1789 French Naval Letter from New York Concerning the Frigate La Belle Poule – For Sale

Date: New York, June 12, 1789
Place Written: New York City
Language: French
Length: Approximately 1½ pages [plus integral address leaf]

This is an important French-language manuscript written in New York shortly after the American Revolution concerning the French naval frigate La Belle Poule, one of the most celebrated vessels of the French Royal Navy.

The letter is addressed simply to "Monsieur" and appeals to a senior French official for assistance in recovering cargo from the frigate La Belle Poule, which had run aground on the coast of Virginia during the previous September.

The writer specifically mentions:

• the frigate La Belle Poule
• the Comte de Grasse
• the wreck on the coast of Virginia
• York River / Yorktown area [Court House Creek]
• recovered cargo being held in storage
• expenses being demanded before release
• a request that French authorities order the custodian to release the property without charge

New York, June 12, 1789

Sir,

I have the honor of reminding Your Excellency that the vessel La Belle Poule, belonging to the squadron of the Count de Grasse, was wrecked during the month of September last upon the coast of Virginia.

The rum and various other articles of the cargo were saved, but an individual has taken possession of them under the pretext of preserving them for the State.

The rum is presently stored at Court House Creek, where the custodian insists upon payment of storage charges and other expenses before returning it to me.

This appears unjust to me, since the cargo was never unlawfully taken and had been transported aboard one of our vessels where it had long been useful.

I hope that Your Excellency will be pleased to issue an order directing the custodian to surrender the property, if it is still there, without expense to the vessel that I intend to send to retrieve it.

I have the honor to remain,

Your very humble and obedient servant.

This is a fascinating post-Revolutionary French naval document connecting:

• French naval operations in American waters.
• The aftermath of the American Revolution.
• Virginia maritime commerce.
• Salvage of shipwreck cargo.
• Diplomatic correspondence between French officials in the United States.

The mention of Court House Creek is particularly significant, as it lies in the Yorktown area, where French naval activity remained important after the Revolution.

Although Admiral François Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse had returned to France years earlier, his squadron and its vessels continued to be referenced in official correspondence.

Letters concerning the disposition of cargo from French naval wrecks in American waters are rarely encountered.

Very Good.

• Complete letter with integral address leaf.
• Strong, elegant French manuscript.
• Typical mailing folds.
• Minor edge wear.
• Light scattered toning.
• Excellent readability.