Lot 56
De Sartine, Antoine Raymond. Marine minister for Louis XVI, in charge of the French Navy; he helped John Paul Jones buy the Bonhomme Richard. Letter Signed, May 16, 1780, Versailles, 2 pages folio. An important circular letter, in French, to the captain of a frigate concerning the freedom of the seas. Sartine forwards the King's instructions that French vessels insure the uninhibited passage of neutral-power ships, particularly Russian ones. There are two exceptions to the orders: ships owned by subjects of the King of England, and neutral ships transporting "munitions of war" (which would hinder French efforts to help the Americans defeat the British). Finally, Sartine instructs the recipient to send copies to all commanding officers of vessels. In 1779, Catherine the Great, not wanting to interfere in the American Revolution, signed a treaty with European nations to guarantee the safe passage of her vessels; this letter directly relates to Russian neutrality. The letter is toned overall, with several small edge tears, and wrinkling in top margin; a small printed description is glued to blank top verso. Both script and signature are boldly penned. Very Good. Fine content relating to the American Revolution.
Estimated Value $600 - 900.
|
| |
| Realized $575 |
