Declare to You, my Dear Colleague & I am pained for You & it is according to the terms of Your letter that You conduct business or that You handle it otherwise, if my other Colleagues acted thus I would not Sell my profession I would give it away. — You should have Told me that the + bad Client & I would have Seen what I had to do not Knowing Mr. Delaigue at all I would have refused for I must only lend my official services, on This Condition of payment. — I greet You. J^h Bonnaud des mottes Cheylard May 17, 1859. P. S. as for [the interest?] I am paying the postage on my letter but allow me to warn You that any parcel that might Come to me from You, without a postal money order inside would remain on the Hook. — [[notes]] The word rendered as '[the interest?]' in the postscript remains uncertain.

Letter and address image-checked; one word in the postscript remains uncertain


Letter from Veuve Grinois to Nicolas Deschamps, 1811-05-17

French personal correspondence from Arras to Saint-Amand, dated 17 May 1811. Veuve Grinois writes to Nicolas Deschamps about their separation, recent illness, recovery, family greetings and the prospect of reunion.

Nicolas Deschamps, boatman of Douai, at Saint-Amand

Arras, France
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, France
Douai, France
Montaubourg

Historical correspondence
Separation
Reunion
Illness
Convalescence
Medical treatment
Boatmen
Arras
Saint-Amand
Douai
French language

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000041 - Image 1: Address panel, postal evidence and later calculations

Address panel, postal evidence and later calculations.

NRA-L-000041 image 1 showing address to Nicolas Deschamps at Saint-Amand, with Arras postal evidence, rotated names and calculations.

NRA-L-000041 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000041 image 2 showing page 1 of Veuve Grinois's letter from Arras, dated 17 May 1811.

NRA-L-000041 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000041 image 3 showing page 2 describing illness, treatment and convalescence.

NRA-L-000041 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3 and signature

Letter text - Page 3 and signature.

NRA-L-000041 image 4 showing page 3, closing and signature of Veuve Grinois.

[[label: Address Panel]] A Monsieur Monsieur Nicolas Deschamps Batelier de Douai de présent à St. Amand, Dépt. du Nord. A. S. Amand

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Arras le 17. Mai 1811. Mon très cher ami Je viens de recevoir avec la plus grande satisfaction ta charmante lettre, en datte du 13. Courant, j'étois dans une inquiétude cruelle Sur l'état de ta santé, et je suis on ne peut pas plus satisfaite de te savoir rétabli. Et mon coeur trésaille de joie en apprenant que je jouirai bientot du doux plaisir de te voir, de te presser contre mon coeur, et j'ose espérer que ce sera pour toujours. quoique ta ne demande pas de réponse, je ne puis résister [[notes]] The phrase 'quoique ta' is incomplete in the manuscript.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Au désir de te marquer ma sensibilité, et te donner connoissance de ma situation depuis notre séparation, sans doutte la désolation de te quitter, et la mauvaise disposition, m'ont occasionnée une Maladie, qui m'a prit à montaubourg la nuit par un crachement de sang, suivi d'une grande sueur, ce qui m'a continué toute la routte, et à mon arrivée je me suis trouvé accablée d'une forte fièvre, qui m'a obligé de me mettre au lit, j'ai fait appeller un Médecin qui m'a ordonné un Vomitif, qui à très bien joué & d'après une Médecine qui m'a ôté la fièvre je suis convalescente, et il résulte de la fièvre que je suis couverte de bouton, ce qui m'a sauvé, et ta charmante lettre a achevé ma guérison. Mon Cousin et ma Cousine te font mille

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3]] Compliments ils partagent ma joie et attendent comme moi le plaisir de te voir Je finis en t'embrassant mille fois Dans toute la tendresse de mon ame et suis En attendant le moment heureux de te voir Mon très cher ami, ta tendre et sincère amie. Veuve Grinois

[[label: Address Panel]] To Monsieur Monsieur Nicolas Deschamps Boatman of Douai, presently at St. Amand, Department of the Nord At Saint-Amand

