CORDOVA (Antonio de) - Lot 211

CORDOVA (Antonio de) Cadiz, 1748 - Madrid, 1826. Spanish admiral and naval officer in the service of the Spanish Crown. He took part in the great naval operations of the late 18th century, commanding the Spanish squadron allied with revolutionary and later Napoleonic France. L.A.S. "Antonio de Cordova", Brest, August 10, 1801 (22 thermidor an IX), 2 pp. in-folio in Spanish. Important letter addressed to State Councillor Caffarelli, Maritime Prefect of Brest, concerning the death of Spanish sailor Josef Luna in the hospital at Vannes. Cordova acknowledges receipt of the sailor's passport and death certificate, as well as the documents forwarded to the Brest administration and hospital authorities. The acting commander of the Spanish squadron thanks his correspondent for the "wise measures" taken in favor of the Spanish allies, and reminds him that matters concerning the deceased sailors fall under the authority of the Armada's Major General, who is responsible for representing the interests of the families and ensuring that administrative and inheritance formalities are carried out. The personal effects of the deceased will be handed over in accordance with current regulations. A very interesting account of Franco-Spanish administrative and military relations under the Consulate, at a time when the French and Spanish navies were cooperating closely against England. The letter accurately illustrates the procedures concerning the deaths of foreign sailors in French military ports. Handsome and ample signature by Antonio de Cordova.