BAUDIN (Charles) - Lot 226

BAUDIN (Charles) Paris, 1784 - 1854. French admiral. Son of Conventionnel Baudin des Ardennes. Maritime Prefect in Toulon from 1841 to 1847. L.A.S. "Ch. Baudin" addressed to Rear-Admiral Bazoche. Paris, March 20, 1843. 3 pages in-folio. Important and warm letter of recommendation in favor of a former naval officer who was being considered for a decoration. Baudin writes to Bazoche in support of the candidacy of a man he says he has known "for forty years", and whose moral qualities and services he praises in the strongest terms: "I have come to ask you for a token of your generosity, by requesting for him the cross as a reward for the good and honorable services of which he has given proof..." The admiral emphasized the particularly dignified situation of this former sailor, suffering from a serious illness and now living in seclusion with his family: "I have seen with keen interest that his inevitable state of infirmity has taken its toll on his children..." He reminds us that this officer has devoted his entire life to service, and concludes by emphasizing that he would not allow himself to take this step without deep conviction: "I have no need to tell you that I will never take the initiative in anything that concerns the affairs of your department or those of any other." A fine letter of recommendation, revealing the customs of patronage and solidarities within the French high navy under the July Monarchy. Very fine manuscript, written in large, energetic handwriting, signed "Ch. Baudin".