Item 40: Letter from Chevalier Anne-César de la Luzerne to Unknown [French Language], 1776 August 12
Item — Box: 2, Folder: 40
Dates
- Created: 1776 August 12
Creator
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Letter
Condition Note:
Fair (manuscript): parchment is browning, ink is fading, slight staining, center is reenforced with tape, no noticeable rips or tears; Good (archivist’s translation): Good
Measurements:
7 ¼ in. x 5 ⅛ in. (manuscript closed); 7 ¼ in.x 10 ¼ in. (manuscript open); 11 in. x 8 ½ in. (archivists’ translation)
Description:
The following is a letter from Chevalier Anne-César de la Luzerne to an unknown recipient, dated August 12, 1776. Accompanying the letter is a translation by a previous archivist, typed by typewriter on yellowing paper. Luzerne appears to discuss the diplomatic affairs of several countries. This letter from Luzerne was written the year before his appointment as the French Minister Plenipotentiary to Bavaria, a position that he held from 1777-1778. Due to the diplomatic nature of this letter, the recipient may have been another diplomat. Luzerne thanks the recipient for settling the issue with Mr. and Mrs. Colard regarding Paques’ inappropriate conduct. Luzerne states that his belongings and passport will be ready by October 1st, which should be the same time as “his” arrival [possibly referring to Colard’s wagonner]. It appears that Luzerne discusses prices that were previously worked out with Mr. Preste. An unnamed item being sent will go from Paris to Munich. Luzerne informs the recipient that the mail they sent on July 6 will be at Munich by August 7. According to Luzerne, there are delays with delivery due to harvest season because there aren’t enough horses available. Luzerne thanks the recipient for offering to write to Saxony about chinaware, but informs them that he found some in France that was both cheaper and of higher quality. Luzerne also informs the recipient that he met with the Duke of Nivernais [likely Louis Jules Mancini, Duke of Nevers] the day prior and was told about the recipient’s failed negotiation regarding Mr. de Castelnau [likely Jean-Baptiste Géréon de Curières, baron de Castelnau]. The Duke of Nivernais wanted to know if Mr. de Castelnau would act in service of Bavaria or of Saxony. Luzerne is not familiar with these courts and asks the recipient to look into the matter. However, Luzerne appears to dislike Castelnau due to a crime that was committed and is of the opinion that the recipient is not yet in a position to ask favors of Bavaria. Luzerne suggests that the recipient attempt to work with Saxony instead. Luzerne states that he discussed the matter with Count Despeck who believed that Castelnau should go to Russia. Despeck gave Luzerne a letter from the Baron de Boden [likely the Minister Plenipotentiary of Landgrave of Hesse Kassel, possibly Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel]. The Duke of Nivernais also spoke of a letter that was sent to him by the recipient, however, the Duke did not know what to do about the matter as he was anxious about the proceedings of Peglioni. He asked the Duke of Nivernais to receive Peglioni as he used to do, but Nivernais is not one that is quickly forgives. Finally, Luzerne states that he was shown letters from Spain that discussed current affairs such as a “quarrel” that was believed to be limited to America and would be settled between England and France [possibly referring to the American Revolution War]. The letters also discussed Spain’s anxiety regarding the colony of Santo Sacramento [sometimes referred to as San Sacramento]. This anxiety was likely surrounding the Spanish-Portuguese War. “The Duke of Nivernais” was the British style for Louis Jules Mancini, Duke of Nevers. He was frequently referred to as the Duke of “Nivernois,” as seen in this letter from Luzerne and letters from both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Nivernais was the French ambassador to Rome from 1748-1752, Berlin from 1755-1756, and Great Britain from 1762-1763. Jean-Baptiste Géréon de Curières, Baron of Castelnau was a soldier turned diplomat who was admitted to the honours of the Court in 1773 and became the French Minister Plenipotentiary of Switzerland in 1783. “Colard” may refer to Alexis Colard, and “Paques” may refer to his wife, Marie Paques Flament. The Prince of Talleyrand [likely Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord] sent a letter to a Colard on an unknown date. On May 20, 1785, Baron de Boden wrote to Thomas Jefferson. References to numerous letters from Chevalier de la Luzerne can be found in Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia and Histoire de la participation de la France à l'établissement des États-Unis d'Amérique. Correspondance diplomatique et documents.
