COLONIES PAR NANTES - Lot 325

COLONIES PAR NANTES L.A.S. signed B. Villeneuve, addressed to M. Bruneau, négociant à Lille, Cap-Français, 11 nivôse an XI [January 1, 1803]. 2 pages in-4 with address, postal mark "NANTES" and wax seal on verso. Small marginal tear with no damage to text, creases and traces of use. Interesting commercial letter sent from Cap-Français at the very beginning of 1803, at the heart of the economic and political upheavals in Saint-Domingue during the last months of the French expedition. The merchant accurately describes the situation of colonial trade and the rapid change in commodity prices: "the Americans are giving bretagnes at two gourdes", while "the Spaniards", the usual major buyers, are now absent from the market, "their country is poisoned by it". He insists on the crisis of commercial outlets and the general uncertainty that reigns in the colony. The author explains that he deferred certain sales despite "the critical moment", hoping for a favorable turnaround in prices: "I'll decide at the last moment to get rid of them, and little by little, luck will turn to our advantage...". The letter also discusses coffee speculation, price trends, marine insurance and the difficulties of international trade in the context of war and blockade. The correspondent is particularly concerned about the risks associated with merchant ships and financial operations. This document is a rare first-hand account of the mechanisms of French colonial trade in Saint-Domingue in the months leading up to the final collapse of the French presence and the birth of Haiti. It perfectly illustrates the economic tensions, speculative hesitations and extreme volatility of colonial markets during this decisive period. A fine piece of colonial postal and commercial history from Cap-Français under the Consulate.