SURCOUF (Robert). - Lot 212

SURCOUF (Robert). Born in Saint-Malo. 1773-1827. Corsair and officer on a French slave ship. Member of the Legion of Honor (June 14, 1804). L.S. "Robert Surcouf" to "Messieurs Desbouillons Fils" in Rennes. Saint-Malo, September 12, 1826. 1/2 page in-4. Suscription, trace of red wax seal and postmarks. ...I thank you for your kindness in carrying my arms, and credit you for the cost of : F. 15. I'm writing to you from the country, and I don't know if I told you to reimburse me in Paris for what I still owe you... If not, he asks that the balance be drawn on the account of Mr. Baguenault et Cie in Paris. Surcouf is considered one of the finest sailors France has ever had. Dreaded on all sides, it was thanks to him that numerous British vessels were hijacked in favor of the Monarchy, Republic, Directoire, Consulate and Empire. In just five years, he managed to attack some 50 British and Portuguese ships, which were allies at the time.