Location:
Santo Sacramento, likely present day Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Transcription:
[Page one]
12 août 1776.
Je vous renouvelle, Monsieur, tous mes remerciement[s], les arrangements que vous avez bien voulu prendre avec M. et Mme. Colard sont on(?) ne peut plus convenables, et pour l’une et pour l’autre. Il falait[sic] [fallait] toute votre laq[u]elle(?) et votre prudence pour terminer cette affaire a[sic] [à] l'amiable apres[sic] [après] la conduite inconsidereé[sic] [inconsidérée] de Paques. J’aurais été au desespoir[sic] [désespoir] que Mr. de Colard fut[sic] [fût](?) pu croire que je n’apportais pas toutes les facilités possibles a[sic] [à] la conclusion de cet arrangement, mais vous avez heureusement(?) tout retabli. Je ne crois pas devoir ecrire[sic] [écrire] a[sic] à M. de Colard pour lui faire des excuses de letouderie[sic] [l'étourderie] de mon valet de chambre, il vaut mieux l’ignorer, par ce[sic] [parce] que l’on pourrait croire que j’aurais pu la prevenir[sic] [prévenir], Il Pâques ne m’en a pas ecrit[sic] [écrit] un mot, je lui mande seulement par cet ordinance que j’espere[sic] [j'espère] que Mr. Colard et sa femme seront parfaite content de lui attendu qu’il n’aura sincèrement[précisément](?) rien fait ni(?) rien dit que par vos ordres, je reecrirai[sic] [réécrirai] a[sic] [à] Mr. de Colard que quant[sic] [quand] vous me manderez que tout est conclu entre vous et lui.
[Page two] Je profiterai de l'envoyé(?) du rouillier[sic] [roulier] de Mr. Colard et mes effets et le passeport seront prêts pour le 1er d’octobre le qui [lequel?] est a[sic] [à] propos(?) le temps de son arrivée, mais je vous prie de lui observer dans les prix que vous ferez avec lui que le sieur Preste (que j’ai envoyé(?) chercher) ne me demande que 18 (?) du quintal de paris[sic] [Paris] a[sic] [à] munich[sic] [Munich], qu’il est juste par consequant[sic] conséquent] que celui[-]ci qui a son retour du(?) par(?) beuelire(?) viege(?) de moi quelque chose de moins. Votre molle(?) est partie le 6 juillet elle arrivera a[sic] [à] Munich le 27 août. Le temps de moissons qui les quelse(?) pour trouver des chevaux a retardé sa moule(?). Je vous suis tres[sic] [très] obligé de l’offre que vous voulez bien me faire d’ecrire[sic] [d’écrire] en Saxe pour de la porcelaine, lou(?) en(?) a procuré de la porcelaine de France a[sic] [à] infiniment bien marché et je profite de l'occasion. Elle est moins chere[sic] [chère] que celle de Saxe et je la trouve mieux dessinée.
