AGUTTES
46
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Jean-Baptiste de ROCHAMBEAU (1725–1807), Marshal of France, …
See original version (French)
46
-
Jean-Baptiste de ROCHAMBEAU (1725–1807), Marshal of France, …
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,200 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
Jean-Baptiste de ROCHAMBEAU (1725–1807), Marshal of France, hero of the American War of Independence.
2 autograph letters: ‘The Count of Rochambeau’, Paris 1783, to the Count d’ESTERNO, Minister Plenipotentiary in Berlin; and 1 letter, Calais 1787, to the Marquis de TRAISNEL; 3½ pages in-4, 2 envelopes with wax seals bearing the coat of arms.
Description:
Interesting letters written on his return to France after spending three years in the service of the American cause. Paris, 26 March 1783. He thanks Esterno for his expressions of friendship upon his return to France, and in turn congratulates him on his appointment as French Minister to Berlin: ‘I have no doubt that you will enjoy every success there that a wise mind, equipped with all the necessary knowledge, must achieve in the eyes of a prince well placed to appreciate your worth’… Paris, 16 July 1783. He sends him a reply to be discreetly conveyed to the Prince concerning the affairs of a poor baron, before discussing with him the case of Madame d’Esterno, who is very compliant with her treatment and diet, and whose health is improving despite the exertions she endured during the birth of the Viscountess [de Rochambeau, the General’s daughter-in-law]… Calais, 9 July 1787. Then Governor of the provinces of Picardy and Artois, Rochambeau reflected on the rumours circulating in Paris concerning the Parliaments: ‘I believe that all this is merely a scare tactic to bolster the negotiations, the actual cost of which one would wish to avoid’. He wrote to the minister to request permission to travel to London immediately after the Princess of Lamballe’s departure from Calais, which is due to take place on 13 July: ‘I shall gauge from her reply whether my presence here is so essential’…
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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