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Arras, 17 May 1811 My very dear friend, I have just received with the greatest satisfaction your charming letter, dated the 13th of the current month. I was in cruel anxiety regarding the state of your health, and I could not be more satisfied to know you are recovered. And my heart leaps with joy upon learning that I will soon enjoy the sweet pleasure of seeing you, of pressing you against my heart, and I dare to hope that it will be forever. Although your letter does not ask for a reply, I cannot resist the desire to show you my affection, and to acquaint you with my situation since our separation. [[notes]] The phrase 'quoique ta' is incomplete in the manuscript.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] Without doubt the desolation of leaving you, and a poor disposition, have caused me an illness, which took me at Montaubourg at night with a spitting of blood, followed by a great sweat, which continued for me the whole journey, and upon my arrival I found myself overwhelmed by a strong fever, which obliged me to take to my bed. I had a doctor called who prescribed me an emetic, which worked very well, and after a medicine which took away my fever I am convalescing, and it results from the fever that I am covered in spots, which saved me, and your charming letter has completed my recovery.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3]] My cousin and my cousin send you a thousand compliments; they share my joy and await like me the pleasure of seeing you. I finish by kissing you a thousand times in all the tenderness of my soul and am, while awaiting the happy moment of seeing you, my very dear friend, your tender and sincere friend, Widow Grinois

Letter and address image-checked; recipient corrected from legacy metadata by direct reading


Letter from Devise to Jean Baptiste Erard, 1811-07-14

A French soldier in Mainz writes to the notary Jean Baptiste Erard in Hauteville about money, military service, and personal effects.

Mainz, Germany
Hauteville, Marne, France
Rhine River

Historical correspondence
Military life
Personal finance
Mainz
Rhine River
French language

Personal correspondence
Military correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000042 - Image 1: Address panel, postal evidence and later docketing

Address panel, postal evidence and later docketing.

NRA-L-000042 image 1 showing the address to Jean Baptiste Erard at Hauteville, with Mainz postal evidence and later upside-down docketing.

NRA-L-000042 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000042 image 2 showing page 1 of Devise's letter from Mainz, dated 14 July 1811.

NRA-L-000042 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2 and signature

Letter text - Page 2 and signature.

NRA-L-000042 image 3 showing page 2, closing and signature of Devise.

[[label: Address Panel]] A Monsieur Monsieur Erard Notaire à haute Ville Departement De la Marne Canton de Vitry Surmarne = à haute Ville =

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] De Mayance le 14 Juillet 1811 Monsieur Jean Bapte Erard C'est pour répondre à Notre lettre que j'ai reçu en datte du vingt juin qui ma fait Beaucoup plaisir. Voila la troisieme que je vous écris Je suis surpris que je vous ai demandé de l'argent à toutes les lettres que je vous ai ecrit. ce qui me surprend Beaucoup de ce que vous ne m'en avez point envoyé C'est n'est point ce que vous m'avez promis lorsque que vous m'avez quitté Je vous prie de m'en envoyer le plutot que vous pourez L'on dit que nous allons partir sous peus de temps mais nous ne savons pas encore de quel Côté que nous irons Je vous prie de m'envoyer la somme de deux cent franc tout de suite parce ce que J'en ai bien besoin Je Prie Dieu du temps J'en suis Court, parce que J'ai été obligé de d'emprunter à Mon Caporal la somme de Douze franc Je vous diray que Je ne suis plus dans le quatrieme Bataillion Je suis dans le Sixieme Bataillion Depuis le premier Juillet. Je ne suis plus avec mellinot mais nous sommes toujours avec Chabouret dans la même compagnie mais quand nous partirons nous serons camarade de lit ensemble J'ai été a lit Bien fatigué en premier à faire l'exercice mais à présent je n'y pense plus tous les effets que vous m'avez donné J'ai été obligé de les laisser au magasin Je vous prie vous J'informer de mon Bien et en Bonne Valeur

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2 and signature]] Si vous ne m'en envoyé pas à cette fois ici Je seray obligé de vous faire poursuiter parce ce que je vous denoncerai au General un soldat ne doit pas perdre ses droits Je vous fait Bien mes Complimens Je finis en vous Embrassant Des Complimens à monsieur Erard et à madame Erard J'ai eu un grand malheur le huit Juillet en Passant le rhin dans une Barquette il est Venu une flotte d'eau ou nous Cautions perire sans le secour d'un fameux Batelier nous aurions perdu la vie mais mon sac à été perdu dans l'eau et tout Mon Butin et mon fusil et ma Giberne et tout mes equipement je suis reduit à la chemise de mon Dos Bien mes Compliment à tout Mademoiselle Mademoiselle adelle je vous salue Devise