[Page three] J’ai rencontré hier Mr le duc de Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] qui m’a encore reporté(?) de vous avec les eloges[sic] [éloges] que vous méritez, il m’a dit qu’il etait[sic] [était] tres[sic] [très] faché[sic] [fâché] qu’une petite negotiation[sic] [négociation] dont vous vous étiez chargé pour faire placer teui(?) une certain Mr. de Castelnau (auquel Mde[sic] [Mme] la duchesse de Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] & interesse[sic] [intéresse] beaucoup) n’ait pas reussi[sic] [réussi], il m’a demandé s’il n’ÿ aurait pas quelque facilité pour le faire entrer au service de baviere[sic] [Bavière] ou a[sic] [à] celui de Saxe, Je n’ai [pas] pu lui bien pertinemment, ne connaissant aucune de ces deux cours, mais je lui ai dit que je vous en ecrirai[sic] [écrirai], et que j’etais[sic] [j’étais] sur[sic] [sur] de votre zele[sic] [zèle] pour tout ce qui pouvait lui etre[sic] [être] agréable. Vous savez surement[sic] [sûrement] alors(?) l’aventure affreuse de Mr. de Castelnau, je ne la crois que son crime ait été premedité[sic] [prémédité], mais c’est au moins un homme d’une violence impardonnable, j’aimerais mieux qu’il fut partout ailleurs qu’en baviere[sic] [Bavière], je crois d’ailleurs qu’il faudrait queil vous(?) [Page four] lanui(?) l’un et l’autre plus connu dans le paÿs, pour demander une grace[sic] [grâce] au gouvernement, ainsi si vous aviez quelque moÿens pour la Saxe il faudrait mieux les emploÿer, le C[oun]t Despeck auquel en ai parle[sic] [parlé] et que m’a chargé de la lettre cÿ[sic] [ci-]jointe du Baron de Boden serait d’avis qu’il allait en Russie, je le proposerai a[sic] [à] Mr. le Duc de Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] Il m’a beaucoup parlé de la lettre que vous m’avez fait[e] poure(?) pour lui et qu’il ne savait pas que j’asse(?) lui(?), il est inferieurement(?) fort(?) content, mais cependant il craint les demandes de Peglioni, et il m’a beaucoup parlé a[sic] [de] cette (?) le suppose toûjours d’intelligence avec Mr. Colard, j’ai profité de la confiance qu’il a eu en moi en(?) mon(?) parlant pour l’engager a[sic][à] le recevoir quant[sic] [quand] il reviendra dans le paÿs ci comme il le voÿait autrefois, mais le pardon des injures n’est pas sa vertu favorite. Il m’a communique[sic] [communiqué] quelques lettres d’Espagne sur les affaires presentes[sic] [présentes], il parait[sic] [paraît] que la querelle se bornera a[sic] [à] l'Amérique., et que l’Angleterre et la France sont prets[sic] [prêts] de conclure au accommodement entre ces deux prisonniers(?), il parait[sic] [paraît] que l’Espagne veut gagner a[sic] [à] la mauvaise foi du ministre portugais la colonie de St. Sacramento(?) qui lui serait d’une grande setelate(?). Vous connaissez, Monsieur, les sentiments d'estime et d’attachement avec lesquels je suis plus personne(?) votre tres[sic] [très] humble et tres[sic] [très] obeissant[sic] [obéissant] serviteur. Le Che de la Luzerne [Signature]
Translation: [Page one of the translation and page one of the letter] 12 August, 1776 I thank you again, Sir. The arrangements you were kind enough to make with Mr. and Mrs. Colard are most suitable, and for the one and the other, all your wisdom and prudence were necessary to settle this affair in a friendly way, after the unwise conduct of Paques. I would have been driven to despair if Mr. Colard had believed that I was not trying my best to settle this incident, but fortunately you have retrieved everything. I do not believe I should write to Mr. Colard to apologize for the giddiness of my footman. It is better to ignore it, for one might believe that I could have prevented it. Paques has said nothing to me about it. I only inform him, by this mail, that I hope Mr. Colard and his wife will be perfectly satisfied with him, since he has precisely neither done nor said anything except on your orders. I shall write to Mr. de Colard only when you will inform me that everything is settled between both of you.
