JOINVILLE (François d’Orléans, Prince of). - Lot 237

JOINVILLE (François d’Orléans, Prince of). 1818–1900. Third son of Louis-Philippe. L.A.S. Claremont, February 15, 1853. 8 pp. double-leaf in-8. REPLY FROM THE PRINCE OF JOINVILLE REGARDING HIS SERVICE IN THE FRENCH NAVY, AND HIS GRATITUDE TO THE ENGLISH NATION FOR HAVING WELCOMED HIM INTO EXILE. He regrets that his article on the intervention of the British squadron at Besica in the Dardanelles may have offended the commander of the frigate *Le Tigre*, acknowledging that his assertions were in part inaccurate. “(…) I was in Constantinople and made the mistake of relying on the accounts of my comrades (…). You then accuse me of harboring feelings of jealousy and animosity toward England (…). Such feelings are not my own. I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FRENCH NAVY SINCE MY CHILDHOOD, and from the day I joined until the day I was forced to leave, I had—and was bound to have—no other thought than that of making the Corps to which I had the honor of belonging as strong and as well-organized as possible. It was for this purpose that I carefully studied the history of your navy; and after recognizing the fatal errors for which it paid such a heavy price at the beginning of this century, I pointed them out and, at the same time, indicated the measures I believed best suited to prevent it from repeating them. By acting in this way, by working to perfect our navy—whether through the improvement of its equipment or through the proper training and trust placed in its personnel—I HAVE NOT COMMITTED ANY ACT OF JEALOUSY OR ANIMOSITY TOWARD ENGLAND. I HAVE FULFILLED MY DUTY TO MY COUNTRY (…). You seem to suggest that by attributing these sentiments to envy, I am failing in my duties of hospitality. I cannot accept this insinuation. I respect the great institutions that have allowed me, in my misfortune, to find refuge in England. I admire the nation that has established these institutions and knows how to preserve them (…).” He adds at the end of the letter: “Just as much as you, I hope that war will not break out again between France and England (…). Etc.