[[label: Address Panel]] To Mister Mister Erard Notary at Hauteville Department of the Marne Canton of Vitry-sur-Marne = at Hauteville =

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Mainz, 14 July 1811 Monsieur Jean Baptiste Erard, I am writing to answer your letter that I received dated the twentieth of June, which gave me much pleasure. This is the third that I am writing to you. I am surprised that I have asked you for money in all the letters that I have written to you, and what surprises me much is that you have not sent me any. That is not at all what you promised me when you left me. I beg you to send me some as soon as you can. They say that we are going to leave in a short time, but we do not yet know which way we will go. I beg you to send me the sum of two hundred francs right away because I am in great need of it. I pray to God while I am short of it, because I was obliged to borrow the sum of twelve francs from my corporal. I will tell you that I am no longer in the fourth battalion. I have been in the sixth battalion since the first of July. I am no longer with Mellinot, but we are still with Chabouret in the same company. But when we leave, we will be bed comrades together. At first I went to bed very tired from doing the exercise, but now I do not think about it anymore. All the effects that you gave me, I was obliged to leave them at the store. I ask you to inform me of my property and its proper value.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2 and signature]] If you do not send me any this time, I will be obliged to have you prosecuted, because I will denounce you to the general. A soldier must not lose his rights. I send you my best compliments. I finish by embracing you. Compliments to Monsieur Erard and to Madame Erard. I had a great misfortune the eighth of July. In crossing the Rhine in a small boat, there came a surge of water where we almost perished. Without the help of an excellent boatman, we would have lost our lives. But my bag was lost in the water, and all my belongings, and my musket, and my cartridge box, and all my equipment. I am reduced to the shirt on my back. Well my Compliment Many compliments to all the young ladies, especially Mademoiselle Adèle. Miss Adelle I greet you Devise

Letter, address and display order image-checked; two difficult readings remain documented privately

A soldier's loss while crossing the Rhine


Letter from Calle to A. Goua, 1859-09-17

A French business letter from Saintes to a tanner in Langon concerning the invoiced weight of a shipment of calf hides, with an associated witness certificate.

Historical correspondence
Leather industry
Commercial correspondence
Weights and measures
Railway freight
French language

Business correspondence
Witness certificate

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000043 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000043 image 1 showing the address to A. Goua, tanner in Langon, with stamp and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000043 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000043 image 2 showing page 1 of Calle's commercial letter from Saintes, dated 17 September 1859.

NRA-L-000043 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2

Letter text - Page 2.

NRA-L-000043 image 3 showing page 2 of Calle's letter about the disputed shipment weight.

NRA-L-000043 - Image 4: Letter text - Page 3 and signature

Letter text - Page 3 and signature.

NRA-L-000043 image 4 showing page 3, closing and signature of Calle.

NRA-L-000043 - Image 5: Enclosure - Witness certificate

Enclosure - Witness certificate.

NRA-L-000043 image 5 showing an associated witness certificate about the weighing of a shipment of calf hides.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur A Goua Taneur à Langon (Gironde)