[Page two of the letter] I shall take advantage of the presence of the arquebusier [This is a mistranslation; it should be “wagoneer”] of Mr. Colard. My things and the passport will be ready by the 1st of October which will be approximately the time of his arrival, but I beg of you to inform him concerning the prices you will settle with him that Mr. Preste (for whom I sent) asks only 18… a quintal, from Paris to Munich, and that it is only fair consequently that the latter, who has nothing to gain by his return, should ask me a little less. Your mail which left July 6 will be at Munich on August 7. The harvest time which makes it difficult to secure horses has delayed the mail. I am grateful to you for offering to write to Saxony for some china-ware. Someone got me some from France at an infinitely cheap price and I took advantage of the opportunity. It is cheaper than the one from Saxony and of a better design.
[Page three of the letter] Yesterday I met the Duke of Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] who again spoke to me about you, with the praises you deserve; he told me he was sorry a little ne-gotiation you had volunteered to take care of, in order to find a situa- [Page two of the translation] tion for a certain Mr. de Castelnau (in whom the Duchess of Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] is greatly interested) has failed. He asked me whether there would not be a way of getting him in the service of Bavaria or of Saxony. I could not answer him pertinently since I am acquainted with neither of these two courts, but I told him that I would write to you about it and that I was sure of your willingness to do whatever could be agreeable to him. You certainly know very well the dreadful adventure of Mr. de Castelnau. I do not believe his crime was premeditated, but he is, to say the least, a man of unforgivable violence. I would rather see him anywhere else but in Bavaria. I furthermore believe that you
[Page four of the letter] and I should be better known in that country before asking any favor from the government, and so, if you have any way of getting in touch with Saxony, I wish you would make use of it. Le Count Despeck, to whom I spoke of this affair and who gave me the enclosed letter of baron[Baron] de Boden, thinks that he should go to Russia. I shall make this proposition to the Duke of Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais]. He spoke very much of the letter you sent him through me and told me that he did not know what to do. He is very_much satisfied at heart but he nevertheless fears the proceedings of Peglioni and supposes that he keeps up corresponding with Mr. Colard. I took advantage of the con-fidence he showed me, during the conversation, to ask him to receive him, when he returns in this country, as he used to see him formerly, but the forgiveness of insults is not his pet virtue. He gave me communication of some letters from Spain on present affairs. It seems that the quarrel will be limited to America and that England and France are about to settle an arrangement between these two nations. It seems that Spain is anxious to gain over to the bad faith of the Portuguese secretary the colony of Santo Sacramento which would be of a great utility to her.
[Page three of the translation] You know, Sir, the sentiment of esteem and of attachment with which I am more than anybody else your humble and obedient servant, The count[sic] [Chevalier] de la Lousanne[sic] [Luzerne].
[In blue pen] Anne César de la LUZERNE, French Minister to US. during Revolution
[Page two] Je profiterai de l'envoyé(?) du rouillier[sic] [roulier] de Mr. Colard et mes effets et le passeport seront prêts pour le 1er d’octobre le qui [lequel?] est a[sic] [à] propos(?) le temps de son arrivée, mais je vous prie de lui observer dans les prix que vous ferez avec lui que le sieur Preste (que j’ai envoyé(?) chercher) ne me demande que 18 (?) du quintal de paris[sic] [Paris] a[sic] [à] munich[sic] [Munich], qu’il est juste par consequant[sic] conséquent] que celui[-]ci qui a son retour du(?) par(?) beuelire(?) viege(?) de moi quelque chose de moins. Votre molle(?) est partie le 6 juillet elle arrivera a[sic] [à] Munich le 27 août. Le temps de moissons qui les quelse(?) pour trouver des chevaux a retardé sa moule(?). Je vous suis tres[sic] [très] obligé de l’offre que vous voulez bien me faire d’ecrire[sic] [d’écrire] en Saxe pour de la porcelaine, lou(?) en(?) a procuré de la porcelaine de France a[sic] [à] infiniment bien marché et je profite de l'occasion. Elle est moins chere[sic] [chère] que celle de Saxe et je la trouve mieux dessinée.
