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673

Louis Serurier

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Louis Serurier

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Auction Date:2013 Nov 13 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
French Consul General (1775-1860) in Washington from 1810–1815 and envoy from 1831–1835. ALS in French, to Louis Bignon (1771-1841) former Foreign Minister of France, signed “Serurier,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 9, June 5, 1831. Crisply-penned lengthy letter to an unidentified recipient. In part (translated): “I could have written earlier to you, my dear friend and colleague, but I wanted to see better before writing you. I have found in Washington the welcome that could be expected for a former minister of Napoleon dismissed for defending the Nationality Principle. Never have the two nations, since 1778, been more warmly united than they have become since the Revolution of July 1830 in France. There is only one obstacle to this relationship (that improves everyday) that still subsists but it will cease to exist, I do not doubt. Although, I consider myself a good friend of the United States, I of course worry, above all, about the interests of France. The prosperity of these United States, and its progress, are amazing. Everything works at a pace barely imaginable in Europe. The discovery of Fulton (that Napoleon dismissed, despite my earnest recommendation) has changed this country completely, and has given it one century’s hedge over the others. I find every great city on the coast has doubled in size (since 1815) and states like Ohio, that I had found in 1810 with only one representative, have sixteen today. It is feeric. This natural and human great scenery is so beautiful for the eyes, so honourable for Humanity, but it has also however some shadows. Some serious problems have arisen on the tariffs of the National Bank, on the use of excess revenues, on the date the national debt should be paid and especially about the election of the future President. The session of next December will probably complicate the divisions within the Republican Party. These divisions within the party have increased since the last war that brought it absolute power with no sharing. They do not present however the same danger they would present if in Europe but they do present potential problems for the future. I do not see to warn all the influential men but they answer me that the system preserved the country from these dangers. Let us see, I will be leaving with the principal actors and I will see in the battlefield the final results. I have brought here my dear colleague as you know ideas of order however subordinate to the principals of our foreign office but I do anticipate problems from the minister of foreign affairs regarding funding of my mission. Washington has made remarkable progresses but is still a town of just 20,000 souls where public servants have low salaries and receptions are held mostly by the diplomatic corp. We do need a residence to avoid any loss of influence and we need to be at least on equal footing with the British envoy he can spend 5-6,000 pounds of his salary not to mention his personal fortune and his french colleague doesn't count with half of that sum. I have told the minister of foreign affairs that the representation of the king of France would need higher funds to avoid disagreeable comparisons. Back to us, our healths are perfect Mme Seruier has never been better and her health triumphs all the strains of the climates. Everyone seems to appreciate and flatter her. She remembers your wife and your kindnesses and remembers your very affectionately. I worried enough about the education of my children to send them back to France next spring. Meanwhile, at the end of May I will make an excursion to Virginia. I have received from the sage of America Mr. Madison the president at the time of my first mission the invitation to visit him in his beautiful retreat of Montpelier. Mrs. Madison has written on that occasion a charming letter to Mme Seruier. We will profit from that trip to also vist Mount Vernon and Monticello where Washington and Jefferson lived. Also the famous caves called Madison also the natural bridge the eighth marvel of America. This will be at most of 3 weeks and I expect many advantages and pleasures Mr Madison is a very old man, now 85 but he has kept all his faculties and a grateful America consults him on every important occasion. Everyone here asks about your career and what your new responsibilities will be I answer they will obviously be important but I am waiting to read about them.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds and a uniform shade of mild toning.
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