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Saintes le 17 7bre 1859 Mr A Goua à Langon En reponse à la votre du 15 courant je croi etre atorisé à vous dire que c'est avec raison que par ma lettre du 12 je vous disois que votre facture s'elevoit à la somme de 547f 45 et la preuve que j'avois raison de vous le dire c'est que voila le relevé de votre facture du 27 aout dernier 24 veaux pesant 81 kilots 500 Gramme f. 5.20 — 423f 80 22 cuirs pesant 28 kilots 750 G à 4.30 123 65 Ensemble 547f 45 Il est vrais que je ne deduisois pas de cette somme les 2 % d'esconte que vous me faites, je ne le devois pas non plus puisqu'avant je me croyois en droit de soustraire 18f 20c prix de 7 demi kilot manquant sur le poid des 24 demis veaux je dis que je me croyois en droit et encore aujourd'hui je maintein ma retention ou je suis un malhonnete homme. Je ne vous conteste pas le poid des 6 veaux qui etoient au fond de la balle qui comme vous le dites pesoient 28 k 750 mais les 24 autres ne pesoient que 74 k au lieu de 81 k 500 En echange de votre buletin qui peut bien vous avoir eté donné comme relevé de votre declaration à la Gare du chemin de fer je vous adresse un certificat qui est sans le savoir aussi valable signé de deux person notables de notre ville qui le plus par hasard trouvés chez moi au moment ou j'ai recu vos mar chandises. Je ne retiens pas positivement vous dire qu'on vous a donné par complaisence le buletin que vous m'adressez il est très possible qu'au depart de ces marchandises elles pesoient le poid pour le quel vous me les avez expédiées mais s'il en etoit ainsi

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] ce qui ne me paroit pas suposable il est néanmoin certain qu'en route elles ont perdu 7 demi kilot mais de quelle maniere qu'il en soit je suis toujours votre dupe de 18f 20c. Vous me dites que c'etoit à la compagnie que je devois adresser mes réclamations si le poid énoncé sur votre facture et la lettre de voiture ne s'y trouvois pas, vous me dites par cela sérieusement du moin je ne le pense pas de la part d'un homme qui comme vous entends les afaires, c'est tout bonnement une chicane de mauvaise cause, je sais qu'en certains cas constatés tout directeur de roulage, de messagerie ou de chemin de fer est dans l'obligation de représenter le poid de marchandises qui leur a été confiées mais non pas dans les cuirs, est ce qu'il n'arive pas tous les jours qu'une bale de vaches ou de veaux sortant d'un cuve ou de tout autres lieux frais ne peut que perdre en route, en résulte t'il pour cela que la quantité des cuirs soit diminuée? pas le moin du monde, et vous voulez qu'une administration soit responsable d'un poid au moin d'eau que vous aurez expédiée et qui se sera évaporée en route non Mr cela n'est pas possible vous etes le seul du moin je le supose qui ayez émis une telle opignion. Pour mettre votre bonne foi en avant en me disant d'en [provis] d'ariter sachez bien Mr que je n'ai pas besoin de vos impertinentes recomandations pour etre un honnête homme personne jusqu'a ce jour ne m'en a autans dit et toutes les fois à qui j'ai adressé des réclamations j'ont fais droit ce que vous auriez été vous même forcé de faire si l'on tous sur votre bonne foi je n'avois pas vendu les veaux en question le jour même que je les ai recus et par ce motif mis dans l'impossibilité de vous y contraindre Je paye rai donc votre traite à son échéance non pas parce que je redoute les menasses que vous me faites de ne pas me livrer le reste des veaux que vous m'avez vendu car je saurois bien vous en faire l'obligation mais

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3 and signature]] parce que je suis ennemi de toutes discutions et que dans cette circonstance la loi n'est pas pour moi puisqu'il m'est impossible de représenter vos marchandises Si vous etes en relation avec Mr Certaud de Bazas avec qui je fais des afaires assez considérables depuis 6 ans demandez lui s'il j'ai eu avec lui un seul diferent s'il m'est arrivé une seule fois de lui adresser des réclamations il vous dira que non, il est vrais qu'il ne m'en a jamais donné le sujet et que toujours j'ai trouvé mon poid de même que dans toutes les autres maisons avec qui j'ai été en relation pour des veaux, ce qui n'est pas eton nant car cette espéce de cuirs ne perd jamais ou du moin bien peu. Tenez donc note Mr qu'a l'avenir si les mar chandises que vous allez m'expédier ne pèsent pas le poid énoncés sur votre facture et la lettre de voiture je ferai immédiatement dresser un procés verbal pour même vous en donner avis J'ai l'honneur de vous saluer

[[label: Enclosure - Witness Certificate]] Nous soussignés certifions que le 10 courant Mr Calle Md cuirs a Saintes a dans notre présence fait l'ouverture d'une balle de veaux qui lui avait été expedié le 27 aout dernier par la maison A Goua de Langon et que ces veaux au nombre de trente on été pesé devans nous avec la corde et qu'il y avait menque de 3 k 500 gr avec la facture qui nous a été presenté qui portait la date du 27 aout et été signée A Goua [signature] [signature]