[Page three] J’ai rencontré hier Mr le duc de Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] qui m’a encore reporté(?) de vous avec les eloges[sic] [éloges] que vous méritez, il m’a dit qu’il etait[sic] [était] tres[sic] [très] faché[sic] [fâché] qu’une petite negotiation[sic] [négociation] dont vous vous étiez chargé pour faire placer teui(?) une certain Mr. de Castelnau (auquel Mde[sic] [Mme] la duchesse de Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] & interesse[sic] [intéresse] beaucoup) n’ait pas reussi[sic] [réussi], il m’a demandé s’il n’ÿ aurait pas quelque facilité pour le faire entrer au service de baviere[sic] [Bavière] ou a[sic] [à] celui de Saxe, Je n’ai [pas] pu lui bien pertinemment, ne connaissant aucune de ces deux cours, mais je lui ai dit que je vous en ecrirai[sic] [écrirai], et que j’etais[sic] [j’étais] sur[sic] [sur] de votre zele[sic] [zèle] pour tout ce qui pouvait lui etre[sic] [être] agréable. Vous savez surement[sic] [sûrement] alors(?) l’aventure affreuse de Mr. de Castelnau, je ne la crois que son crime ait été premedité[sic] [prémédité], mais c’est au moins un homme d’une violence impardonnable, j’aimerais mieux qu’il fut partout ailleurs qu’en baviere[sic] [Bavière], je crois d’ailleurs qu’il faudrait queil vous(?) [Page four] lanui(?) l’un et l’autre plus connu dans le paÿs, pour demander une grace[sic] [grâce] au gouvernement, ainsi si vous aviez quelque moÿens pour la Saxe il faudrait mieux les emploÿer, le C[oun]t Despeck auquel en ai parle[sic] [parlé] et que m’a chargé de la lettre cÿ[sic] [ci-]jointe du Baron de Boden serait d’avis qu’il allait en Russie, je le proposerai a[sic] [à] Mr. le Duc de Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] Il m’a beaucoup parlé de la lettre que vous m’avez fait[e] poure(?) pour lui et qu’il ne savait pas que j’asse(?) lui(?), il est inferieurement(?) fort(?) content, mais cependant il craint les demandes de Peglioni, et il m’a beaucoup parlé a[sic] [de] cette (?) le suppose toûjours d’intelligence avec Mr. Colard, j’ai profité de la confiance qu’il a eu en moi en(?) mon(?) parlant pour l’engager a[sic][à] le recevoir quant[sic] [quand] il reviendra dans le paÿs ci comme il le voÿait autrefois, mais le pardon des injures n’est pas sa vertu favorite. Il m’a communique[sic] [communiqué] quelques lettres d’Espagne sur les affaires presentes[sic] [présentes], il parait[sic] [paraît] que la querelle se bornera a[sic] [à] l'Amérique., et que l’Angleterre et la France sont prets[sic] [prêts] de conclure au accommodement entre ces deux prisonniers(?), il parait[sic] [paraît] que l’Espagne veut gagner a[sic] [à] la mauvaise foi du ministre portugais la colonie de St. Sacramento(?) qui lui serait d’une grande setelate(?). Vous connaissez, Monsieur, les sentiments d'estime et d’attachement avec lesquels je suis plus personne(?) votre tres[sic] [très] humble et tres[sic] [très] obeissant[sic] [obéissant] serviteur. Le Che de la Luzerne [Signature]
Translation: [Page one of the translation and page one of the letter] 12 August, 1776 I thank you again, Sir. The arrangements you were kind enough to make with Mr. and Mrs. Colard are most suitable, and for the one and the other, all your wisdom and prudence were necessary to settle this affair in a friendly way, after the unwise conduct of Paques. I would have been driven to despair if Mr. Colard had believed that I was not trying my best to settle this incident, but fortunately you have retrieved everything. I do not believe I should write to Mr. Colard to apologize for the giddiness of my footman. It is better to ignore it, for one might believe that I could have prevented it. Paques has said nothing to me about it. I only inform him, by this mail, that I hope Mr. Colard and his wife will be perfectly satisfied with him, since he has precisely neither done nor said anything except on your orders. I shall write to Mr. de Colard only when you will inform me that everything is settled between both of you.
