Lot 4378
Burke, Edmund (1729-97) British statesman and orator. Autograph Letter Signed ("Edm Burke"), Beconsfield, Jan. 8, 1794, 2 pp + 2 lines, 9 x 7½ in. To an unidentified correspondent, regarding recent events in the French Revolution. He wonders why the French emigrants who escaped to England were not consulted on British policy toward the French. Boldly written, with some show-through; mounting remnants on back blank margin. Very good.
In part: "…perhaps you could not have done much more to prevent the disasters which are likely to fall upon Europe. Toulon is not only a calamitous, but, in my mind, a most disgraceful affair. We really stand in need of men of capacity for matters of the least difficulty. The whole stock of abilities in Europe perhaps is not equal to the demand; but we have resolved not to profit of what there was. I have a strong opinion that Frenchmen are best for French affairs. I have an opinion…that the emigrants have better parts than the people among whom they have taken refuge….I am almost convinced that such is the fact and that we have suffered all that we have suffered in these two campaigns by repelling them, and refusing to consult, and as much as possible in any way to use them, in their own affairs. To this I attribute…our shameful flight from Toulon….I think, just in this bad state of our affairs, we are doubly bound to show ourselves at court…."
The Toulon affair, to which Burke refers, began in August 1793 when Toulon was taken by the Bourbons and occupied by British and Spanish military forces. After several attempts by the French to take back the city, a young artillery officer, Captain Napoleone Buonaparte, planned and carried out an attack that retook the city and harbor for the French by December 19. The British fleet, commanded by Admiral Lord Hood, was forced to retreat and leave. Buonaparte was promoted to General of Brigade.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized $2,070 |
