Prince de Talleyrand | Series of nine autograph letters signed, to Lord Shelburne, on international politics

Charles-Maurice, Prince De Talleyrand-Perigord

Series of nine autograph letters signed, to Lord Shelburne

the first thanking for hospitality and commenting on the political situation in France, the second at length on relations between England and the United States, their commerce and similarities, the third on Thomas Law and his land taxes while in India, the fourth and fifth on the neutrality of American shipping, the sixth on his projected return to France, the seventh to ninth on personal matters, 36 pages, 4to and folio, 1 February 1795 to 16 December 1801 (where dated), the second torn in folds, one with tears and slightly soiled

[with:] manuscript memorandum on the purchase of land in the United States (8 pages, folio); a supplement in English (4 pages, 4to, 11 July 1795); folded leaf of notes on the differing laws in seven of the states (2 pages, folio)

The series of letters commences with Talleyrand shortly after his flight from Revolutionary France. Lord Shelburne is thanked for his hospitality, and he comments on the latest developments of the Revolution, and its key players, “les hommes, qui restent fideles a liberté malgré le masque de sang et de boue don’t d’atroces…ont violé ses traits, son ten nombre, excessivement petits.”

Talleyrand then travelled to the United States, and writes to Shelburne from Philadelphia on 1 February 1795. Tallyrand discusses the relationship between Great Britain and the United States, “Depuis que la guerre a été déclaré entre l’Angleterre et la France par l’accession de la Grande Bretagne dans le coalition des puissances du continent les discours du people americain, les même du government americain semblent découvrir une forte inclination pour la nation francoise et pour le nom anglois une aversion qui peut a peine être contenue dans les francoise et pour le nom anglois une aversion qui peut a peine être contenue dans les bornes de la neutralité,” explaining the similarities between their legislative bodies, of their manufactures and the consequences of a blockade, and the problems of trade and credit with France.

On 16 June Talleyrand informs Shelburne of the arrival of Thomas Law, relating his success in India on land taxation and Lord Cornwallis’ administration; on 28 June and 8 July he writes on the declaration of American neutrality. The 16 November letter reveals his projected departure for Europe for health reasons, and asks Shelburne’s advice. He discusses the appeal to the French Convention on his behalf, which was printed in the Times, and was composed by well-wishers in France. Two further, more personal letters dated 6 February ask for news, for a catalogue of the auction of his library (sold in April 1793), and remember the hospitality of Bowood; the final letter expresses thanks for the books and hope that Shelburne will visit France after the peace, and asks to be remembered to Bowood society.

PROVENANCE:

Lord Shelburne; Bowood House Archive; Christie's London, 12 October 1994, lot 82