[Page two of the letter] I shall take advantage of the presence of the arquebusier [This is a mistranslation; it should be “wagoneer”] of Mr. Colard. My things and the passport will be ready by the 1st of October which will be approximately the time of his arrival, but I beg of you to inform him concerning the prices you will settle with him that Mr. Preste (for whom I sent) asks only 18… a quintal, from Paris to Munich, and that it is only fair consequently that the latter, who has nothing to gain by his return, should ask me a little less. Your mail which left July 6 will be at Munich on August 7. The harvest time which makes it difficult to secure horses has delayed the mail. I am grateful to you for offering to write to Saxony for some china-ware. Someone got me some from France at an infinitely cheap price and I took advantage of the opportunity. It is cheaper than the one from Saxony and of a better design.
[Page three of the letter] Yesterday I met the Duke of Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] who again spoke to me about you, with the praises you deserve; he told me he was sorry a little ne-gotiation you had volunteered to take care of, in order to find a situa- [Page two of the translation] tion for a certain Mr. de Castelnau (in whom the Duchess of Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais] is greatly interested) has failed. He asked me whether there would not be a way of getting him in the service of Bavaria or of Saxony. I could not answer him pertinently since I am acquainted with neither of these two courts, but I told him that I would write to you about it and that I was sure of your willingness to do whatever could be agreeable to him. You certainly know very well the dreadful adventure of Mr. de Castelnau. I do not believe his crime was premeditated, but he is, to say the least, a man of unforgivable violence. I would rather see him anywhere else but in Bavaria. I furthermore believe that you
[Page four of the letter] and I should be better known in that country before asking any favor from the government, and so, if you have any way of getting in touch with Saxony, I wish you would make use of it. Le Count Despeck, to whom I spoke of this affair and who gave me the enclosed letter of baron[Baron] de Boden, thinks that he should go to Russia. I shall make this proposition to the Duke of Nivernois[sic] [Nivernais]. He spoke very much of the letter you sent him through me and told me that he did not know what to do. He is very_much satisfied at heart but he nevertheless fears the proceedings of Peglioni and supposes that he keeps up corresponding with Mr. Colard. I took advantage of the con-fidence he showed me, during the conversation, to ask him to receive him, when he returns in this country, as he used to see him formerly, but the forgiveness of insults is not his pet virtue. He gave me communication of some letters from Spain on present affairs. It seems that the quarrel will be limited to America and that England and France are about to settle an arrangement between these two nations. It seems that Spain is anxious to gain over to the bad faith of the Portuguese secretary the colony of Santo Sacramento which would be of a great utility to her.
[Page three of the translation] You know, Sir, the sentiment of esteem and of attachment with which I am more than anybody else your humble and obedient servant, The count[sic] [Chevalier] de la Lousanne[sic] [Luzerne].
[In blue pen] Anne César de la LUZERNE, French Minister to US. during Revolution
- Ambassadors
- Castelnau, Jean-Baptiste Géréon de Curières, baron de, 1734-ca. 1798-1800
- Correspondence.
- Diplomacy
- Diplomat.
- Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, 1720-1785
- Letter.
- Nivernais, Louis Jules Barbon Mancini-Mazarini, duc de, 1716-1798
- “Baron de Boden” [likely the Minister Plenipotentiary of Landgrave of Hesse Kessel]
- “Mr. Colard” [possibly Colard, Alexis, 1746-1810]
- “Paques” [possibly Flament, Marie Paques, 1746]
Creator
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu