PORTUGAL 1847 CHABROL (Christophe André Jean, 1771-1836, French Minister of the Navy 1824-1828, Comte de)

Document signed, in French with translation, to 'Dear Count', (probably the French representative in the Spanish colony of Cuba), saying that "the Chamber of Commerce of Nantes has sent me a memorandum ... on the duty, imposed by the Customs at Santiago de Cuba, of 2 piastres on French ships, although United States ships pay only 1½ per ton", making it impossible to compete, it being all the more unjust since on the Continent, French and Spanish dues "have been settled on a completely reciprocal basis", he has asked the Foreign Minister to take this up with the Spanish Government, and now asks his correspondent to join Admiral Jurien in approaching the Governor of Havana directly, in a P.S. he says that the French papers have copied an English report of a reduction, but he has heard nothing officially, 2 sides folio, Paris, 12th August

Chabrol held important administrative posts in the Army under Napoleon. His surprise appointment to the Navy was well justifed - he created the Admiralty Council, founded a new naval school afloat, and completed the vast docks at Cherbourg. The present document is a good example of his calm and direct approach. It is marked in French "Received 9th November 1824 via the 'Elisabeth' of Le Havre".

Item Date:  1824

Stock No:  51250      £225

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire