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GUILLAUMET Henri (1902–1940)
See original version (French)
216
-
GUILLAUMET Henri (1902–1940)
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
GUILLAUMET Henri (1902–1940)
Autograph letter, Buenos Aires, 27 [June 1930], to Jean MERMOZ; 2 pages, in-4.
An account of his accident and the incredible adventure that would give rise to the Guillaumet legend and Saint-Exupéry’s novel *Night Flight*
He has finally ‘made it back by some miracle, for as you can well imagine, I’ve been through a hell of a lot. I was forced down into the snow clouds at the Diamante lagoon; as the pass was completely blocked, I was at 6,500 and found myself down at 3,500. As the lagoon is deeply enclosed by mountains reaching 5,500, I was trapped as if in a mousetrap. Having circled until I’d almost run out of petrol completely, I chose a more or less flat spot and turned the plane round gently. I stayed there for two days, hidden beneath the canopy, waiting for the storm to pass, which it did on Sunday morning. Father Deley didn’t take long to come by, but as you know, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack (despite the flares I’d set off). Realising this, I set off and made it to safety, in a sorry state, mind you, though you wouldn’t think so now. I walked for four days and four nights without sleeping; I’d just doze off for a few minutes whilst sitting on my suitcase containing my provisions, having lost it in a fall 30 hours before I was picked up. I reckon I’ll be able to post this on the 7th of next month and set off again, taking your advice on board – though, you know, I do have a bit of a laugh when you’re the one telling me to be careful!… “Do as I say, not as I do” – that’s more what you should be telling me, isn’t it, old chap?
I was really sorry to hear about all the trouble you ran into when you tried to set off on your return journey to St Louis; I now know you’ve found a lovely stretch of water – I wish you better luck’…
Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936);
- Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955);
- Then passed down through the family
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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