When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Original April 30, 1803 (10 Floréal, Year XI) handwritten French commercial letter from Marseille, addressed to Bousquet et Fils et Compagnie in Agde, Hérault, France.
The letter concerns a shipment of eight crates of pale white soap (savon blanc pâle), together with a case containing tobacco and bottles of eau-de-vie (brandy).
The merchandise was shipped aboard the tartane La Maria, commanded by Captain Antoine Pailloux (surname reading uncertain).
The sender provides instructions for forwarding merchandise by the Canal du Midi, including arrangements involving Carcassonne and additional recipients.
The letter predates the opening of the Canal du Midi\'s direct route through Carcassonne in 1810, documenting commercial distribution arrangements during the earlier canal period.
The reverse retains its original manuscript address panel, a red wax-seal remnant, and dated correspondence notations recording receipt on 14 Floréal, Year XI (May 4, 1803) and a reply on 15 Floréal (May 5, 1803).
Written during the French Consulate under Napoleon Bonaparte, the letter documents Mediterranean coastal shipping, Marseille\'s soap trade, and inland transportation in southern France.
Condition: Original folded manuscript letter with age toning, fold lines, handling wear, and localized paper loss at the former wax-seal closure. Writing remains substantially legible. See photographs for condition.
Original 1803 manuscript, not a reproduction.
