GUADELOUPE. GUINGRET (Pierre-François) Valognes/ Manche 1784 - Lot 492

GUADELOUPE. GUINGRET (Pierre-François) Valognes/ Manche 1784 - 1845 - Maréchal de Camp in 1837 - Colonel of the 51st Line in 1830, he was sent to garrison Guadeloupe for 3 years. He put down a black revolt without the slightest bloodshed. For this act of courage, GUINGRET was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honor. - Letter A.S. from "GUADELOUPE, Basse Terre 11 Juin 1838": "Mon bon et cher MOREL à Passy" (The letter was sent on board the LA CAROLINE to Bordeaux, then on the L'INDUSTRIE to Le Havre). "You have a lot to do with my anxieties: if I believe the newspapers, the death toll has been frightening! More than 10,000 people are said to have died since the cholera invasion... I hope you've been spared... As for me, I'm embarking on the 20th of this month, at Pointe à Pitre, on a good merchant ship, and I hope to have a good crossing. But as we are in the calm season, it will probably take us a long time to cross the ocean. Let my mother know. It is possible that we will have a navigation of more than two months... after landing, as soon as the quarantine is over, I push my points to Paris to kiss you... and take care of a little regimental business... I bring you some Rum and a little Coffee..." - 2pp ¼ in-4°