[[label: Address Panel]] Mr. A Goua, Tanner in Langon (Gironde)

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Saintes, September 17, 1859 Mr. A Goua in Langon In response to yours of the 15th of this month, I believe I am authorized to tell you that it is with reason that by my letter of the 12th I told you that your invoice amounted to the sum of 547f 45 and the proof that I was right to tell you so is that here is the statement of your invoice of August 27 last 24 calves weighing 81 kilos 500 Grams f. 5.20 — 423f 80 22 hides weighing 28 kilos 750 G at 4.30 123 65 Together 547f 45 It is true that I did not deduct from this sum the 2% discount that you give me, I did not have to do it either since before I believed I had the right to subtract 18f 20c price of 7 half kilos missing on the weight of the 24 half calves I say that I believed I had the right and still today I maintain my retention or I am a dishonest man. I do not dispute the weight of the 6 calves which were at the bottom of the bale which as you say weighed 28 k 750 but the 24 others only weighed 74 k instead of 81 k 500 In exchange for your bulletin which may well have been given to you as a statement of your declaration at the railway station I am sending you a certificate which is without knowing it just as valid signed by two notable persons of our town who most by chance found themselves at my place at the moment when I received your merchandise. I do not hold back positively to tell you that you were given by complaisance the bulletin that you address to me it is very possible that at the departure of these merchandise they weighed the weight for which you dispatched them to me but if it were so

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2]] which does not seem supposable to me it is nevertheless certain that on the way they lost 7 half kilos but in whatever way it is I am always your dupe of 18f 20c. You tell me that it was to the company that I should address my claims if the weight stated on your invoice and the waybill was not there, you tell me by that seriously at least I do not think so on the part of a man who like you understands business, it is quite simply a quibble of a bad cause, I know that in certain established cases any director of haulage, of courier or of railway is under the obligation to represent the weight of merchandise which has been entrusted to them but not in hides, does it not happen every day that a bale of cows or calves coming out of a vat or any other fresh places can only lose on the way, does it result for that that the quantity of hides is diminished? not in the least, and you want an administration to be responsible for a weight at least of water that you will have dispatched and which will have evaporated on the way no Mr that is not possible you are the only one at least I suppose who have issued such an opinion. To put your good faith forward by telling me to [stop] know well Mr that I do not need your impertinent recommendations to be an honest man no one to this day has said as much to me and every time to whom I have addressed claims I have done right what you would have been yourself forced to do if all on your good faith I had not sold the calves in question the very day that I received them and for this reason put in the impossibility of forcing you to it I will therefore pay your draft at its maturity not because I fear the threats that you make me of not delivering me the rest of the calves that you sold me for I would know well how to make you the obligation but

[[label: Letter Text - Page 3 and signature]] because I am an enemy of all discussions and that in this circumstance the law is not for me since it is impossible for me to represent your merchandise If you are in relation with Mr Certaud of Bazas with whom I have been doing fairly considerable business for 6 years ask him if I have had a single difference with him if it has happened to me a single time to address claims to him he will tell you no, it is true that he has never given me the subject and that always I have found my weight as well as in all the other houses with which I have been in relation for calves, which is not surprising for this kind of hides never loses or at least very little. Take note therefore Mr that in the future if the merchandise that you are going to dispatch to me do not weigh the weight stated on your invoice and the waybill I will immediately have a report drawn up to even give you notice of it I have the honor to greet you

[[label: Enclosure - Witness Certificate]] We the undersigned certify that on the 10th of this month Mr. Calle, leather merchant in Saintes, has in our presence opened a bale of calves which had been dispatched to him on August 27 last by the house A Goua of Langon and that these calves to the number of thirty were weighed before us with the rope and that there was a shortage of 3 k 500 gr with the invoice which was presented to us which bore the date of August 27 and was signed A Goua [signature] [signature]

Letter, address, calculations and witness certificate image-checked; one difficult word remains bracketed


Letter to Louis Danet Cléry, 1860-11-29

A French family letter sent from Paris to a sub-lieutenant in Beirut concerning personal shipments, correspondence, and service in Syria.

