1 / 2
a close up of a piece of paper with writing on ita close up of a piece of paper with writing on it
OUEST ENCHERES PUBLIQUES NANTES & RENNES

45 - [NAVY] MARTINENQ André Jules François (1776–1860), Rear Admi…
See original version (French)

Estimate €100 - €200
Sale commission
Description
[NAVY] MARTINENQ André Jules François (1776–1860), Rear Admiral, Knight, then Officer of the Legion of Honour (1804). Signed autograph letter (on printed letterhead ‘Jules Martinenq, Captain of the Navy [of the Legion of Honour, commanding the frigate La Cornelie] ’) dated 27 Ventôse, Year 12, addressed ‘to the mayor of the commune of Sainte-Foy, Gironde department’; 1p folio (dim: 21.5 x 32 cm). ‘I recently received an Axe of Honour belonging to Citizen Giraud, known as Philibert Cadet, armourer [Michel Giraud, master naval armourer on the frigate La Muiron, was awarded an Axe of Honour, on 11 Brumaire, Year X (2 November 1801), for his brilliant valour in the naval battle of Algeciras (6 July 1801)] and residing in Sainte-Foy. As a former Captain, in command of the frigate ‘La Muiron*’, it is my first duty to ensure it reaches him; however, as I am not entirely certain of the address I have been given, I am sending it to you, Citizen Mayor, confident in advance that you will take all necessary steps to ensure it reaches him, and that you will do justice to the bravery and intrepidity of this valiant sailor, who has earned my esteem and this mark of national recognition. I would ask you to acknowledge receipt of this letter and of the Axe of Honour, which I am sending to you by post, once both have reached you.” Yellow stain in the margin, creases. *The Muiron was also the frigate which Napoleon borrowed on 23 August 1799 to return to France following the Egyptian Campaign. Enclosed: PERRUQUET DE MONTRICHARD Joseph Elie Désiré (1760–1828), General of the Revolution and the Empire. Two letters (copies), handwritten copies of letters sent to the Deputy Inspector of Reviews ‘Porte’: 1° – At headquarters in Breda, 24 Pluviôse, Year 11. He expresses surprise at announcements made to the troops regarding pay, whilst he himself had not been informed: ‘… this has caused, and continues to cause, an unpleasant stir amongst the Corps, which would have undermined discipline were it not so well established amongst the troops of which I speak… ” 2° – At headquarters in Breda, 29 Pluviôse, Year 11. Same subject as above, following the dispatch of two letters from the President of the Central Committee: “ … had I received these letters in good time, I could have put an end to the uncertainty into which the Corps have been plunged regarding their pay …”, then he reassures him: “I am well aware of your diligence and your dedication to everything that concerns the soldiers’ welfare. However, I was forced to note the irregular course of action you took in this instance, though I am far from criticising your intention. I have instructed Adjutant-Commander Massabare to inform you of the advice I have received from the Minister of War regarding the changes made by the Government to the troops due to embark under the command of Captain-General Victor…’. Three pages (2ff.). Size: 17 x 22 cm. Good condition. Appraisal carried out by Pascal GUILLEBAUD. Lot from a voluntary sale.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale Manuscripts, Philately and Bibliophilia
Auction location
Auction time 06/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 06/18/2026 at 5:09 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like