JOINVILLE (François d’Orléans, Prince of). - Lot 236

JOINVILLE (François d’Orléans, Prince of). 1818–1900. Third son of Louis-Philippe. Autograph letter to Maurice Exelmans. Saint-Cloud, September 2, 1847. 3 pp., double-leaf in-8. PRIVATE LETTER FROM JOINVILLE TO HIS FORMER COMRADE, LIEUTENANT EXELMANS, DISCUSSING THE SITUATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. The prince thanks him for keeping him informed of the latest news regarding his ship, the “Pingouin,” as well as Admiral Trihouart, “who, in my absence, remains in charge of managing affairs”; he agrees with him that the “Pingouin” should be converted into a sailing and paddle-wheel vessel. “Your mission must be drawing to a close; we must remain cautious regarding Turkish movements, and the season will soon hinder any campaign against Tunis (…). It would be advisable for you to return to Toulon to have your ship refitted. Unless we take advantage of your presence in Malta to station an observer to monitor the movements of the English squadron, for Sir William Parker must have arrived there, and given the events unfolding or being prepared in Italy, your movements will be of great interest. Might the English not be plotting a raid like the one carried out by Admiral Gallais in 1832? (…). On that note, I conclude this letter, which is by no means official, but merely a brief note to remind you of me (…).” He looks forward to seeing him again if the situation in Italy changes, and sends his regards to Poujade as well as those of Guirard.