BOUCHER (François) - Lot 322

BOUCHER (François) L.A.S., Paris, May 6, 1736, 1 page in-4, autograph address with red wax seal on verso, addressed to bankers in Marseille. Rare commercial letter from the first third of the 18th century from a correspondent named Boucher, written in Paris on May 6, 1736 and addressed to "Messieurs Jean Bat. Honoré Roux, Banquiers, à Marseille". The letter concerns the forwarding of three boxes received at the address of "Prince de la Torella" and destined for Jacques-Antoine Mauro in Lyon. The author asks his correspondents to forward these parcels at the earliest opportunity, and asks to be informed of the arrangements made so that he can inform the relevant ambassador. In the interests of proper accounting, he also requests that a detailed statement of transport costs be sent to him for reimbursement. This short document illustrates the circulation of goods, funds and correspondence between Paris, Lyon and Marseille during the reign of Louis XV. It bears witness to the essential role played by Marseille's banking houses in the commercial and diplomatic operations of the time. The mention of the Prince de la Torella, a member of a Neapolitan noble family in the service of the Bourbons, adds further historical interest to this piece. The autograph signature "Boucher" is particularly ample and elegant. The address on the reverse, perfectly preserved, is accompanied by its original red wax seal. A fine piece on trade and international relations under the Ancien Régime, in a remarkable state of preservation. Condition: very good; circulation folds; wax seal preserved; slight marginal trace, not serious.