BRUNCAZ REY. - Lot 333

BRUNCAZ REY. Merchant from Lille, active in the colonial trade under the Directoire. L.A.S. "Bruncaz Rey" addressed to a correspondent in Lille. Les Franeaux, near Nantes, nivôse an XI [late December 1802 - January 1803]. 3 folio pages with address and postal mark "NANTES". Important commercial letter concerning colonial trade and fluctuations in the market for goods from the West Indies and America, written in the troubled context of the Consulate's naval wars. The merchant accurately describes market conditions and price variations for several colonial goods: "Since my last, the sale of your articles has had very little success..." He mentions the Americans, the Spanish and supply difficulties, while commenting on price trends: "coffees are increased by 1/8 with the appearance of a rise..." The letter reflects concerns about maritime and trade tensions: "the Spaniards... say their country is poisoned by it..." and reveals the correspondent's prudence in managing stocks and sales: "the critical moment offers to fix more for the defeat of the goods you have entrusted to me..." A very interesting account of Atlantic trade circuits in the early 19th century, illustrating the day-to-day concerns of a French merchant faced with the political, maritime and speculative vagaries of colonial trade. A fine piece with economic and commercial content, preserved with its Nantes address and postmark.