Unidentified father of Louis Danet Cléry, Paris

Louis Danet Cléry, sub-lieutenant, 13th Line Regiment, Beirut

Paris, France
Toulon, France
Marseille, France
Beirut, Lebanon
Deir al-Qamar, Lebanon

Historical correspondence
Family correspondence
Military life
Postal logistics
French expedition to Syria (1860–1861)
French language

Family correspondence
Military correspondence

Ordinary Lives

NRA-L-000044 - Image 1: Address panel and postal evidence

Address panel and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000044 image 1 showing the address to Louis Danet Cléry in Beirut, with stamp and postal evidence.

NRA-L-000044 - Image 2: Letter text - Page 1

Letter text - Page 1.

NRA-L-000044 image 2 showing page 1 of the letter from Paris, dated 29 November 1860.

NRA-L-000044 - Image 3: Letter text - Page 2, marginal note and signature

Letter text - Page 2, marginal note and signature.

NRA-L-000044 image 3 showing page 2, closing, signature and a marginal note.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Danet Cléry, S. Lieutenant au 13e. de ligne, à Beyrouth, Syrie par Marseille.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Paris, le 29 novembre 1860. Mon cher Louis, Dès le 9 de ce mois, j'ai fait partir pour Toulon, par le chemin de fer, une caisse contenant, suivant ton désir, divers objets dont l'approche de l'hiver te faisait sentir le besoin. Je t'ai informé de cet envoi le même jour. Ces effets devaient t'être expédiés de Toulon par l'entremise de Mr. Goguet, Lieut.t au 13e., en même temps que ceux de Mr Combette dont tu me parlais dans ta lettre du 20 octobre. Mr Goguet à qui j'avais écrit à ce sujet, m'annonce à la date du 16 novembre, (et sans me parler des effets de Mr Combette) que le détachement du régiment qui aurait pu se charger de ta caisse, était parti quand il l'a reçue et qu'il tâcherait de la comprendre parmi les ballots d'habillement de la prochaine expédition, ou enfin qu'il attendrait le départ d'un nouveau détachement qui irait rejoindre le corps. Il résulte de tout ceci un retard que je ne pouvais prévoir et dont je suis

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2, marginal note and signature]] fort contrarié. Si tu ne m'avais pas indiqué la voie à suivre, j'en aurais cherché une plus expéditive, et je viens (à cet effet) de prier Mr. Goguet, si la caisse, que tu attends sans doute avec quelque impatience, est encore à Toulon, de la diriger sur Marseille par les messageries imp.les et ensuite à Beyrouth par les paquebots de cette administration. J'espère qu'ainsi tu seras plus tôt satisfait; j'ai recommandé d'acquitter les frais de transport. Il m'est arrivé ces jours derniers (le 23 9bre) une petite boîte renfermant ta montre et un petit billet daté du 30 octobre, m'expliquant la cause de cet envoi. C'est le soldat de Mr Mounier qui m'en a fait la remise, Mr Mounier étant malade. Je me suis présenté le lendemain chez cet officier qui était sorti: ce qui me porte à croire que sa maladie n'est pas bien grande. J'ai toutefois regretté de ne l'avoir pas rencontré, puisque j'ai été ainsi privé du plaisir de m'entretenir de toi. Ton billet, mon ami, nous menace de la privation de ta correspondance, si tu ne reçois pas de nos lettres à chaque courrier. Je ne pense pas que cette exigence soit sérieuse: car tu sais bien qu'ici nous ne sommes sujets, qu'aux vicissitudes ordinaires de la vie, tandis que, là-bas, tu cours les chances des maladies d'un climat nouveau pour toi, et celles que peut amener l'état de guerre; qu'ainsi n'ayant point à concevoir d'inquiétude permanente à notre égard, tu n'as pas besoin de recevoir si souvent de nos nouvelles, tandis qu'il nous importe à nous, pour les raisons que je viens de dire, que tu ne négliges pas de nous donner des tiennes. Nous ferons en sorte que tu puisses à l'avenir te servir avec sécurité de ta montre et de t'envoyer prochainement les objets spécifiés dans ton billet. Nous te félicitons d'habiter avec Mr Du Broda un palais druse, et nous désirons bien sincèrement que vous contribuiez à reconstruire cette pauvre ville de Deir el Kamar, si maltraitée par le fanatisme turc. Ne manque pas, comme je t'en ai prié, de nous donner, chaque fois que tu nous écriras, des nouvelles de MMrs Du Brodan et Combette ainsi que des détails sur votre manière de vivre dans un pays où les usages français sont probablement inconnus. On dit la Syrie abondante en gibier et vous ne devez pas manquer de cuisiniers parmi vos hommes. Adieu, mon cher enfant, je t'exhorte vivement et ta mère aussi à te ménager et à prendre de toi tous les soins possibles Toute la famille t'embrasse tendrement [V. D. Cléry?] [marginalia] Je viens de recevoir la nouvelle, que je te communique, avec le plus grand plaisir, de la promotion de Charles à la 1re classe de son grade.

