[SAINTE-HÉLÈNE]. MONTCHENU, Claude Marin... - Lot 103 - Giquello

Lot 103
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[SAINTE-HÉLÈNE]. MONTCHENU, Claude Marin... - Lot 103 - Giquello
[SAINTE-HÉLÈNE]. MONTCHENU, Claude Marin Henri de (1757-1831). Magnificent N.A. on the departure for St. Helena (s.l.) to his friend. "This Tuesday, June 17 or 18". 4 pp. small in-4 in which the author evokes "the most beautiful crossing still known". "I have no time to write and no time to take information to be more amusing than interesting, as for those of the voyage you will read the works that I wrote to my wife. I would say to you however that the relations of the navy do not still provide such a short crossing, we followed a little frequented road. I do not believe, however, that the object of the Admiral's purpose was mainly to shorten the crossing, for in the early days he never stopped talking to me about the fear he had of finding calm seas, which is what happened to us, but a miracle happened to us [...] an easterly wind which gradually returned to the north at the moment when we were least expecting it [...]. Montchenu continues by giving his point of view on the island of Saint Helena. "This letter started on board will not leave until tomorrow the 28th by a [...] arrived this morning from China and leaving tomorrow for Europe. I will not speak today of St. Helena, it is thirty times below everything you have read and heard. Sir Hudson Lowe is perfect and not what we have been told. He is a man who will not burn his prisoner, and I assure you that there is no miracle that can get him out of here. We don't take three steps without encountering pickets or sentries. The side where our man is is forbidden to all curious people, the inhabitants themselves can only enter to go to their homes with a nominal permit. As soon as the sun is down, it is necessary that the word is not given lightly, or better to say to no inhabitant because the circulation is forbidden in spite of the word, there is a second one for the Longwood. Even though we are enclosed here in a stone lodge, a black rock, without any vegetation in the whole enclosure [...] the currents are so strong that with the greatest precautions we would break against the rocks [...] The governor is perfect for us, but especially for me, the rank of general gives me here a great consideration with the garrison, I am honored everywhere and all this gives me a lot of ease, especially since many speak French. You never had a better idea than to advise me to take the title of marquis which they compare to that of England also nobody would dare to call me general not even the governor nor the admiral, it is always Mr. Marquis". This one concludes his letter "Farewell dear friend, give me news of you and especially of Europe and France because I need not to be forgotten. Family provenance, to the present owner by succession.
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