[[label: Address Panel]] Monsieur Danet Cléry, Sub-Lieutenant in the 13th Line Regiment, in Beirut, Syria via Marseille.

[[label: Letter Text - Page 1]] Paris, 29 November 1860. My dear Louis, As early as the 9th of this month, I dispatched to Toulon, by rail, a crate containing, according to your wish, various objects which the approach of winter made you feel the need of. I informed you of this shipment the same day. These effects were to be sent to you from Toulon through the agency of Mr Goguet, Lieut. in the 13th, at the same time as those of Mr Combette of whom you spoke to me in your letter of 20 October. Mr Goguet, to whom I had written on this subject, announces to me on the date of 16 November (and without speaking to me of the effects of Mr Combette) that the detachment of the regiment which could have taken charge of your crate had left when he received it, and that he would try to include it among the bales of clothing of the next shipment, or finally that he would wait for the departure of a new detachment which would go to join the corps. The result of all this is a delay which I could not foresee and of which I am

[[label: Letter Text - Page 2, marginal note and signature]] very annoyed. If you had not indicated to me the route to follow, I would have looked for a more expeditious one, and I have just (to this effect) asked Mr Goguet, if the crate, which you are no doubt waiting for with some impatience, is still in Toulon, to direct it to Marseille by the Messageries Impériales and then to Beirut by the steamships of this administration. I hope that thus you will be satisfied sooner; I have given instructions to pay the transport costs. A small box arrived for me these last few days (the 23rd of Nov.) containing your watch and a short note dated 30 October, explaining to me the cause of this shipment. It is Mr Mounier's soldier who delivered it to me, Mr Mounier being ill. I presented myself the next day at the home of this officer, who had gone out: which leads me to believe that his illness is not very serious. I nevertheless regretted not having met him, since I was thus deprived of the pleasure of talking about you. Your note, my friend, threatens us with the deprivation of your correspondence, if you do not receive letters from us by every mail. I do not think that this requirement is serious: for you know well that here we are only subject to the ordinary vicissitudes of life, while, over there, you run the risks of diseases of a climate new to you, and those that can be brought about by the state of war; that thus having no reason to conceive permanent anxiety regarding us, you do not need to receive our news so often, while it is important to us, for the reasons I have just stated, that you do not neglect to give us yours. We will make sure that you can in the future use your watch safely, and will soon send you the objects specified in your note. We congratulate you on living with Mr Du Broda in a Druze palace, and we very sincerely desire that you contribute to rebuilding this poor town of Deir el Kamar, so mistreated by Turkish fanaticism. Do not fail, as I have asked you, to give us, every time you write to us, news of Messrs Du Brodan and Combette as well as details on your way of living in a country where French customs are probably unknown. They say Syria is abundant in game and you must not lack cooks among your men. Farewell, my dear child, I strongly urge you, and your mother too, to spare yourself and to take all possible care of yourself. The whole family embraces you tenderly. [V. D. Cléry?] In the margin: I have just received the news, which I communicate to you with the greatest pleasure, of the promotion of Charles to the 1st class of his rank.

Letter, address and composite final page image-checked; sender remains unidentified

A parcel route from Paris to Beirut